College football: 10 teams that could be the next Georgia

The Iowa Hawkeyes finished 8-5 last season, which included a 4-5 mark in Big Ten play. On the surface, it was a mediocre campaign, though a 55-24 thrashing of No. 3 Ohio State, which essentially knocked the eventual champions out of the College Football Playoff, was a remarkably bright spot. It’s also worth noting the Hawkeyes scored 44 or more points three more times. And, each of the Hawkeyes’ first three losses – to Penn State at home, and road games against Michigan State and Northwestern – came by a total of seven points or less.

Many of the best players from last year’s team are gone, including unanimous All-Americans Josey Jewell and Josh Jackson and leading rushers Akrum Wadley and James Butler. However, the Hawkeyes have a strong track record of rebuilding at linebacker and turning three-star cornerbacks into NFL Draft picks. Toren Young showed flashes at running back (including the final touchdown against Ohio State) and should develop into an every-down running back. Plus, Nathan Stanley is one of the best quarterbacks in the conference, and one of the most underrated in the nation.

More importantly, Iowa has a favorable schedule. Following three winnable non-conference home games, the Hawkeyes host Wisconsin in the league opener. Given last year’s destruction of the Buckeyes, it shouldn’t shock anyone if the Hawkeyes pull off another big win over the defending division champs.

Iowa would then likely be favored in its next three games before a trip to Penn State. Even if the Hawkeyes lose in Happy Valley, Iowa would still hold the division tiebreaker over Wisconsin because it is a cross-division matchup. And speaking of Big Ten East foes, Iowa plays Indiana and Maryland while Wisconsin must travel to Michigan and Penn State in addition to hosting Rutgers.

Will this be the season Iowa pops up with 11 or 12 wins, like they did in 2009 and 2015, respectively? It’s a distinct possibility.