Iowa football schedule 2019: Game-by-game predictions for Hawkeyes

Week-by-Week Predictions

Game 1: vs Miami (OH)

This is the classic MAC opener for the Hawkeyes. Miami (OH) went 6-2 in its division last season but lost its starting quarterback and will lose this game even if it’s competitive for a little while.

Result: Win

Game 2: vs Rutgers

After winning its opening game last season against Texas State, Rutgers lost 11 straight, including all nine games it played in the Big Ten. Only three of those games were decided by single digits.

Result: Win

Game 3: at Iowa State

This is the first big test of the season for the Hawkeyes as they pay a visit to their in-state rival. Matt Campbell has done a great job with the Cyclones and returns Brock Purdy at quarterback. But just like they did a year ago, the Hawkeyes will find a way to win with defense.

Result: Win

Game 4: vs Middle Tennessee State

The Blue Raiders made the Conference USA title game in 2018, however, they will be without their starting quarterback and without a veteran signal caller, it’s hard to see this team upsetting Iowa.

Result: Win

Game 5: at Michigan

In what could be a matchup of undefeated, ranked teams, Iowa football will head to Ann Arbor in October for a Big Ten showdown. Yet, in the first of four tough Big Ten road games, Iowa falls short in the second meeting of Ferentz and Jim Harbaugh.

Result: Loss

Game 6: vs Penn State

The loss at Penn State in 2018 was ugly for the Hawkeyes as Stanley completed just 18-of-49 passes and threw two interceptions in a rain-soaked Happy Valley. This time around, Iowa will have the more experienced quarterback and the home-field advantage.

Result: Win

Game 7: vs Purdue

This could be a critical game in the Big Ten West race and if the Hawkeyes are to have any shot at contention, this is a game they absolutely need to win. Iowa finds a way to avenge last season’s loss.

Result:  Win

Game 8: at Northwestern

There was maybe no loss that hurt Iowa football more in 2018 than the defeat to Northwestern. The Hawkeyes led 10-7 in the fourth quarter when the Wildcats rallied on a 32-yard touchdown pass. This time around, in Evanston, the result will be similar.

Result: Loss 

Game 9: at Wisconsin

Wisconsin proved to be a disappointment in 2018 and even with another stellar year from Jonathan Taylor, it never truly contended in the Big Ten West. UW will have a new quarterback, but the formula will be the same and Taylor will do enough on the ground to beat the Hawkeyes.

Result: Loss

Game 10: vs Minnesota

P.J. Fleck has the Golden Gophers headed in the right direction and this will be a competitive game between Big Ten West rivals, however, it’s the kind of game Ferentz tends to win late in the season.

Result: Win

Game 11: vs Illinois

Iowa football absolutely crushed Illinois last season, defeating the Fighting Illini 63-0 on the road. This year, Illinois will have Michigan transfer Brandon Peters at quarterback, so it won’t be as bad, yet, on senior day, the Hawkeyes will prevail.

Result: Win

Game 12: at Nebraska

This rivalry has developed quite nicely for the Big Ten and since 2015, Iowa has owned it, winning four straight games over the Huskers. However, the Hawkeyes needed a last-second field goal to stave off a comeback at Kinnick Stadium and with the game in Lincoln this year, the win streak ends.

Result: Loss

Final Record: 8-4 (5-4 Big Ten)