Hawkeye hopes were high entering the 2024 campaign. The roster looked capable of contending for a playoff berth, especially with a favorable schedule. Relative to preseason expectations, it’s been disappointing.
Iowa’s 20-17 loss at UCLA Friday night dropped its record to 6-4 overall and 4-3 in the Big Ten. Thinking about these Hawkeyes being in the College Football Playoff elicits memories of former NFL coach Jim Mora’s sound bite when being asked years ago about his team’s playoff worthiness.
While Iowa hasn’t performed like diddly-poo , its not close to playoff worthy. The pieces just haven’t come together.
They’ll play in a bowl game less meaningful than it’s been in the past. Most eyes will be watching the CFP with local interest varying for the rest of nation’s teams. Winning a postseason game in Florida still means something, just not as much as before.
If you’re looking for someone/something to blame, there are multiple targets. Injuries are hurting. Quarterback play remains inadequate. The defense and special teams aren’t otherworldly like recent years.