Phil Steele names Iowa among nation's surprises during 2023 season
IOWA CITY, IA-- Projections are all over the board for this year's Hawkeyes. Many sportsbooks have the over/under set at 7.5 wins while several national pundits believe that they are among the favorites to win the Big Ten West. Phil Steele has been one of the most respected minds of college football over the last few decades.
Earlier this summer, he published his annual college football magazine. Steele projected the Hawkeyes to be among the most surprising teams in the country. Here's what the college football guru had to say.
The Iowa Hawkeyes had a brutal offense and schedule last year, but did have their normal fantastic defense and special teams. This year the defense and special teams remain strong.
When QB Cade McNamara hit the portal, my first thought was he would be a perfect fit at Iowa and boom here he is the missing link to the offense. My computer calls for a jump to 27.7 ppg on offense (Iowa fans will know what I am talking about) and this year Michigan and Ohio State drop off the schedule much like they did for Purdue last year when the Boilers made a run to the Big Ten title game!
They have 16 returning starters, which is rare for coach Ferentz (most in 20+ years!). They do play Wisconsin and Penn State on the road, but this team is capable of winning the Big Ten.
The Hawkeyes have the weakest schedule in the Big Ten (wins/losses in 2022), numerous returning starters and several first-year head coaches in the Big Ten. Expectations are high in Iowa City, especially after a disappointing 2022.
Last season, Iowa finished 130th in total offense, 122nd in scoring offense, 123rd in passing offense and 122nd in rushing offense.The Hawkeyes averaged just 255.4 yards per game, which was its lowest total since before 1998.
Steele is a big fan of what Iowa has done in the transfer portal and McNamara has been fired up ever since he committed to Iowa back in December.
"Iowa’s getting a quarterback that is going to do anything possible to make sure they win a championship," McNamara said. "Everything I do, every minute of rep is for that goal and that goal only. Whether that’s doing everything I can to help create a winning culture, to use what I’ve learned a Michigan and the rest of my career to help send us on a projection really win. I think Iowa has enough pieces right now to go win a Big Ten championship next year.”
“To be honest, I’m well aware to how Iowa’s offense is viewed, especially right now after the season they had. It would be the least intriguing place for a quarterback to go if you’re looking at it from that perspective, but for me, it’s the opportunity to flip it. That’s what I get fired up about. Please keep saying it’s the (expletive) offense in college football. Please keep saying we’re going to be the (expletive) offense in college football."
Wisconsin is the only other Big Ten team that is listed among the 10 surprise teams. Iowa will have plenty of opportunities to appear in Indianapolis this winter for a Big Ten Championship.More than half of the Big Ten West will have a new coach this season: Wisconsin's Luke Fickell Nebraska's Matt Rhule Purdue's Ryan Walters Northwestern: TBD.
Iowa's season will open on September 2 when they host Utah State.
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