EIU schedule...

[isuarch80]

Here's the Big 10 (little 11) breakdown...

Scout.com: 2008 Big Ten Team-by-Team Schedule Breakdown

Says Iowa has the easiest schedule, and the likely record is 7-5... I guess this site doesn't have a lot of faith in the talent or coaching or something, because to go to one of the easiest (on paper) schedules for a big conf team and only be expected to improve by one win is not saying a lot...

(Honestly - I have no idea, just find all of these early signs and breakdowns interesting for all teams: ISU, Iowa, etc- it's like gut instinct. Come August, they'll probably change their theories, but your first instinct is more times right than wrong)

[LindenCy]

I hate these 12 game schedules, because it is just another excuse for a team to get 6 wins (6-6 should in no way get you in a bowl game). Money talks.

[SouthernHawk]

Iowa has been one of the most unpredictable teams out there. Honestly, predictions are fun to read, but are rarely close. Last year is a prime example of that. Who'd have thought that KU would lose only one game? Or that USC would lose to Stanford? Or that UK was bidding for a BCS game? Or that Oregon would flop?

[Cydkar]

6-6 doesn't get you in a bowl unless they can't fill the bowls with 7 win teams. They can't just cancel the bowl game...although some should be.

[cytech]

I would really love to see a reduction in the amount of bowl games. Going to a bowl is on par with getting in the NIT now a days.
Sure it is great that Iowa State has benefited from the addition of more bowl games. But it is starting lose its meaning now.

[balken]

Originally Posted by Cydkar

6-6 doesn't get you in a bowl unless they can't fill the bowls with 7 win teams. They can't just cancel the bowl game...although some should be.

Are you suggesting that there should not be a PappaJohns.com Bowl or a Meineke Car Care Bowl? How dare you, sir, defame the integrity of such pillars of NCAA College Football, and I might add, our culture. These icons such not face such baseless attacks.

[MontyBurns]

Seems a little optimistic to me:

"If the Hawkeyes are good, they should be able to win at least two of three at home against Wisconsin, Penn State and Purdue"

Iowa has the worst offense in the Big Ten if not all BCS conferences, no kicking game, and they lose both starting defensive ends, their best two linebackers, and their best (only) coverage cornerback. I don't know how the author thinks they can win 2 out of 3 games against teams that beat them last year, especially when they were completely overmatched against Purdue & Penn State. I expect Iowa to win between 4 and 6 games in 2008.

[SouthernHawk]

Originally Posted by MontyBurns

Seems a little optimistic to me:

"If the Hawkeyes are good, they should be able to win at least two of three at home against Wisconsin, Penn State and Purdue"

Iowa has the worst offense in the Big Ten if not all BCS conferences, no kicking game, and they lose both starting defensive ends, their best two linebackers, and their best (only) coverage cornerback. I don't know how the author thinks they can win 2 out of 3 games against teams that beat them last year, especially when they were completely overmatched against Purdue & Penn State. I expect Iowa to win between 4 and 6 games in 2008.

I dunno, maybe because the author things *gasp* that this year could be different than last year? I mean, I know it's a revolutionary concept - teams improving - but that just could be what he's anticipating.

[Tornado man]

Whoa, the more bowls, the better! There were some great games during December that involved teams with mediocre records...you don't have to watch 'em if you don't want to. I just think of them as "bonus" non-conference games.
College football is first and foremost for the players, and players ALWAYS want to play another game, regardless of their record.

[HandSanitizer]

Aug. 30 Maine
Sept. 6 FIU
Sept. 13 Iowa State
Sept. 20 at Pitt
Sept. 27 Northwestern
Oct. 4 at Michigan State
Oct. 11 at Indiana
Oct. 18 Wisconsin
Oct. 25 OPEN DATE
Nov. 1 at Illinois
Nov. 8 Penn State
Nov. 15 Purdue
Nov. 22 at Minnesota

- Almost certain win
- Likely loss
- Could go either way

They sure have a ton of Toss up games for having the easiest schedule ever.
They could very well lose 1 or 2 non conference games with ISU and Pitt on there. I think Iowa fans might be feeling uneasy if they were 2-2 with wins over FI and Maine going into the B10 season. I am thinking they lose one of those games between Pitt and ISU and they lose @MSU, @Illinios, Wis, @IU.
They will probably lose one game out of the Penn State, Purdue and @ Minny .
6-6 and since its Iowa they will end up in the Outback bowl:)

Seriously...The key for them is to get 4 wins in non-conf. If they go 2-2 they are done. ISU will be starting a very young team that day so that could be rough in Kinnick.

[vanillathrilla]

I think Florida International will surprise people next year; that will be a big L for the Hawks.

[BryceC]

Originally Posted by SouthernHawk

I dunno, maybe because the author things *gasp* that this year could be different than last year? I mean, I know it's a revolutionary concept - teams improving - but that just could be what he's anticipating.

The author also picked all 11 Big 10 teams to be bowl eligible in the "realistic expectations" section... so clearly somebody is getting the benefit of the doubt.

[ripvdub]

I may be wrong, ok im probably wrong, but I don't think any 6-6 teams made a Bowl game last year. Iowa wouldve been the 1st 6-6 team snatched up so the hillbillies in black n gold could spend their unemployment on Gaylord Hotels Bowl hat and tshirts.

[Wx4Cy]

No offense but this is a little like reading about what my ex-girlfriend is doing. Unless she got hit by a bus, I really don't care to hear about what she's up to:)

[ketelmeister]

Iowa's questonmarks:
Running Back-must rely on new faces
Receivers-untested, very young
QB-has to show a lot of improvement
Strengths:
Both lines should be good
Above avg LBs
Average DBs
Lots of improvement needed. First two games are no more than scrimmages, so they have time to improve.