Hawkeyes Have Realistic Shot at Playing for National Title

Those who saw the Iowa Hawkeyes score 21 unanswered points in a spectacular come from behind victory over Penn St. at Happy Valley should have no doubts in their minds that Iowa (4-0, 2-0 in the Big 10) is among the elite teams and has a shot at playing for the National Championship should they run the table.

The Hawkeye Defense, led by Jr. DE Adrian Clayborn and Jr. LB Pat Angerer, spear headed the comeback starting in the second quarter. QB Ricky Stanzi didn't have a great day passing (11-26 for 135 yards and 2 INTs), but RB Adam Robinson led the Iowa ground attack with 19 caries for 88 yards.

The schedule, at least on paper, is in Iowa's favor. Arkansas St. next Saturday at Kinnick Stadium should be a win, then the Hawks host an inconsistent Michigan squad. I predict a win there as well. Two tough road games at Wisconsin and Michigan St. follow. After that, a home games against Indiana and Northwestern. If the Hawkeyes are playing as good as they are now, those should be wins. Should the Hawks be undefeated at this point, a pivotal match up at the Horseshoe in Columbus is key. The Hawkeyes finish with the Golden Gophers at home, and that game (again, at least on paper) should be a win.

Wisconsin, Michigan St. and Ohio St. are the three biggest obstacles the Hawkeyes face. all three of those games are on the road. Iowa, however, has proven they can win on the road against top notch opponents. Should they continue their excellent play and run the table, and things work in their favor with the other teams in the top 5, Iowa has a very realistic shot at playing for the National Title. In the mean time, lets not get ahead of ourselves. Arkansas St., like N. Iowa did three weeks ago, will come to Kinnick to play.