Iowa

Tanner DesPlanque, Sports Reporter

It is definitely a stretch after last weekend’s game, but Iowa could still be Big Ten West Champions.

In recent years, the Wisconsin-Iowa game has decided the winner of the Big Ten West. This year, that game does not have to be the deciding factor for Iowa’s fate.

Iowa still has eight games to change everyone’s opinion and show the team’s true potential. After four games this season, the Hawkeyes are still struggling on offense and getting things going in the first half.

Last weekend, we saw a glimpse of what Iowa’s offense can look like when it gets hot. But it was overshadowed by miscues. If the Hawkeyes can eliminate mistakes and get the offense going in the first half, they still have a chance of being Big Ten West champions.

It is a lot easier said than done, as they would need to win out. Iowa has eight games left with some notable teams that could potentially be deciding factors.

Iowa should not overlook any team, because it tends to play at the same level as its opponents.

Three games the Hawkeyes should give extra focus to are Minnesota, Maryland, and Penn State.

Other than that, Iowa has some potentially easy games to finish off the rest of the season. The only other team I think that can give Iowa a run for the Big Ten West Championship is Wisconsin, but the Badgers may also need to win out.