What the Michigan win means for Iowa

Two weeks ago, the talk in Hawkeye Nation reflected a lack of confidence, frustration, and despair. Some  were writing off Iowa from bowl contention. Now, here we are, on this familiar roller coaster that is Iowa football, with a mood of resurgence. The Hawks are back! The statement win against Michigan last Saturday provided all kinds of hope for Hawkeye fans. Iowa's defense can step it up in big games. Marcus Coker is consistently shining, and developing as a top B1G running back. We're bowl eligible with 3 games still to prove ourselves. The Hawkeyes, headed by Kirk Ferentz, have turned it around.

B.J. Lowery celebrates after batting
down the final pass of the game
in Iowa's 24-16 win over Michigan

Iowa just did something that is common to the program over the years- appear to be down, but surprise everyone with a huge win. What a win it was on Saturday, as Iowa really looked encouraging. Here's what Iowa did well: 

• The defense held Denard Robinson in check for 3 quarters, and stymied him at the 3 yard line to end the game
• Marcus Coker is rolling, and his 140 yards on Saturday added to his case as the best running back in the conference
• The wealth was spread in the passing game; Vandenberg hit 5 different targets, including a TD to TE Brad Herman and a career high 9 receptions for Marvin McNutt
• Special teams looked very solid, which has been a problem in some games this season. Eric Guthrie had a great punt that was downed at the 1 by an athletic play by Shaun Prater. Mike Meyer also made a 42 yarder

Also, its worth mentioning that those American themed helmets were a nice touch the the honoring of  our veterans at Kinnick. With that 24-16 win, Iowa is now bowl eligible. Here's the lowdown on Iowa's remaining schedule.

Iowa is currently 6-3, 2nd in the Legends Division

LEGENDS DIVISION
	Conference		Division		Overall
	Record	%	Record	%	Record	%
Michigan State	4-1	.800	2-1	.667	7-2	.778
Iowa	3-2	.600	2-1	.667	6-3	.667
Nebraska	3-2	.600	2-1	.667	7-2	.778
Michigan	3-2	.600	2-2	.500	7-2	.778
Northwestern	2-4	.333	1-2	.333	4-5	.444
Minnesota	1-4	.200	1-3	.250	2-7	.222

Iowa still has to play MSU and Nebraska, so those two games are huge for deciding the final legends standings, and who goes to Indianapolis.

Here's the remaining schedule....

11/12/11	vs. Michigan State (FW, FA, S) *	Iowa City, IA	11:01 AM
11/19/11	at Purdue *	West Lafayette, IN	11:00 AM
11/25/11	at Nebraska *	Lincoln, NE	11:00 AM

Obviously, best case scenario is Indianapolis, but even if the Hawks win 2, they are in good shape for a bowl game. With 8 wins (5 in conference), the Hawkeyes can set themselves up for an Insight or Gator Bowl appearance. With 7 wins, the picture is a little more blurry, and Iowa could end up in Houston or Dallas for the bowl game. 

Of course, the Hawks will be shooting for 3 of 3 in their final regular season games. It's hard to believe that Iowa still controls its Rose Bowl fate after listening to the chatter around the program after the Minnesota loss. One thing you can expect is that it will be a heck of a ride throughout November. 

*Also, check out the site tomorrow for our Friday Podcast on the upcoming game against Michigan State. 

-IS