Iowa Football: Live and Learn

The Iowa Hawkeyes (2-1) have one more non-conference game before opening their 8-game Big Ten schedule on the road in West Lafayette, Indiana against Purdue on September 27.  Hawkeye fans are still reeling over the tough loss suffered at the hands of Iowa State.  While it was a bitter defeat, it does provide an opportunity to learn and improve.  You may remember last year’s first loss came at Kinnick in the opening week against Northern Illinois.  That team won their next four on their way to a solid 8-5 season (5-3 in the Big Ten), and a New Year’s Day bowl appearance.  This year’s schedule is also unique in that October brings two off weeks, providing more opportunity to learn from early season mistakes and improve before the telling latter half of the season begins.  As tough as it is to accept, the loss to Iowa State could be exactly what this team needed.

2014 Big Ten Conference Schedule:
September 27 @ Purdue
October 11 Indiana @ Home
October 18 @ Maryland
November 1 Northwestern @ Home
November 8 @ Minnesota
November 15 @ Illinois
November 22 Wisconsin @ Home
November 28 Nebraska @ Home