Hawkeyes continue to climb heading into Big Ten Conference play
Sitting at 3-0 with Big Ten Conference play on the horizon, Iowa football continues to rise up in the latest college football rankings.
The Hawkeyes climbed just one position in the latest Associated Press Top 25. This week, they are currently ranked 17th overall, one spot ahead of Saturday’s opponent, Michigan.
Related: Week 4 College Football Rankings: Evaluating Top 25 Teams After Week 3
In the AFCA Coaches Poll, Iowa made one of the biggest jumps. The Hawkeyes moved up from 20th to 17th.
That jump matches that of Ole Miss, who knocked off LSU. The Rebels are now ranked sixth overall.
Iowa Sits Ahead Of Next Opponent In Both Rankings In Michigan
Just like in the AP Poll, Iowa is one spot ahead of the Wolverines, who are 3-0. Michigan, of course, had that Week 1 slim victory over Western Michigan.
Other ranked Big Ten Conference teams include Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon and Washington in the AFCA rankings. Washington is not in the AP poll.
Through Three Games, Iowa Has Been Tough On Ground, Defense
The Hawkeyes have looked dominant in two of their three wins. Iowa opened with a 40-0 victory over Northern Illinois, as Kamari Moulton ran for 183 yards.
In Week 2, they scored a thrilling 16-13 victory over in-state rival Iowa State. Tony Diaz had 95 yards receiving in that game.
This past week, the Hawks ran all over Northern Iowa, 55-0. Even without Moulton, three different players ran for over 100 yards. Xavier Williams led the way with 151.
Schedule Heats Up For Hawkeyes From Here On Out
Everything gets amplified for Kirk Ferentz from here on out. Up first will be a trip to the Big House to play Michigan on Saturday. Iowa returns home to host Ohio State in a marquee matchup.
Back-to-back road games at Washington and Minnesota follow with a bye in between.
My passion for sports writing started back in high school when I joined the local newspaper. Now, 20-plus years … More about Dana Becker