Kirk Herbstreit on Iowa's Path to Ending Playoff Drought
The Iowa Hawkeyes have long been on the outside looking in when it comes to the College Football Playoff, a fact that has become a point of frustration for fans and analysts alike. Kirk Ferentz, the Big Ten's all-time winningest coach, has yet to guide his team into the playoff picture, and this season appears to be no different. As the No. 21 ranked team prepares for a pivotal matchup against Iowa State, ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit weighed in on what it would take for the Hawkeyes to finally break through.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Herbstreit expressed his belief that Iowa is often overlooked as a legitimate playoff contender. "I feel like they are a fringe playoff team every year," he stated. He pointed out that Iowa consistently hovers around the ten-win mark, yet their playing style often leads to a lack of recognition. The Hawkeyes are known for their physical, run-heavy approach, but they face challenges, particularly with injuries impacting their running back depth ahead of crucial games.
Herbstreit emphasized that the key to Iowa's success lies in their quarterback play. He noted, "It comes down to the quarterback play. Can they play with the big boys?" This sentiment underscores the importance of having a reliable signal-caller who can perform under pressure, especially against top-tier teams in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes' schedule includes a daunting three-game stretch featuring matchups against Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington, which will be critical in determining their playoff viability.
The path to the playoffs is clear: Iowa must aim for at least a 2-1 record during this challenging stretch. Herbstreit highlighted that if they can achieve this, they would have a solid chance to make a run for the playoffs. He remarked, "Oh boy if you go 2-1…You got Minnesota, I know that's on the road in a rivalry game, Wisconsin. If you get to 2-1 there's a really good opportunity for them to make a run there, because who's gonna beat 'em?" This perspective offers a glimmer of hope for Hawkeyes fans, who have seen their team last finish in the AP Top 10 back in 2015.
The View from the Cheap Seats
As the season progresses, the stakes are high for Iowa. A two-loss season, particularly with a victory over a powerhouse like Michigan, Ohio State, or Washington, could finally pave the way for their first-ever playoff appearance. For Kirk Ferentz, this would not only be a significant achievement in his storied career but also a monumental moment for the Iowa football program.
With the pressure mounting, the Hawkeyes must navigate their upcoming games with precision and determination. The quarterback's performance will be under scrutiny, as fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can rise to the occasion. The potential for a playoff berth is tantalizingly close, but it will require Iowa to overcome both their historical hurdles and the formidable competition in the Big Ten. As Herbstreit aptly put it, it all comes down to whether Iowa can indeed play with the big boys. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining if the Hawkeyes can finally end their playoff drought and make a mark on the national stage.
