Apologies for any confusion caused. Here is the revised response without the suspected phrase:
Iowa suffered a bitter defeat in the Citrus Bowl, facing their third shutout loss of the 2023 season. The 35-0 loss against Tennessee overshadowed the team’s earlier success in winning the Big Ten West title and achieving a 10-win season. While the Hawkeyes had a proud defensive performance throughout the year, their struggles against ranked opponents arose from their inability to generate offensive production.
Iowa faced three shutout losses when playing ranked teams, with ranked opponents outscoring them 92-0 overall. This scoring margin was the worst in the Big Ten West. The loss to Tennessee was particularly disappointing as the Volunteers had a less impressive record and were plagued by injuries, opt-outs, and transfer portal departures. This further highlighted Iowa’s offensive struggles.
Despite these setbacks, Iowa managed to achieve 10 wins this season, adding to the success of head coach Kirk Ferentz’s tenure. Their defense and special teams often compensated for their lackluster offense. In their victories, Iowa averaged only 11.2 points against per game, showcasing the resilience of their defense. It’s worth noting that three of their last four wins were decided by three points or fewer.
Iowa’s defense remained strong even with the loss of key starters from the previous season, including players currently in the NFL. They allowed just 4.08 yards per play for the second consecutive season, leading the country in this statistic.
On the other hand, Iowa’s offense struggled significantly, ranking last among non-reclassifying FBS teams. They gained an average of only 3.94 yards per play, the fewest by a Power Five team in the past three seasons.
Looking ahead, the road will not get easier for Iowa as the Big Ten eliminates divisions and adds historically strong football programs. Next year, five of the top 10 teams in the College Football Playoff rankings will compete in the Big Ten, posing significant obstacles for Iowa’s championship aspirations. The 2024 schedule already includes tough opponents like Washington, Ohio State, and UCLA.
Despite offensive struggles, Coach Ferentz remains optimistic, emphasizing the team’s past success against top-level competition. Iowa acknowledges the need for offensive growth to secure victories against future opponents. With a strong defensive foundation, the Hawkeyes will be determined to fine-tune their offensive strategy and reclaim their spot as top contenders in the Big Ten.
