Predicting 2021 Big Ten season: How many wins for Penn State Football?

After starting the 2020 season with two close losses, the Hawkeyes rolled to six straight wins to close out the season. The longest tenured active coach in college football, Kirk Ferentz, hopes his team can continue that momentum into 2021.

The Hawkeyes open the season with a tough conference opponent in Indiana. However, the game being a home game for Iowa will benefit them greatly. It does not get any easier for Iowa week two as they take on in-state rival Iowa State. The Hawkeyes are likely to fall in this game, as Iowa State is one of the top teams in the country, and could very well win the Big 12.

The Hawkeys have to go on the road to take on West Division foe Wisconsin, as well as travel to College Park to take on an improved Maryland team in what could be a trap game. Iowa also welcomes Penn State in early October, which is sure to be a close game that could come down to the wire…especially if history is any indication.

Iowa loses star defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon, and also needs improvement out of their quarterback. However, Hawkeye faithful have some reason for optimism due to having a great back seven on defense, a good offensive line, and talent at running back and tight end, according to CFBsaturdays.com.

If the pieces fall into place for the Hawkeyes, they could be making a push for Indianapolis.