Iowa Surprises with First Place in Big Ten West Standings Despite Offensive Struggles

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06/11/2023 23h35

In a surprising turn of events, the Iowa Hawkeyes find themselves at the top of the Big Ten West standings, despite having the worst offense in the country. The Hawkeyes, averaging a mere 225.3 yards per game and 4.0 yards per play, have managed to secure a 7-2 overall record and a 4-2 conference record.

Iowa's offensive struggles have been well-documented, ranking last among the 133 FBS teams in total offense. To put it into perspective, even Eastern Michigan, the second-to-last team in total offense, outperforms Iowa by averaging 33 more yards per game.

However, the Hawkeyes continue to find ways to win, as evidenced by their recent 10-7 victory over Northwestern. In a classic Iowa fashion, the team relied on its defense and special teams, scoring its only touchdown after a blocked punt and sealing the win with a 52-yard field goal in the final seconds of the game.

Had they lost, Iowa would have been part of a five-team tie for first place in the division. Instead, they currently hold sole possession of the top spot, with Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Nebraska all tied for second at 3-3 in conference play.

Looking ahead, the road won't get any easier for Iowa and the other teams in the division. The Big Ten is set to undergo changes next season, with the addition of Oregon, UCLA, USC, and Washington. This means that traditional divisional rivals will be facing tougher opponents from the new teams.

Despite their current success, Iowa will face an uphill battle in the Big Ten title game, where they will be heavy underdogs regardless of the opponent. Notably, the Hawkeyes suffered a 31-0 loss to Penn State earlier this season, which may indicate the challenges they could potentially face against powerhouse teams like Ohio State or Michigan.

As for the hit on Jayden Daniels, Alabama's Dallas Turner's hit on the LSU quarterback has sparked debate about the targeting rule. While Turner was flagged for roughing the passer, many have called for a closer review to determine if the hit constituted a targeting foul and should have resulted in Turner's ejection.

The NCAA's targeting rule states that no player should make forcible contact against an opponent with the crown of their helmet. Turner's hit made contact with Daniels' chin, raising questions about whether it should be considered targeting.

While LSU fans argue for Turner's ejection, it is important to note that intent is not a part of the targeting rule. Turner's hit may not have been dirty, but it potentially warranted further review according to the rule's language.

Lastly, Arizona's football program, under the leadership of coach Jedd Fisch, has experienced an incredible turnaround. Ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2017, the Wildcats have displayed significant growth with a 6-3 record and three consecutive wins over ranked opponents.

Fisch took over a program in disarray, with a winless 2020 season marred by a 70-7 defeat to in-state rival Arizona State. However, he has led the team to an improved record each season, culminating in their current success and their first bowl eligibility since 2017.

Despite playing with backup quarterback Noah Fifita for most of their conference play, Arizona's offense has flourished, thanks to Fifita's impressive performance. The defense has also made significant strides, as showcased in their dominant win over UCLA, where they limited the Bruins to just 271 yards of offense.

While Washington and Oregon may be the favorites to meet in the Pac-12 championship game, Arizona's strong showing suggests they should not be counted out. With their toughest games already behind them, the Wildcats have a favorable schedule ahead, giving them a shot at fighting for a spot in the title game.

Jedd Fisch's impact on the program cannot be overstated, as he has orchestrated a remarkable revival of Arizona football, bringing hope and excitement to Wildcat fans.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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