Iowa football's 3 toughest games of 2024

The Iowa football team is one that can be perplexing from year to year, but one thing we feel pretty good about is the defense the Hawkeyes will roll out there. The offense is another story, but it's always a sound and physical football team that makes teams earn a victory.

The Hawkeyes are hoping to not just be a very good football team but have a chance to contend for a Big Ten title, maybe more (ahem, College Football Playoff ) if things break just right. In fact, if you look at the schedule Iowa has this season, there's a chance to make some hay in a cornfield and surprise some folks. To do it though, it'll have to get through some key games.

Here are the three toughest games Iowa has on its 2024 schedule.

3. vs. Washington | Saturday, Oct. 12

Washington lost its electrifying quarterback and many others from a team that made the College Football Playoff National Championship game -- plus its head coach. But don't sleep on the talent still on the roster. It's been remade through the transfer portal and recruiting, and it'll still be a team that has a ton of athleticism coming into Iowa City. Even though the game is at home, the Hawkeyes will have to earn a victory in this one.

2. vs. Iowa State | Saturday, Sept. 7

I'll admit, I haven't spent much time in Iowa, but one thing I know is that this rivalry seems to deliver drama every single year. You can almost bet on this one coming down to one possession no matter where it's played, and there's a good chance the same thing happens this fall. Iowa State is an under-the-radar team that could be very dangerous on offense and you know it'll be a corn, er -- dogfight.

1. at Ohio State | Saturday, Oct. 5

Iowa does get some breaks with the schedule, but things get real in early October when it has to travel to the banks of the Olentangy to take on a loaded and experienced Ohio State team. The Hawkeyes might be able to be on offense for three days and not score a point against a Buckeye defense that might be the best in the country. If you are a gambling man, you might want to take the over on the number of punts in this one. If Iowa finds a way to win, it'll send ripples through the Milky Way galaxy.