How High Can Iowa Football Land in the First CFP Rankings?
Iowa builds momentum
The Hawkeyes are 6-2 and bowl-eligible, continuing a run in which Kirk Ferentz has led Iowa to bowl eligibility in 25 of the past 26 seasons. The team is aiming for more than a bowl appearance.
A 30-0 victory over Wisconsin helped Iowa return to the top 25 in both polls after falling out of the AP rankings the previous week. The first CFP rankings are due Tuesday, November 3, at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.
Polls place Iowa differently
Iowa rose five places in the AP Top 25 to No. 21. The Hawkeyes sit between Boise State and New Mexico, described in the article as Group of Six CFP contenders.
In the Coaches Poll, Iowa moved up four spots to No. 20 after ranking No. 24 the week before. There, Iowa is ahead of Boise State and New Mexico.
Committee assessment ahead
The article argues the selection committee may rank Iowa higher than either poll, saying its evaluation will look beyond the factors considered by voters. It points to several strong data points but does not detail them.
A number of teams with 6-2 records are listed above Iowa: Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, Ole Miss, LSU, Tennessee, Houston, USC and Missouri. The article suggests Iowa could merit a higher position than Houston, USC and Missouri.
Projection puts Iowa 18th
The forecast places Iowa at No. 18 in the initial CFP rankings, inside the top 20. It presents a win-out finish as a route to a 10-2 record and a stronger chance at reaching the playoff.
The committee’s first ranking will reveal how Iowa is positioned among teams with similar records. The article’s projection is a prediction, not an announced committee ranking.
Key points
- Iowa is 6-2 after shutting out Wisconsin 30-0.
- The Hawkeyes are No. 21 in the AP poll and No. 20 in the Coaches Poll.
- The first CFP rankings are scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.
- The article projects Iowa at No. 18 in the initial CFP rankings.