Iowa Hawkeyes Crack Top 20 in New AP Poll After 55-0 Rout
The Iowa Hawkeyes are climbing the college football ladder. After a dominant 55-0 shutout of Northern Iowa, the team has secured the No. 17 spot in the projected AP Top 25 rankings for Week 4. Three different Hawkeye running backs rushed for over 100 yards each, showcasing a ground game that could prove formidable as Iowa heads into a crucial Big Ten matchup at Michigan.
While Iowa's offense stole the show, the defense continued its stingy reputation, recording a second consecutive shutout. The Hawkeyes are now 3-0 and looking at their first major test of the season on the road against the Wolverines.
What does Iowa's rise mean for the Big Ten?
Iowa's strong start places them among the top contenders in the Big Ten, alongside Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan. The upcoming game in Ann Arbor will be a defining moment for the Hawkeyes' playoff aspirations. A win against Michigan would not only solidify their top-20 status but could also propel them into the top 15 and make a statement to the rest of the conference.
How did other top teams fare in Week 3?
The new rankings come after a chaotic weekend that saw two top-ten teams suffer losses. LSU fell to Ole Miss in a last-second thriller, while Texas A&M was stunned at home by unranked Kentucky. These upsets have opened the door for teams like Ole Miss, who are projected to jump into the top five, and have shuffled the deck across the entire poll.
Texas remains the projected No. 1 team, followed by Georgia, Notre Dame, Ole Miss, and Indiana rounding out the top five. The SEC continues to dominate the rankings with multiple teams in the top 15, including Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida.
What is the full projected AP Top 25 for Week 4?
Here is the full list of projected rankings heading into Week 4 action:
- Texas
- Georgia
- Notre Dame
- Ole Miss
- Indiana
- Miami
- Ohio State
- Alabama
- BYU
- Texas Tech
- LSU
- USC
- Penn State
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Louisville
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Florida
- Mississippi State
- Oregon
- Texas A&M
- SMU
- Oklahoma
- Virginia Tech
What is next for the Hawkeyes?
The Hawkeyes face their toughest challenge yet as they travel to Michigan to take on the Wolverines. The game is set for a prime-time slot and will be a key indicator of Iowa's true potential this season. Coach Kirk Ferentz will be looking for his team to maintain their physical style of play and control the clock with their powerful rushing attack.
For Iowa fans, this is an exciting time. The team is undefeated, ranked in the top 20, and has a chance to make a national statement in Ann Arbor. The Hawkeyes' success is a point of pride for the state, and the upcoming game is one of the most anticipated in recent memory.