The Iowa Hawkeyes are a completely different team than they were just four weeks ago after falling to 3-4. Since that moment, they have won three straight games, grabbed control of their destiny in the Big Ten West, and transformed into a team of believers.
That belief, which was once held just within the Iowa program and some of the faithful, is starting to exude externally with their ascensions we are seeing in the rankings.
In CBS Sports’ weekly updated rankings, the Hawkeyes saw a climb. They moved up eight spots from No. 51 to No. 43 with two games to go. Their upcoming opponent, the Minnesota Golden Gophers saw a large jump from CBS as well. The 7-3 Gophers jumped seven spots to No. 31 after beating Northwestern.
After a 24-10 win over the Wisconsin Badgers, Iowa is now 6-4 overall and can win the Big Ten West if they win out and Illinois loses to Michigan. That is not too crazy to see happening but Iowa must first focus on their task at hand. That task is going on the road and beating Minnesota in what looks to be a very cold, snowy, and frigid environment.
With two games to go, the Hawkeyes have guaranteed themselves a bowl berth and will get a 13th game at the very minimum. That is the consolation prize. The Hawkeyes have their sights set on much bigger goals still within their control.
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