On3 Ranks Pair of Iowa Football Games Among Top 10 Big Ten League Dates in 2024
Get ready for some thrilling Big Ten football action in 2024, because two Iowa football matchups have earned a spot among the top 10 conference games of the season according to On3! The Hawkeyes’ rivalry clashes against Wisconsin and Nebraska are set to deliver nail-biting excitement, captivating fans and igniting fierce competition.
On3’s Jesse Simonton has declared that Iowa’s November 2nd showdown against Wisconsin ranks as the No. 9 Big Ten game of the year. These two fierce rivals, battling for the prestigious Heartland Trophy, are ready for a clash that carries weight not just for Midwest bragging rights, but also for potential College Football Playoff implications.
Iowa’s recent dominance over Wisconsin, having won three out of the last four matchups, makes this game even more intriguing. The Hawkeyes, known for their sturdy defense, are poised to be a tough nut to crack, especially with what could be the oldest and most experienced defense in the nation. Their ability to stifle Wisconsin’s offense, holding them to 10 or fewer points in their last three losses against Iowa, showcases their defensive prowess.
With Ohio State being their only scheduled matchup against a surefire preseason Top 25 team, Iowa has a clear path to potential playoff contention. If they continue to dominate against opponents like Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Minnesota, Kirk Ferentz’s team could very well be a surprise contender for a playoff berth.
- Iowa’s football matchups against Wisconsin and Nebraska in 2024 have been ranked among the top 10 Big Ten conference games by On3.
- The rivalry clash between Iowa and Wisconsin on November 2nd is ranked as the No. 9 Big Ten game of the year, with Iowa’s recent dominance adding to the excitement.
- Iowa’s strong defense, known for stifling opponents like Wisconsin, positions them as a potential playoff contender with a clear path to contention.
- The matchup between Iowa and Nebraska on November 29th, known as the “Heroes Game,” is anticipated to be a defensive battle with both teams boasting top-tier defenses.
- Nebraska’s addition of 5-star freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola adds intrigue to the rivalry game, making it a must-watch for fans of both teams.
Iowa-Nebraska: A Heroes Game Showdown
Simonton also places Iowa’s November 29th matchup against Nebraska as the No. 8 Big Ten game of 2024. This “Heroes Game” promises to be a defensive battle, with both teams expected to boast top-tier defenses. The Hawkeyes have held the upper hand in this rivalry for the past decade, losing just twice since 2013. But don’t count out Nebraska, especially with the arrival of 5-star freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, who’ll be looking to avoid a repeat of the nail-biting loss they suffered last year.
The 2023 “Heroes Game” went down to the wire, with Nebraska snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in the final seconds. Iowa emerged victorious with a 13-10 win, capitalizing on a late Nebraska interception. This year’s game could be another nail-biter, with both teams capable of winning north of eight games in 2024.
A Look Back at the 2023 Trophy Games
Iowa’s dominance in these trophy games wasn’t a recent phenomenon. In 2023, the Hawkeyes emerged victorious in both their clashes against Wisconsin and Nebraska, cementing their dominance in these rivalries. In Madison, Iowa triumphed 15-6, limiting Wisconsin to just two third-down conversions on 17 attempts.
Leshon Williams’ electrifying 82-yard touchdown run ignited the scoring for Iowa against the Badgers. The Hawkeyes then added a safety and a pair of field goals from Drew Stevens to secure their victory and bring the brass bull back to Iowa City.
The Heroes Game was equally dramatic, with Iowa edging out Nebraska 13-10. Backup kicker Marshall Meeder’s 38-yard field goal as time expired sealed the victory for the Hawkeyes, securing the Heroes Trophy. These two games were a testament to Iowa’s strong defense and their ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments.
The Big Ten’s Top 10 Showdowns
While Iowa’s clashes with Wisconsin and Nebraska make the top 10, the Big Ten is brimming with other highly anticipated matchups. Simonton ranks Michigan at Ohio State as the No. 1 game, followed by Ohio State’s battles against Oregon and Penn State. Oregon at Michigan and USC at Michigan round out the top five, highlighting the conference’s fierce competition and the potential for thrilling upsets.
Michigan’s trip to Washington is ranked No. 6, followed by Penn State at USC and UCLA at USC. These matchups showcase the diversity of talent and the exciting possibilities within the Big Ten, making it a conference to watch closely in 2024.
The 2024 Big Ten football season promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with Iowa’s battles against Wisconsin and Nebraska taking center stage. These rivalry clashes will determine not only bragging rights but also potential playoff implications for the Hawkeyes. The Big Ten is a conference full of talent and excitement, and these top 10 matchups are sure to deliver the kind of drama and intensity that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Get ready for a season filled with thrilling games and unforgettable moments!
