The Iowa Hawkeyes finished the regular season 7-5 after losing to Nebraska. Despite some late-game magic, the Hawkeyes were unable to overcome their early deficit.

Disaster

Everything that could go wrong for Iowa in this game, went wrong. Leading Receiver Sam Laporta was out before the game started. Not good.

Cooper Dejean gets a concussion on the first drive of the game. Not good.

Spencer Petras gets injured after 6 passes. Not good.

All of this was tied together with fumbles. Uncharacteristic penalties/miscues. creating the ultimate nightmare of football.

Iowa fumble. 3rd turnover #NEBvsIA pic.twitter.com/BPNGQjTH60

— What does the film say? (@Huskers_film) November 25, 2022

I think everyone who has watched knows that this wasn’t the best that Iowa could play. It doesn’t excuse the loss. Injuries are part of the game. It’s just something to consider.

The almost comeback

I’ve said before that I’m delusional when It comes to my belief in the Hawks and maybe it got me a little this weekend.

Things were getting strange as the sun went down in Kinnick Stadium and a little bit of me started to believe that Iowa could pull off the comeback.

THE KICK IS GOOD! 😤

WE HAVE A 1 SCORE GAME IN IOWA CITY! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/jHouRcgL12

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 25, 2022

#IOWA FUMBLE RECOVERY !!! WE GOTTA BELIEVE!!! pic.twitter.com/kFAdHNeI42

— In The Kitchen Podcast (@ITK_pod) November 25, 2022

I think I do it to myself, but this loss stung a little more not just because it was Nebraska, or because Iowa was a game away from the Big Ten Championship, but because they were so close to actually pulling off an all-time comeback.

Despite coming up short the team’s fight till the end of the game is a good thing to see. Despite every set-back that happened early in the game those players didn’t give up, and that’s reassuring to see.

Fired

Is someone getting fired? Honestly, I don’t know. 5 weeks ago I would have said yes. Last week I would have said no. The AD has an interesting decision.

I don’t think Kirk Ferentz’s job is in danger. His contract is through 2026 I don’t think a buy-out is realistically coming. He has succeeded enough in his career that they won’t, and honestly shouldn’t fire him. However, his son, his seat is much hotter.

It’s no secret to anyone that Iowa’s offense has struggled this season. These stats are absolutely disgusting.

On the bright side, the Brian Ferentz led Hawkeye offense only fell 8 spots nationally from 122 to 130 this season. Next year, they can only fall one spot. Brian’s got em right where he wants em. pic.twitter.com/53dvLdUzxj

— Offensive Offense (@HammerMaxPain) November 26, 2022

It starts with the OC. The playcalling isn’t good enough. The players are getting hung out to dry. Iowa should never have an offense that performs like this. If the change isn’t Brian, then something in the style of play needs to change.

I’ve never coached football. I’m not an expert, but you don’t need to be one to know that the bottom 10 nationally back-to-back season is cause for some change.

Bowl Game

I don’t know which Bowl game the Hawkeyes are going to, but I’m still going to watch no matter what. I don’t care what anyone says about this team I’m still going to show up and watch every week.

The players are still clearly bought in and want to win another game.

Jack Campbell when asked if he's going to opt out of the Bowl Game:

No.

— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) November 26, 2022

Hopefully, this will allow for more time for players to heal up and hopefully end the season with a win.