2024 NCAAF Cheat Sheet: Iowa Hawkeyes Stats & Odds

It is back to the drawing board for the Iowa Hawkeyes, who head into 2024 with hopes of transforming their woeful offense. Much of the same personnel is back, but the Hawkeyes did make one significant change: former Western Michigan head coach and Green Bay Packers assistant Tim Lester was brought on as their new offensive coordinator.

Will Lester push the right buttons to give the Hawkeyes the jolt they need to contend atop the Big Ten Conference? The jury’s still out.

Let’s take a closer look at the projected 2024 Iowa Hawkeyes stats.

At A Glance

Iowa Seeks Jolt on Offense

Iowa finally addressed its porous offense, hiring former Green Bay Packers assistant Tim Lester as its new offensive coordinator. Lester replaces Kirk Ferentz’s son Brian, who oversaw the Big Ten’s least productive offense two years running. The Hawkeyes finished second-to-last nationally in scoring last season, averaging 15.4 points. They were also dead last in yards per game (234.6).

The Hawkeyes overcame those deficiencies to go 10-4 (7-3 Big Ten) and make the Big Ten title game, where they lost 26-0 to Michigan. They were also shut out by Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl, 35-0.

Quarterback Cade McNamara returns from a season-ending knee injury as the presumed starter. Northwestern transfer Brendan Sullivan was added to provide depth.

The Hawkeyes’ defense should remain solid, even without All-Big Ten cornerback Cooper DeJean. That unit allowed the fourth-fewest points (14.7 per game) in the country in 2023.

Iowa has made a bowl game in 10 of the last 11 seasons, and expectations remain high. It’s projected for 7.5 wins, putting it amongst the top teams in the new-look Big Ten. The conference added Oregon, USC, Washington, and UCLA, further strengthening its base nationally.

The Hawkeyes — who open Aug. 31 against Illinois State — have the makings of a CFP contender, but only if they fix their offense. They must improve.

For more on their outlook, here are the projected 2024 Iowa Hawkeyes stats.

Championship Odds: Underperforming Offense Spoils Any Chance

The Hawkeyes may be in the mix for a playoff spot, but it’s hard to see them as legitimate contenders for the CFP National Championship 2024, given how badly their offense has performed. Even with significant improvement this season, are they capable of outlasting perennial powerhouses like Georgia, Alabama, and Michigan? Doubtful.

• Let’s face it, there are just too many questions on that side of the ball to have much faith in the Hawkeyes. Hence the +20000 NCAAF odds.

Bettors would be wise to put their money elsewhere. For the latest odds and betting options, visit BetMGM.

Conference Odds: Road Only Tougher Following Realignment

Because of expansion, Iowa’s path back to the Big Ten championship game is considerably tougher this season. Ohio State (+155), Oregon (+215), Penn State (+500), and Michigan (+600) are the top four favorites, and there’s everybody else.

• The Hawkeyes have the sixth-shortest odds at +4000, but again, it’s hard to take them seriously, barring a dramatic reversal on offense. They scored 10 or fewer points five times last season and were shut out thrice.

It’s asking a lot of McNamara, less than a year removed from a torn ACL, to carry Iowa to a conference title.

Regular Season Wins: Schedule Offers Promise

Iowa has surpassed this total in four of the last five full seasons. It’s capable of doing so again, but only if McNamara proves he’s healthy.

The non-conference slate is manageable with games against Illinois State, Iowa State, and Troy, and the Hawkeyes miss Oregon, Penn State, Michigan, and USC — four of the five biggest favorites — in Big Ten play. Their toughest test comes on Oct. 5 at Ohio State.

Ferentz and Co. couldn’t have asked for a smoother path from the schedule-makers.

Offense is always a concern, but what if the Hawkeyes are marginally better? Over 7.5 regular-season wins seems very attainable.

To Make Playoffs: In the Mix

Playoffs? It’s certainly possible. After all, the Hawkeyes reached the 2023 Big Ten title game with the country’s 130th-ranked offense.

• The Hawkeyes don’t have much room for error, but they’ll at least be in the mix if they take care of business in Big Ten play. November, which includes home games against Wisconsin (Nov. 2) and Nebraska (Nov. 29), will go a long way toward determining their fate.

Side Bets: Home Sweet Home

Kinnick Stadium has always been kind to Iowa. Last season, it lost just one game at home, to Minnesota.

Expect that success to continue in 2024. The Hawkeyes are projected for Over 4.5 home wins at -200, which seems very reasonable given the projected 2024 Iowa Hawkeyes stats.

For NCAAF picks, betting analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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