Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Analyzing Iowa's Schedule: Do the Hawkeyes Have a Shot at the Legend's Division?

The Iowa Hawkeyes are members  of the Legends Division.

This was designated by the newly aligned Big Ten Conference.

If the Hawks end up with a better record than their divisional rivals, they will get an opportunity to play in the first Big Ten Championship Game at the end of the season.

Luckily, the Hawkeyes benefit from a very favorable schedule in 2011. 

Their toughest tests may be the first conference game of the season on the road at Leader's Division rival Penn State and the last game of the season, a road game against Legends Division rival Nebraska.

Overall in 2011 the Hawkeyes play three of their intra-divisional rivals—Northwestern, Michigan and Michigan State at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.

Iowa must face Legend rivals Minnesota and Nebraska on the road. 

The Hawkeye's cross-over contests in the Big Ten have Iowa challenging Leaders Penn State in Happy Valley, Purdue in West Lafayette and Indiana at home in Iowa City.

The Hawkeyes, however, do not have to face Ohio State or Wisconsin in 2011 unless Iowa meets the Buckeyes or the Badgers in the Big Ten Championship game. 

Co-Legend Nebraska was dealt a very stiff schedule to start out their campaign in the Big Ten.

Michigan and Michigan State also received few scheduling breaks.

Both must face Ohio State, Nebraska and each other. Additionally, Michigan State must face Wisconsin.

While no game will be easy, Iowa has an increased chance for doing very well because of their favorable schedule in the upcoming football season. 

Working through the 2011 schedule, here is how Iowa wins the Legend’s Division:

Begin Slideshow

Saira Mohan Brittny Gastineau Ashley Tisdale Rachel Blanchard Sienna Guillory

No comments:

Post a Comment