Is Iowa Football Dr. Jekyll Or Mr. Hyde?

Iowa picked up a monster win over Wisconsin one week after a heartbreaking loss to Minnesota.

Now eight games in, and we still are unsure what to make of Iowa football.

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The Hawkeyes suffered a heartbreaking 13-10 loss to Minnesota back on October 24. But on Halloween, Iowa looked like monsters vs. Wisconsin.

Hank Brown had over 200 yards passing and the defense pitched a shutout, posting a 30-0 victory.

So, who are these Hawkeyes?

Iowa Goes As The Offense Does Just Like Every Other Year

When it comes to Hawkeye football, you know the defense is going to be strong. They allowed just 13 points in the loss to Minnesota. And even though Ohio State put up a season-high 31, they still played relatively well.

So, which version of the offense are we going to get next week when they travel to Northwestern?

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Great question.

Brown, who has returned to the role of starting quarterback, had time to work. He hit on 20 of 24, throwing for 222 yards with two touchdowns.

Brown found Tony Diaz four times for 75 yards and a score, connecting with DJ Vonnahme for the other touchdown. Reece Vander Zee had five receptions and four others caught passes.

Iowa also gave Brown a sound – not great – run game. The Hawkeyes rushed for 140 yards, and did have multiple runs of over 10 yards.

The Hawkeyes Now Have Three Shutouts, Top-Notch Defense

This year, Iowa has recorded three shutout victories and rank in the Top 10 in the country in scoring defense. They allowed just 52 rushing yards, and have now outscored Wisconsin the last two years, 72-0.

When Iowa can control the line of scrimmage, they have just enough talent at the skill positions to do damage. The Hawkeyes cannot overcome turnovers or long down-and-distance plays, but they can play well within themselves.

After playing a Northwestern team coming off a loss to Oregon on the road, Iowa closes with Purdue, Illinois and Nebraska. Needless to say, those are all winnable games for this version of the Hawkeyes.