Navigating the intricate web of possibilities for Iowa football in the 2023 bowl season requires a keen understanding of the complex dynamics at play. As the regular season unfolds and the prospect of the Big Ten championship looms, the focus shifts to the myriad scenarios that could shape the Hawkeyes‘ postseason destiny.
About Iowa football in 2023
For those entrenched within the Iowa football facility, the haze surrounding potential bowl destinations is gradually lifting with each passing week. The Big Ten’s affiliations with bowls such as the Citrus Bowl, ReliaQuest Bowl, Music City Bowl, Las Vegas Bowl, Pinstripe Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl, and Quick Lane Bowl add an additional layer of complexity to the equation.
In the intricate dance of bowl selections, variables like win-loss records, fan support, and the quality of matchups play pivotal roles. The rigid Big Ten bowl procedures stipulate that Iowa is ineligible for the Music City Bowl this year due to their presence there in the previous season. The next three weeks, preceding the bowl selection announcements, are a period of potential upheaval where a 10-win Iowa team may hold more allure for organizers than an eight-win counterpart.
Peering into the future, the Hawkeyes’ postseason prospects unfold in a hierarchy of prestige:
New Year’s Six Bowls
Dec 29-Jan 1 (locations vary)
In the realm of the College Football Playoff, a two-loss Iowa team faces a formidable challenge, given the perceived weakness of its schedule. While a berth in the CFP is improbable, the path to a non-CFP New Year’s Six bowl is not entirely closed. An unexpected triumph in the Big Ten championship game could catapult Iowa into this elite category, provided they receive a boost from other teams’ misfortunes.
Citrus Bowl
Jan 1 | Orlando | Big Ten vs. SEC
As the frontrunner in the Big Ten West, the Citrus Bowl emerges as a probable destination for the Hawkeyes. However, the intricacies lie in the fate of Penn State and the Citrus Bowl’s inclination to invite a team that recently graced their field. The Big Ten’s regulations permit Iowa to return to Orlando, but the Citrus Bowl’s commitment to selecting at least five different Big Ten teams in a six-year span adds a layer of uncertainty.
ReliaQuest Bowl
Jan 1 | Tampa, Fla. | Big Ten/SEC vs. ACC
Formerly known as the Outback Bowl, the ReliaQuest Bowl stands as the next in line for Big Ten teams. The Orange Bowl’s influence becomes pivotal here; a Big Ten team’s slot in the ReliaQuest Bowl hinges on the Orange Bowl’s fate. A representative’s attendance at Iowa’s game in November adds a speculative touch to the potential match-up.
Las Vegas Bowl
Dec 23 | Las Vegas | Big Ten vs. Pac-12
Initially a popular projection for Iowa, the Las Vegas Bowl’s prominence waned in the wake of recent developments favoring the Citrus Bowl. However, the door remains ajar for the Hawkeyes, especially if the CFP and New Year’s Six game slots are occupied by other Big Ten powerhouses.
Beyond these marquee bowls, the Pinstripe Bowl in New York, Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, and Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit beckon. Yet, the likelihood of these serving as landing spots for an eight-win Iowa team seems remote, given the competitive landscape of potential selections. The unwavering support of the Hawkeyes’ fanbase, however, may well emerge as a wildcard factor, influencing the final decision-making process.
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