Note: Due to COVID-19, the Big Ten suspended the season on August 11, but later decided to begin play on October 24. In addition to the title game that was played on December 19, the conference seeded all remaining teams for "championship week" games.[1]
On August 11, 2020, the Big Ten Conference canceled all fall sports competitions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, on September 16, the Big Ten reinstated the season, announcing an eight-game season beginning on October 24.[2] The Hawkeyes compiled a 6–2 record, all in conference games. The team was set to face Missouri in the Music City Bowl, but the game was canceled after Missouri had to withdraw due to COVID-19 issues.[3]
(*) Big Ten Conference members were not eligible for the Week 2 of the AP and Coaches Polls and Week 3 of the AP due to not having a scheduled season at the time.
Iowa's first win over Michigan State since 2012, and the Hawkeyes' largest in the 48-game series, gave Kirk Ferentz his 163rd win as coach, passing Joe Paterno in total wins as a Big Ten head coach. The Hawkeyes dominated in all three phases of the game and gave Spartan quarterback Rocky Lombardi a long day, intercepting him three times.[9]
Iowa has won eight of the last nine meetings in this series. The Hawkeyes dominated the Golden Gophers, winning for the third straight time in Minneapolis, to keep Floyd of Rosedale in Iowa City for a sixth straight year.[10]
Iowa earned their first win over Penn State since 2010, forcing four turnovers in the process. The victory gave Kirk Ferentz his 100th Big Ten win – just the 4th coach in conference history to achieve the feat – and Penn State their first-ever 0–5 start in the program's 134-year history.[11]
Iowa was victorious for the sixth straight time – and seventh in eight meetings – against Nebraska. In this back-and-forth game, turnovers in the fourth quarter hurt the Cornhuskers, as they fumbled twice in the last 10:17. The second of which was forced by Chauncey Golston to keep the Heroes Trophy in Iowa City. Senior Keith Duncan kicked four field goals in a game for the fourth time in his career, joining Nate Kaeding as the only Hawkeye kickers to achieve the feat.[12]
Daniel Barker 24-yard pass from Brandon Peters (James McCourt kick)
Illinois 7–0
2
13:30
Illinois
Josh Imatorbhebhe 12-yard pass from Brandon Peters (James McCourt kick)
Illinois 14–0
6:18
Iowa
Sam LaPorta 22-yard pass from Spencer Petras (Keith Duncan kick)
Illinois 14–7
2:54
Iowa
Keith Duncan 40-yard field goal
Illinois 14–10
0:14
Iowa
Keith Duncan 27-yard field goal
Illinois 14–13
3
8:24
Iowa
Ihmir Smith-Marsette 4-yard pass from Spencer Petras (Tyler Goodson pass from Petras)
Iowa 21–14
4
12:40
Iowa
Shaun Beyer 16-yard pass from Spencer Petras (Keith Duncan kick)
Iowa 28–14
1:56
Iowa
Ihmir Smith-Marsette 13-yard run (Keith Duncan kick)
Iowa 35–14
0:24
Illinois
Carlos Sandy 29-yard pass from Isaiah Williams (James McCourt kick)
Iowa 35–21
Iowa hasn't lost to Illinois since 2008. This was their seventh straight victory in the series and have won 12 of the last 13 overall. Illinois jumped out to a 14–0 lead early but the Hawkeyes put up 35 unanswered points and controlled the line of scrimmage from that point on having the ability to both run and pass the ball effectively.[13]
Ihmir Smith-Marsette 19-yard pass from Spencer Petras (Brandon Smith pass from Petras)
Iowa 14–0
5:42
Wisc
Nakia Watson 1-yard run (Collin Larsh kick)
Iowa 14–7
1:23
Iowa
Ihmir Smith-Marsette 53-yard pass from Spencer Petras (Keith Duncan kick)
Iowa 21–7
4
4:09
Iowa
Tyler Goodson 80-yard run (Keith Duncan kick)
Iowa 28–7
Iowa won at home over Wisconsin for the first time since 2008 to recapture the bull. After a slow start on the snow-covered field in the first half, the Hawkeyes put up three touchdowns in the second, and were able to stop the Badgers on several fourth down attempts.[14]
Iowa was looking to avenge a loss in Ann Arbor from previous season, but it was announced on December 15 the game was canceled due to COVID-19 issues within the Wolverines program.[15]
Due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Tigers' football program, the Music City Bowl was canceled, ending the season for both the Hawkeyes and the Tigers.[17]
Had the game been played, it would have been the first meeting between Iowa and Missouri in a decade. If Iowa had won the game, it would have given Kirk Ferentz his 10th bowl win, which would have tied Joe Paterno for first all-time in Big 10 history.
