What Is 2019 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

Overview

The 2019 Iowa Hawkeyes football team competed as members of the Big Ten Conference, representing the University of Iowa during the 2019 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by head coach Kirk Ferentz in his 21st year, the team achieved a 10-3 overall record and a 6-3 mark in conference play, showcasing a balanced offense and a disciplined defense.

The Hawkeyes capped their season with a dominant performance in the Holiday Bowl, defeating the USC Trojans 49-24 on December 27, 2019. This victory secured a top-20 finish in the final AP Poll and marked Iowa’s 10th win of the season, a feat not accomplished since 2015.

• Record: The team finished 10-3 overall and 6-3 in Big Ten play, placing third in the West Division behind Wisconsin and Minnesota.
• Bowl Game: Iowa won the Holiday Bowl 49-24 over USC, marking their first 10-win season since 2015 and improving their all-time bowl record to 18-18.
• Quarterback: Senior Nate Stanley threw for 2,874 yards and 26 touchdowns, finishing his career as one of Iowa’s most prolific passers.
• Defense: The Hawkeyes ranked 11th nationally in scoring defense, allowing only 17.9 points per game, a hallmark of their disciplined, Ferentz-led units.
• Home Field: Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City hosted all home games, where the team went 6-1, including a key win over No. 3 Ohio State.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2019 season featured a mix of high-stakes wins and narrow losses, with Iowa demonstrating resilience and consistency under pressure. Key victories included an upset over then-No. 3 Ohio State, a 55-24 win that signaled the team’s potential early in the season.

• Ohio State Win: On November 2, 2019, Iowa defeated the third-ranked Buckeyes 55-24, their first win over a top-three team since 2009.
• Running Game: Running back Mekhi Sargent rushed for 1,082 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming the team’s primary ground threat.
• Receiving Corps: Tight end Noah Fant had already left for the NFL, but sophomore Sam LaPorta stepped up with 33 receptions and 446 yards.
• Special Teams: Keith Duncan earned All-American honors, kicking 27 field goals—a single-season school record—and hitting a crucial game-winner against Penn State.
• Turnover Margin: Iowa ranked 7th nationally with a +13 turnover margin, forcing 18 fumbles and intercepting 11 passes.
• Coaching Legacy: Kirk Ferentz improved his Iowa win total to 164 victories, solidifying his status as the longest-tenured coach in FBS at the time.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 Hawkeyes compared to previous recent seasons in key statistical categories:

The 2019 season marked a return to double-digit wins for Iowa, matching their best win total since 2015. While they didn’t win the Big Ten West, their victory over Ohio State and strong bowl performance elevated their national profile. The team also continued its tradition of defensive excellence and efficient special teams play, hallmarks of the Ferentz era.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was significant for Iowa football as it demonstrated sustained competitiveness in a challenging conference and reinforced the program’s reputation for development and discipline. It also provided momentum heading into the 2020 season, despite the looming uncertainty of the pandemic.

• Recruiting Boost: The win over Ohio State and bowl success helped Iowa secure a stronger 2020 recruiting class, particularly in the Midwest.
• Player Development: The season highlighted Iowa’s ability to develop quarterbacks, with Stanley’s success paving the way for future prospects.
• Defensive Identity: The Hawkeyes maintained their identity as a tough, physical defense, ranking in the top 15 nationally in several key metrics.
• Bowl Prestige: Winning the Holiday Bowl, a marquee non-New Year’s Six game, increased national exposure and fan engagement.
• Program Stability: Ferentz’s leadership through a transition year after key departures proved the program’s depth and consistency.
• Historical Context: The 10-win season tied for the second-most in school history, underscoring the team’s place among Ferentz’s best squads.

In summary, the 2019 Iowa Hawkeyes delivered one of the most memorable seasons of the late Ferentz era, combining standout performances, strategic coaching, and a resilient team culture. Their success reinforced Iowa’s status as a consistent force in college football, capable of rising to the occasion against elite competition.