The Iowa football team will close its 2025 regular season against Big Ten rival Nebraska on Friday. Weather in Lincoln could play a major role in the final result.
High winds have ripped through the eastern part of the state this week, with impacts shown in recent high school football matchups. They could mitigate one of the Hawkeyes' biggest advantages.
Iowa is synonymous with special teams. They boast one of the nation's top units year in and year out. This season is no different. The Hawkeyes can change outcomes in the kicking game.
It happened just last season in this very game. Iowa won by three points thanks to two Drew Stevens field goals. It also recovered a muffed Nebraska punt to set up a score. Special teams swung the game in the Hawkeyes' favor.
This year has been no different. Iowa's group helped the team win close games vs. Penn State and Michigan State. They'll now look to finish strong in what expects to be another tight contest.
We mentioned Stevens, one of college football's top kickers. He's gone 19-25 on field goal attempts with a long of 58 yards this season. He's connected on nearly 80% of his attempts throughout his four-year career.
Punter Rhys Dakin has continued his success after leading the Big Ten in punts as a freshman. He's been able to flip the field for the Iowa defense with a 42.6-yard average.
Return man Kaden Wetjen, though, is the most dangerous man in the Hawkeyes' special teams attack. He leads the conference in kick return scores, punt return touchdowns, punt return average, and punt return yards.
He may not get a chance to shine on Friday night.
Strong winds have ripped through Nebraska this week. The peak of that nasty weather will have passed by kickoff. Still, gusts of 35 MPH are expected.
That, combined with the possibility of snow/rain, will impact special teams.
Return opportunities might be limited. Long field goal attempts could be impossible. Punting will prove difficult if this week's high school action is any indicator.
With fewer chances to create big plays on special teams, Iowa could be forced to rely more heavily on its offense. That group currently ranks 16th in the Big Ten in yardage.
Should the unit be unable to find success, it could cost the team's head coach a shot at $200,000.
An incentive in his contract states that he will bank $200,000 with a Top 6 finish in the league standings. The Hawkeyes are currently sitting in a tie for 6th with Washington at 5-3 in conference play.
A win will push Iowa to 6-3. The Huskies, meanwhile, play Oregon in the season finale. They will not be favored to win the ballgame.
Should the game results play out as the oddsmakers predict, Iowa will earn a sixth-place finish in the Big Ten race. Its head coach would reap the benefits.
Ferentz will need to overcome the blustery Nebraska conditions to secure that payday. He'll have his work cut out for him in Lincoln.