The Monday Kickoff: So Many End-Of-The-Season Scenarios For Hawkeyes

From 9-3 to 6-6, anything is possible.

Iowa isn't going to get to the Big Ten championship game.

Theoretically, it could still happen. But you know, deep down, it's not.

So there are so many ways the regular season could end for the Hawkeyes — some good, some bad.

There is already plenty of angst about the Hawkeyes right now after Saturday's 24-22 loss at Wisconsin. There is a feeling that all of Iowa's three defeats this season to the Badgers, Michigan and Penn State could have been avoided, and there were plays in all three games that could have changed the outcomes.

But that's hindsight, and we're not about hindsight here at the Monday Kickoff. So let's look ahead at the closing three weeks, and what could happen.

9-3

Obviously the best possible outcome. Defeat Minnesota this Saturday, Illinois next Saturday, and then Nebraska on Black Friday.

It's not going to be easy — Minnesota hasn't lost yet this season, Illinois is revived after some early-season difficulties, and the Huskers on their home field could be interesting.

The Hawkeyes, though, are going to have to be livelier offensively to make a run like this. It's not impossible, but it will require a change of thinking.

The tools are there, it's just how Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz and offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz wish to use them.

Probability (on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best): 5.

Angst level if it happens (on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the best and 10 being the worst): 5. Actually a little high because there will be a lot of what-might-have-been feelings.

Likely bowl: Could be headed to the Citrus Bowl. Florida on New Year's Day is always nice. But probably Holiday.

8-4 (Loss to Minnesota)

This isn't ideal if you like Floyd of Rosedale.

The bronzed pig trophy that goes to the winner of this rivalry game is the best among Iowa's trophy games, and the Monday Kickoff will argue with anyone on that.

The Gophers have done everything asked of them this season, including an impressive home win over Penn State last Saturday. To escape the mess that is the Big Ten West, you have to be one of those teams of destiny, and Minnesota has that feel.

Still, this scenario has its positives — a two-game winning streak to end the season heading into the bowl game, and there's that win over Nebraska.

Probability: 7

 Angst level if it happens: 6. Admit it, you'll miss Floyd.

Likely bowl: Holiday. San Diego is warm, and the Holiday Bowl loves the Hawkeyes.

8-4 (Loss to Illinois)

The positives are ending Minnesota's unbeaten season, and maybe in the end hurting the Gophers' chances at winning the division. Also, Floyd stays. And there's a win over Nebraska.

But Iowa has won 10 of the last 11 games in the rivalry with the Illini. It doesn't even feel much like a rivalry anymore. A loss to Illinois could put some juice in it.

Probability: 4.

Angst level if it happens: 6.

Likely bowl: Holiday, or maybe Redbox.

8-4 (Loss to Nebraska)

Not exactly a pleasant scenario. Wins over Minnesota and Illinois would excite the fan base again, and then getting dumped by the Huskers on a holiday weekend would spoil that mood.

Husker fans like to poke at their rivals on the other side of the Missouri River, and this would give them a year of additional bragging. Not fun.

Probability: 3.

Angst level if it happens: 7.

Likely bowl: Holiday, or Redbox.

7-5

This is when things start to get serious.

Any combination of two losses isn't going to make anyone happy. This starts to have that feeling of 2014, when the Hawkeyes lost three of their last four regular-season games, then lost in the bowl game. Everyone wanted someone fired when that was over with, and then of course a year later the Hawkeyes didn't lose a game until the Big Ten title game against Michigan State.

Probability: 4.

Angst level if it happens: 9

Likely bowl: Redbox.

6-6

We just...

It can't...

It's unthinkable. And really, given Iowa's talent level, it isn't going to happen. 

But again, theoretically it is possible, so it has to be mentioned.

Probability: 1

Angst level if it happens: More than 10. Think pitchforks-and-torches time.

Bowl: QuickLane.