Last weekend was frustrating. The Hawkeyes went to Minneapolis and struggled offensively in a 13-10 loss to Minnesota (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten). As a result, Iowa temporarily bids Floyd goodbye.
But, the sun night came up this week, and No. 24 Iowa (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) now readies to welcome in a Wisconsin Badgers (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) squad that topped USC last weekend, 24-7.
As the Hawkeyes look to get back on track this week, last week's 13-10 loss at Minnesota carries ramifications on the way analysts see Iowa nationally.
The Hawkeyes dropped 10 spots in the US LBM Coaches Poll.
How has the Minnesota loss impacted Iowa's bowl outlook?
CBS Sports' Brad Crawford is projecting Iowa to the Music City Bowl, where the Hawkeyes would meet college football blue blood, Alabama.
So much for the Hawkeyes' dark horse CFP path. Saturday's loss at Minnesota virtually ends that threat. Too often this season, Iowa's offense hasn't generated enough consistency to thrive, and it finally came back to bite Kirk Ferentz's team. Winning out could strengthen their argument, which would include victories over nationally-ranked Northwestern and likely Wisconsin after the Badgers' win over USC, but that's no guarantee. - Brad Crawford, CBS Sports
While Iowa's College Football Playoff hopes were seriously damaged by last weekend's loss, the Hawkeyes aren't definitively out of the picture.
Iowa has a challenging remaining slate in front of them. Iowa hosts Wisconsin this weekend on Halloween, travels to No. 18 Northwestern, hosts an improved Purdue team, visits Illinois, and then closes against rival Nebraska.
But, if there's no CFP in Iowa's future, a matchup against Alabama is sure to interest Hawkeye fans.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: CBS shares Iowa football bowl projection after Minnesota loss