2021-2022 CFB Big Ten West preview: Key players, schedule, predictions 

Iowa Hawkeyes: Big Ten West

Iowa Hawkeyes celebrate a big win against Minnesota

The Iowa Hawkeyes fell one game short of the Big Ten Championship game in 2020.

Iowa enters the 2021-2022 season as the favorite to represent the Big Ten West in the conference championship game. After the Hawkeyes lost their first two games last season, Iowa racked up six straight wins. Unfortunately, the Hawkeyes lost two games to Big Ten West teams, which hurt their chances at making the championship game.

There's a big question hanging over the Iowa Hawkeyes heading into the 2021 season. Can they live up to their preseason prediction of a Big Ten championship game appearance?

Here's a quick look at the strengths and weaknesses of the Iowa Hawkeyes heading into the 2021-2022 season.

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2021-2022 Big Ten West Conference preview: Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa Hawkeyes QB Spencer Petras

Iowa's strengths: The Iowa Hawkeyes are entering the 2021 season with a top-three secondary in the Big Ten. Another strength heading into the upcoming season is the Hawkeyes' offensive line. The two position groups rank in the top three of the Big Ten conference.

Start your Tuesday with a touchdown.@spencerpetras ➡ @Samlaporta#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/nA8TPUGLZc

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) June 29, 2021

Iowa's weaknesses: The Hawkeyes have lost a lot of talent at wide receiver and Spencer Petras isn't the most accurate passer. This development tags the Iowa offense as the weakest area outside of their offensive line. Iowa ranks 13th at quarterback, 12th in receiving, and 9th at running back in the Big Ten.

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Iowa Hawkeyes key players: Offense

C: Tyler Linderbaum - The Hawkeyes are returning the best offensive linemen in college football. Linderbaum started on the defensive side of the ball before making the jump to offense. Since making the jump, Linderbaum has flourished.

G: Kyler Schott - Former walk-on Kyler Schott suffered an injury that kept him on the sidelines for most of 2020. Schott only allowed one pressure after returning from injury.

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Iowa Hawkeyes key players: Defense

CB: Riley Moss - Iowa has the perfect defensive scheme for Riley Moss. The Hawkeyes run a lot of zone coverage. Moss finished the 2020 season as one of the top zone corners in the Big Ten and college football.

CB: Xavior Williams - The Hawkeyes were handed a boost when Xavior Williams made the jump from the FCS to the Big Ten. Williams was one of the best cornerbacks for Northern Iowa. He's one of the many reasons behind the Hawkeyes' top-three rankings at corner in the Big Ten.

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2021-2022 Iowas Hawkeyes schedule

Week 1: Saturday, September 4 vs. Indiana Hoosiers

Week 2: Saturday, September 11 at Iowa State Cyclones

Week 3: Saturday, September 18 vs. Kent State Golden Flashes

Week 4: Saturday, September 25 vs. Colorado State Rams

Week 5: Friday, October 1 at Maryland Terapins

Week 6: Saturday, October 9 vs. Penn State Nittany Lions

Week 7: Saturday, October 16 vs. Purdue Boilermakers

Week 8: Saturday, October 30 at Wisconsin Badgers

Week 9: Saturday, November 6 at Northwestern Wildcats

Week 10: Saturday, November 13 vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Week 11: Saturday, November 20 vs. Illinois Fighting Illini

Week 12: Friday, November 26 at Nebraska Cornhuskers

It’s official. Kinnick Stadium is back to full capacity for the 2021-22 season!#Hawkeyespic.twitter.com/8NWHqNThoh

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) July 2, 2021

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2021-2022 Iowa Hawkeyes prediction (10-2 overall, 8-1 Big Ten)

The Iowa Hawkeyes have a tough Week 2 matchup against in-state rival Iowa State. Iowa will only lose two games during the 2021 season, and Week 2 is one of those games. The Hawkeyes's second loss will likely be painful.

Iowa travels to Wisconsin on October 30. Both teams will be undefeated in Big Ten. The Hawkeyes will fall to the Badgers by less than a touchdown and miss the Big Ten Championship game again.