‘Totally irrelevant’ predictions of Iowa Hawkeyes football games

The “totally irrelevant prediction” launched on Twitter in 2015 and evolved into a weekly column in 2017. That 12-0 start to 2015 was a key factor in its initial success, but nailing the first prophecy in 2017 using a simulation of NCAA Football 2004 made it legendary. Yes, the 24-3 Iowa-Wyoming prediction to open that year ended up engraved on the brick walls of Kinnick Stadium by the start of the next season. With 2020’s uncertainty, the column was put on hold, but I found a new outlet to expand my Hawkeyes commentary for the 2021 season.

2023

Tweets

This week's Totally Irrelevant @CitrusBowl Prediction: #Hawkeyes 23, Tennessee 19. The teams combine for 7 field goals and 11 (!) turnovers. The most significant were an Iowa goal-line fumble & an interception by the Hawks' punt returner (played by @EdHinkel) on a fake punt. Wow. pic.twitter.com/PFbG99jAC9

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 29, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 17, Michigan 14. 0-0 with the half winding down, Iowa throws a 39yd TD at :32. 7 seconds later, a 16yd fumble return TD. 14-0 stunner at half & the defense doesn’t yield until late. Improbable, but if anyone can, it's Iowa's D. pic.twitter.com/eBkNwT7BEH

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 29, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 23, Nebraska 13. It starts off like an NBA All-Star Game, with Iowa scoring 2 TD & giving up 2 FG on the 1st 4 possessions. Then some fumbles back & forth bring the pace to a halt & Hawks enter bend, don't break & kick FG mode. pic.twitter.com/brXRaE7PjE

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 23, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 19, Illinois 11. Iowa gets an INT & a fumble on Illini's 1st 2 possessions, but nothing but a safety to show for it after an INT of their own at the 2. Up 5-0 at the half, the Hawks find some offense to pad the lead & hold on. pic.twitter.com/9gQxwI4Oyj

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 17, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 20, Rutgers 14. A shootout by Iowa standards w/ 3 TDs in the 1st quarter. But the key sequence ends the half: After a 48-yd Iowa doink, Rutgers fumbles on next play to give the Hawks a 36-yd 2nd chance & a 10-pt lead to sit on. pic.twitter.com/eLsMSEwSWp

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 10, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 6, Northwestern 3. Wrigley's not on the PS2, but Bank One Ballpark is. Told @BlakeHornTV I was hoping for 26-23 to match @Cubs–@Phillies record. Got a real baseball score instead. Best part? OT. Alert the @SickosCommittee. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/24NG8zHzh4

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 3, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 20, Minnesota 14. Pick sixes of 55 & 74 yards in between punts give Iowa a 7-point halftime lead despite just one first down. Two more turnovers lead to two field goals in the 2nd half – enough for the Hawks to secure the win. pic.twitter.com/MPwBtmohHF

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 20, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 20, Purdue 17. At the half, Iowa trails 3-0 in points & leads 3-0 in turnovers. The Hawks add an INT before getting it together, taking care of the ball & putting points on the board. It's a ground battle won by a field goal. pic.twitter.com/10BXzFBxye

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 5, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 31, Michigan State 14. There’s nothing like the catharsis of “Kinnick After Dark.” Iowa doesn’t win them all, but a good time is usually had by everyone. Two fumble returns for touchdowns help take the pressure off the offense. pic.twitter.com/RJnnGRdT4a

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 29, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 23, Penn State 17. The defense disrupts the backfield all day with 6 sacks & 5 forced fumbles (recovering 2). They bend & break, but only on the first play (a 58-yard TD pass) and in garbage time after a game-sealing pick 6. pic.twitter.com/iRWyp3PdSf

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 20, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 35, Western Michigan 14. The aims are true and the passes aren't dropped, helping Iowa build a larger-than-8-point lead even before the first quarter ends. As we learned last week, that's virtually insurmountable since 2015. pic.twitter.com/iY8ClOz4pa

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 14, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 24, Iowa State 10. This final score is funny in ways my PS2 cannot comprehend. The tight ends have a huge day and the defense forces four fumbles, recovering three. Iowa takes a knee at the 6 after the final recovery to end it. pic.twitter.com/bhBQ0zJjhU

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 8, 2023

This week's Totally Irrelevant Prediction: #Hawkeyes 27, Utah State 7. Iowa's defense dominates. The offense greatly improves, getting 3 touchdowns – and in position for 4 field goal attempts (2 missed). Cruise control activated despite DPO looming large. Just win, baby? pic.twitter.com/nD3ure2bHL

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) August 31, 2023

2022

Tweets

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 13, Badgers 7, OT. After 3 scoreless quarters, Iowa hands the game to "HB #2" – Russell, not Johnson, in NCAA '04. His 10 YPC results in a TD, which Wisconsin matches. Badgers miss FG after false start in OT & Hawks TD wins it. pic.twitter.com/kb5PIYV4we

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 11, 2022

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: Purdue 17, #Hawkeyes 3. Iowa takes a 3-0 lead into half, but the Boilermakers adjust, as they tend to do in this formerly protected rivalry. No Mahoungou, Wright, Bell (or even Jones/Tracy) here. Turnovers & the run game seal a Purdue W. pic.twitter.com/6vSWhtJBnS

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 4, 2022

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 17, Northwestern 12. A busted 3rd down play led to a 23-yard TD pass. Make of that what you will. Next play: 58-yd pick 6 ends 1st half. On a day when they score 2 touchdowns, you (or NU) won't beat the Hawks with field goals. pic.twitter.com/LBrfvVf4wZ

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 28, 2022

Never in 8 seasons has the totally irrelevant prediction seemed so…unlikely: #Hawkeyes 24, Ohio State 0. In NCAA '04, OSU is #1. In real life, these '03 Bucks won 19-10 in a top 10 battle. This week, *pain* is predicted. Yet on this night on this PS2, Iowa's defense dominated. pic.twitter.com/H8X03VjDNC

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 20, 2022

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 15, Illinois 6. Iowa sets the tone early with a 70-yard TD run and 3 sacks & out in the first series on offense & defense. The rest of the game is a grind, highlighted by a safety & a 2-point conversion stop to seal it. pic.twitter.com/fPqg5GFTge

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 7, 2022

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 23, Michigan 16, OT. Iowa scores a TD on its first & last drives. Otherwise, it's all kickers, as the teams combine to go 6-for-6 on field goals. Until… the potential Wolverine winner hit the upright at regulation's end. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/72VFUKArcp

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 29, 2022

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 19, Rutgers 17. The Knights win the field position battle, but Iowa generates just enough to get 4 field goals. In an example of art imitating life, one came after a sure pick 6 was stopped 4 yards short by a toe out of bounds. pic.twitter.com/2vctD99CYK

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 23, 2022

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 20, Nevada 0. The Wolf Pack's run game is surprisingly effective, but when they turn to the air, the #BallHawks pounce. 3 INTs keep Nevada out of the end zone, while Iowa gets there twice on the ground and adds two field goals. pic.twitter.com/iRFTRmck7o

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 16, 2022

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 27, Iowa State 24. Cyclones build a 14-0 lead off turnovers, but ultimately cough up 4 of their own, including Iowa's game-sealing fumble recovery returned 3 yards for a touchdown with 1:59 to play. pic.twitter.com/pTP84WcU93

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 9, 2022

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 35, SDSU 23. Faced w/ same fate as #IowaSim22 – no Jackrabbits in PS2's NCAA 2004 – the TIP turns to PS1's NCAA 2001. I used to customize the sked for strength & still rank 2nd to 2-loss Miami. Now I needed an FCS stand-in. ✅ pic.twitter.com/CQ4SaSU2Ii

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 2, 2022

2021

Columns

• Iowa football: All about stopping the run, establishing the run against Wisconsin
• Iowa football hoping to solve offensive issues by getting the uninvolved involved
• Iowa football: ‘Everything’ still achievable for No. 9 Hawkeyes, with Wisconsin in the way
• Iowa football: 8 bold predictions for the remainder of the season
• Iowa football: After that beating, all you can do is move forward
• Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz has ‘scar tissue’ from losses to Purdue
• Iowa football: It’s time to claim a national championship
• Iowa football: Hawkeyes have pushed through every ‘gritty’ challenge so far
• Iowa football: Hawkeyes storming into uncharted territory
• 5 reasons Iowa will beat Penn State
• Now that Iowa has your attention, here are 10 things you need to know
• Iowa defense’s play is flashy, not its celebrations
• Totally in command of the Big Ten West, No. 3 Iowa seeks greater status vs. No. 4 Penn State
• Iowa quiets the questions in stunning rout at Maryland
• 5 reasons Iowa will win at Maryland
• It’s a trap: Short week, night game, undefeated road opponent present ‘big challenge’ for Iowa
• Iowa football: Saturday’s breakout star might be key to opening up the offense
• Is this really as good as the Iowa offense can get?
• Don’t panic: When in doubt, count on Iowa’s defense
• Iowa football: First meeting with Colorado State features familiar faces and top-notch tight ends
• Iowa’s ‘strong’ offense? Tyler Goodson’s career day just one piece to that puzzle
• Hawkeyes can’t convince everyone, even when they win convincingly
• Iowa football: Reassessing the Hawkeyes after a 3-0 start
• More than good enough: Iowa run game, defense secure victory
• Iowa has more interceptions than anyone — except this week’s opponent
• Hawkeyes thresh Cyclones’ coronation with a combine
• Turnovers turn the tide for Iowa in 6th straight Cy-Hawk win
• 5 bold predictions for Iowa-Iowa State
• 5 reasons Iowa will beat Iowa State
• Familiar feel to Iowa-Iowa State — with higher stakes
• Spencer Petras wasn’t the star, but Iowa’s offense did exactly what it needed to do
• ‘Dream’ start to season for Riley Moss and dominant Iowa defense
• Iowa quickly leaves slow-start talk — and Indiana — in the dust
• 10 takeaways from a 3-hour, 12-minute interview with Iowa OC Brian Ferentz
• Why Iowa is more likely to lose to Indiana than Iowa State, despite FPI, SP+ picks
• Iowa football: Best-case, worst-case scenarios for 2021
• What makes Iowa’s 25-points-or-less defensive streak special — but also worrisome
• 5 biggest concerns I have about Iowa

Tweets

This week's totally irrelevant @CitrusBowl prediction: #Hawkeyes 27, Kentucky 24. A scoreless 1st quarter shifts into shootout mode – at least by Iowa's standards. The Wildcats tie the game late on a pick 6, but the Hawks have just enough time left for a game-winning FG drive. pic.twitter.com/PW5eV111b8

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 30, 2021

This week's totally irrelevant #B1GFCG prediction: #Hawkeyes 17, Michigan 10. Iowa builds a 10-0 lead thanks to stout run defense and just enough offense. Right as the Wolverines are driving for a tie, the ball is popped loose high in the air & fielded for a🏆-sealing 41-yard TD. pic.twitter.com/G8MGhZVrKF

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 3, 2021

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 31, Nebraska 13. Any chance of a one-score game evaporates early as Iowa passes (!) its way to a 21-0 lead. The Huskers make it interesting with a pick 6, but the Hawks pull away with even more success through the air. pic.twitter.com/eblf8taWxb

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 24, 2021

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 27, Illinois 0. The Illini's impressive opening drive ends with a fumble at the 6, and they wouldn't get that close to the end zone again. Iowa turned that 1st of 3 fumbles into a 10-play, 94-yard TD drive & never looked back. pic.twitter.com/WQh99fY0Qq

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 19, 2021

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 20, Minnesota 14. Iowa builds a 13-0 lead but loses it late in the first half after two turnovers are returned for long (73, 69) touchdowns. The Hawks dominate the rest with running, defense and field position to keep Floyd. 🐖 pic.twitter.com/XYEvld9JmW

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 12, 2021

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 20, Northwestern 14. Fumbles set up two touchdowns – including an 80-yard return – as Northwestern takes a 14-0 lead. It's all Iowa after that: Two touchdowns, two field goals and a win some might call underwhelming. But not I. pic.twitter.com/aFXfY4KPqk

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 4, 2021

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 24, Wisconsin 17. “Everybody wants to predict them, but it's not that easy,” Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday. So true. Try using a PS2. Iowa wins the turnover battle 4-2 & holds the Badgers to 3 FGs until a late TD + 2pt conversion. pic.twitter.com/CcnrSICJQL

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 29, 2021

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 24, Purdue 17. Iowa loses the turnover battle thanks to a dreadful 1st half with 2 fumbles and an interception at the 1. A 22-yard scoop & score turns the tide, but it still takes a last-second goal line stand to seal the win. pic.twitter.com/NV4GwIqobP

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 15, 2021

This week’s totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 17, Penn State 7. Defenses in control until Iowa turns to – the triple option? Pick up 3rd & long & a QB TD with it. Traditional playbook dials up 31-yd pass & spinning 17-yd run on 2nd TD drive. Blocked a FG, added a FG. Game. pic.twitter.com/G1nJ4XRdjN

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 8, 2021

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: Maryland 14, #Hawkeyes 0. In my 7 seasons, never seen anything like it. Punts & pass deflections = scoreless half. Iowa didn't convert a 1st down. Didn’t complete a pass until last play of the 3rd (unless you count 2 interceptions). 🤕 pic.twitter.com/K8Gqu112a5

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 30, 2021

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 17, Colorado State 7. Looks underwhelming, right? What if I told you only the Rams made it into the end zone? Yep, that's five field goals & a safety. The defense was dominant & the offense stalled short often. But it’s a win. pic.twitter.com/ANGNznJYiB

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 24, 2021

This week’s totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 21, Kent State 14. Both teams get 3 interceptions, but Iowa's 2 fumble recoveries make the difference. The Hawks have a 59-yard TD pass called back by a hold, miss a field goal and get duped on a late fake for the final margin. pic.twitter.com/996u19QbpK

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 17, 2021

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 23, Iowa State 13. Cyclones' promising opening drive ends in INT at the 1. An 85-yard TD pass to the RB, a muffed kickoff, a safety & another RB TD builds Hawks' 16-0 lead at half. Coasted w/ punts & field position from there. pic.twitter.com/7oMecIQvJx

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 10, 2021

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 28, Indiana 24. A beautifully balanced attack builds a 21-7 lead at the half. 6 sacks and a fumble recovery help. A lot. The second half is less aggressive on both sides of the ball, but Iowa hangs on for the #B1G win at home. pic.twitter.com/ku3bMpIM45

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 3, 2021

2020

Back to tweets only

The totally *obsolete* @MusicCityBowl prediction: #Hawkeyes 30, Missouri 29. Boring (2 FG & TD) vs. big plays (70, 68) for 3 quarters. But sparks fly in 4th, with 3 lead changes. Fake punt for 38yd Iowa TD & 9pt lead. Mizzou w/ 2 quick scores (28, 53). Hawks finish it w/ 83yd TD. pic.twitter.com/ODe33RNUpr

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 30, 2020

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: Wisconsin 17, #Hawkeyes 14. Nothing went their way, but it looked like the Hawks found a way — until the final minute. Then disaster struck. After 2nd missed FG, Badgers respond with a 2nd 60+ TD pass to tie. Iowa fumbles at 28. FG. 😐 pic.twitter.com/PzW9KLOCBo

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 12, 2020

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 34, Illinois 6. The defense & great field position help Iowa build a 14-0 lead at the half, but the exclamation point comes early as the Illini fumble the second half kickoff. The Hawks return it for a TD and cruise from there. pic.twitter.com/R5lkASAFR6

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 5, 2020

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 14, Nebraska 7. The teams trade punts in the first half & interceptions in the second. The Huskers strike first, but the Hawks strike harder, with one of their 3 (!) goal-line INTs being returned 100 yards for the final margin. pic.twitter.com/NcpkD8pJqH

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 27, 2020

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: Penn State 16, #Hawkeyes 3, OT. How? Well, an Iowa FG ends the half & it holds until 1:40 left in a game of good runs, bad passes & frequent fumbles. The above double drop brings OT. Lions TD + Hawks 96-yard pick 6 = 13-point OT loss. pic.twitter.com/cms2Gr5MCD

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 21, 2020

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 41, Minnesota 35, OT. Teams trade TDs of 41, 20, 83, 32, 52, 15, 32, 24, 66 & 48. All air, no ground. Fumble at 30 w/ :34 left looks deadly, but sacks push Gophers out of FG range. Sacks continue in OT & Iowa grinds way to a W. pic.twitter.com/jOdiFIraLp

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 13, 2020

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 23, Michigan State 21. Iowa's 17-0 lead (I know) is erased with :46 left. QB fumbles as sacked & injured in end zone. 21-17 vs. 17-16 w/ safety. Backup QB drives to 16 & WR fumbles. Recovered at :01 & that ugly pass ⬆️ wins it. pic.twitter.com/RDIZT8m94H

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 7, 2020

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 24, Northwestern 17. It's all Wildcats until an 87-yard INT return gets Iowa within a TD before half. After 17 unanswered, NU pulls even with a FG. OT looks locked until a shank gives Hawks a short field & they score with :04. pic.twitter.com/E9fjsPEZuf

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 31, 2020

Never has the "totally irrelevant prediction" been less relevant. Yet here it is, back for a 6th season. The offense is offensive as both defenses score. Iowa pulls away thanks to a big arm, sure hands & a strong leg. #Hawkeyes 20, Purdue 10 pic.twitter.com/RAlq2UgC85

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 24, 2020

2019

Columns

• Hawkeye HQ predictions & pregame: Appreciate these Holiday Bowl Hawkeyes
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Nebraska doesn’t want ‘Bama or Iowa
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: A forgotten rivalry renewed?
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Gophers party like it’s 1999 — or 2015
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Embrace the sticky
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Fitz won’t give Hawks fits this time
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Hawks are who you thought they were
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Another golden opportunity
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Never underestimate how overrated Michigan can be
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: How we spent our football vacation
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Is this the biggest CyHawk game yet?
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Get familiar with Rutgers … and wins
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Will one of these scores end up on Kinnick’s walls?

Tweets

This week's totally irrelevant @HolidayBowl prediction: #Hawkeyes 47, USC 14. Tied at the break, the Iowa defense shuts out the Trojans and forces four fumbles in the second half, helping lead the Hawks to 3 TDs, 4 FGs and a commanding win in San Diego. pic.twitter.com/75MMOGJDXV

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 25, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 28, Nebraska 20. No weather was simulated, but this game was still sloppy. Hawkeyes fumble on first play, one of 4 Iowa turnovers. Huskers build a 14-7 halftime lead, but 3 fumbles of their own turn the game around. pic.twitter.com/E67k8eHr4N

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 28, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 24, Illinois 22. From 63-0 to near-upset a year later. The Illini go for 2 and take the lead late in the 4th, but leave just enough time for a go-ahead field goal and dagger interception on a desperation heave. pic.twitter.com/9zkmPtyuda

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 22, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: Minnesota 25, #Hawkeyes 20. Iowa returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown. As we learned in the 2003 Orange Bowl, it's always a good thing, but doesn't guarantee a win. The Gophers rally in the 4th, with their *2nd* safety sealing it. pic.twitter.com/KgYGlm4scT

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 15, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: Wisconsin 14, #Hawkeyes 12. A dropped 2-point conversion looked deadly late (after 2 miracle 4th & long conversions), but a 42-yard field goal missed short gave Iowa life. The Hawks' third turnover ended it in less-than-dramatic fashion. pic.twitter.com/MLwH65W74m

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 8, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 16, Northwestern 7. A fumble on the opening drive is ominous for Iowa, but they finally punch it in before the end of the half and add three field goals in the second half to win a battle of field position on the road. pic.twitter.com/VFeQpvpYrE

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 25, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: Purdue 14, #Hawkeyes 7. A 69-yard pick six on Iowa's first pass ends up being the difference as the Hawks establish the run, but not much else. pic.twitter.com/EEfqxXybCs

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 18, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: Penn State 25, #Hawkeyes 17, 4OT. Iowa avoids another 10-3 loss with a last-minute TD, but it still leads to one-possession heartbreak. Both teams fail to score in two of the OTs & the Hawks fall 3 yards short of the end zone at the end. pic.twitter.com/mxZgu61ocQ

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 11, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 21, Michigan 14. Down for most of this slog, a 31-yd pass on 3rd down in a 12-play, 74-yd drive gave Iowa life late in 4th. After tying it at :52, a 29-yd pick-6 came 7 seconds later. Iowa survives 3 last-second end zone drops. pic.twitter.com/KzsgLOovqI

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 4, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 49, Middle Tennessee 7. Tied at 7 after one quarter, Iowa pulls away with interceptions & 30-yard pass plays setting up rushing touchdowns in the 1st half, then pass TDs of 66, 80 & 88 yards to finish it off in the 2nd half. pic.twitter.com/Cl7UwmnMzc

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 27, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 24, Iowa State 6. Injuries slow the passing game, but the rushing and defense step up, starting with an 80-yard TD run and ending with an 85-yard, clock-eating TD drive after a dagger interception. pic.twitter.com/13NDebypTZ

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 13, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 44, Rutgers 21. Big plays carry Iowa, from a 69-yard TD run on the 2nd play to a 24-yard INT return TD to end the game — with an 83-yard punt return TD in between. Only miscues: Missed FG, missed XP & slightly porous pass D. pic.twitter.com/MqcEbl2pkn

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 6, 2019

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 30, Miami-Ohio 10. The run game carries the offense after an injury to the starting quarterback, but it's the defense that wins the game. A 96-yard interception return as time expires provides the exclamation point. pic.twitter.com/6BJ7X5fU0n

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) August 30, 2019

2018

Columns

• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: January bowl not always a good thing for Iowa
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Senior sweep for Hawkeyes
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: No ‘ship, but ship righted
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Secret weapon prevents losing streak
• Hawkeye HQ predictions and pregame: Bouncing back on the road… barely
• Hawkeye HQ predictions & pregame: Suspense in State College
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Don’t fear the turtle
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Sweet road Indiana
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Floyd of Rosedale returns to Iowa
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Just enough Kinnick After Dark
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Experts don’t view Panthers as threat
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: It’s still a Hawkeye state
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Optimism in Iowa

Tweets

This week's totally irrelevant @outbackbowl prediction: Mississippi State 20, #Hawkeyes 17, OT. Injuries everywhere. The 4th string quarterback gets Iowa to overtime with his one-and-only wobbly completion, but fumbles on 4th down and 1 at the 3 in OT. Ouch. #FootballInParadise pic.twitter.com/xFIzkTrso1

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 31, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 35, Nebraska 18. Iowa capitalizes on turnovers & takes command in 3rd quarter. A strong pass game moves Hawks downfield deep into the red zone & the starting RB punches it in 4 times. Highlight is interception by punt returner. pic.twitter.com/5mA4Azkmsc

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 22, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 64, Illinois 0. CPU passes the sticks early & I air it out to tight ends. 8 TDs & 4 INTs. Illini's 1st 4 drives: Fumble, fumble, missed FG, fumble. 40-0 lead at half built w/ fake FG TD & fumble safety. #HawksByAMillion or 64. pic.twitter.com/96OD6X1ycY

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 16, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 31, Northwestern 21. Some are expecting big games from Iowa tight ends, but this sim belongs to a running back. 169 rushing yards, 47 receiving & 3 TDs. Biggest moment was NU's game-tying FG attempt hitting the right upright. pic.twitter.com/QaZALNCrLu

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 9, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: Purdue 34, #Hawkeyes 31, 2OT. Iowa's 1st drive ends with 84-yard interception return for TD. 2nd drive: INT. 3rd: Missed FG. Very next play: Tipped 58-yard TD pass. Hawks fight back, trade scores, tie it, but give up 2 25-yard TDs in OT. pic.twitter.com/QR05Tbnp08

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 2, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 9, Penn State 0. Lions fumble away first 3 drives, but Iowa can't capitalize. Hawks finally break through with FG as time expires in half. PSU misses a game-tying attempt late in 3rd and Iowa pulls away with 2 more FGs in 4th. pic.twitter.com/eDGHwDv3kM

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 25, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 57, Maryland 23. Big plays dominate, as Iowa scores on passes of 62, 86 & 54 yards, but the defense comes up huge. 4 of their 7 turnovers are returned for TDs: 7-, 56- & 79-yard fumbles & 46-yard interception. 31 points in 4th. pic.twitter.com/GFM8UK5vfE

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 18, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 28, Indiana 17. 3 sacks & a stopped fake punt help Hoosiers strike 1st w/ FG, but Hawks answer with 74-, 75- & 32-yard TD passes for 21 consecutive points. It gets interesting late, but a fumble at the 10 sets up final Iowa TD. pic.twitter.com/7mXcHsrx5c

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 13, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 32, Minnesota 28. The Gophers build a 21-6 lead off 2 interceptions and a surprisingly dominant run game, but Iowa fights back through the air. A 1-yard fullback plunge with 0:05 left gives the Hawks their first and final lead. pic.twitter.com/VkzBO7Duee

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 5, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 9, Badgers 0. FG miss on 1st drive is Wisconsin’s best chance to score as 20 MPH crosswinds keep both teams under 100 passing yards. No one reaches endzone. Only Hawks hit *red* zone, icing the W with a short FG on last drive. pic.twitter.com/bikuy1RC2M

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 21, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 37, UNI 14. One back with 4 rushing touchdowns, including a 72-yarder on the first play. Defense delivers 7 sacks & only gives up a garbage time TD. Other score was on a fake FG. A safety with :07 left is the cherry on top. pic.twitter.com/MVJs6PhFwn

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 15, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 17, Iowa State 10. Play-action & sacks secure a 10-0 Iowa lead at the break, but Iowa State finds its passing game & pulls even late. The Hawkeyes uncharacteristically take to the air & a 37-yard TD with :31 left seals it. pic.twitter.com/et6317nvm3

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 7, 2018

This week's totally irrelevant prediction via NCAA 2004 on a PS2: #Hawkeyes 35, Northern Illinois 21. Iowa's starting QB gets injured on the last play of a scoreless first quarter, but his backup throws for 373 in the last three, 107 to the primary tight end. pic.twitter.com/NS6dyN5zok

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 1, 2018

2017

Columns

• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Iowa ends bowl slump in Bronx
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Hawks find way to road win
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Hawkeyes can handle Purdue
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Upset unlikely at Wisconsin
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Looking good in a loss
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: One-sided rivalry in Iowa City
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: First B1G road win in reach
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: No one doubting Iowa this week
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Close as always, but a win
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: A disappointed full house
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Who will pick North Texas?
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Confidence follows perfection
• Hawkeye HQ predictions: Pain index is low

Tweets

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 15, Boston College 14. A @PinstripeBowl walk-off win in @yankeestadium… on a 27-yard TD pass and 2-point conversion. pic.twitter.com/jeoMs3XiUm

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 26, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 14, Nebraska 7. Offense inept, but defense pulls off goal-line stand in final seconds. pic.twitter.com/cMli6ksrCf

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 22, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 10, Purdue 7. Offense stays offensive but gets enough done to make D's effort hold up. pic.twitter.com/ziz6JszSym

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 17, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 35, Wisconsin 21. Iowa's 1st play — a 72-yard TD run — sets tone for a big play day. pic.twitter.com/dK3TN6fhaL

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 10, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: Ohio State 21, #Hawkeyes 7. 3 turnovers inside the 10 (1 returned for 95-yard pick 6) dig a hole. pic.twitter.com/2xSaQ2BYiv

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 3, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 35, Minnesota 7. Defense dominates (9 sacks, 3 FF), offense airs it out. 2 WR w/ 100+ 🐖 pic.twitter.com/8NNwDxt7WU

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 27, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 34, Northwestern 7. Grinded out win by running ball, stopping run & forcing turnovers. pic.twitter.com/yECNpIyeib

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 20, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 23, Illinois 17. Ate clock & yards grinding thru middle of field. Only score was close. pic.twitter.com/0DtdEFArdX

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 6, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: Michigan State 24, #Hawkeyes 21. Costly turnovers & untimely penalties. Lose to Spartans by 3? 😩 pic.twitter.com/0Xrbndybos

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 29, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 55, Penn State 46. TD strikes of 76 & 81 in 1st quarter set the tone. Then it got wild. pic.twitter.com/k2oDuPJPF4

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 22, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 20, North Texas 10. Nothing was working except passes to the tight ends. pic.twitter.com/GdohSkSeBW

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 15, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction: #Hawkeyes 29, Iowa State 0. With only one trip to the redzone that ended in an endzone INT (!) pic.twitter.com/8xtqnIruut

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 8, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction using NCAA Football 2004: #Hawkeyes 24, Wyoming 3. At night. In snow. See? Irrelevant. Or is it? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/62HdWTQVc5

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 1, 2017

2016

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004: Beautiful, yet brutal. #Hawkeyes 18, Florida 0 pic.twitter.com/uG4NyOt0Gk

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) January 2, 2017

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004: #Hawkeyes 40, Illinois 14. Kickoff returned 99 & the rest was 🔥. pic.twitter.com/5LprE5dkw8

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 19, 2016

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004: Michigan 13, #Hawkeyes 7. 4 turnovers. No O. Only TD 46-yd INT. 😒 pic.twitter.com/ky3VbVbcfo

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 12, 2016

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004: #Hawkeyes 14, Penn State 5. pic.twitter.com/zjNnJLQ26r

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 5, 2016

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004: #Hawkeyes 10, Wisconsin 7. 4 redzone fumbles. Last-second FG. pic.twitter.com/oMjfPKu1ib

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 22, 2016

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004: #Hawkeyes 17, Purdue 3 pic.twitter.com/GVegwQXIvr

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 15, 2016

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004: #Hawkeyes 23, Minnesota 21. Overcame 5 turnovers. Last-second FG. pic.twitter.com/kdqVwWsZ1L

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 8, 2016

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004: Like last week, with more field goals. #Hawkeyes 9, Northwestern 7 pic.twitter.com/tx44zpOfut

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 1, 2016

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004: #Hawkeyes 34, Rutgers 0 pic.twitter.com/svDD4RxmF6

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 24, 2016

Irrelevant NCAA 2004 prediction: NDSU isn't "in the game," so went with ND. #Hawkeyes 10, Notre Dame 6. Same thing? pic.twitter.com/aN48tNR8r5

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 17, 2016

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. Strong finish. #Hawkeyes 24, Iowa State 0 pic.twitter.com/eoh4e7GGoA

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 10, 2016

Last week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. #Hawkeyes 12, Miami (Ohio) 10. #forgot pic.twitter.com/UlUhHIeZ3n

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 10, 2016

2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. #Hawkeyes 20, Stanford 14. #RoseBowl pic.twitter.com/rdod4Y4Sne

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) January 1, 2016

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. 13 and oh my! #Hawkeyes 59, Michigan St 7 pic.twitter.com/aEVR3V84Qi

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) December 5, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. 12-0? Yes, 12-0. #Hawkeyes 28, Nebraska 14 pic.twitter.com/t7UfUWvtTJ

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 27, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. 11-0 is 11-0. #Hawkeyes 13, Purdue 3 pic.twitter.com/QquyIUvO6k

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 21, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. Floyd and 10-0. #Hawkeyes 30, Minnesota 13 pic.twitter.com/JY2hjZRA23

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 14, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. #Hawkeyes 24, Indiana 0 pic.twitter.com/Jan0ejp1Is

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) November 7, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. #Hawkeyes 24, Maryland 17 pic.twitter.com/fGfippOrsx

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 31, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. #Hawkeyes 38, Northwestern 7 pic.twitter.com/tjBjeThrBZ

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 17, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. Do you like defense? #Hawkeyes 6, Illini 3 pic.twitter.com/vCZRhhvfsA

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 10, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. Oh my. #Hawkeyes 22, Wisconsin 21 pic.twitter.com/BnTLH376PK

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) October 3, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. Ooh, shutout? #Hawkeyes 21, North Texas 0 pic.twitter.com/hB96BvWrHs

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 26, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of NCAA Football 2004. #Hawkeyes 10, Pitt 7 pic.twitter.com/RwvqoCQwV5

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 19, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of @EASPORTS NCAA Football 2004. #Hawkeyes 30, Iowa State 15. pic.twitter.com/TCg5N2FLLj

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 12, 2015

This week's totally irrelevant prediction courtesy of @EASPORTS NCAA Football 2004. #Hawkeyes 24, Illinois State 3. pic.twitter.com/IWhSzVErCZ

— Ryan M. Jaster (@Hawkologist) September 5, 2015