Greg McElroy leans to Iowa over Washington to hit win total in 2024

For the second straight season, the Iowa offense will be one of the most watched units in college football. There seems to be a bit more optimism in 2024 though after Brian Ferentz did not complete the drive to 325. Tim Lester is now the Iowa offensive coordinator after previously being the Western Michigan head coach.

Nobody is asking for the Hawkeyes’ offense to be elite. Nor should the expectations be at that level. But if Iowa can just somewhere around the middle of the road — or maybe even a little lower — they have a chance of being a really good football team.

Iowa has continually produced an elite offense. A capable offense has been missing for years, though.

“I think the offense is going to be a lot better,” ESPN’s Greg McElroy said. “Defensively, they’re going to be Iowa. You know they’re going to be just fine there. But how much can the offense be? They’ve been in the 100s for as long as I remember. Can they get to the 80s? 70s? 60s?”

McElroy was then asked about a hypothetical — who is more likely to hit the over on their win total, Iowa or Washington? Both currently sit at 7.5 but McElroy decided to go with the Hawkeyes. Their familiarity with the Big Ten and what it takes to win pushed him over the edge.

“They’re more familiar with the league,” McElroy said. “I think their ability to slow the game down with an improved offensive attack… I think their familiarity with the league and understanding of what it takes to win in the league with line of scrimmage play that is elevated in the Big Ten makes me lean Iowa, at least here in 2024.”

On3’s Jesse Simonton agrees with McElroy, saying 7.5 was too low of a total for Iowa and too low for Washington.

While they might be coming off a national championship in Seattle, the regime is completely new with head coach Jedd Fisch now at the helm. The outside changes are just as drastic as the ones taking inside in the program as the Huskies look completely different heading into 2024.

Everything with Iowa depends on how the offense performs. Showing any sign of life means a pretty good city could take place and maybe surprise a few folks. Otherwise, it’s the same story written once again due to a consistently poor offensive output.