Iowa football moves up in rankings ahead of highly-anticipated clash with Penn State

IOWA CITY — Iowa football has moved up in multiple major polls.

The Hawkeyes checked in at No. 24 in the newest AP poll (up from No. 25 last week). They are also No. 22 in the newest US LBM Coaches Poll (up from No. 24 last week).

The Hawkeyes are off to a 3-0 start this season, beating Utah State, Iowa State and, most recently, Western Michigan. After getting off to a slow start against Western Michigan on Saturday, Iowa put on a dominant performance, routing the Broncos 41-10. The Hawkeyes did it behind an impressive rushing attack, totaling 254 yards on the ground.

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Is Iowa the real deal? The Hawkeyes' next game should provide an indication.

Iowa's 2023 Big Ten opener is quite a challenge. Iowa goes on the road to a difficult environment at Penn State. The Nittany Lions are also 3-0 and come in at No. 7 in both the AP and US LBM Coaches Polls.

Besides Iowa and Penn State, other Big Ten teams in the newest rankings are Michigan (No. 2 in both AP, coaches) and Ohio State (No. 6 in AP, No. 4 in coaches).

The Big Ten West is wide open, and might actually be worse than expected. The Hawkeyes are the only Big Ten West team ranked in the top 25 of either poll.

Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact via email at ttachman@gannett.com