Iowa missed their shot in 2015, with a lone B1G loss in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Put Alabama and Clemson in for 2021, right? But, the other two pieces may be more questions for 2021. Or, are you ready to say Oklahoma is going to be back in the CFP, with their first year starting QB becoming a sophomore in 2021?
Most appearances in the College Football Playoff:
Alabama was the only school to appear in each of the first five Playoffs. The Tide lost to Ohio State in the semifinals in their 2014 debut before advancing to the title game the next four years. Alabama missed the 2019 College Football Playoff, but rebounded with another national championship in 2020.
Iowa returns their first year starter at QB in 2021, as well. The Hawkeyes should return a good mix of letter winners in all three phases of the game, and are coming off a six game winning streak.
The Hawkeyes may open 2021 against back to back Top 10 programs. Indiana may be a question for the Top 10, but Iowa State likely will open 2021 as one.
Of course, Iowa may be a Top 10 program, as well. NCAA.com site lists ISU, IU and Iowa all from #5 to #9 and #10.
The 2021 Iowa-ISU game could match two Top 10 programs, let alone the fact, the Cy-Hawk series has never been a Top 25 match-up ever. For the first time, since the 1977 renewal game, the two teams finished 2020 without a head to head match-up.
Iowa returns the best player. The number 12 player per PFF College, who will return for 2021.
C TYLER LINDERBAUM, IOWA
"Two years ago, Linderbaum had just finished up his first season at Iowa as a defensive tackle. Now, he has just wrapped up a season in which he led all FBS centers in PFF grade, at 91.5. Yes, you read that correctly. He produced the best single-season grade we have given to a Power 5 center this season since former Arkansas Razorback and current Detroit Lion Frank Ragnow back in 2016. Linderbaum's physical tools are off the charts, and if he adds a bit more strength to his frame, he can really take his play to the next level."
No other Cy-Hawk players were listed. Two Northwestern players were mentioned.
One huge missing player for Iowa in 2021 will be consensus All-American DT Daviyon Nixon. On the flip side, Iowa State will be without record setting DE Jaquan Bailey on the EDGE.
Iowa has won six straight as a team to close out 2020, and enter 2021 with a five game winning streak over the Cyclones.
Athlon Sports likes Wisconsin back as leader in the B1G next up, after Ohio State for 2021.
Fox's Joel Klatt likes both Iowa State and Indiana in his Top 10.
Should be an interesting off season for College Football.
Does Iowa find and land a fifth scholarship running back for the Class of 2021. The Hawkeyes have only four running backs on scholarship.
Put Alabama and Clemson in for 2021, right? But, the other two pieces may be more questions for 2021. Or, are you ready to say Oklahoma is going to be back in the CFP, with their first year starting QB becoming a sophomore in 2021?
Most appearances in the College Football Playoff:
| SCHOOL | APPEARANCES | YEARS |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 6 | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 |
| Clemson | 6 | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Oklahoma | 4 | 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Ohio State | 4 | 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020 |
| Notre Dame | 2 | 2018, 2020 |
| Georgia | 1 | 2017 |
| Oregon | 1 | 2014 |
| Florida State | 1 | 2014 |
| LSU | 1 | 2019 |
| Michigan State | 1 | 2015 |
| Washington | 1 | 2016 |
Alabama was the only school to appear in each of the first five Playoffs. The Tide lost to Ohio State in the semifinals in their 2014 debut before advancing to the title game the next four years. Alabama missed the 2019 College Football Playoff, but rebounded with another national championship in 2020.
Iowa returns their first year starter at QB in 2021, as well. The Hawkeyes should return a good mix of letter winners in all three phases of the game, and are coming off a six game winning streak.
The Hawkeyes may open 2021 against back to back Top 10 programs. Indiana may be a question for the Top 10, but Iowa State likely will open 2021 as one.
Of course, Iowa may be a Top 10 program, as well. NCAA.com site lists ISU, IU and Iowa all from #5 to #9 and #10.
The 2021 Iowa-ISU game could match two Top 10 programs, let alone the fact, the Cy-Hawk series has never been a Top 25 match-up ever. For the first time, since the 1977 renewal game, the two teams finished 2020 without a head to head match-up.
Iowa returns the best player. The number 12 player per PFF College, who will return for 2021.
C TYLER LINDERBAUM, IOWA
"Two years ago, Linderbaum had just finished up his first season at Iowa as a defensive tackle. Now, he has just wrapped up a season in which he led all FBS centers in PFF grade, at 91.5. Yes, you read that correctly. He produced the best single-season grade we have given to a Power 5 center this season since former Arkansas Razorback and current Detroit Lion Frank Ragnow back in 2016. Linderbaum's physical tools are off the charts, and if he adds a bit more strength to his frame, he can really take his play to the next level."
No other Cy-Hawk players were listed. Two Northwestern players were mentioned.
One huge missing player for Iowa in 2021 will be consensus All-American DT Daviyon Nixon. On the flip side, Iowa State will be without record setting DE Jaquan Bailey on the EDGE.
Iowa has won six straight as a team to close out 2020, and enter 2021 with a five game winning streak over the Cyclones.
Athlon Sports likes Wisconsin back as leader in the B1G next up, after Ohio State for 2021.
Fox's Joel Klatt likes both Iowa State and Indiana in his Top 10.
Should be an interesting off season for College Football.
Does Iowa find and land a fifth scholarship running back for the Class of 2021. The Hawkeyes have only four running backs on scholarship.
