Didn't search the no-name powerhouses in the nonconference schedule, but it seems like a continuation of not finding decent teams to fill in around other major college teams. There are more quality non B1G teams than usual.
So, don't hold me to this as I don't claim I'm right....but here's what I think we are seeing:
We have 11 non-conference games this year like any other year. Of those 11, 6 of them are decent to really good power conference teams.
1) Seton Hall
2) Clemson
3) TCU or Cal
4) Georgia Tech
5) Duke
6) ISU
1 more is a team connected to the Emerald Coast Classic in Florida....which is 7) Omaha. I have no idea what their team looks like, but they have been pretty tough in the past on occasion.
That leaves us with 4 teams that Iowa had to line up to play.
8) Bethune Cookman 1st actual game of the year
9) NC A & T 2nd actual game of the year and then Seton Hall
10) SE Mo State falls between Wisconsin & Nebraska in mid December (17th)
11) Eastern Ill falls between Wisconsin & Nebraska in mid December (21st)
So I like the strategic location for those on the schedule.....First two are for players to get their start of the season feet wet before hitting a stretch of tough games. The second two come at a point where you've started B10 play, having just played Wisconsin at home (a very important game), and at about the time where they hit the first semester finals?......which we know creates havoc in the practice schedule...maybe gives some time to rest and recuperate from some injuries....
I think this is a good schedule.
