the 2018 season will undoubtedly be remembered for close big ten conference losses that cost the hawkeyes another trip to indianapolis. iowa started strong, winning out in non-conference, and once again was able to keep three of the four rivalry trophies in iowa city. however, heartbreaking losses that occurred in three consecutive weeks defined the season. iowa played in the outback bowl for the sixth time, holding on to defeat mississippi state 27-22 for ferentz's fifth january bowl win and eighth overall bowl victory.