in 2007, ferentz' hawkeyes started 2–4 and lost their first three conference games. an upset victory over illinois ended a nine-game conference losing streak for iowa, and the hawkeyes closed out the big ten season by winning their last three conference games. however, a disappointing loss in the season finale to western michigan dropped the hawkeyes' season record to 6–6. though iowa was bowl-eligible, the hawkeyes did not receive a bowl bid, snapping iowa's streak of six consecutive bowl appearances.