in 2016, iowa suffered numerous injuries which derailed them in the earlier part of the season. however, they finished strong beating #3 michigan, and prevailed over #16 nebraska, finishing with an 8-4 record. the iowa offensive line was awarded the joe moore award. this award was especially significant because moore was a lifelong mentor to ferentz, and the team had to overcome a great deal to win it. iowa was selected to play in the outback bowl for the fifth time under ferentz, where they lost to the florida gators 30-3. following the loss to the gators the hawkeyes fell to 0-5 in their last five bowl games, getting outscored 172-75 in those contests.