2019 was overall a great year for iowa. the hawkeyes started 4-0, and went undefeated against non-conference opponents. after back-to-back losses against big ten powerhouses michigan and penn state it looked like it could be a lost season for the team. iowa rallied, winning five of their last six games but yet another loss to archrival wisconsin meant that a big ten west division title eluded the program. the hawkeyes played in the holiday bowl against usc. in the first match-up between the trojans and hawkeyes since the 2003 orange bowl iowa outplayed usc in a shootout 49-24. the victory gave the program ten wins for the sixth time under ferentz. the team was also able to accomplish a distinction that hadn't been done since 1991, they both started and finished the season in the top 25 national rankings without dropping out.