Participating as members of the Big Ten Conference, the Hawkeyes played their home games at Kinnick Stadium and were led by coach Hayden Fry.
The Hawkeyes finished with an overall record of 8–4 (4–4 Big Ten), and earned a victory over Washington in the Sun Bowl.
Northwestern had a magical season, capped by the school's first trip to the Rose Bowl in 46 years.
Sedrick Shaw and Tavian Banks each ran for over 100 yards, as Iowa outgained Washington 229–90 on the ground.
[11] Coaching in his final game, longtime Defensive Coordinator Bill Brashier referred to this Sun Bowl victory as his most memorable.