Iowa opened the 2000 season with five straight losses, adding to a losing streak that totaled 13 games when the Hawkeyes lost to Indiana on September 30, 2000.

However, the streak came to an end a week later, when the Hawks defeated Michigan State, 21–16, giving Ferentz his first ever Big Ten win as head coach at Iowa.

The Hawks returned two potential starters at quarterback in Kyle McCann and Jon Beutjer,[3] and even received playing time from junior college transfer Brad Banks during the season.

[3] The special teams returned Hill and sophomore Nate Kaeding, who hit 14-of-22 field goals and 20-of-20 extra points during his freshman season.

[8] Quarterback Running back Wide receiver Tight end Offensive line Defensive line Linebacker Defensive back Place Kicker Punter Opening the season on September 1, 2001, the Hawkeyes defeated the Kent State Golden Flashes, 51–0, in front of 56,091 fans at Kinnick Stadium.

[9] On offense, Betts ran for 99 yards, while fellow running back Aaron Greving scored three touchdowns.

[12] Behind a career-high 4 touchdown passes from Kyle McCann, Iowa built a 44–0 lead by the midway point of the third quarter.

[13] [14] [15] In what ended up being the Hawks' most lopsided loss of the season (9 points), Iowa was left to wonder what might have been after their opening drive.

The game was rescheduled for November 24, which turned out to be a natural fit since many other major rivalries were played that weekend.

Iowa finally responded in the third quarter with two touchdowns from Ladell Betts, who also rushed for 150 yards on the day.

The final scoring play of the game came early in the fourth quarter, with Tony Yelk kicking a 32-yard field goal to put the Cyclones up 17–14.