Despite an up-and-down season, the Hawkeyes were invited to a January bowl game in Florida for the fourth consecutive year.

With the return of first-team All-Big Ten quarterback Drew Tate,[1] and first-team All-Big Ten linebackers Abdul Hodge[1] and Chad Greenway[1] (a preseason All-American)[2] anchoring the defense, the Hawkeyes were considered national title contenders by some publications.

Indeed, the presence of a running game (the Hawkeyes ranked 115th nationally in rushing in 2004[3] due to injuries) was thought to make Iowa even stronger.

[4] Quarterbacks Running backs Wide receivers Tight ends Offensive line Defensive line Linebackers Defensive backs Kickers Punters The Hawkeyes opened the much-anticipated 2005 season against a Cardinals team that had 13 players suspended for the game.

One of the most memorable plays of the contest came on the Hawkeyes second touchdown as Ed Hinkel took a reverse 20 yards in for a score, jumping over an Illinois defender in the process.

Iowa's defense was smothering in this contest, holding the Badgers to their end of the field for the majority of the game.

Iowa kicked a field goal with 1:24 left in the 4th quarter, which brought the game to a one possession lead by Florida.