While the loss to Iowa State hurts more than most, Iowa showed subtle improvements between weeks one and two.
The passing game was still underwhelming, but starting quarterback Mark Gronowski looked more comfortable, and the offense was able to sustain a few long drives.
In rivalry games, you can disregard rankings, home-field advantage, and any history entering the game, because they will always be hard-fought. The offense was outgained by the Cyclone offense (214 to 238), but the sustained drives were encouraging.
While it is all doom and gloom in Iowa City right now, here are three reasons why Iowa can turn it around this season.