Iowa needs to win out to become bowl eligible - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

All things considered, Iowa could be 8-2 on the season.  A few bounces here or there and instead of losses to Iowa State, Central Michigan, Indiana and Purdue, the Hawkeyes would already be bowl eligible and in the Big Ten title hunt.

Now, the Hawkeyes face the daunting task of taking down two of the best teams in the Big Ten, just to reach the six win plateau.

The Hawkeyes need wins against Michigan and Nebraska, which are both 5-1 in the conference.

Iowa's loss to Purdue on Saturday marks the fourth game this season the team has lost by three or fewer points.

If Kirk Ferentz and company fail to take down the Wolverines or Huskers, it'll mark the first time in four seasons, the Hawkeyes will miss a bowl.

"It's tough. Everyone is down. No one is talking," Kevonte Martin-Manley said.  "It's an atmosphere you don't want to be apart of."

"It's not like there are any options here right now.  Nobody is going to throw us a life raft or anything like that," Head Coach Kirk Ferentz added.  "We need to take care of our selves and try to do what we can to do better.  In all areas."