The 1977 Iowa Hawkeyes football team was an American football team that represented the University of Iowa as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 1977 Big Ten football season. In their fourth year under head coach Bob Commings, the Hawkeyes compiled a 5–6 record (3–5 in conference games), tied for sixth place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 229 to 171.
The 1977 Hawkeyes gained 1,562 rushing yards and 1,276 passing yards. On defense, they gave up 1,992 rushing yards and 1,500 passing yards.2022 Iowa Football Media Guide, p. 161. The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Tom McLaughlin (78-of-152 passing for 1,081 yards), running back Jon Lazar (411 rushing yards), Mike Brady (26 receptions for 357 yards), and kicker Dave Holsclaw (39 points scored).2022 Iowa Football Media Guide, pp. 278-280. Linebacker Tom Rusk set Iowa's single-season record (still intact) with 105 solo tackles during the 1977 season;2022 Iowa Football Media Guide, p. 265. he also received first-team All-Big Ten honors. Center Jim Hilgenberg and linebacker Dean Moore were the team captains.2022 Iowa Football Media Guide, p. 220. Moore and defensive back Rod Sears were selected as the team's most valuable players.2022 Iowa Football Media Guide, p. 222.
The team played its home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Home attendance totaled 377,410, an average of 53,916 per game.2022 Iowa Football Media Guide, p. 260.
Schedule
Game summaries Northwestern
Source: Box score
Iowa State
Source: Box score
Arizona
At UCLA
Minnesota
Ohio State
At Michigan
At Wisconsin
Iowa's 24–8 triumph in Madison started an 18–game unbeaten streak (17–0–1) against the Badgers.
Michigan State
Source: Game recap
Roster
References