Kirk Ferentz is optimistic about Iowa's passing game in 2026. That's cute. Meanwhile Capital Crusaders is sitting here with the toughest non-conference schedule in the OAC by SP+ and nobody wants to talk about how that actually prepares a team for November. Iowa plays in a division where they can hide a mediocre passing attack behind defense and special teams. Capital doesn't have that luxury. Our strength of schedule forces us to be complete or get exposed early.
The OAC's best path to playoff relevance runs through programs that schedule aggressively. Capital's 2026 slate includes two Power Four opponents and a top-25 FCS program. That's three games where our numbers get tested before conference play even starts. Iowa can take September to figure out their passing game because their schedule allows it. Capital has to have answers in Week 1.