IOWA CITY, Iowa – The start of another much-anticipated college football season also means another season of weekly predictions from members of the Hawk Fanatic staff.

The pickings were kind of slim for the opening week as many of the Big Ten teams will be matched against huge underdogs, including Iowa.

But, of course, we always include the Hawkeyes because they’re the reason we even have a website.

It would’ve been fun to have picked a winner of the Nebraska at Minnesota game, but due to the wonders of television, we couldn’t because the game, which Minnesota won 13-10 on a last-second field goal, was played on Thursday in Minneapolis.

So, we make do with what is available and here are the first five games to launch the 2023 season:

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Pat Harty’s picks

Iowa 26, Utah State 7: Trailing 24-7 and buried deep in its own territory, Utah State attempts to throw a pass in the closing seconds from its own end zone. Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins charges through a gap in the offensive line and sacks the quarterback for a safety. An ecstatic Brian Ferentz then carries Higgins off the field for helping him meet the 25-point performance incentive in Brian Ferentz’s contrast.

Penn State 31, West Virginia 14: It just occurred to me that I don’t even know who is the head coach for West Virginia. Is it Bob Huggins?

Rutgers 23, Northwestern 15: Kevin Bacon’s role in Animal House should’ve been taken more seriously as a warning sign for the ongoing fight against hazing.

Iowa State 21, Northern Iowa 20: I’m betting this game will be very close. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

LSU 27, Florida State 17: The Seminoles not only will lose, they will also fail to meet the 25-point performance objective in Brian Ferentz’s contract.

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Dallas Jones’ picks

Iowa 24, Utah State 6: I just want to see what Brian Ferentz does if Iowa gets the ball in the second half, up double digits, but only 24 points on the board.

Penn State 30, West Virginia 16: I love a good Big 10 vs Big 12 matchup week one. Better teams wins though.

Rutgers 20, Northwestern 16: Ewh.

Iowa State 17, Northern Iowa 13: Everyone is just here for the tailgating.

LSU, 34, Florida State 17: One day we have to make Florida State earn these early season rankings.

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Rob Howe’s picks

Iowa 33, Utah State 3: New Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara was questionable for this game as recently as Tuesday afternoon. Utah State is questionable on both sides of the ball.

Penn State 35, West Virginia 10: A sneak peak at what Iowa will be facing in a month. Don’t look, Hawkeye fans.

Rutgers 24, Northwestern 10: This game will streamed on Paramount+. The desire to witness this epic class should definitely push subscriptions.

Iowa State 17, Northern Iowa 10: I would not bet on this game.

LSU 27, Florida State 24: The Seminoles try defecting to the SEC after this one – “Please, take us with you!”