The 1974 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 1974 Big Ten football season. In their first year under head coach Bob Commings, the Hawkeyes compiled a 3âÂÂ8 record (2âÂÂ6 in conference games), finished in a three-way tie for seventh place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 308 to 157.
The 1974 Hawkeyes gained 1,982 rushing yards and 1,193 passing yards. On defense, they gave up 3,180 rushing yards and 723 passing yards.
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Robert Fick (79-of-165 passing, 1,059 yards), running back Jim Jensen (659 rushing yards), Bill Schultz (25 receptions for 432 yards), Rod Wellington (30 points scored), and Dan LeFleur (115 total tackles). Defensive back Earl Douthitt received first-team honors on the 1974 All-Big Ten Conference football team. Douthitt and offensive guard Dan McCarney were the team captains. Fick was selected as the team's most valuable player.
The team played its home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Home attendance totaled 291,600, an average of 48,600 per game.
The victory over the 12th ranked Bruins snapped a 12-game losing streak and was only Iowa's second win in its last 19 games.