1981 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

The 1981 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa in the 1981 college football season. The Hawks were 6-2 in conference play and were Big Ten co-champions. Iowa went to the Rose Bowl for the first time in 23 years. Their previous appearance was following the 1958 season, when Iowa won the 1959 Rose Bowl. It was also Iowa's first winning season since 1961.

This time Iowa had a more difficult time, shutout by Don James' Washington 28-0, and the Hawkeyes finished the '81 season at 8-4.

Schedule
Like all Big Ten teams in 1981, Iowa played eight conference games, missing one opponent. Iowa did not play Ohio State in 1981; OSU was also 8-3 and 6-2 in the Big Ten to tie for the conference title. The Buckeyes won their bowl game, the 1981 Liberty Bowl over Navy, and finished at 9-3.

Michigan State
Iowa earns first Rose Bowl since 1958 with Michigan's loss to Ohio State, which was announced with 6:14 left in the first quarter.

Statistics
 * Phil Blatcher 27 Rush, 247 Yds

Team players in the NFL
The following 1981 Iowa Hawkeyes were selected in the 1982 NFL Draft: