Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Big Ten forks in the road for 2009 - ESPN

Big Ten forks in the road for 2009 - Big Ten - ESPN: "IOWA
Fork in the road: Sept. 26 at Penn State
One of the nation's toughest road schedules has been well-documented, and it all begins in Happy Valley. The Hawkeyes will get a huge boost from a victory at night in front of Penn State's white-out -- never easy to do -- and can validate themselves as a serious league title contender. A loss would reinforce Iowa's recent struggles on the road (the Hawkeyes went 2-3 last year) with more challenges ahead."

I would have to agree with Adam here. PSU is the first game of the Big Ten season and Hawks need to start it off with a bang. A win on the road, at night, and against PSU would be a huge statement!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Coach Ferentz statement on Ed Thomas' tragic death

Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz:

"This is a tragic loss for everyone that knew Coach Thomas and our entire state. He was a highly respected educator, coach, mentor and a strong leader in the community, as well as the coaching community throughout Iowa. Ed loved his family and his work, and was an outstanding, selfless person who has impacted countless lives in a very positive way.

Our entire staff and team extend our deepest sympathies to the Thomas family and the community of Parkersburg."

ESPN - Ed Thomas shot, killed inside school

ESPN Ed Thomas shot, killed inside school -ESPN Rise FOOTBALL: "PARKERSBURG, Iowa -- Ed Thomas, who has produced four NFL linemen as the football coach at tiny Aplington-Parkersburg High, was shot and killed Wednesday inside the school's weight room, authorities said.

The gunman, identified by authorities as 24-year-old Mark Becker, shot Thomas multiple times just before 8 a.m. local time, authorities said. About 50 students were in the school, including several in the weight room, at the time. School was not in session, and no one else was injured in the attack.

Aplington-Parkersburg is the alma mater of four current NFL players -- Casey Wiegmann of the Denver Broncos; Jared DeVries of the Detroit Lions; Brad Meester of the Jacksonville Jaguars; and Aaron Kampman of the Green Bay Packers. All played for Thomas." And 3 of the 4 were Hawkeyes...

Unbelievable, horrible news for the Iowa community this morning!!! AP High School was hit by a tornado last year and this year another tragedy. ESPN did a special last year on Coach Thomas and the football team after the Tornado leveled Parkersburg. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Thomas family and the Parkersburg community!

Monday, June 22, 2009

I of the storm: Stanzi handles fame and pressure of starting in Big Ten with calm and cool (with video) - The News-Herald Sports : Breaking news coverage for Northern Ohio

I of the storm: Stanzi handles fame and pressure of starting in Big Ten with calm and cool (with video) - The News-Herald Sports : "Amid the hysteria and the mayhem, Ricky Stanzi took it all in stride.

His father couldn't believe it.

His coach had a difficult time believing as well.

Click to enlargeCharlie Neibergall/Associated Press After beating previously undefeated Penn State on Nov. 8, Ricky Stanzi and Iowa carried that momentum to an Outback Bowl win.
The date was Nov. 8, 2008, a day that changed Stanzi's life as the quarterback at the University of Iowa.

The Hawkeyes were a mediocre 5-4 team taking on then-No. 3 Penn State. Stanzi, who had emerged from a tough quarterback competition with teammate Jake Christensen earlier in the season to finally become the full-time starter, was still finding his way.

On this day, similar to when he was the QB at Lake Catholic, everything clicked for Stanzi in the fourth quarter. He found a way. A frantic fourth-quarter comeback from a 23-14 deficit ended with a game-winning field goal in the final seconds and a 24-23 upset victory."

Really good interview with Stanzi. The kid really impresses me with his interviews showing he has no ego whatsoever and is just enjoying his life being a Hawkeye!

Big Ten recruits shine in Big 33 Football Classic - Big Ten - ESPN

Big Ten recruits shine in Big 33 Football Classic - Big Ten - ESPN: "Iowa recruit Micah Hyde accounted for the game's biggest play, a 99-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter after Drake fumbled on the Ohio 1-yard line and Ohio State recruit Adam Bellamy recovered. It marked the longest touchdown in game history, and Hyde finished with five receptions for 138 yards."

I mentioned on 6/5 how Micah has a chance to get some PT this year and he didn't disappoint me with his performance at the Big 33 game! Congrats Micah and now get your butt to Iowa City for summer workouts!

Hawkeyes get commitment from huge in-state athlete Austin Vier

Hawkeyes get commitment from huge in-state athlete Austin Vier: Hawkeyes get commitment from huge in-state athlete Austin VierIowa has a commitment from 6-foot-7, 220-pound athlete Austin Vier of Ballard (Huxley, Iowa.) Expected to play tight end or quarterback, Vier is the sixth pledge for the Hawkeyes in the Class of 2010. He threw for 700 yards and seven touchdowns last fall. His high school coach, Al Christian, told the Des Moines Register, "He always wanted to be a Hawkeye. So it kind of worked out great for him."

Iowa has always like tall, athletic TEs. Vier really fits that mold even though he might get a look at QB. If Iowa lands their top QB recruits then he will be a TE all the way. Welcome aboard Vier!!!

Friday, June 19, 2009

When is Nile Kinnick Knapp going to get an Iowa Offer???

Fans want to know!!! It sounds like the Georgia RB did well at the Iowa Camp as his dad says he was the fastest back in camp. Rock says, "Nile and I are back from our great adventure to Iowa. It was bitter sweet as he did well at the combine (ran a 4.43 at Iowa and was the fastest back in the camp)..." It is tough to give a kid an offer on the name alone sure, but this kid had an awesome Jr year. Now he has demonstrated he has some outstanding speed. Hang in there Nile! I feel that offer is coming any day now!!!

Top 5 WR has Iowa in his top 5...

NJ Shakim Phillips has a huge list of offers and states distance won't be a factor. He is mostly looking at the depth charts, football atmosphere, and academics. All he needs to do is take an official visit during the Michigan game and he will see the Hawks have all three for him! He mentions Tenn also so I hope he hasn't been drinking that Lane Kiffin Koolaid! Being little over an hour away from Oakland, I can tell you the Raider fans hate him with passion and so does the front office.

Big Ten special-teams snapshot - Big Ten - ESPN

Big Ten special-teams snapshot - Big Ten - ESPN: "SO-SO
Iowa -- Ryan Donahue has established himself as a solid Big Ten punter, and the Hawkeyes have two options at kicker in Daniel Murray, the hero of the Penn State victory, and Trent Mossbrucker. The big loss comes at punt returner, as Andy Brodell was one of the best around. Iowa also might need a primary kick returner if Jewel Hampton moves into a starting spot at running back."

Wow! I 100% disagree with Ritt on this one. Donahue will be the best punter in the Big Ten. Moss should improve a lot of over last season and Murray will push him to be more consistent. Both are viable options! We loss Brodell but we gained true freshman Wegher. Wegher has great speed and footwork where some have compared him to Tim Dwight in High School. Wegher will probably be returning punts and kick offs along with seeing some time at RB. Another option is DJK. Another option could be speedy track star WR Chaney now that he is out of the doghouse. I think our special teams will be a lot better than So-So!!!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Iowa reinstates Ferentz's son, two other players - Big Ten - ESPN

Iowa reinstates Ferentz's son, two other players - Big Ten - ESPN: "Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz has reinstated his son and two other players who were suspended in April following their arrest for public intoxication.

Hawkeyes center James Ferentz, tight end Zach Derby and fullback Tyler Christensen are all back on the team. The three players were cited by campus police April 6 and immediately suspended from the team. All three have since pleaded guilty to public intoxication.

"I'm just hoping we can all move on here," Kirk Ferentz told reporters Wednesday in Iowa City. "This has hardly been the crime of the century. For that to make front page news in a major publication, it's a great state we live in."

I totally understand Ferentz's point, but his quote might rub some people, even Iowa fans, the wrong way. Given the number of off-field incidents and arrests involving Hawkeyes players under Ferentz's watch the last two years, there are no minor situations. And, as Ferentz acknowledged during our talk in April, James Ferentz isn't like any other player on the team.

I wrote back in April that James Ferentz should be dismissed from the Hawkeyes after his second alcohol-related citation. In hindsight, that was a bit extreme. But he's on thin ice. Any more transgressions, no matter how minor, cannot and should not be tolerated.

Ferentz denied rumors that offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde had undergone surgery but said he wasn't sure whether Vandervelde would be available for the start of preseason camp."


I believe James deserves another chance. His first arrest was underage drinking. Who did that in College? Heck many have done it in High School these days! This last arrest was more severe as they were way over the legal alcohol limit. All three need to right their ships and stay out of trouble which means out of downtown IC!

As for Julian, I heard he had a knee injury that might not require any surgery. They also believe he will be back for Fall Camp either way. It sucks he will miss Summer workouts with Coach Doyle because all our players need that!!! Best of luck during your recovery Julian!

4 Star RB sets visit

Wichita Southeast running back Joseph Randle says he is definitely going to take an official visit to Iowa for the Michigan game. Even though all things point to him committing to KSU (especially with his friend transferring there). If he does make it on campus for the Michigan game, he might just give Iowa the nod. Kinnick stadium will be rocking that night!!!!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Georgia's Offensive POY going to be a Hawkeye?

Mason has been invited back for another camp at Georgia scheduled for July 18, although the quarterback also has a 7-on-7 competition scheduled with his Lassiter team for that same day. Currently, Mason's only big-time offer is from Iowa, but he believes more may soon be on the way. At least he hopes so."I'm hoping if I can get one or two from the SEC, others will be on the way," Mason said. "I think a lot of doors would open." Mason's numbers are certainly eye-popping.As a junior, he completed 292 of 420 passes (69.5%) for 3,705 yards and 31 touchdowns. After leading Lassiter High to a 9-3 record in 2008, he earned first team all-state honors and was named Offensive Player of the Year in Georgia's Class 5A by the Associated Press." Obviously, I would love Georgia to offer but I also understand that they need to find the best fit," Mason said. "I know they signed two Elite 11 quarterbacks (Aaron Murray and Zach Mettenberger) last year, but he said I could be an SEC quarterback. To hear that from someone like Coach Bobo kind of gave me a chill."

Ok, Iowa is the only big time offer the kid has yet he was Class 5A Offensive POY last year. What gives? It seems to me just like he stated above, he needs that first SEC offer then the rest will start pouring in. That is one thing I love about our Coaches, we don't wait for some one else to offer or look at the kids star ranking before we offer. Our Coaches evaluate the talent and get the kid on campus. If everything works out then the kid gets the offer to play for The Iowa Hawkeyes!!! I know Hutson really wants a Georgia offer but I really hope he doesn't get it. I think this kid could be another Drew Tate!!!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Hawks need to land 4 star in-state recruits!!!

I think they have a great chance to land both AJ Derby and Andre Dawson but neither one is any hurry to end their recruiting process. Dawson is going to make a bunch of unofficial visits this summer and hopes to decide after his senior year. AJ is pretty much planning the same...

Can't really blame either one to hold out until they at least make their official visits. It is a once in a lifetime event! Not many Iowa kids get heavily recruited like these two. AJ has the by far the most offers but Andre is closing the gap. It will be interesting to see during their Senior years if they can jump to the five star ranks.

Iowa is up next on 50 States Tour - Big Ten - ESPN

Iowa is up next on 50 States Tour - Big Ten - ESPN: "Iowa is up next on 50 States Tour
June 12, 2009 8:30 AM
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
After a brief layoff, College Football Live's 50 States Tour returns to Big Ten territory as Iowa will be featured on Friday's show (ESPN, 3:30 p.m. ET). As I've found out doing this job, Iowa fans are extremely passionate and vocal about their teams, and the state boasts a good deal of history for both college and high school football.

Expect coverage of Nile Kinnick, the Cy-Hawk rivalry and Hayden Fry's creative color schemes on the show. And be sure to weigh in on several Iowa-related questions over at SportsNation.

Here's one to whet your appetite.

Which is the best team in state history?
1958 Iowa (8-1-1)
1976 Iowa State (8-3)
1985 Iowa (10-2)
2002 Iowa (11-2)
2007 Northern Iowa (12-1)"

I am taping it and can't wait to watch!!! There is no doubt it is the 1958 team. Here is a little blurb about the 1958 team:

"Iowa finished 8-1-1 overall and 5-1 in the Big Ten Conference in 1958. The Hawkeyes won the 1958 Big Ten football championship and the 1959 Rose Bowl Game. The Football Writers Association of America named Iowa the 1958 college football national champion by awarding the team the 1958 Grantland Rice Award."

They had a 28-38 loss to OSU at home and a tie with Air Force yet was still ranked #2 going into the Rose Bowl against Cal. The beat the crap out of #16 Cal 38-12.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Kinnick Stadium turf receives final touches - IOWA OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE



Wow! It really came out a lot better than I thought it would! Now I like the Tigerhawk in the endzone with the bare 50yd line... I am a little bit surprised they didn't install a Big Ten logo. LOL!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

A diamond in the rough at RB???

Wheeling High School running back Weston Ross is still looking for his first offer and has Iowa looking his way! The kid turned some heads at the Nike camp and is now headed to the Iowa Camp. Weston runs a consistent 4.4 40yd dash with a best 4.38 time. Could he be receiving an offer after the Iowa Camp? Stay tuned!

Ranking the Big Ten nonconference schedules - Big Ten - ESPN

Ranking the Big Ten nonconference schedules - Big Ten - ESPN: "Now it's time to get more specific and look at the nonconference schedules for each Big Ten team. The Big Ten has taken a lot of heat for softening its nonleague slates, though other BCS conferences, namely the SEC, are also guilty of the practice."

Iowa comes in at number 5. Northern Iowa is one of the best D1-AA teams every year but granted they shouldn't be a problem for the Hawks. Arizona is a much improved team and this is the first year of the series. Iowa State has a new HC but they are always geared up for the Hawks and even more in Ames. OSU #4 but outside of USC they have a cakewalk. At #3 is Minnesota, what a joke! They play Cal and that is it! If Air Force gives them a run then they will be at the bottom of the Big Ten again. Purdue should maybe be #1 with ND and at Oregon.

Depends on how ND does this year, the Big Ten could have the easiest nonconference schedule out of all the conferences!

Monday, June 8, 2009

Latest Kinnick FieldTurf Pics


HawkeyeSports has a new photo gallery up of the latest FieldTurf installation. It is starting to look better than I imagined! I still wish they would move the Tigerhawk out of the endzone and place a bigger one at the 50yd line!

MVPs at the Champaign NFTC - ESPN

Brian Stumpf: Illinois-bound QB Chandler Whitmer was among the positional MVPs at the Champaign NFTC - ESPN: "LB, James Morris, 6-1 ½, 211, Solon (Iowa)

Morris is what the Nike Camp is all about - a player who has already made a college commitment but still comes out to work on his game and get better from both coaching and competition against other top prospects. The Iowa-bound LB also raised his profile outside of state lines on Saturday, showing good feet and athleticism and the straight-line speed to run with most of the 'backs in the 1-on-1s. Coachable and intense, this Hawkeye Stater has a great future in front of him."

Nice write up by ESPN of James Morris! LB-U is starting to come to fruitation at Iowa!!!

MVP Michigan RB shows a lot of interest in Iowa

And who can blame him after Shonn Greene won the Doak Walker and drafted by the Jets??? Austin White (3 Star ranked by Rivals) is good friends with Iowa commit Austin Gray. After receiving MVP RB honors at the Nike Camp and going up against MVP LB James Morris (Iowa Commit), those two might be saying him towards the Hawkeyes over offers from LSU, Michigan, Michigan St, Wisconsin, and more...

ESPN Writeup on Austin White from the Nike Camp:
"White is one of the more versatile 'backs seen on the 2009 NFTC tour to this point. Blessed with a solid 6-foot frame that should be able to easily carry 210-220 pounds in college, White is also light of foot and very smooth with the football in his hands. Is also one of the top pass-catching and route-running backs in the country as evidenced on Saturday and his overall game is a big reason why schools such as Michigan, LSU, Michigan State, Illinois, Iowa and several others have already offered."

DE Louis Trinca-Pasat Commits!

Louis (3 Star ranked by Rivals) picked the Hawks over Michigan State, Stanford, and Illinois. Louis went on to say he felt that none of the other schools even compared to Iowa and how he felt at home with the school and staff! Welcome aboard Louis!!!

Louis Trinca-Pasat had scholarship offers from Michigan State, Stanford, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado, Western Michigan and Northern Illinois.

Friday, June 5, 2009

“Once in a career” guy « On Iowa

“Once in a career” guy « On Iowa: "I did get a message from Northeast (St. Petersburg, Fla.) coach Jay Austin. He said he’d love to talk about Brinson, “one of my favorite people ever.” That got my attention. So, after a few rounds of phone tag, I talked with Austin about his time with Brinson, who’s No. 2 on the depth chart at running back behind sophomore Jewel Hampton."

A really nice read from Marc about Jeff Brinson from his high school coach Jay Austin. I have been impressed with all the things I have read about Jeff but this one puts Jeff at the top of one of my favorite Hawks. I haven't even seen the kid play and I like him!!! To turn down a FSU last minute full-court press to stick with the Hawkeyes is enough but how his Coach goes on about his faith, loyality, work ethic, etc just makes him that more admirable! I hope Jeff contributes along side of Jewel this season!!!

Reflections on the Big Ten player rankings - Big Ten - ESPN

Reflections on the Big Ten player rankings - Big Ten - ESPN: "The Big Ten top 30 player rankings are finally complete, and it's time to take a look back at the rundown during the last few weeks (I feel like I channeled my inner David Stern with how long the series dragged on).
There were two basic parameters for evaluating players -- past performance and future potential. Here's the team-by-team and position-by-position breakdown:
Penn State -- 6
Iowa -- 4
Ohio State -- 3
Minnesota -- 3
Illinois -- 3
Wisconsin -- 2
Michigan State -- 2
Northwestern -- 2
Michigan -- 2
Indiana -- 2
Purdue -- 1"

Here is Iowa's Big Ten player rankings by ESPN's Adam Rittenberg:
No. 5 -- Bryan Bulaga, LT, Iowa
No. 15 -- Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa
No. 20 -- Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa
No. 23 -- Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa

Adam then goes on to list RT Kyle Calloway, DE Adrian Clayborn, and LB A.J. Edds as just missing the cut. Only OSU had more players (4) that just missed the cut. This goes on to prove to why I believe Iowa is a Top10 contender this year. I don't believe they are a pre-season Top10 but they definitely have what it takes to make it by season's end.

Freshman begin arriving this weekend for Summer Workouts

Coach Doyle is ready for these slim kids out of high school to arrive on campus so he can fatten them up then work them to the bone. The three whom have the best chance to play as true freshman are arriving this weekend.

Keenan Davis - WR
Tall with speed! Just what Coach Soup wants Iowa to start bringing in at WR position since he came on to the staff last year.

Brandon Wegher - RB/KR/PR
Fast with quick feet! Wegher was highly recruited last year and he is a dedicated workout machine. He has the best chance to get on the field returning punts and kickoffs like Tim Dwight did. If he does burn his redshirt then I expect to see him getting some carries at RB also.

Jordan Cotton - WR
His dad Marshall was one helluva football player for Iowa back in the Hayden Fry era. Now it's his kids turn to make a name for the Cotton legacy. Jordan played mostly RB last year and has a good burst of speed for his 6'-1" frame. He needs to add some bulk and he strained his hamstring during the State Track Meet. That might set him back and keep his redshirt on this season.

Late Arrival Honorable Mention
Brad Rogers - RB
He isn't reporting to Iowa camp until July but has been working out with Coach Doyle's program back home. He has reportedly slimmed down 10lbs to around 225lbs with the program. I thought this kid had a legit shot of seeing some time at RB position this year but his late arrival might keep it from happening. He is Shonn Greene and Jeff Brinson type of bruising back that Iowa keeps trying to find in the rough. On his HS film, he looks bigger than his OLinemen and hits the hole hard!!!

The Rest...
There are still a couple of low rated players that have the potential to see some PT as true freshman. I have never been a fan of ratings whether it be Lemming, ESPN, or Rivals. Too many times 5 star, highly recruited players turnout to be a nobody and the 1 star, very little recruited players become All-Americans and 1st Rd Drafters. Iowa's Staff is one of the best at finding these kids. A couple names to throw out where Iowa could use some depth are Joshua Brown, Micah Hyde, and Stephan Ngoumou (which has a really good chance to see some PT).

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Iowa Day on the BTN - June 10th

CHICAGO – On Wednesday, June 10, the Big Ten Network will provide fans with 24 consecutive hours of Iowa programming.

The day will include some of Iowa’s best performances of the 2008-09 season, highlighted by the football team’s exciting last-second, one-point victory over then-undefeated Penn State at 9 PM CT. In addition, the network will air the field hockey team’s Big Ten Tournament Championship win in overtime against Ohio State while the wrestling team’s victory at the Big Ten Championships will air at 4 PM CT.

Six episodes of The Big Ten’s Greatest Games, featuring some of the more memorable victories in Hawkeye history, will air throughout the day, highlighted by the 2009 men’s basketball game vs. Wisconsin at noon CT and the 1987 NCAA Sweet Sixteen match-up with Oklahoma at 7 PM CT. Both were won in overtime.

Three original Iowa campus programming episodes also are in the lineup and an episode of the Big Ten Network’s original series Friday Night Tailgate airs at 11 PM CT.
The day of Iowa programming is the sixth of 11 full days of programming devoted to individual Big Ten universities, including Wisconsin (May 27), Illinois (May 31), Michigan State (June 1), Indiana (June 3), Minnesota (June 7), Northwestern (June 8), Michigan (June 15), Ohio State (June 17), Penn State (June 21), and Purdue (June 24). Two more full days per university of school-specific programming also are planned for later in the summer.

Iowa Day Schedule
June 10
All times Central
5am Big Ten’s Greatest Games
Men’s Basketball: Iowa 84, Indiana 82 (2 OT) (2/7/04)
All five Iowa starters scored in double figures, led by Greg Brunner’s 23, in this double-overtime thriller. Indiana forced the first overtime by intentionally missing a free throw with one second left and getting a tap-in from Patrick Ewing, Jr., but Jeff Horner’s off-balance lay-up with two seconds left in the second overtime gave the Hawkeyes the win in Bloomington.

7am Big Ten’s Greatest Games
Football: Iowa 31, Purdue 28 (10/5/02)
Purdue racked up 507 offensive yards and had a 28-24 lead late in the fourth quarter. But Brad Banks led the Hawkeyes on the game-winning drive, hooking up with Dallas Clark for the go-ahead score. The Boilermakers had one final chance, but a Hawkeye interception clinched the victory and the conference title. Iowa’s special teams accounted for two touchdowns, including a blocked field goal and a blocked punt.


9am Big Ten Field Hockey
2008 Big Ten Tournament Championship
Iowa 2, Ohio State 1 (OT) (11/9/08)
To capture its third-straight conference tournament championship, Iowa battled Ohio State in overtime and scored off a long corner in the 79th minute of play. Along with the championship trophy, Iowa secured an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament.

11am Iowa Campus Programming
Iowa Magazine: Sustainability

11:30am Iowa Campus Programming
Getting Ready for the Boom
Noon Big Ten Men’s Basketball
Iowa 73, Wisconsin 69 (OT) (1/21/09)
In a largely defensive battle which saw seven lead changes and 14 ties, Wisconsin’s Jordan Taylor forced overtime with a three-pointer as the buzzer sounded. In the extra period, however, it was the Hawkeyes who caught fire from beyond the arc, sinking back-to-back three-pointers, securing the win for Iowa.

2pm Big Ten Softball
Iowa 1, Illinois 0 (4/1/09)
Hawkeye freshman Liz Watkins delivered a walk-off home run and Iowa senior pitcher Brittany Weil threw the third perfect game in school history. It was also Weil’s third no-hitter of the season.

4pm Big Ten Wrestling
Big Ten Championships (3/8/09)
The University of Iowa won its second straight Big Ten Championship team title. The broadcast also features championship wins by two Hawkeyes, juniors Brent Metcalf and Dan Erekson. Metcalf also was named the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler for the second time. Nine Iowa wrestlers qualified for the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

7pm Big Ten’s Greatest Games
Men’s Basketball: NCAA Sweet Sixteen: Iowa 93, Oklahoma 91 (OT) (3/20/87)
Two of college basketball’s fastest-paced teams faced off when Iowa coach Dr. Tom Davis, B.J. Armstrong, and Roy Marble met Stacey King and Coach Billy Tubbs of Oklahoma. Kevin Gamble of Iowa swished a three-pointer with one second remaining in overtime, leaving the Sooners without a chance to inbound the ball as the Hawkeyes earned a place in the 1987 Elite Eight.

9pm Big Ten’s Greatest Games
Football: Iowa 24, Penn State 23 (11/8/08)
Penn State was driving down the field late in the 4th quarter, holding on to a 23-21 lead. An interception turned the tide of the game and quarterback Ricky Stanzi completed third down after third down to march the length of the field. As time expired, Iowa’s Daniel Murray hit a 31-yard field goal to beat the previously undefeated Nittany Lions and end their hopes for a national championship bid.


11pm Big Ten Friday Night Tailgate ‘08
University of Iowa

12:30am Iowa Campus Programming
Iowa Magazine: The 2008 Flood
1am Big Ten’s Greatest Games
Men’s Basketball: Iowa 101, Connecticut 95 (OT) (11/24/95)
In the Great Alaskan Shootout, No. 6 UConn started strong, but the No. 10 Hawkeyes kept the Huskies within reach. Iowa guard Chris Kingsbury, who scored a team-high 30 points in this game, made a spectacular three-pointer with one minute remaining to tie the game at 84. The Hawkeyes dominated overtime and advanced to the tournament’s championship game.

3am Big Ten’s Greatest Games
Football: Iowa 24, Michigan 23 (10/21/90)
No. 10 Michigan hosted No. 22 Iowa in Ann Arbor. The Hawkeyes stopped a late, critical two-point conversion attempt to capture a share of the conference crown and a trip to the Rose Bowl.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Rivals on the 2005 Recruiting Class

Rivals just put up a story about Iowa's heralded 2005 recruiting class. The 2005 class came in at 11th best in the nation by Rivals. Several of which played in the US Army All American game. This was when Iowa just upset LSU (defending national champions) in the Cap1 Bowl (my family was there) with the last second TD pass from Tate to Holloway after Iowa led the whole game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuhR-i1shcI I just had to get some video of that in there... I still remember sitting on that goal line thinking we just gave the Cap1 away to LSU playing Prevent Defense while having my 2yr old son on my shoulders. Anyhow back to the topic, Dan Doering was the only Five Star ranked prospect Iowa had that year. Dan has fought through illness that dropped a lot of weight and multitude of injuries the past 4yrs. Last year it seemed Dan would see a lot of PT until he hurt his wrist. He didn't see much of the field until the end of the year. Another OLineman that year was Dace Richardson who played amazingly for his first couple years to go down with knee injuries. Most thought (even Coach Ferentz) Dace was done but he never gave up! After his last knee surgery, Dace felt like he did his freshman year and said he is going to make it back on the field. This Spring he showed he still can play and just needs to knock the rust off the wheels. Coaches stated his foot speed is back which is what he lacked when he went in for his first knee surgery. We are all pulling for Dace and Dan to have a great Senior year! Then there is Tony Moeaki at TE. He has just been amazing when he has been healthy. He is one of the best blocking TEs in the country. Plus he has showed streaks of being an outstanding receiver. He had a monsterous game against Syracuse in 2007 where he had 8 rec for 112yds and 3TDs just to turnaround with a season ending injury at Wisconsin. We all hope Tony can stay healthy this entire season and get a chance in the NFL. He is definitely good enough to play at the next level but he has to stay healthy. Then there is Kuempel coming off of shoulder surgery and Eubanks with sporadic knee problems along with Kanellis and Jackson who had to give up football due to injuries. This 2005 class might have been the best class in Coach Ferentz tenure but it has also been the most injury plagued. Here is to a great finish for the 2005 class and stay healthy!!!!

2009 Media Guide


Man does that picture get your Football juices flowing!!!!

Mark Schlabach: Big 12, SEC continue to dominate way-too-early Top 25 Part 3 - ESPN

Mark Schlabach: Big 12, SEC continue to dominate way-too-early Top 25 Part 3 - ESPN: "19. Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa won six of its last seven games -- spoiling Penn State's BCS title hopes in the process -- to end the program's recent slide with a 9-4 record in 2008. The Hawkeyes have to replace tailback Shonn Greene, the country's second-leading rusher with 1,850 yards last season, and star defensive tackles Mitch King and Matt Kroul. But with quarterback Ricky Stanzi and one of the country's best offensive lines coming back, Iowa might be good enough to challenge Ohio State and Penn State for the Big Ten title. Iowa lost four games by only 12 points combined last season. The Big Ten schedule is difficult, with road games at Penn State on Sept. 26, at Wisconsin on Oct. 17, at Michigan State on Oct. 24 and at Ohio State on Nov. 14."

I am not too worried about replacing Shonn Greene. Shonn has always stated he couldn't have won the Doak Walker without his OLine and it will be as good or even better this year. Everyone knows about Jewel Hampton but Jeff Brinson (redshirted last year) has done some things in practice that have him compared to Shonn. Jeff is supposedly a North/South runner like Shonn and will initiate contact like Shonn. Time will tell with Jeff but we have heard some very good things about him in practices. Then there are a couple true freshman (Wegher and Rogers) that might see some PT in the backfield.

The DLine will be just fine without King and Kroul. We will miss them but we have a few kids eager to put on a display like King did every down. Klug is the one with some experience. He relieved King in one game and came away with the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award. Binns is becoming a force at DE so that might just move Clayborn or Ballard to the inside. There are a couple other young players getting props in practice that might emerge at the other DT position.

Ricky should shine his Jr year. We all thought Jake would his Jr year but he didn't. Granted comparing the Sophomore years isn't fair to Jake considering the OLine he had his Soph Year. But last year Jake was an experienced QB and Stanzi wasn't. Stanzi outdid Jake in every category except Turn Overs. Ricky had some costly ones last year. But then again Ricky had the game winning drive against PSU. I still believe if Ricky would have played every down in 2008, the Hawks would have won 2 more games.

Yes, the schedule is tough but it is just as tough as last years. We didn't get to play Michigan last year and now we do where they should be a little bit improved. I still don't think they have a chance playing at Kinnick. Wisky is going to have another down year IMO. Playing at PSU, at MSU, and at OSU is where the debate lies. If the Hawks can win one or two of those then they could be Big Ten Champions.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Ranking the Big Ten: Bryan Bulaga, No. 5 - Big Ten - ESPN


Ranking the Big Ten: Bryan Bulaga, No. 5 - Big Ten - ESPN: "Ranking the Big Ten's top 30 players ...
No. 5
Bryan Bulaga, LT, Iowa, Jr., 6-6, 315


Bulaga

Why he's here -- One of the surprising things about these rankings is the lack of offensive linemen. It partly relates to the fact that we usually judge offensive lines as groups rather than as individuals. On the other hand, the Big Ten seems to lack many truly elite offensive linemen heading into 2009. There are several solid players around the league -- Penn State's Stefen Wisniewski, Iowa's Kyle Calloway, Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi, Ohio State's Justin Boren and Mike Brewster, Michigan's Stephen Schilling -- but right now Bulaga is in a category of his own. He's the Big Ten's top left tackle and a player who will be on the NFL draft radar very soon. "

I have stood next to Bulaga in Tampa at Busch Gardens prior to the Outback Bowl this year. I am a pretty big guy at 6'-6" and 260lbs. Not very many college players make me look small but Bryan sure did!!! The way he was playing toward the end of last season, I project Bryan to be a 1st Team All-American and a potential 1st Round Draft choice if he comes out early.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Phil Steele's Top 40

I get Iowa at #20 even though I think they will finish better than that...what is up with the ND leg-humping? ND was thought to be a Top 10 team last year and I laughed. Now look! They will be lucky to make it to a bowl game yet again.

40- Arizona
39- Tennessee
38- Wisconsin
37- West Virginia
36- Oregon St.
35- Nevada
34- Florida St.
33- Arkansas
32- NC State
31- Troy
30- N Carolina
29- Michigan St.
28- Georgia Tech
27- Southern Miss
26- USF
25- Clemson
24- UCLA
23- Pitt
22- Nebraska
21- Miami
20- Iowa
19- Illinois
18- TCU
17- LSU
16- Rutgers
15- BYU
14- Oklahoma St.
13- Georgia
12- Boise St.
11- Virginia Tech
10- Ohio St
9- Cal
8- Alabama
7- Notre Dame
6- Ole Miss
5- Penn St.
4- Oklahoma
3- USC
2- Texas
1- Florida

Anthony Ferguson chooses Hawks over PSU!!!

Anthony Ferguson, 6-2, 255 pounds, is from the Gilman School in Baltimore, Md., the same school as Jim Poggi, a linebacker who recently committed to the Hawkeyes. Ferguson picked the Hawkeyes over Penn State, Virginia and Duke. After he visited PSU this weekend, he felt Iowa had the best staff and people!!! Go Hawks!