Iowa Hawkeye Football

Fiesta Bowl????

2009-11-18T09:56:00.000-08:00

I am telling you right now, Fiesta has been waiting a long time to be in a position to select the Hawkeyes!!! The last time Iowa went to a BCS game was the Orange. Let me tell ya, there were Hawk fans everywhere! The Dolphin Stadium was packed 90% with Hawk fans. Fiesta wants a sell out crowd and they know picking the Hawks it would be sold out in minutes. Big fan-base in Arizona and a BCS bid will make a lot more travel that usually don't. I went to the ASU game a few years back and I was shocked how many Hawk fans were at that game... The only thing keep Iowa out of the Fiesta is the BCS poll. Iowa needs to be in the top 14 in order to be selected for a BCS game. It would help by cheering against the following teams and of course a convincing win by the Hawks vs the Goophers!

8) LSU - The SEC already have their 2 BCS teams in but LSU is ranked ahead of the Hawks.

9) Pittsburgh - They still have to play Cincy. Only one Big East team will get in so might as well as make in Cincy and knock Pitt out of the Top 14.

10) Ohio State - It would help us get a share of the Big Ten!

11) Oregon - It seems their luster has worn off but we need Arizona to win. AZ lost last week to Cal really stung!

12) Oklahoma State - This might be the biggest. Boone has deep pockets and connections. One more loss to either CO or OK would keep the Cowgirls out of the BCS!

13) Iowa - Just WIN baby! We need another big win like last years 55-0 win. We have two big prospects visiting this weekend in #1 overall ranked prospect OL Seantrel Henderson and #5 ranked TE C.J. Fiedorowicz. I think CJ will commit to the Hawks but I give Seantrel a 5% chance...

14) Penn State - A lot of talk of Fiesta taking PSU over the Hawks but I just don't buy it. Even though head-2-head doesn't matter much just look at how they got crushed at home vs OSU and we almost beat OSU in the Shoe. Enough said there but a loss to MSU this weekend would take them out of the BCS for sure!

15) Virginia Tech - They have no chance...

16) Wisconsin - OK they beat up on Michigan that has been spiraling out of control. Big Deal. PSU would be taken ahead of Wisky. Still a loss at NW would definitely take them out of the BCS.

The other thing Iowa has going for them is their recent Bowl record. Last year they were the only Big Ten team to win a Bowl game. And they won convincingly over South Carolina who most analysts thought was too fast for the Hawks. Blah Blah Blah. We hear that every year yet since the Orange Bowl:

- Crushed Ron Zook and his Florida Gators in the Outback
- Was taking it to LSU in Cap1 before they inserted Jamarcus Russell and took the lead at the end of the game. Last second TD from Tate to Holloway for the win!
- Got screwed by the refs throughout the rematch with Florida in the Outback. We battled through it all and had a chance with an onside kick at the end. Hawks recover the kick yet are called miraculously offside. Video showed it was yet another bogus call.
- Took it to Texas in there own backyard at the Alamo. Another controversial call took away a TD pass and Texas took the lead at the end of the game.
- Outback yet again vs South Carolina. It was nothing but a slaughter by the Hawks.

January 1, 2004 Outback Bowl W Florida 37 17
January 1, 2005 Capital One Bowl W LSU 30 25
January 2, 2006 Outback Bowl L Florida 24 31
December 29, 2006 Alamo Bowl L Texas 24 26
January 1, 2009 Outback Bowl W South Carolina 31 10

Iowa Sports Information Department has had enough...

2009-11-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

This was sent out today by the Iowa Sports Information Department to the media outlets:

GET THE CORRECT FACTS ON IOWA FOOTBALL

It seems popular for national pundits to criticize the University of Iowa football team these days. Many have said Iowa doesn’t belong on the same board with Florida, Texas, Alabama, Cincinnati, TCU, Oregon or Boise State. Iowa’s schedule has been rated the seventh toughest in the nation. Only one team in Big Ten history has beaten Penn State, Michigan State and Wisconsin on the road in the same season (Michigan did it in 1997). The two schools Iowa does not play in the Big Ten this year have the worst overall records (Purdue and Illinois) in the league. To say Iowa hasn’t played a strong enough schedule is to be totally misinformed. Please look at the facts below.

Number of opponents defeated that currently have winning records:

1. Iowa 6

2. Cincinnati 4

TCU 4

4. Oregon 3

5. Boise State 2

Total won-lost records (and winning %) of defeated opponents:

1. Iowa 44-31 .586

2. Oregon 29-28 .508

3. TCU 34-33 .507

4. Cincinnati 30-36 .454

5. Boise State 27-37 .421

Total won-lost records of opponents defeated in their home stadiums (i.e. road wins)

1. Iowa 23-12 .657

2. TCU 19-14 .575

3. Cincinnati 21-20 .512

4. Boise State 14-18 .437

5. Oregon 6-10 .375

Number of defeated opponents ranked in current BCS Top 25:

1. Iowa 3 (Penn State, Arizona, Wisconsin)

Oregon 3 (USC, Utah, California)

3. Boise State 1 (Oregon)

4. Cincinnati 1 (South Florida)

5. TCU 0

Won-lost records of remaining teams left on schedule:

1. Iowa 17-10 .629

2. Oregon 19-12 .612

3. Cincinnnati 19-13 .593

4. Boise State 20-22 .476

5. TCU 15-17 .468

AZ 2 Deep Changes

2009-09-14T12:57:00.000-07:00

Bulaga is back at LT. Welcome back big guy!!! Vandervelde might be full time at RG after playing a lot against ISU. Vandervelde was projected to play limited vs ISU but with Bulaga being out that changed things. Richardson at LG makes that left side very tough. This is an outstanding OLine now!

LT - Bulaga, Reiff
LG - Richardson
C- Eubanks
RG - Vandervelde
RT - Calloway

Eubanks came out some plays due to dehydrated and Koeppel played very well in his spot. Robinson and Wegher will be sharing the RB duties. I expect Wegher to get more carries in the 1H than what he did last week. They are a nice 1-2 punch!

Again not much has changed on Defense. Lowe started for Castillo at LC last week as Castillo was a little banged up during the week. Lowe played a fantastic game and gets the start again at LC. Prater is back off suspension so he might take over for Lowe. If not I expect Prater to get a lot of playing time.

A look at the OLine for Week 2

2009-09-09T10:47:00.000-07:00

Calloway is back from suspension which is huge! That makes both Tackles are back from last year. Julian Vandervelde is cleared to play. It sounds highly unlikely he will start or play a lot. So we are looking at the following OLine on Saturday:

LT Bulaga
LG Gettis
C Eubanks
RG Richardson
RT Calloway

I am thinking Gettis gets the nod over Doering this week. Doering was a top OL coming out of HS in 2005 class. Iowa fans have had big hopes for him but he has been hampered by injuries every year. Coach has stated he has been impressed with Doering in spring and summer but he looked awful at times at RG. It could change in practice this week but this is how I see it.

Then when Julian is ready to go in to play, this is where the Oline gets to be stout!!!!

LT Bulaga
LG Vandervelde
C Eubanks
RG Richardson
RT Calloway

Barring injury, I expect this to be the starting lineup for some time. Some don't like Eubanks at center but I thought he did an alright job. They just need more practice and game time together to work out the kinks that caused a couple sacks last Saturday.

Latest 2 Deep vs ISU

2009-09-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

Only changes are on Offense where Calloway makes it back at Right Tackle. This moves Richardson back to his normal Guard spot but they don't know whether it will be RG or LG. So either Gettis or Doering will be benched this week. The only other change is at RB where Adam Robinson gets the start ahead of Paki O'Meara. Adam had a solid game after a slow start. It seemed he was hitting the line to fast and not allowing the holes to open up. After a couple series, he finally slowed it down and got some nice runs out there. Paki didn't do a whole lot on the day but he did have one huge mistake. After Iowa gets a fumble on the opening kickoff of the second half, he fights for some extra yards and gets stripped of the ball. That cost Iowa at least a FG as it would have been 3rd and 10.

In other news, Vandervelde sounds like he might have a chance to play this week as he was dressed for the UNI game but didn't play. Ferentz is back also but he is down the 2 deeps a ways. Prater is still on suspension this week but will be back for the Arizona game. We definitely need him back as UNI picked on our CBs playing opposite of Speivey.

Who is out for the Hawks tomorrow???

2009-09-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

CB Prater, OL Calloway, and OL Ferentz are all suspended due to off-season arrests. RB Hampton and CB Bernstine are out for the season. OL Vandervelde is back practicing but missed most of camp. Coach made it sound like he will not play this week and probably not next week. WR Sandeman has been injured a lot of camp also and sounds doubtful.

UNI is missing their #1 and #3 RB plus their best WR...

The RB Situation

2009-09-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

Lets start by stating the obvious, Jewel Hampton is out for the year. That leaves us with Paki O'Meara as the only RB with experience. Paki wasn't a big time recruit. He was a walk-on that worked his tail off to get where he is today. Kind of like Dallas Clark did and we all know how that turned out. Paki hasn't shown a lot of flash the past two years but he has shown two things... He takes care of the ball and runs North-n-South. Word in camp though is he has shown a lot more this year. So we will see what kind of Paki went get on Saturday. I am believing it is the new and improved Paki with over 100yds rushing.

Second Team is redshirt freshman Adam Robinson out of Des Moines. Adam had back to back 1,000yds rushing seasons at Lincoln High School but Iowa was the only major to offer him. It looks like we might have found another diamond in the rough. Adam has really impressed the coaching staff this camp. I have a feeling if it wasn't for Paki's experience that Adam might be starting on Saturday. But who cares who starts this weekend, Adam will be getting a good share of snaps on Saturday.

Third Team is a mix of redshirt freshman Jeff Brinson and true freshman Brandon Wegher. If Jeff wouldn't have missed a lot of camp due to an ankle injury, he might have been the starter. I have heard over the pass two years that he is the closest to Shonn Greene that we have. He is a punishing back and has delivered some vicious hits running scout team against our first team Defense. Jeff might not see much action this weekend due to missing so much of camp but we should at least see some glimpse of what he has. Brandon was a four star, highly recruited last year with 3,200yds rushing last year. He is supposedly quick and fast and is supposed to be a damn good return man for both punts and kick offs. As of Tuesday, Coach stated that Paki would still be the kick return man if they played today. I see that changing on Saturday since Coach stated that Brandon will play and not redshirt. Coach doesn't like having his starting RB as a KR man. I suspect Brandon will be the third man in on Saturday and get a decent look with maybe 10 or so carries.

The rest, we have two true freshman in Brad Rogers out of OH and Josh Brown out of FL. Brad is just a huge true freshamn RB close to the 230lb mark. Josh moved from CB/S to RB during camp. Many believe with the depth we have at the Freshman mark and with Jewel having 3 more years of eligibility going into 2010 that he might move back to CB/S. It will be very interesting to see if either of these two play this year or redshirt.

Even without Jewel, our running game will be just fine. It wasn't all Shonn last year! He had some big holes to run through by those OLinemen. This could be the best OL that we have ever had at Iowa when they all get healthy and off suspension. It will be interesting to see how they do against UNI without Vandervelde (due to injury) and Kuempel (OWI suspension). When these two get back in action, look out!!!

2 Deep vs UNI

2009-08-28T15:13:00.001-07:00

OFFENSE
WR - McNutt, Johnson-Koulianos
LT - Bulaga, Reiff
LG - Gettis, Haganman
C - Eubanks, Koeppel
RG - Doering, Kuempel
RT - Richardson, Zusevics
TE - Moeaki, Reisner
QB - Stanzi, Vandenberg/Wienke
RB - O'Meara, Robinson
FB - Morse, Leppert
WR - Stross, Chaney

DEFENSE
DE - Clayborn, Daniel
DT - Klug, Meade
DT - Ballard, Daniels
DE - Binns, Hundertmark
OLB - Edds, Nielsen
MLB - Angerer, Johnson
WLB - Hunter, Tarpinian
CB - Castillo/Lowe
CB - Spievey, Lowe/Castillo
FS - Greenwood, Conklin
SS - Sash, Cato

SPECIAL TEAMS
P - Donahue, Guthrie
K - Murray/Mossbrucker
LS - Schulze, Koeppel
H - Donahue
PR - Spievey
KR - O'Meara, Spievey

Interesting to note on O that injuries to Julian Vanderveldeat LG (he is just now starting to practice again) and DUI suspension for Kyle Calloway at RT. DJK was trying to regain his starting spot but it looks like his injuries and missed practices keeps him at #2. With Jewel still out with a sore knee, Paki gets the start with Adam right behind him.

Nothing new really on D except that Castillo/Lowe are still neck-n-neck for Bernstine's CB spot. Berstine is out for the year with his ankle in a cast and will RS.

Interesting on STs is Spievey at PR. He did very well in JUCO at PR and received National Honors. He is also back on KR with Paki. Kind of shocked Paki is back there since he is #1 RB. Usually they don't put the #1 RB back on KR. No Brandon Wegher on KR or PR is a shock. Maybe they are keeping his RS open just in case...

Practice Information

2009-08-12T10:12:00.001-07:00

The 1st team OL this past week has been Bulaga, Reiff, Eubanks, Doering and Richardson from left to right. Calloway with the 2nd team for now, Richardson will slide over to LG once Calloway is back.

Stross and McNutt on 1st team, DJK and Davis working with the 2s.

Berstein is looking very good at corner.Binns is unblockable.

Hunter is really stepping it up.

Hall of Ferentz — Defensive end « On Iowa

2009-07-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Hall of Ferentz — Defensive end « On Iowa:
"Iowa's Matt Roth (31) celebrates after sacking Florida quarterback Chris Leak during the Outback Bowl Thursday January 1, 2004 in Tampa, Florida. Iowa won, 37-17. You could make a pretty good argument for Roth being the recruit the helped pump up Iowa's classes early in the Kirk Ferentz era. (Brian Ray/Gazette)

1) Matt Roth (2001-04)
One of the most singular personalities in the Ferentz era, I was lucky enough to be invited for a home visit to the Roths in OakBrook. They were hilarious. Unfortunately, these might have still been the days when The Gazette was still charging for internet access. If this scheduling thingie works, that story should be under this one."

Matt Roth was one of the best players I have watched from talent and antics. His Gatorchop after sacking Chris Leak in the first Outback was just hilarious! Gators and Ron Zooker thought they were going to roll all over the Hawks. But Roth and the rest of the Hawks put the ass whooping on them instead! Then comes the Cap1 Bowl and LSU. LSU coming off a National Championship playing Iowa was cocky as ever. I heard Tigerbait everywhere I went from Disney World to strolling down the street of Orlando. We go to the Hawkeye Huddle and Matt Roth was given the chance to speak. Matt goes, "I have two words for LSU!!!!" and flips them the bird with both hands stretched in the air. The crowd went nuts!!! Thanks for the memories Matt!!!!

Former Northeast star Jeff Brinson primed for bigger role at Iowa

2009-07-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Former Northeast star Jeff Brinson primed for bigger role at Iowa:

After sitting out last season, former Northeast standout Jeff Brinson has rocketed up the depth chart at Iowa, so much that he could be the Hawkeyes' starting running back for their season opener against Northern Iowa on Sept. 5. Brinson headed into this season as the No. 2 back behind Jules Hampton. But Hampton sustained a knee injury in non-contact drills two weeks ago. Hampton will not surgery, but will most likely miss time recovering before the season opener. “I know I’m definitely going to get a chance to see some playing time,” Brinson said."

Tampbay.com it is Jewel Hampton not Jules! LOL! Anyhow I am really excited to see Jeff in action. I have heard a lot of similarities with him and Shonn from practice. He is a powerful, downhill runner with good burst of speed. A Northeast High player posted the following about Jeff, "man thats good for him i saw him workin out while northeast was workin out he is fast and big he will run over people like nothing." If Jeff's 4.5 in the 40 is legit then he is faster than Shonn. Shonn weighed around the 230lb mark toward the end of last year. By all accounts, Jeff should be close to 225lbs by season start. They are exactly the same height. It will be very interesting to see Jeff on the field and how he compares to Shonn's sophmore year when I knew he would be a special RB.

Ranking my favorite Big Ten stadiums - ESPN

2009-07-16T14:55:00.000-07:00

Ranking my favorite Big Ten stadiums - Big Ten - ESPN:

"4. Kinnick Stadium -- I loved my trip to Kinnick last November for the Penn State game, and the stadium is quickly becoming one of my favorites. No Big Ten venue has better sightlines for fans, who are right on top of the field. Unlike the larger venues in the league, there really aren't many lousy seats at Kinnick. Iowa fans always sell out the place, and the recent renovation brought some good upgrades."

I take it Adam didn't sit in the Club Seats where they serve alcohol!!! The seats are freaking awesome!!! I sit up there every time I go to a game! It just rocks! I have been to Camp R and it sucked bad! Only good thing about it is the bars that surround it but it is impossible to get a beer. I would prefer a tailgater over a bar scene before a game!!! I was at the OSU game in the Club Seats and it was just awesome. I was going to go back for the PSU game but after Iowa blew the game against Illinois, the wife said no go...

Consistency the next step for Iowa's Stanzi - ESPN

2009-07-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Consistency the next step for Iowa's Stanzi - Big Ten - ESPN: "Kirk Ferentz calls them Ricky Stanzi's Kodak moments, and Stanzi had an album full of them last season for Iowa. Stanzi made his share of mistakes in his first year as the Hawkeyes' starting quarterback, but he also showed impressive poise to bounce back virtually every time."

In Ricky's defense, he didn't get a lot of PT in the first four games as Jake got most of the snaps. It had to be difficult coming off the bench in those first four games then going into NW as the starter. He threw the ball well against NW just his TOs killed the Hawks. Inexperience has a lot to do with that. Hawks were up 17-10 at half but didn't score in the 2H. Would the Hawks have won if Ricky started and played all of the first four games. I would have to say very much so, YES! Sure Jake didn't turn the ball over often but he also couldn't throw the ball close to our WRs no longer their DBs.

I heard from a very good source that Ricky was practicing with the 1st string in bowl preparation after the 2007 season (which Jake was just horrid). Ricky was going to be named the starter if Iowa made a bowl game. Unfortunately, the Hawks didn't get a bowl invite because I think Ricky would have lit it up and the experience would have carried well into the 2008 season. Instead, he had to go back to sharing time with Jake.

Now to the present, Ricky is the clear cut starter and working full time during the spring and summer with the 1st string. He played extremely well against Minny last year and then again against SC in the Outback Bowl (except the two INTs but they weren't both his fault). If Ricky can cut down his TOs especially the Fumbles, I look for him to have an outstanding Junior year.

His backups: Ricky isn't sitting really comfortable as the starter. I have heard many good reports about his two redshirt freshmen backups in Vandenberg/Wienke. Wienke was an Elite 11 QB (but so was Jake) and has a very strong, accurate arm. He was initially committed to Michigan until Rod took over the HC job. Vandy by all accounts has taken the #2 role. With how good Wienke is, Vandy is a little bit more accurate and possesses an even stronger arm. Even though both are very inexperienced, I feel confident either one could come in and get the job done. They are the reason the Hawks are only looking to take 1 QB in the 2010 class!!!

Best Shonn Greene Run!!!

2009-07-02T12:55:00.001-07:00

Best run of the year!!! And before this, he made #3 wiff for a long TD run. I wonder if he is still hurting from lowering his shoulder against Shonn???

Big Ten forks in the road for 2009 - ESPN

2009-06-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

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!

Coach Ferentz statement on Ed Thomas' tragic death

2009-06-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

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!

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

2009-06-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

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!!!

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

2009-06-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-06-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

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!!!

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

2009-06-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

Georgia's Offensive POY going to be a Hawkeye?

2009-06-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

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!!!

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

2009-06-12T14:36:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

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.

Kinnick Stadium turf receives final touches - IOWA OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

2009-06-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

Kinnick Stadium turf receives final touches - IOWA OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE: "Kinnick Stadium turf receives final touches"

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!

A diamond in the rough at RB???

2009-06-10T12:14:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

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!

Latest Kinnick FieldTurf Pics

2009-06-08T16:23:00.001-07:00

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

2009-06-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

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.

“Once in a career” guy « On Iowa

2009-06-05T16:02:00.000-07:00

“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

2009-06-05T10:25:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

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).

Iowa Day on the BTN - June 10th

2009-06-04T14:25:00.001-07:00

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.

Rivals on the 2005 Recruiting Class

2009-06-03T11:09:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2009-06-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Phil Steele's Top 40

2009-06-01T16:36:00.001-07:00

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!!!

2009-06-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

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!

Quick look at Kinnick Stadium’s new FieldTurf « Doc’s Office

2009-05-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

Quick look at Kinnick Stadium’s new FieldTurf « Doc’s Office: "Here are a few pictures of Kinnick Stadium’’s new FieldTurf. The budget was $2.025 million, and Iowa associate athletics director Jane Meyer said the department won’t go over budget"

Click the link above for a short video. It is coming along nicely! Up close it still looks shaggy but they haven't laid the rubber/sand mix down yet. That will make it look much better! Are you ready for some football????

Linebacker U???

2009-05-29T10:42:00.001-07:00

Yeah we all know OSU and PSU can turn out the LBs but just look at what Iowa has produced lately. Everyone knows about Abdul Hodge (drafted by Packers but hurt both knees so they released him and now with the Bengals) and Chad Greenway (drafted by Vikings and starting OLB). Last year our LBs were stout to say the least. MLB Angerer had 5 INTs and played so well he beat out Coleman who started more games in 2007-08 season. OLB Edds has been just a tremendous player. This will be his 3rd year as a starter. The biggest surprise last year was OLB Hunter. All the preseason talk was about how good Tarpinian is. When Tarp got hurt during Summer camp, the job was handed over to Hunter. Hunter started off like a rookie even though it was his sophomore year but he finished looking like a 3yr starting senior. Hunter came into Iowa with a lot of hype being one of the best OLBs in high school. Rivals rated him the 6th best in the Nation in 2006.

So it doesn't go without saying we have a lot of depth this year at LB with Tarp healthy, Coleman almost transferred but decided to stick it out (good thinking bro), and Tyler Nielsen at the other OLB who played well in the US Army All American game his senior year. Rumor has it Coleman is going to try to Red Shirt this year to keep 2 more years of eligibility after Angerer departs.

Future LBs are on there way in... Iowa has 3 commits so far in 2010 and all 3 are projected LBs. Iowa has 4 incoming freshman LBs this summer. But I highly doubt all these kids will stick it out at LB. Coach Ferentz is really good at finding spots for kids where they can succeed. We have had many kids come in at LB but leave playing another position with great success. Mitch King and Matt Kroul came in as LBs but ended up being outstanding undersized DLinemen. Mitch was signed by Titans and Kroul by the Jets. Gray, Morris, and Poggi all have about the same measurables. Gray was more highly sought after than the others but all three of these kids have the potential to be big time LBs at Iowa. They are going to help Iowa become Linebacker U!!!

Key stretches in the Big Ten this season - Big Ten - ESPN

2009-05-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Key stretches in the Big Ten this season - Big Ten - ESPN: "IOWA -- Michigan (Oct. 10), at Wisconsin (Oct. 17), at Michigan State (Oct. 24)
Don't get me wrong, the Penn State game (Sept. 26) is huge and could put Iowa in the league title mix. But the Hawkeyes must take care of business in October to be a serious contender. Iowa has dropped 10 of its last 12 meetings against Michigan, and trips to rival Wisconsin and on-the-rise Michigan State won't be easy. The four conference road games will make or break Iowa's season."

I disagree with the Michigan game. Michigan at home should be a blow out. At Penn St is huge as it starts the Big Ten schedule. I would add at Ohio St with an asterisk. It could become a national spotlight game if both teams can get through the season unscathed. Iowa has a tough schedule but trust me last year was no picnic without OSU and Mich.

Kinnick FieldTurf is taking shape!!!

2009-05-28T14:03:00.001-07:00

I miss the grass but it is starting to grow on me already! I am ready for Northern Iowa kickoff to the season!!!

Penn State Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno: Notre Dame Fighting Irish not welcome in Big Ten - ESPN

2009-05-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

Penn State Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno: Notre Dame Fighting Irish not welcome in Big Ten - ESPN: "Joe Paterno says he'd like to see either Rutgers, Pittsburgh or Syracuse join the Big Ten. The legendary Penn State coach also knows which school he wants to keep out: Notre Dame."

I am 100% with you Coach! ND has had plenty of chances to join the Big Ten but their lucrative contract with NBC and not wanting to share any revenue has kept them away. Plus I am sure they don't want to join now since the Big Ten has pretty much owned them every year. I wish Iowa would schedule those punks! I also would like to see Rutgers or Pitt from a football standpoint join our awesome conference.

Big Ten - ESPN - Iowa's offensive line

2009-05-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

Big Ten - ESPN: "Iowa's offensive line: This group is well on its way to restoring the tradition established during the early part of coach Kirk Ferentz's tenure. Iowa boasts the league's top tackles tandem in Bryan Bulaga and Kyle Calloway, and there are a host of experienced interior linemen. Julian Vandervelde developed nicely in 2008, and Andy Kuempel, Rafael Eubanks and Dan Doering all are solid options at guard. The emergence of oft-injured Dace Richardson this spring adds another body to the mix. Aside from the center spot, Iowa looks extremely solid up front."

Last year, the Hawks got back their Mojo. Rob Bruggeman and Seth Olsen led the way for Shonn Greene to win the Doak Walker Award. With Bruggie and Olsen headed to the NFL, the Hawks have two holes to fill. Good deal we had a lot of depth last year on our OLine and we gained a little more this year with Dace coming back and James Ferentz coming of a Redshirt. Rumor during spring had James running a lot with the 1st Team at Center. Eubanks played a lot of Center his Fresh and Soph years. Rumor also had it that Julian would be moving to Center. He is supposedly one of the smartest on the team so it would make sense to have him as your signal caller for your OLine. Here is how I see our OLine shaping up this summer:

LT - Bulaga
LG - Vandervelde
C - Eubanks
RG - Richardson (if healthy) or Doering
RT - Calloway

That there is a more experienced and bigger OLine than we had last year. This OLine could be scary! Then you add in a healthy Tony Moeaki at TE. He is one of the best blocking TEs I have seen in College Football. Too bad he has been bitten by the injury bug every year.