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!

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!

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!!!

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!!!