Hawks Go National

Following the 2002 football season I attended the AFCA Convention. I can't remember where it was at, but I do remember visiting with one of the vedors on the showroom floor who approached me to sell me on his product. He looked at my name tag which included the school I represented and asked how the Iowa football season went.

I gave him a humorous look while in a sense of disbelief. The 2002 football team was one for the ages. It went undefeated in the Big Ten while having numorous All-Americans. Heisman runner-up Brad Banks, John Mackey winner Dallas Clark, as well as Lou Groza award winner Nate Kaeding were among Iowa's elite. The Hawkeyes went on to finish the season ranked #5 while taking on USC who was third at the time, as what could amount to be the greatest team ever in Iowa football history.

My response to him that day wasn't as expansive as this one, but I just smiled, briefly explained how we did and politely began my walk away from his booth.

In 2010 the story was different. The Hawkeyes once again entered bowl play with double-digit victories, and won on a stage that proved to be difficult in 2003. The '09 team didn't have the all-americans and award winners the '02 team had, but gave their fans lasting memories that arguably top those of 2002.

Upon entering the convention after this season, adorned in my Hawkeye-issued clothing the responses were overwhelming. Coaches from different schools representing the different levels of play consistently approached me to congratulate me on a great season. On a 30 second elevator ride, three different coaches from as many schools each wished me the very best on the performance of the Iowa football team.

In display booths, any company that has any association with the Hawkeye program boasted of their connection to the #7 team in the land. Display boards congratulated the team on their Orange Bowl victory. Someone else who has conducted little business with Iowa had the Hawkeye football helmet prominently displayed with other BCS qualifying teams.

It was a display of appreciation and an attempt to make contact with a staff member of the Fed Ex Orange Bowl champions. It went beyond that. This Iowa Football team gave the nation a reason to watch college football. Every week fans tuned in to see a different story unfold. They wondered how could the defense continue to stop teams? How will the Iowa offense fare if they have to come from behind? Is this Iowa football team worthy of their top 10 status? Game after game the outcome would become the same, but the path was very much the different.

This Hawkeye football team didn't have the stars, and had fewer blowouts, but it was a storyline that all living across the country followed. And perhaps it gave that vendor from 2003 a reason to follow, too.

College Football Week 2

The Big Ten was perfect this last weekend of college football. However, don't buy into the propoganda the Big Ten Conference is selling. On its web site, the conference used the word "Dominating" to describe the process its teams took to win all eleven games. Let's take a look at the competition. Michigan wins by ten at home over a middle of the pack Mid-American Conference team, Miami (OH). Ohio State wasn't able to pull away until late over in-state rival, Ohio. Ohio isn't a traditional power of the MAC. Teams such as Iowa, Inidana, Illinois, Michigan State and Purdue won easily over Florida International, Murray State, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Michigan and Northern Colorado. Perhaps the more impressive victories came when Minnesota won on the road at Bowing Green and Northwestern won at Duke. Of course Duke isn't a traditional power in the ACC, but David Cutcliffe has the program in the right direction. Penn State was able to overpower Oregon State, a team which may end up in the bottom of the Pac-10.

Syracuse, it is time to move on. A year ago there was no sign of improvement yet the school decided to let Greg Robinson return for a fourth year. While I believe a head coach should have four years to establish his program, there has been no signs that make anyone think the Orange will return to it national prominence under Robinson. With a loss at Northwestern followed by a home loss to Akron and Penn State this upcoming week, Syracuse is well on its way toward another 9+ loss season.

The worst call of the week goes to the Pac 10 officiating crew in Seattle. Washington's quarterback scores a touchdown to bring the Huskies to within one with a few seconds to go on Brigham Young. While celebrating the touchdown, the Washington QB throws the ball up in excitement. The official throws the flag for excessive celebration and the Huskies kick the PAT fifteen yards further back. The kick is blocked and BYU wins. Has the college game got to the point where spontaneous enthusiasm is penalized. This is a game played by 18-22 year olds and they are supposed to have fun. Allow them the opportunity to celebrate as long as it isn't excessive or showing up the other team.

Paint on the Field

We're almost a week from the home opener with the University of Maine Black Bears. There is much to do for the stadium to be ready for 75,000+. Today, the initial coat of pain went down in the end zones.

On Thursday banners began to decorate the facade of Kinnick Stadium. Featuring players of the 2002 Big Ten Champion team, each corner had a banner sponsored by local grocery store chain, Hy-Vee who also sponsors the Cy-Hawk series. The Cy-Hawk series credits points that go to the winner of the Iowa v Iowa State game in all sports competed over the course of a school year. Last year Iowa State took home the award as well as the Cy-Hawk trophy, which goes to the winner of the football game. That was started by the Downtown Des Moines Athletic Club.