Iowa - Iowa State in Pictures

It will be remembered as a classic in the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. Iowa and Iowa State battled for 60 minutes and it still took three additional over time periods to decide the victor. The Cyclones won for the first time since its 2007 win in Jack Trice Stadium and the original Cy-Hawk trophy and temporary one used for Saturday's game will reside in Ames for the next year. One of the largest crowds in Jack Trice Stadium history witnessed one of the more exciting games in the series history.

Before the game there were many who walked the streets of Ames wearing these shirts. There were a few more that were more derogatory, but in all fairness there were many shirts sported by Hawkeye faithful saying, "Beat State."

Out from the visitor locker room walked Iowa Head Coach, Kirk Ferentz. He was accompanied by the head of Iowa Football security, Ron Sheriff who is in his 30th season on the Iowa sideline. Stewart is a retired deputy sheriff from Polk County.

Prior to the playing of the in-state rivalry the meeting of the head coaches at center field is the popular shot for all of the local media stations. I'm not sure what kind of a conversation can be had when there is so much attention given to a short media opportunity.

The newest addition to Jack Trice Stadium is the installation of a giant video/replay board and new sound system. And during the afternoon the Cyclones got their money's worth out of the sound system. Music was constantly being played at decibel levels louder than normal, and especially when the Hawkeyes were at the line of scrimmage. It was definitely a different game atmosphere in 2011 than in previous years and the addition of the giant sound system has much to do with that.

Hawks lose the Cy-Hawk

For the first time since 2007, the Iowa Hawkeyes did not come home with the Cy-Hawk trophy, which goes out to the winner of the annual Iowa Iowa State football game. In triple overtime the Cyclones prevailed with a game winning touchdown on the final possession of the game. The Hawks fell 44-41 and go to 1-0 on the season. Next week Big East Conference opponent Pittsburgh Panthers will appear in Kinnick Stadium for a contest to be seen on ESPN at 11am.

New Summer Series

A year ago on the blog I did a series on the top ten games in the Kirk Ferentz era. It was well-received and I also had a few followers add their top ten in the comment section. This year we are starting another series which I'm looking for the same interaction. With the addition of Nebraska to the conference the Big Ten will take on a new look for the future. So this is a good time to look back and share the memories we've had from the other ten conference schools. Throughout the summer I will post memories and reflections playing at every Big Ten school and we will also include Nebraska (Iowa's last appearance was in 2000) as well as Iowa State, a more common opponent on the Iowa schedule as Ohio State or Michigan..

Get your thoughts together and join me as we travel through the Big Ten.

The Iowa - Iowa State Game in Photos

This week ESPN on ABC had the broadcast of the Iowa v Iowa State game from Kinnick Stadium. The announcing crew of Ron Franklin and Ed Cunningham spent much time in Iowa City to prepare for the week's telecast. It started on Thursday when they attended the last physical practice in preparation for the Iowa State Cyclones. They returned Friday to sit down with Head Coach, Kirk Ferentz and the coordinators. That was preceded by a video session by the announcers, taking a closer look at each of the two teams in the day's contest.

Very few get the opportunity to ride the team buses to the stadium. This is my view - The Best Seat in College Football.

It is estimated over 20,000 more than capacity descend upon the University campus on this day. Many of those stay in parking lots like this passing the time with food and drinks within.

Mike Riggan and his equipment truck outside Kinnick Stadium

All kinds show up in Iowa City. Above is one who doesn't fit in.

A first of a television network visiting Kinnick Stadium, they did their open from the Video booth and not within their network tv booth next door. The reason ESPN on ABC found this site compelling is that is allowed the viewers at home to see into the stadium, and not of the skyline (University of Iowa Hospitals). Both Iowa and Iowa State's video staffs had a little over two minutes to set up in time for the opening kickoff. Below is the video:

Iowa is the Hawkeye State

A dominating first half performance is all the Iowa Hawkeyes needed to secure the Cy-Hawk Trophy for one more year. A 28-0 halftime lead turned into a 35-7 victory in front of over 70,000 fans in Iowa's Kinnick Stadium, the only place in the state this many could come together for a football game.

Expansion Talk - Kansas

When Turner Gill took over the reigns of the Kansas Football program in December of 2009 he listed his priorities: Recruit, beat Missouri, win the Big 12 North, win the Big 12 and by doing so, the Jayhawks would be playing for the National Champsionship. Now before Gill has the opportunity to be on the sidelines of Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, the timeline to acheive those priorities has been accelerated.

National reports have Nebraska joining the Big Ten as early as Friday resulting in an impolosion of the Big 12 Conference. Most of the schools in the Big 12 South will be engulfed by the Pac 10 along with Colorado. That leaves some of the universities in the Big 12 North to fend for themselves. Kansas will be among them.

Gill became a Jayhawk after a successful playing career at Nebraska. He took the job at Kansas after building a bad Buffalo team and turning them into a conference champion. He had earned the right to do the same thing at a BCS conference school. Kansas gave him that chance, now those priorities he set forth seven months ago may not occur.

Kansas isn't the only school in jeopardy of becomming a nomad on the college landscape. Kansas State, Iowa State are also looking for a new home, and the possibilities available aren't enticing. The Big East is one rumored home, but how will Olympic Sports at the midwest schools be able to travel to such remote locations as Storrs, CT. In football once these teams are done playing one another, their closest opponent will be Cincinnati.

Another home could be the Mountain West. Perhaps a bit more geographically-friendly to these schools, but now these one-time BCS conference schools become a mid-major. And the basketball programs of these institutions lose credibility as they would be only a few years removed from playing for the title of the nation's best league.

Now these "left-overs" fromt he Big 12 will be searching for a conference that best suits them. They will be looking for a chance to prove themselves, much like Turner Gill has been doing for the last few years.

Iowa Pride

An outsider may not find anything glamorous about living in Iowa. They may visit and see farmland for miles. They may smell the hoglots that are frequently found in the rural areas. And the largest city in the state isn't among the top 100 in the nation. But one this that outsiders should notice is the pride residents of the Hawkeye State take in Iowa, and Iowans aren't afraid to show it.

Recently when travelling through the western part of the United States, it was easy to spot the Iowans, and it wasn't because of their pasty complextion due to the lack of sun over the winter months, it was due to the pride they took in wearing the colors of the schools they support.

No matter if it is the Hawkeyes, Cyclones or Panthers, the three state schools, or one of the smaller private colleges or universities Iowans aren't afraid to state their allegiance.
Our vacation began in Las Vegas and upon walking into the lobby of the MGM Grand the first t-shirt I saw was that of Northern Iowa on a college student. Obviously it was spring break and most college students will travel in a shirt sporting that of the school they attend, but as we continued to walk around Sin City, it was evident there were many more Iowans. On two other occasions that day I saw two older gentlemen wearing University of Iowa shirts and another college student with an Iowa State sweatshirt on. Then when it became cooler and I had to wear my Iowa Hawkeye jacket, I began to hear supportive comments. Two people said, "Go Hawks" and another offered to open the door for "a Hawkeye."

Now Las Vegas is the number one spring break destination and many of the in-state schools were out at the same time, but the common theme continued into Arizona. The Phoenix area is a popular place for the snowbird Iowans. Seeing individulas support their Iowa schools shouldn't be abnormal, but they don't shy away from it.

Sitting by the pool at our hotel we find one older man walking by wearing a Northern Iowa shirt. Then at the Cubs spring training game, there were a number wearing "Hawkeye" shirts walking around the parking lot. Once I would say, "Go Hawks," the response was very enthusiastically as if the recent success of the football team made them more proud to be from Iowa.

And as you can see from the above picture, the pride Iowans have in their schools also exists in the businesses the transplanted one open away from home. This business with the tigerhawk logo is on one of the busiest streets in Mesa, Arizona, Country Club Drive. Definitely the Hawkeye logo may be frowned upon by the fans of the local Arizona schools, but obviously the owner doesn't care.

But the pride didn't stop with the state's three schools. Also at the Cubs game my wife and I saw two individuals with Drake t-shirts and on the streets of Tempe was a gentleman with a "Simpson College Baseball" shirt.

It isn't out of the ordinary for fans to support their teams wherever they go, but for Iowans it doesn't matter the size of the school, it is their team...and that their team represents where they are from.

Photos of the Iowa State Weekend.

There is no freshman hazing, but there are times Freshman are the recipients of practical jokes. Here back-up quarterback James VandenBurg is locked out of his room before dinner.

Had the opportunity to meet up with "Chubs," a former co-worker.

The local television stations are finding their spots prior to kick off.

Jack Trice from atop the scoreboard.

Cars arriving early to tailgate.

The view of Jack Trice from the coaches booth in the press box.

A most disliked person by Iowa fans. Iowa State Ahtletic Director Jamie Pollard is responsible for the high price of tickets to the intra-state rivalry.

Members of the Brett Morse family and friends await the team busses arrival at Jack Trice Stadium. Morse went on to score his first touchdown of his career against the Cyclones.

The Iowa Dance Team warms practices one of many routines.

Former Iowa State football player and college coach, John Cooper (standing, left) is on campus to be honored as a member of the "Dirty Thirty" football team of 1959. Cooper also was the head coach at Tulsa, Arizona State and Ohio State is speaking with Iowa Defensive Coordinator, Norm Parker (seated, right).

The Iowa Football team swarms onto the field.

The Iowa Cheerleaders spell I-O-W-A with their flags following one of five touchdowns on the day.

The photo deck of Jack Trice Stadium. It is located at the top of the upper deck.

Iowa State fans begin to empty the stadium after the Hawkeyes make the score 35-3.

The final score from Ames and the Cy-Hawk trophy stays in Iowa City for one more year.

Hawks take Cy-Hawk

A week after the Hawkeyes blocked two field goals to ensure victory over one in-state opponent, there was little doubt in deciding the winner of the annual rivalry with Iowa State. The Hawkeyes took a 14-3 halftime lead and added another 21 in the remaining 30 minutes for a 35-3 victory. Sophomore Tyler Sash had three interceptions while Freshman Brandon Wegher rushed for over 100 yards and a touchdown. Next week the Hawkeyes host the Arizona Wildcats for a 2:30 ABC broadcast.

Equipment Loaded and Ready

Equipment is loaded and the truck is ready to go. Destination Ames for the in-state rivalry game with Iowa State. Inside contains everything a football team would need-from chewing gum to video equipment-to ensure success against the 'Clones. Mike Riggan will pull the Iowa Football truck out early in the morning with breakfast at the Brickhouse in the Amanas around 8am then onto Ames where managers, trainers and video personnel will begin to move into Jack Trice Stadium.

College Football Pre Season Look

As we did a year ago, the Monday segment dedicated to college football will once again be sponsored by a group of college cheerleaders or dance team. This picture provided by SportsbyBrooks.com is the first look at the 2009 USC Song Girls.

MICHIGAN
An emotional Rich Rodriguez faced the media to address allegations by current and former players as to the hours required by the head coach and his staff. This is yet another issue facing the 2nd year coach of the Wolverines. Since taking over he has had to deal with defections (including one to rival Ohio State), home losses to non-BCS Toledo and Utah as well as the end of the longest consecutive bowl streak in America at 33. When Rodriguez and his staff took over, college football fans knew the traditional Michigan we grew accustomed to would not be the same. But Rodriguez has frustrated more than his fan base, but obviously has created a split within the Wolverine locker room. This is the same program that appeared in the Rose Bowl three times since 2000, half of the Big Ten appearances. Although Lloyd Carr's record recently against Ohio State was dismal, the play was respectable in the final game. This is now a program which Lloyd wants nothing to do with , and it looks like many of the players agree.

Week 1 Preview--Games that I'm looking forward to.
North Dakota State at Iowa State--Enthusiasm is high in Ames, yet they open with one of the more dangerous teams in FCS. North Dakotal State is coached by former Nebraska Asst Craig Bohl. He has headed this program as it raised its level from Divsion II. At that level two years ago, NDSU defeated Minnesota and Central Michigan on their home fields. A year ago it went to Wyoming and lost by three points. They are very capable of ruining Paul Rhodes debut as Cyclone Head Coach.
Western Michigan at Michigan--Followers of the Big Ten know what the Broncos have done the last two years. Wins at Iowa and against Illinois on a neutral field have caught the attention of the other head coaches in the conference. With the recent turmoil in Ann Arbor will Western Michigan make it three straight over the nation's premeir conference?
Upset of the week--It would be easy to take Western Michigan in Ann Arbor, but after the year the Wolverines in '08 followed by the week they are enduring, it would be too easy. My upset will be Nevada over Notre Dame. Being a fan of every team Notre Dame plays grounds my expectations of the Irish. This is the same team that lost late at home to one of the worst FBS teams in '08, Syracuse. Perhaps Notre Dame has an easier road this year, but they need to play better in '09 to be considered in the nation's elite.

FRY FEST
Beginning this weekend the Iowa City / Coralville area will celebrate one of the State's memorable figures, former Iowa Football Head Coach Hayden Fry. This Texas has done more for the University as well as the State than anyone else. By committing himself to making the Hawkeye Football program into one of the Nation's Elite put not only the school but the State of Iowa on notice. He developed a logo recognizable throughout the world that when looked at, all know it isn't necessarily the Hawkeyes, but Iowa. Over ten years ago, while on a train into Geneva, Switzerland I sat with a duffle bag with that large logo on the side of it. A passenger who currently worked outside the nation's capital asked me in an American accent, "How is Hayden Fry doing?" He had worked for a period of time in Iowa City, at a time when Fry took a lowly Division I program to #1 in the nation for six weeks in 1985. It hasn't been done since.
This Texan also recognized the importance farmers played in the national landscape. The University isn't the agricultural school in the state, yet Hayden placed a logo adjacent to the TigerHawk on the Hawkey Football Helmet letting the nation know, "America Needs Farmers."
Although a street in Coralville will be renamed "Hayden Fry Way" appropriately on a Friday, what Hayden has done for Iowa, I-80 would be the more appropriate road.

Wrong Type of Bedlam

Saturday when Oklahoma State hosts in-state rival Oklahoma in the Bedlam Series, less than a capacity crowd may be on hand at Boone Pickens Stadium. In what is becomming a disturbingly popular trend, fans looking to attend the Cowboy's home game must purchase season tickets.

A year ago Iowa State and its Athletic Director, Jamie Pollard was the first to mandate access to the in-state rivalry game with Iowa was by season ticket access. 49,516 were in Jack Trice Stadium that day to witness one of the biggest upsets in the series history. The Cyclones connected on five field goals, one with :05 in regulation to upset the heavily favored Hawkeyes. The crowd was short of capacity by less than a thousand, but with standing room, the attendance could've approached 54,000. A reliable source said regarding the game, tickets were made available secretively as the Cyclones did not sell 49,000 season tickets.


This Saturday projected attendance at Stillwater is 39,000 based on season ticket sales, leaving 15,000 empty seats. Unless OU fans want to spend $292 for season tickets for this one game, there should be less than a capacity crowd. However we know there won't be many empty seats for this game. As was the case with Iowa State in 2007, there are ways to distribute tickets to fans of the home team as well as distributing the tickets to brokers who can make the money needed for the University.


The reason for this move is based on financial issues. Iowa State and Oklahoma State cannot succeed in the Big 12, a conference which is not based on revune sharing from their television contracts, without selling out most of their home games. They demand, from their fan base that if they want to be a fan, there is a financial responsibility that goes along with it. And if the fans demand success, they must ante up their level of support.


While I understand and will defend the athletic directors for this unprecedented move, let's not forget who is responsible for letting athletic department budgets escalate. Athletic directors and university presidents have signed off on the sky-rocketing salaries that coaches are being paid today. This "arms race" is out of control and the university brass need to control their spending. Fans demand winning athletic teams and they don't care at what cost. But coaches will still coach as long as their salaries are competitive. Theoretically if Nick Saban is the highest paid coach at $300,000, then other coaches will demand like amounts. But once the athletic directors and presidents began to pay coaches millions of dollars a year, as well as bonuses for bowl games, graduation rates, etc. (which isn't this in their job description?) the financial responsibility rests back on the fan to support the program.


Don't blame the fans for inappropriate spending of university funds, blame university presidents.

17-5

On a wet and humid day, the Hawkeye football team improved their record to 3-0 following a survival win against in-state rival, Iowa State.

A defensive battle was the story of the first half as Iowa took a 3-0 lead at halftime. Iowa Sate's offense controlled the third quarter allowing Iowa onto the field for 3 offensive plays until late into the quarter.

Starting quarterback, Rick Stanzi proved ineffective and was pulled for former starter Jake Christensen. Although Christensen wasn't flashy, he played solid and moved the Hawkeyes for their only offensive touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Special teams was pivotal for both teams. Iowa State missed on three field goal attempts while the Hawkeyes returned a punt for a touchdown, the first in three years.

The Cy-Hawk trophy returns to Iowa City as chants of "Hawkeye State" echoed throughout the stadium as time expired.

A Day Away -- WHO's RV TV

A day from the game all Iowans anticipate, and Hawkeye fans have been waiting a year for. WHO-TV from Des Moines has taken their RV from Ames to Iowa City stopping in places such as Marshalltown, Newton and Oskaloosa getting a feel for the game from the fans of Iowa. Keith Murphy and his crew have settled into the UI's Hospital Parking Lot across from Kinnick Stadium on a warm and rainy afternoon.

Rivalry Games

Saturday two intra-state rivals will play when the Hawkeyes and Cyclones take to Kinnick Stadium's grass field. Over 75,000 will be in attendance as well as many more who will tailgate in the many parking lots soaking up the atmosphere. Just like any other rivalry game, the fans of these two teams desperately want their team to win for a year of bragging rights over the other.

A year ago, a young offensive lineman from the Quad Cities made the comment that he "hates Iowa State." This young man was criticized for making the comments and labeling them as "bulletin board material" for the Cyclones. I'm not sure I see what is wrong with the comment.

I grew up a Hawkeye fan and taught to not like the Cyclones. My mom didn't want me to use the word "hate," but that is no different from the amount of dislike I have for Iowa State.

I have many friends who have either attended Iowa State or are fans of the Cyclones. I don't "hate" them. I've been to Ames and have no positive or negative feelings toward the city. The school has an excellent academic program, but I had no interest in attending it. But as an entity, I hate Iowa State.

What's wrong with that statement? Sure, I don't have to make that comment, but why can't I. This young man didn't like the 'Clones and stated it as such. On one trip to Jack Trice Field, the home of the 'Clones, I left the parking lot with beer cans thrown at my car. Sure this may be a small minority of the fans, and there may be ignorant Iowa fans, but it is reasons like this that make me "hate" Iowa State.

Iowa State isn't the only school I hate. But many reasons I don't like a team is how I've been treated by either the school or its fans.

Iowa and Iowa State is this weekend. It is a rivalry. There are Iowa State fans who "hate" Iowa, and Iowa State fans who "hate" Iowa. This isn't anything new. Nor should it be bulletin board material. This "hate" is a given, and we should expect a twenty year old from the state to express his dislike.

Week 3: Iowa State

With the exhibition season out of the way, the Hawkeyes begin the meat of their schedule. Iowa State comes to Kinnick Stadium to attempt to make it two in a row over Iowa. A year ago, the favored Hawkeyes allowed five field goals, including one with five seconds to play to earn the win. The Hawkeyes scored their first points on an 11 yard TD run by QB Jake Christensen in the third quarter. It was the Cyclones first win of the season, and first by rookie Head Coach, Gene Chizik.
This week's game can be found on the Big Ten Network with former Chicago Cub play-by-play man, Thom Brennamen on the call. Gary Dolphin and Ed Podolak have the call on the Hawkeye Radio Network beginning at 11am.
It was announced today that Iowa's first road game at Pittsburgh will be an 11am start on either ESPN or ESPN2, September 20.

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.

Much to Read

I didn't begin to read blogs until the beginning of this year, but I continue to find new and informative ones on a daily basis. I find some blogs more informative than reading the newspapers. Many bloggers spend way too much time to keep theirs up to date with daily information. Today I stumbled upon a couple of different college football sites with links to more local university blogs. I found the following interesting. http://badgercentric.blogspot.com/search/label/john%20chadima.

Prior to 1990, the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department was on hard times. The football program was unable to fill it's 76,000+ stadium unless it was for a border game with Minnesota or Iowa. The basketball team continued its mediocrity and the Olympic Sports weren't excelling. Times were so tough the department decided to drop baseball. Then the President of the University became involved and put the right people in place to build the program up again. In less than 15 years the Badgers won three Rose Bowls, attended a couple of Final Fours and numerous other honors ensued.

Jamie Pollard is now the AD at Iowa State. As a Hawkeye fan and a long-time resident of the State of Iowa, I was not a fan of how he treated the price per ticket for the 2007 Iowa - Iowa State football game. But I do respect the job he has done in Ames. In 2006, coming off a year where the Cyclones won the Cy-Hawk trophy, he purchased a popular billboard in Cedar Rapids claiming victory. Then in 2007 he increased the price of the game ticket for the annual football showdown in Ames from $50 to $95 and the only way you could gain entrance for that game was to buy a season ticket. Following the 2006 season, he fired popular head football coach Dan McCarney and replaced him with the Defensive Coordinator at Auburn and Texas, Gene Chizek.

Pollard is trying to make Cyclone backers proud of the program again and inject it with enthusiasm needed to contend in the Hawkeye State. He has worked hard and I admire him for making some very difficult decisions for the best of the Iowa State program. Although I admire him doesn't mean I like him.

The linked article is from February, but worth reading.