Battle for the Toolbox

Not only is the Heartland Trophy at stake when Wisconsin travels to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes this weekend, so is the longer-running travelling trophy of the Toolbox.

While the Heartland Trophy began in 2004, the Toolbox dates back to 1991. The current day's edition has a different look to the one that began the series.

It didn't start the year that Barry Alvarez took over as head football coach in Madison, but in year two the game took off. John Chadima, a former manager for the Iowa Football team became the Director of Football Operations for Alavarez. After a year he reached out to Iowa to see if there would be interest in playing a game between the managers of the representing teams. The game was on, and it was played on a sunny Friday afternoon inside Camp Randall Stadium. The Hawkeye managers won the first game, but the Battle for the Toolbox didn't become a yearly tradition until 1995.

The football teams of the two schools weren't on each others schedules for 1993 and 1994, but once that series re-started, the Battle for the Toolbox started a new run that hasn't had an interruption since.

Today the game has taken on new meaning. On that sunny afternoon in 1991, few were on-hand to witness it. The game was officiated among the players and the game was over in almost an hour. But today crowds show up to show their support for their son, boyfriend or classmate. Whether the game is in the Iowa Indoor Practice Facility or Wisconsin's Dave McClain Center fans, cheerleaders and mascots are found crowding the sidelines. And the game has become serious enough that the home team supplies high school officials to keep the play fair.

Friday night after 10pm will be another battle for a toolbox that has seen its better days. But this piece of equipment has meaning and history. And although the rivalry of the two football teams will no longer be played on a yearly basis, the Battle for the Toolbox is truly the biggest loser amid all of the fallout.

Battle for the Toolbox

Saturday's battle between Iowa and Wisconsin isn't the only game between the two schools this weekend. Friday night the Battle for the Toolbox takes place between the managers for each school. The Hawkeyes are looking to extend their five-year win streak when they enter the McClain Center, across the alley from Camp Randall at 10pm. Admittance is free for the two-half flag football game.

College Football Week 8

One rivalry trophy on the line this past week was the Rusty Toolbox which goes to the winner of the Iowa - Wisconsin Manager game. This year's game was played late Friday night in the Iowa Indoor Football Complex, better known as "the Bubble."

Iowa took the lead 7-0 with a defensive touchdown, but Wisconsin fought back in the second half with their own touchdown. Deciding for the tie with much time to play in this Flag Football game, the Badgers decided to go for one, and failed. The Hawkeye Managers won the game 7-6 and the toolbox stayed in Iowa City for the fifth consecutive year.

Other news and notes...

"The Sporting News" failed to recognize the accomplishments of Iowa Running Back, Shonn Greene. Greene was not one of their "Players of the Week," rather going with Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradord (36 comp, 466 yards and 0 Ints) and Akron RB Dennis Kennedy (277 rushing yards and 3 TDs). Greene only had 217 yards and 4 TDs. There was no mention of Greene in the Sporting News' Heisman Watch. It is tough to place Greene in any watch on a three-loss team, but he should garner some attention.

Penn State has finally exorcised some of their demons. After losing nine straight times to the Michigan Wolverines, the Nittany Lions followed up a slow start with a convincing 46-17 victory. Their next demon is to finally win in Columbus, Ohio--something that they have not accomplished since joining the Big Ten.

Speaking of Ohio State and Penn State, it looks like these two teams will meet in Ohio Stadium to decide the Big Ten Championship. Assuming Penn State is a legitimate #3 team in the nation, it should be able to beat the Buckeyes. Although Penn State still has to travel to Iowa City and host Michigan State, the number three team in the nation should win out. A loss to Ohio State and each team winning out should place each in the BCS at the end of the year. Something the mediocre Big Ten does not deserve.

A Long season--San Diego State may wish this long season be over. Last week the Aztecs lost 70-7 to New Mexico. Chuck Long may be facing his final few games as SDSU head coach.

BCS Talk--Utah and Boise State have cracked the top 12 of the BCS poll. The College Football Season is only a little more than half over, but these two teams seem to be in good position for a BCS bowl berth. However don't forget Tulsa, ranked at #19. They continue to state their case for a top ten ranking.