College Football Week 5

North Carolina had little to cheer about this past Saturday. A disappointing home loss to the hands of previous ACC disappointment, Virginia 16-3. Butch Davis' team is looking more like his Cleveland Browns than his Miami Hurricane.

Ball State was the darling of football a year ago by spending most of the season undefeated under the leadership of Brady Hoke. Hoke left for the perfect weather of San Diego to head up the Aztec program turning the Cardinal program over to offensive coordinator Stan Parrish. Parrish took over looking for his first win in over 25 games as a head coach. He is still looking for that one win five games into the 2009 campaign. Much can be said for continuity, but the only continuity the MAC program has right now is tied to the head coach and not a successful program.

The NCAA has looked for ways to shorten the time of football games. This year the Big Ten average has been 3:09, an improvement since 3:16 less than five years ago. But if they are truly serious about speeding up the game, please don't take unnecessary time to review plays that are called correctly and confirmed by the fan at home watching in real time.

Iowa's winning point differential against BCS-conference teams-18. Against non-BCS conference teams-2.

Nate Kaeding Golf Outing

One of the highlights to Summer in the Iowa City / Coralville area is the annual Nate Kaeding Golf Tournament. The 2009 edition was the fourth annual and my third straight year of playing in the event. It is definitely a unique event as Thursday is the pre-event "Par-Tee" which includes an auction, food and entertainment. Friday is the golf outing with a different activity on every hole along with the golf tournament.

Par-Tee participants Jackie Kaeding (Nate's Sister), Matthew Engelbert, John Mills, Bob Rahfeldt, and Dana Engelbert.

The Live Auction underway, with items such as season tickets in the club level at Kinnick Stadium, University of Iowa Golf Cart, and a life-size Nile Kinnick painting among other items.

A table for the silent auction which includes private parties at the Cedar Rapids Kernels, MC Ginsbergs, Nate Kaeding Framed Signed Pro Bowl Jersey, Jason Baker signed mini-helmet and a package of wines from local Muddy Creek Wineries among other items.

Many of the Par-Tee members engaged in the Live Auction.

While the Live Auction was in process, many others enjoying the social activities.

A change to the golf outing for 2009 was allowing two foursomes to play simultaneously on the same hole allowing our two groups to play together. XOS Technologies sponsored the two teams and they included: Justin Moen, Chic Ejiasi, John Mills, Matthew Engelbert, (host) Nate Kaeding, Charlie Bullen, Bob Rahfeldt, Kevin Foor, and Joe Marinaro.

The Marriott of Coralville provides food and drink on many of the holes at Brown Deer Golf Course.

What makes the tournament different from others is the involvement of the Iowa City / Coralville Community. Here the Holiday Inn Express Suites of Coralville sponsors the 14th hole with a bean bag game giving players the opporuntiy to a whirlpool suite. Others sponsoring holes were FryFest, University of Iowa Sport Medicine, Cedar Rapids Distillery, Arctic Cat, Coralville Nissan and many others. The title sponsor was Corridor State Bank.

Joe Marinaro of XOS Technologies, the sponsor of our two foursomes

The afternoon group of golfers ready to go. There were 36 foursomes in the morning and 37 in the afternoon.

Nate had many ex-Hawkeyes participate as well as current San Diego Chargers, Nate's current NFL team. Among the Chargers who participated were Mike Scifers, David Binn and radio analyst Hank Bauer. Jason Baker, former Hawkeye and current Carolina Panther also played in the event.

Proceeds from the event go to the Hope Lodge located on the University of Iowa campus.

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.