The 2004 contest was the most unique in the series. Once again the storyline centered around Kirk Ferentz leading into Saturday. Ferentz had spent little time with his squad as he was dealing with the death of his father with the funeral taking place the day before the game. The first he saw of his team was at the hotel in State College for the night meetings. What made this game unique was how the scoring took place. Two field goals for the Hawkeyes, two safeties for the Nittany Lions and the final ended up being 6-4, Iowa. It was an emotional scene in the locker room as Ferentz was awarded the game ball, bringing tears to many involved.
Amy T #8 - 2005 Iowa 20 Wisconsin 10 - The final home game for Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez was spoiled the Hawkeyes as they were seeking redemption for a heartbreaking loss the week before to Northwestern. The post-game ceremonies went on in front of a shocked Badger crowd who had not expected their beloved head coach to leave the Camp Randall sidelines with a loss.
Haddy #8 - 2003 Iowa 30 Michigan 27 - Any time the Wolverines are defeated is a special occasion. This time it was done on the Hawkeye's Homecoming, and this was definitely a party. The Wolverines stormed to an early lead, but the determination of the Hawkeyes fought back and took a lead in the second half. Up ten late in the game, Michigan tried all they could, but the Iowa defense kept Michigan out of the end zone when needed.
Pete's #8 - 2002 Iowa 34 Michgan 9 - Facing Michigan in the big house is never easy, but the Hawkeyes made it look so. The Wolverines had trouble getting anything going on this rainy, foggy day which sent the locals home quickly.
3 comments:
Pip's #8 - 2002 Iowa 31 Purdue 28. Iowa needed two special teams touchdowns and a 95-yard TD from Banks to Clark to even have a chance at the end of the game. Then Dallas Clark caught a 7-yard TD on fourth goal with only a minute left. Adolphus Shelton then intercepted a pass to seal the victory. This game was key in the undefeated run through the Big Ten in 2002.
Al's #8 - 2008 Iowa 24 Penn State 23. Iowa students supported Shonn Greene's Heisman run by wearing green and kicker Daniel Murry came up money in the final seconds. In what many Hawkeye fans feel was the turning point of this current winning trend, Iowa took down a previously undefeated Penn State team in front of a cold yet crazy full house crowd. Tyler Sash started the epic drive by picking off an errant Daryll Clark pass. Rick Stanzi took it from there completing big pass after big pass to setup the biggest kick of Daniel Murray's life. The Hawks would not lose again during 2008.
Al's #7 - 2002 Iowa 42 Penn State 35 (OT). The 2002 season had many high points and this was the starting point. The Hawkeyes rolled into Happy Valley still tasting the bitter pill of the ISU loss and looked to take it out on the Nittany Lions. Iowa jumped out to a nice 23-0 lead behind Heisman runner up Brad Banks, Fast Freddie Russell and an ever improving defense. Standing on the sideline during the early 4th quarter things seemed as if they couldn't get any better. The poo quickly hit the fan though and PSU ripped off 22 4th points to take it to OT. Fans who left early came scrambling back in letting us know, "They are, Penn State." The tremendous comeback fell short though. Iowa struck first with a Banks to Jones TD pass. Freshman Antwan Allen made a huge play coming up and making a great open field tackle to setup a 4th and game situation. The final Zach Mills pass fell incomplete and the Hawks stormed the field much like they did in 2000. Iowa proved in this game they could handle adversity behind their cool and collected QB. On a side note, Pip and myself made the opening to Sportscenter that night and the next day with our jubilant celebration. Nice sweater vest!
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