September 2008 Archives

Perhaps it is karmic retribution ... hakuna matata, the circle of life and all that jazz.  While it sure was fun watching #1 go down on Thursday night ... maybe we all enjoyed it a little too much.  The impact of the Trojan upset began a ripple of aftershocks that were felt throughout the weekend and the nation.  It seemed that every Saturday game-break brought more news of upsets in the top 25.  Our teams were not immune to the trend ...

Iowa showed well in the first half [or most of it, at least] against a still-undefeated Northwestern team.  19 unanswered points later - the Hawkeyes tucked their tail feathers and retreated to the catacombs of Kinnick after a second straight loss.  We are still in this contest ... statistically at least ... but things are not looking as bright as they were before the Cy-Hawk victory.  Next week at Michigan State ... ESPN2.

Indiana also recorded their second loss and maybe a lot more ... double-threat QB Kellen Lewis left the game with an injury.  Next Saturday, the Hoosiers travel to Minnesota to battle with the dome-dwelling Golden Gophers.

Wisconsin lost to Michigan in thrilling fashion [their last-minute, game-tying two-point conversion was called back on a procedural yellow flag].  It seems that Coach Bielema's Hawkeye tattoo got the best of him ... the Badgers mirrored the Iowa game plan of falling asleep in the second half, giving the Wolverine nation some hope and a .500 record. Wisconsin has a tough stretch ahead ... Ohio State, Penn State, Iowa and Illinois in the next four weeks ... and the biggest competition [IOWA] is a road game.

Purdue did not face a Big10 opponent but racked up a second loss by going down to he Fighting Irish.  Conference play begins next week for the Boilermakers.  See below ...

Penn State ... the only GCC-team with a W this weekend.  And what a win it was ... I swear we could hear the student section out here in the boonies.  While the national champion talk may be a bit premature, the Nittany Lions look like the real deal.  They can now be officially certified as a high-powered offense after passing the Illini test with flying colors.  How about that Derrick Williams guy?!  Next week, JoePa and the boys take the show on the road for their next test ... an away game in West Lafayette.

Looks like we might have another good game on our hands.
Louisville and Connecticut ?  I love this stuff.
Can I say that ?  Do I owe Ahmad Rashad or John Tesh a credit ?

It was a wonder full nite at Otto's.  Thanks Kelly.
Almost time for the second half ... get some sleep.

Sweet dreams and ... GO HAWKS!

Oh snap ! 

What a game!  Southern Cal almost did it again ... playing 'possum through the first half and turning it on in the third [quarter, that is ... third half would not make any sense].  With 1:19 left and a majority of the Oregon State student body already on the sidelines I thought that the missed PAT might come into play.  But NO ... Greg Laybourn intercepts Sanchez and ... ball game!

First things first ... to all the PSU fans out there ... NO ... this result, combined with the fact that the Lions beat OSU 45-14 does NOT mean that Penn State should be number one.  If it means anything, it is that the Pac-10 may not be as bad as the media would like us to believe and conversely, SC may not be as good as everyone thought.

I do not mean to take away from the accomplishment or play of the Beavers.  They executed an impressive win, using small passes and secure handoffs to get the pigskin into the hands of their playmakers.  The undersized duo of Jacquizz and James Rodgers [both listed at 5'7"], and Sammie Stroughter lit up the Trojan D.  Even with a sketchy place-kicking game, the Corvallis crew was able to carry out the upset in front of a national television audience. 

Let's hope that Coach Ferentz was taking notes.  Unfortunately, neither Ricki nor Jake have [or is it "has"] the quick release of Moevao, but we certainly have a plethora of players with point-scoring potential.  At its core, football is a game of field position and individual match-ups.  If the Beaver O-line could dominate the pituitary cases that comprise the SC defensive squad ... certainly IOWA can take tame the Wildcats.

To do that though, the Hawkeyes will have to step up their play.  Granted, we are not talking about an opponent of the PSU/Wisconsin caliber but the Wildcats have managed to put together four wins, outscoring their opponents 103 to 45.  While Northwestern's offensive output has started to trail off [after averaging 478 yards in the first two games, it has dropped to 307 in the subsequent pair] their defense has proven stout: racking up 11 sacks, 27 TFLs, and allowing a mere 15 combined points against the Salukis and an Ohio team that put up 14 in Columbus. 

The Big10 season is upon us.  Good luck to all and ... GO HAWKS!

This Saturday's IOWA game will be broadcast on ESPN Classic.

Being the eternal optimist that I am, let's start with the PROS ...

- A national television audience is a good thing for a program that is looking to bring in quality recruits and establish itself as a perennial front-runner in the Big10.

- Increased exposure will most certainly lead to even more #1 votes in the hotly-debated USA Today poll.

- Ricki Stanzi [announced Monday as the starting QB] deserves the opportunity.


As for the CONS ...

- Our Dear Hawkeyes have a tendency to choke under the bright lights of the national stage.  Some heart-breaking bowl games come to mind - not to mention last week's flop that was aired on ESPN2.

- Does everyone get ESPN Classic ?

- We do ... but NOT IN HD

In the end, I guess that such coverage concerns are of little consequence ... as long as we can get the taste of losing out of our collective maw.  That being said ... GO HAWKS!

It was still a great day.  Let me tell you why ...

We were IN the Hawkeye Nation ... While my Iowa pride is unwavering [even living in Happy Valley] there is something to be said for being physically amongst others with similar leanings.  There was a healthy Hawkeye contingent present and we were not shy about cheering on our team.  Even the stadium was decked out in gold [as it plays host to the Steelers on Sundays]. 

Heinz Field is a nice stadium ... From the river view and paddleboat fan shuttles to the ketchup bottles that pour into the big screen when the home team enters the "red zone" it offered a great fan experience.  Did you know that Mike Ditka and Dan Marino played at Pitt?

It was a good game ... The battle went back and forth, provided some exciting turnovers, fewer penalties, one review [on the fate sealing final fumble] and offered a decent offensive showcase [Iowa claimed the statistical advantage, in all but the most critical statistic].

The Play of the Panthers ... While The Daily Iowan had prepared me for the offensive potential of Pitt, it was their defense that impressed me in person.  Additionally, I appreciated the way oft-criticized coach Wannsted mixed it up ... going for it on fourth down, flea flickin' and recruiting a kicker that can make field goals.

Most of the Pitt fans were good sports ...  Sure, they can't fill their stadium and really only get into it on defensive third downs ... but the vast majority were gracious winners.  One Pitt fan went the extra mile to lift our spirits, shouting, "Go Hawkeyes - we still need you - Beat PSU".  There were a few less-than-creative cretins who commented on Sarah's jersey and its similarity to a Steelers uniform and a smaller group that were more crude.  I would like to think that, given the opportunity, I would have been more pro-Iowa than anti-Pitt after the victory.

We saw a guy in an Iowa State shirt ... Hey, at least we beat them!  While my first reaction was that this was one confused dude - it is more likely that he is just a college football fan that had the unfortunate opportunity to attend ISU.  When Sarah and I go to the Indiana/Penn State game in November we will certainly be representing the Hawkeyes.

We opened a map ... Who doesn't love a road trip?  Sarah and I are having fun exploring our new stomping grounds.  Pennsylvania is a beautiful state and will certainly only continue to be more so as Fall progresses.  

Did I mention we were at a college football game ... A wise man once said, "The worst day at a college football game is better than the best day doing most other things".  If that is not on a T-shirt or license plate frame, it really should be.

Tomorrow is another day ... Like the Happy, High-Fiving Hawkeye said after the game, "We're still good ... the Big10 has not even started yet".  

More importantly, the Graham-Cooper Cup is still in play.

I believe that it was Lou Holtz [channeling Yogi Bera] that said, "If you have two quarterbacks, you don't have one".  Think about it ... I hope the Iowa coaching staff will.

Next week Iowa welcomes the undefeated Northwestern Wildcats to Kinnick Stadium.

As a final note on our one-point loss I would like to offer a piece of advice to the victors ... When you are staring down a piece of critical third down yardage and a good defense ... you might want to steer clear of the Neil Diamond tunes.  Sweet Caroline may be a staple at the baseball park but the college football soundtrack should always be dominated by AC/DC.


In other GCC news ...

Penn State pounded the stuffing out of the Temple Owls in front of 105 thousand plus college football fans in their last pre-conference game.  The 546 yard, 45-point victory [coupled with Wake Forest's defeat of FSU] gives Coach Paterno the lead in the all-time 1-A wins contest ... and it only took him 43 years!  The Nittany Lions will attempt to win another one for JoePa next week against Illinois.  This should be a good contest and certainly the first real competition for an impressive looking PSU team.  Kickoff is scheduled for 8pm EST which should allow the student body enough time to finish their homework, do a load of whites and perhaps squeeze in an adult beverage or two.

Wisconsin was idle this week.  On the 27th, they travel to Ann Arbor for a final tune-up game before getting into serious conference play.  Divine scheduling keeps the Badgers in the friendly confines of Camp Randall Stadium for consecutive games against Ohio State and PSU.  After that, the boys in red and white travel to Iowa City for a heaping helmet full of black and blue from the men in black and gold.

After last week's heart-breaking loss to Oregon, Purdue continued to contribute to the gastrointestinal troubles of their fans by trailing early to Central Michigan.  The back-and-forth battle was not decided until the Boilermakers put up eight[8] points with one minute remaining.  The Chippewas out gained Purdue on the ground and through the air but were not as productive on third and fourth downs or after turnovers.  Next week is the in-state showdown against Notre Dame, who knocked off the Wolverines before succumbing to Michigan State this week.  In the back of the collective West Lafayette mind ... we host PSU on October 4th.

Under the lights in Bloomington, the battle of guys named Lewis went to MiQuale and Ball State.  The five foot, six inch HB amassed 166 yards and four TDs to secure the win.  Indiana's Kellen rushed for 148, threw for 159 but only found the end zone once.  Despite some big tackles by Brandon Mosley, the Hoosiers were unable to defend the fabled rock, giving up 42 points to an undefeated Ball State team.  Indiana must now prepare for conference play and the Spartan invasion.

If you are tired of your land-lubbin' handle ... check THIS out.

This time tomorrow, Sarah and I will be half-way to Pittsburgh.
Drink up, me hearties and GO HAWKS!

- iron jack roberts

Have you heard about the new pirate movie ?
    
It is rated Arrrrgh!

If you did not find that joke to be HILARIOUS ...
You might not be ready for this.

... THREE [3]

The number of points the Hawkeyes gave up [combined] in their first two games.

The number of points the Hawkeyes allowed the Cyclones to earn [as opposed to the 2 points awarded for Iowa's end zone shenanigans in the final minutes] during Saturday's reclamation of the Cy-Hawk trophy. 

The number of points required to send the Purdue/Oregon game to overtime ... twice.  Unfortunately, three is also ...

The length of Oregon's touchdown run which made a third OT unnecessary. 

The margin of victory for Wisconsin in a big, pre-conference road game against a ranked Fresno State.

The number of first-quarter touchdowns scored by Penn State in their 55-13 slaughter of Syracuse. 

All that the Buckeyes could muster against the #1 Trojans.

Plus eleven equals 14 ... the number of number one votes received by THE University of Iowa [per my understanding of the USA Today poll].

It was another pluvious Friday morning in Happy Valley. I made the right onto Curtin and slowed as I cruised passed the huddled masses, yearning to board the cambus. Did I offer a "Go Hawkeyes" yell?  No I did not.  Rather, I stopped to allow a few students to cross in front of me without further delay.  It is important to note that this is neither the custom nor code in PA [as it was in Cali].  It just seemed like the decent thing to do on a rainy day ... what you do to the lowest of my brothers ... and so on.  I am most certain that at least one of the students caught a glimpse of my fierce Hawkeye front license plate.  As such - and to the subject of this entry - the student will no doubt begin to make subconscious associations  between The University of Iowa and my gracious actions.  My campaign of kindness will continue through early November with the aim of persuading the PSU community to believe in a docile Hawkeye nation.  I will lull the lions.  Then on Saturday 11/8 ... Kirk, Ricki and the boys will bring the hammer down.  GO HAWKS !

IOWA's September 20th game at Pittsburgh will be televised on ESPN [original recipe or the deuce].  I hope this information brightens your day.  It is of little consequence to me ... as I now have a pair of tickets to the game in my possession.  GO HAWKS

Iowa has received four [4] number one votes in the USA Today poll.

What a game!  The Hawkeyes are looking GOOD.  Sure, they only added seven points in the second half but they were the only GCC team to record a shutout.  Iowa also wins the prize for fastest score with their first touchdown coming a mere 2:35 into the contest.  While Stanzi outplayed Christensen, the two combined for 261 passing yards.  Third-stringer Marvin McNutt [real name ... I kid you not] chipped in ten yards and the only Iowa interception of the afternoon.  Mr. Greene's productivity decreased in the second half as well but he still ended with an enviable 130 yards on 13 rush attempts [zero for a loss].  512 yards and 42 points ... this Hawkeye fan is pleased.  Let's keep the train rolling through week three.  Sarah and I will be harvesting our first batch of sweet corn next Saturday in preparation for the showdown with Iowa State.  The Cy-Hawk trophy is coming home to Iowa City!

After providing some first half hope, Wisconsin took the thunder out of Marshall's herd.  Bucky and the crew buried their outmatched opponents by the score of 51-14.  The pass attack dominated, averaging 18.3 yards per completion.  However, Wisconsin had to revert to the rush to get in the end zone.  Six of seven TD's came via ground delivery.  The Badgers travel to the golden state for their week three contest with Fresno State.  The team will need to focus on creating a more balanced attack before they get deeper into the season.  The boys from Madison are scheduled to take on OSU, PSU, IOWA and Illinois in consecutive weeks.

A week behind, Purdue is off to a good start.  At least Curtis Painter is.  The Boilermaker QB passed for 286 of Purdue's 402 yards of total offense.  Painter was happy in the pocket, with his O-line giving up only one sack.  When he tried to run [once] it yielded negative one yard.  No member of the Purdue ground attack was able to break the century mark.  All-in-all it was a convincing win over a pre-conference opponent ... even if they did give up ten points in the fourth quarter.  Next week the footballers of Oregon quack into West Lafayette.

Penn State was unable to put up 66 points for the second week in a row.  45-14 still counts as a convincing win in what was the Lions only potential pre-conference challenge.  While PSU did not manage to record as many yards as Wisconsin, they did display an Iowa-esqe balanced attack [215 in the air / 239 on the ground].  Evan Royster carried the ball 17 times for 141 yards [you do the math] and starting QB Daryll Clark passed for 215 yards and 2 TDs.  The future leaders of Pennsylvania will get a chance to hit the books this week.  Paternoville will not be in effect as the Lions take the show on the road and attempt to crush the orange out of Syracuse.

Indiana tried to prove that they are not just a basketball school by pulverizing Murray State 45-3.  They inadvertently also proved how impressive the Hawkeyes win was - by not being able to shutout their lowly opponents.  Marcus Thigpen showed his speed and elusiveness by picking up 106 yards in 7 rushes. Compared to week one, Kellin Lewis had a meeker showing.  The Junior QB passed for 170 yards but was unable to connect with a receiver in the end zone.  The crimson and cream are idle next week.  It is certain that they will be splitting their extra time off between watching game film and late night TV.  It is rumored that David Letterman may be suiting up for his alma mater when they come to Bloomington on September 20th. 

It appears that Jake Christensen is going to have some free time to concentrate on his studies, while on the sideline.

The BigTen Network ... it's a beautiful thing.  An hour before kickoff [after calling the local sports bars] we were informed that the Hawkeye game would be visible on a rollover channel [as the Wisconsin game is on the main BigTen channel].  Perhaps I should say the Marshall game as they are currently blanking the Badgers 14-0.

The Iowa squad is fairing much better.  Kirk has just popped in his second quarter piece of gum and the team has a 21-nothing lead.  The first drive [led by 1st-time starter Stanzi] was a thing of beauty.  The second score was even more impressive due to the goal line acrobatics of DJK.  Oh snap ... what was that ?!  A sack for Mitch King and then a long kick return by Brodell.  How many weapons do we have?  Just think ... Moeaki and Stross are still on the sidelines.  Let's hope that we can all stay healthy.  Along these lines, a note to the coach ... when the game is already in he bag and your star running back grabs his ribs ... give him a seat!  Ferentz did not ... next play ... fumble by Greene.

Halftime now and the FIU Panthers are looking a little less golden, down 35 to nada.  Stanzi went 8 for 10 in the first thirty minutes and Shonn Greene has already put up 110 yards.  Wisconsin has turned things around and is sitting on a 3 point lead.  The Boilermakers [14-0 over Northern Colorado] are off to a strong start in the season opener of Joe Tiller's swan song.  1:45 away from the PSU/Oregon State game and it is a wet afternoon in Happy Valley.  The Hoosiers will cap the day's events with the late game against Murray State.

7:45am ... THURSDAY ... the tents are up in Paternoville !

Who plans a wedding on the first Saturday of the college football season ?  Chris Daly - that's who!  Hockey fans ... what are you gonna do ?  I can tell you what this guy did.  I contacted the DC area alumni club.  Soon after, Sarah and I celebrated the kickoff at Kinnick from the Crystal City Sports Pub [good nacho dip but expensive pitchers] in beautiful Arlington, Virginia.  After just a few steps through the front door a member of the wait staff assessed our black & gold attire and sent us down the stairs to the Iowa area.  It was a nice turnout.  Better organized than the LA group we used to associate with [even if the raffle was a bit suspect].

As for the game ... what a contest [or lack thereof]!  The Hawkeyes did not let down the Iowa faithful - wiping the floor with the Maine squad, as expected.  Both quarterbacks [Christensen & Stanzi] had good showings, combining for 9 completions on 16 attempts and only one interception.  The ground attack was equally solid.  The Hawkeye backs totaled 245 yards, gaining an average 5.6 yards per rush.  Running Back Shonn [not a typo] Greene notched a career high 22 carries for 109 yards and one TD.  Only one yellow flag was thrown at the Hawks.  Bring it on Florida International!

Penn State put on a similar show for the masses in Beaver Stadium [even if they did give up a touchdown].  Again, like Iowa - PSU put multiple QBs on the field, who in turn, put many a ball into their receivers hands.  260 passing yards came on 19 completions and 26 attempts [zero interceptions].  The Lions averaged 8.6 yards per play and recorded darn near six hundred yards of total offense.  We will have to wait and see if they saved any scoring magic for next week when the Oregon State Beavers come to town.

The Indiana Hoosiers gave hope to the Western Kentucky program by only drubbing them by a score of 31 to 13.  To give credit where credit is due ... my statistical research suggests that the game was a shutout in IU's favor at halftime.  The crimson and cream took care of business on the ground - with 297 of their 450 total offensive yards by way of the run.  185 of those yards were earned by QB Kellen Lewis.  Murray State comes to Bloomington this week for a nighttime battle - 7pm EST / Big10 Network.  Check your local listings.

Wisconsin was the most generous team this weekend - allowing the Akron Zips to amass 17 points.  Like Indiana, the Badgers lit up the turf: 404 rushing yards - 211 of which belong to PJ Hill.  Unlike Indiana, the Badgers were barely holding onto a seven point lead at the half.  Must have been an exciting second half.  I don't know ... I was watching the Hawkeyes.  The Marshall Herd make the trip to Madison next week to take on the turnover happy Wisconsin team.

Outside of the G-C Cup race, Big10 counterparts Michigan, Illinois and Michigan State racked up early season losses.  It should also be noted that the Coastal Carolina massacre was JoePa's 373rd victory [tied with Bobby Bowden].

In conclusion, it is too early to talk much about rankings.  Let's get into conference play first.  As it stands now ... Indiana is on top of the conference standings [due to alphabetical ranking of the 1-0 teams].  Wisconsin is holding on to the number 11 spot on the AP top 25, with PSU sitting strong at 19.