October 2008 Archives

Kudos to the Phillies and a big THANK YOU to Sports Illustrated.

Check out the current issue.  Pay special attention to the upper, right-hand corner.
Here's hoping that the Cover Curse befalls the Nittany Lions.

Don't get me wrong ... I am not suggesting that IOWA requires some silly jinx to win.

That is absurd!  Especially considering that whenever I close my eyes I see THIS.

... that IOWA can still win the Graham-Cooper Cup ?

You betcha!  Dig this ... if the Hawkeyes can win out and Michigan State beats PSU, Sarah and I will be clearing space on the bookshelf for the storied, golden chalice.  Following the above scenario, both teams will end the season owning 6-2 conference records, with the head-to-head tie breaker in IOWA's favor.  First things first ... getting past the schizophrenic Fighting Illini.  Two weeks ago they take no pity on a struggling Indiana team [putting up 55 points] but then follow up the performance by surrendering to a hungry weasel named Bucky.

... that Penn State is beatable ?

Based on the first quarter of the Michigan game and the recent contest with the Buckeyes, the answer is an unequivocal YES.  While the season-ending, home game against Michigan State may correctly be deemed a minor speed bump ...  the same can not be said of the game against IOWA.  Even so, the Hawkeyes will likely need a perfect game to beat the Lions ... we saw what Pryor's one miscue cost his team.  The November 8^th contest will be in Iowa City, so we got that going for us.  In PSU's favor is the extra prep time they gain by virtue of being idle this week.  One must hope [that whether win or LOSE] the PSU student body is able to control their excitement ... who riots after a 13-6 victory ? 

For the sad details ... story & pics 

... that Indiana will end the year with a winning record ?

Uhhh ... NO.  After celebrating homecoming in Bloomington by beating Northwestern and recording their third win of the year, the Hoosiers appear likely to split their last four games ... and that may be a generous forecast.  I am willing to give them the Central Michigan contest but PSU ... nuh-uh.  That leaves Wisconsin and Purdue.  If Indiana does not win either of those, they will have the dubious honor of losing to every G-CC eligible team!  To be fair, Purdue could likely achieve the same, if only they played Wisconsin this year.  All this subtext can mean only one thing ... that the season-concluding matchup between Indiana and Purdue will be an instant classic ... a game that is sure to be replayed on the BigTen Network for the delight of future generations!

... that Wisconsin is the team we thought they could be ?

The answer is NO.  While they were able to beat Illinois, notching their first conference win and springing from the basement of the G-CC standings, methinks it is too little too late.  Next week, the Badgers head to Michigan State and will most certainly reclaim their losing ways.  After that, the likely wins against Indiana and Cal Poly [really?] will offer little solace for the Mad-town faithful.  At least their coach has a Hawkeye tattoo.  I think we can all agree ... that is pretty darn cool.

... that Joe Tiller is doing it all for Hope ?

Yes ... Danny Hope that is.  If I may be so bold as to judge the current Purdue coach solely by the BigTen network commercials ... he seems like a cool guy.  So cool that he is fitting his final squad with cement shoes and handing the jackhammer to his successor.  I mean, he must be, right?  The Boilermakers can't really just be that bad?!  With the likes of Michigan State and IOWA remaining on Purdue's schedule, Tiller could easily hand over the reigns and a zero-conference-win record ... and there is only one way to go from there!

Oh woe is me ...

It is a sad day for the Hawkeye Nation.  A dreary, rainy [pluvious even] afternoon ... perfect for staying inside and watching football.  Unfortunately, IOWA is idle this week.

As such, I think I will use this down time to reflect.  Reflect on what, you ask ... on the last Hawkeye win [against Wisconsin] of course!

Please allow me to apologize for the quality of the images below.  If I am lucky and Santa is a fan of this blog, perhaps he will bring me a nice digital SLR for Christmas.

Here is a snapshot from the State College High School game that we attended a week before we creamed Wisconsin.  Not only did the home team win, but they forced an application of the mercy rule [free-running clock] by establishing a 35-0 lead.  Check out the vantage point ... 50 yard line ... you know how we roll.  Not bad for four dollar tickets.

Here is a picture from the PSU homecoming parade.  This was on the eve of the Lions' decisive victory over the Wolverines.  On that same day ... that's right ... the Hawkeyes buried Bielema and his Badgers.

After the game ... excuse me ... after the win, we went for a walk in the woods.  We spooked a gobbling gang of turkeys [sorry - no image] and encountered a mysterious plant.  Did you know that a group of turkeys is called a "rafter"?

Ahh ... that was nice.  I hope it was as enjoyable for you.  Now I can begin to look ahead to next week and the Hawkeye's battle with the Fighting Illini.

I am not sure what led me to make score predictions but I think that I will refrain in future weeks ...


While I was correct about Stanzi's protection of the football and the bullet-proof nature of the IOWA defense my point prognostication was a little off the mark.  On the plus side, my Hawkeyes put up more points than advertised.  Back-extraordinaire Shonn Green was not satisfied with merely continuing his 100+ yard rushing streak and instead ramped up his output to pass the century mark TWICE ... on his way to four touchdowns!  Another aspect of the game that I was unable to accurately predict was the cast of unlikely contributors: Tight-end Allen Reisner provided a big target for Stanzi and his sure hands secured a highlight reel TD reception.  On the defensive side of the ball, LB Pat Angerer really stepped up his game.  The Bettendorf, IA native recorded 16 tackles and two interceptions.  It was a wonderful win for the Hawkeyes ... one that keeps our post-season hopes alive and brought the Heartland Trophy back to Iowa City.  As for the Badgers, it may not be too early to start looking forward to next year.


The Wolverines started strong, establishing a 10 point lead.  Clouds swiftly gathered above Happy Valley as the perfect season appeared to be in jeopardy.  Then, just as quickly, the drama was over and the status quo restored.  It seems that Paterno's squad just needed a brief sideline review of the football food chain, which as we all know, dictates that Nittany Lions feed on rodents.  The part of the game I enjoyed the most ... pronouncing the name of the first year Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez, rolling my Rs like some pretentious FoodTV host.

 
I stand by my Purdue - Northwestern prediction [or lack thereof].  I prefer to think that I was not way off but rather that Tiller, Painter and the rest laid an egg.  I am not sure what else to add about this one.  For starters, I did not see the game ... and there is not much I can say to the Purdue faithful to lessen the sting of losing to a team dressed in purple.

 
It only took forty-five seconds for Illinois to reach the end zone and for me to realize that I had drastically underestimated their scoring potential.  Indiana's Marcus Thigpen attempted to rebound from last week's constrictions of the IOWA defense [recording 69 yards on 17 carries] but Kellen Lewis was not as resilient.  The starting Hoosier QB and his injured right foot were forced to watch from the sidelines as the orange Juice Williams put on a passing clinic [16 for 22, 271 yards and 2 TDs].

Wisconsin @ Iowa ... There could be some damaged sibling relationships here.  By which I mean, when the Hawkeyes are victorious I may not be able to reign in my gloating.  On the plus side, if the Badgers are to come out on top ... perhaps Julie will finally comment!  There is little reason to break down this game on paper as it will come down to which team wants it more [and who scores more points, I guess].  Both teams are trying to salvage their seasons and bowl hopes.  I expect it will go down as such ... get ready for a shocker ... Shonn Greene will continue his 100-yard rushing streak, Stanzi will hold on to the football and the rock-solid IOWA defense [bolstered by the home crowd] will seal the win. 

My prediction: IA-24 / WI-17

Michigan @ Penn State ... It is homecoming weekend in Happy Valley [parade photos to come / weather permitting] and Paternoville, which was at full capacity Tuesday morning, has since spilled tent-loads of students across the street.  The rollercoaster ride that has been the Michigan season is likely to take a frightening dive ... the Lions are poised to take another step toward their national championship goal by notching their first victory against the Wolverines since 1996. 

My prediction: PSU-45 / M-13    

Indiana @ Illinois ... It is too bad for the Hoosiers that this is not the NFL, where dismal seasons at least yield the potential for high draft picks.  Having suffered an embarrassing loss to Minnesota in their last outing, Zook and his boys will be out for blood on Saturday when Indiana breaches the confines of Memorial Stadium.  [The salt in the Fighting Illini wound is the fact that the loss came at home ... which is also unfortunate for me as I really wanted an opportunity to inject the phrase "Gopher-dome"] 

My prediction: Ill-28 / IN-10

Purdue @ Northwestern ... This weekend the Boilermakers head north to get their game on against Northwestern.  After suffering their first loss of the season at the hands of the surprising Spartans, the Wildcats look to regain that winning feeling and impress the alumni assembled to celebrate homecoming.  Considering the entrance requirements in Evanston, I imagine the students will be sporting commemorative t-shirts with more cerebral slogans than currently on view in State College ... "make Michigan our Bichigan" ... OK that is kinda clever. 

My prediction: an aerial battle, too close to call

Did I call the Hawkeye win?  YES.  Do I believe that Ken & Kirk are aware of the negative groundswell sparked by their coaching decisions and resultant close losses?  You better believe it!  OK ... maybe I am largely responsible for the most recent and spectacular IOWA win but even I can not take credit for all of our success on the field. 

I was not the one who decided that a single 100+ yard runner was not enough.  It is more likely that Shonn Greene's mystery gimpiness provided the opportunity for true-freshman Jewel Hampton to rack up 114 Hoosier-stomping yards [on top of Greene's 115].  If you are wondering ... the answer is "Yes" ... that was the seventh straight hundred-yard-game for Greene this season.

I was not the one who suggested that Ricki Stanzi complete 60% of his passes and not throw a single interception.  If I had my pick [pun intended] I would rather see an errant pass grabbed by a defender than a sloppy center-QB exchange lead to a ball on the turf.  It was a pleasant surprise to see Jake Christensen join the game for a change.  The appearance of the former starter was thankfully due to the fact that the win was already secured and not because the starting job is still undecided.

I was not the one who thought to give Marvin McNutt a shot at playing wide receiver.  However, the third-string QB did line up and catch one pass for eleven yards.  I hope that our offensive coordinator can think of some creative ways to take advantage of having a second passer on the field.

I was not the one who shut down Indiana's run game.  All credit belongs to the Hawkeye defensive squad and their leader, the portly Parker.  NOTE: if it were not for kick-return yards, Marcus Thigpen would have recorded a shocking negative two [-2] yards for the game.    

Saturday's 45-9 victory was a very satisfying win, made even sweeter by the fact that it came on the road.  The Hawkeyes proved that they were the best .500 team in the nation and vaulted to second place in the standings.  Next week the much improved IOWA squad welcomes visitors from Madison with hopes of prolonging Bucky's nightmare.

As for my influence on other, non-Iowa teams ...

The only other G-CC team to record a victory on Saturday was Penn State.  If you have not heard, the Nittany Lions are on a bit of a tear lately.  One might even call it a meteoric rise.  Again, I do not want to take sole responsibility for the success of the local team ... even if it were true, as a die-hard Hawkeye I would have to deny my involvement.  But from what I hear, before I moved to Happy Valley and started this blog, football was not such a big deal around here.   

Pivot [piv-uht] noun - a turning point ...

Here we are folks, half-way through the season and things are starting to get interesting ...

Iowa and Indiana - two teams with 0-2 conference records, both on three game losing skids, will face off in Bloomington.  In his weekly press conference, Hoosier head coach Bill Lynch pointed out that both teams have one more thing in common ... the combined records of the teams that have bested Indiana is 16-2.  For the Hawks, the same is true.  What does it all mean ?  We will find out on Saturday.  One thing is certain ... one of these teams will extend its losing streak to four games ... and the other team will be wearing black and gold.  GO HAWKS!

Penn State and Wisconsin - this could be a good one.  PSU [and their band] are looking to shine under the lights at Camp Randall.  A win puts the Nittany Lions one step closer to their goal of National/Big10 Champ status and effectively confirms the delivery of the Graham-Cooper Cup to the 16877.  After falling to Michigan and Ohio State in consecutive weeks, the Badgers are looking to recapture what began as a promising season.

Purdue and Ohio State - poor Joe Tiller.  I am afraid that the Boilermakers will soon know the UI/IU pain of three straight losses.  Pryor and his boys are looking strong and have yet to lose a home game this season.  On the plus side, the remainder of Purdue's schedule looks beatable [with the obvious exceptions of Michigan and Iowa].

The best part of it all ... we can watch all three! 

• Iowa @ Indiana ... 12:03 EST on BigTen
• Purdue @ OSU ... 3:30 EST on ABC
• PSU @ Wisconsin ... 8:00 EST on ESPN

To:  Gary A. Barta

       Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
       The University of Iowa

In response to the third straight Hawkeye loss, I submit an overview of my qualifications for the position of Offensive Coordinator.

- The understanding that if you run the play action pass on EVERY first down, the defense will eventually figure it out and shut it down.

- The testicular fortitude to go for it on fourth down ... in the first half.

- The belief that there is no sense in calling a run play on 3^rd and fifteen.

- A "kick 'em when they're down" mentality: When your opponent's starting safety goes out with an injury and you are looking at first down on their 20 ... you take a strike at the end zone, going after the replacement safety.

To address the one perceived weakness in my application I would like to suggest that I am not inexperienced, but rather ...  a Maverick!  My lack of familiarity with traditional offensive schemes will allow me to keep defenses guessing.  Like the poker newbie who lays down what he believes to be a losing hand only to have the veteran across the table point out the winning flush ... my unorthodox play-calling will be deceptive and destructive.

I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you at your earliest convenience about how my skills can be applied to your organization.  Please contact me soon and together we can save this season.

Respectfully submitted -

Blake Cooper

ESPN, you did it again ... providing another great game and an excuse to have an adult beverage on a school night.  Pitt upset #10 South Florida on Thursday and I could not look away.  I have no particular connection to either of these institutions/teams.  Sure, I did travel to Pittsburgh to watch the Hawkeyes give a game to the Panthers, but if you asked me to name five schools in Florida ... chances are likely that I would not mention USF.

What I am trying to figure out, or rather, what I am trying to put into words is ... why I love college football so much.  Please note: I did not say Hawkeye football, or merely football in general.  Of course there is no team that I rather watch [and see win] than the mighty Hawkeyes.  However, more important to this discussion, is the fact that I rather watch most any college game than an NFL contest [even one showcasing my 'Skins].

I doubt that many people would disagree with the statement that college basketball is far superior to the NBA variety. OK, OK ... I am not suggesting that certain players in the pros [especially those whose talent propelled them through college campuses at alarming rates] could not single-handedly dominate many NCAA squads.  It is not all about individual talent ... ball [basket- or foot-] is a team sport after all.  How can dollar-driven athletes [who walk through the first half of drawn out seasons] match the passion of 20 year-olds battling for the glory of ol' state?

In football though, the length of the regular season variable is removed.  And while the personal compensation discrepancy remains, college football is big business ... most BCS bowl contenders play in stadiums that dwarf the average professional stage.  In fact, my imaginary research suggests that if the NCAA would allow for liquor sales at sporting events, the entity could easily become the second-largest economy in the world!

Perhaps it all comes down to personal history.  I went to [and eventually even graduated from a Big10] university.  My college years were some of the best of my life.  During my first freshman year alone, I met many of the guys that remain my closest buddies to this day.  My cousin was Iowa's back-up QB at the time and I began my relationship with my wife-to-be.  Each Saturday kick-off, I see those good times personified by chest-bumping cheerleaders, body-painting undergrads, mascots and marching bands.

I have noticed that many of my friends that did not attend or complete their post-secondary studies lean toward the NFL side of the fan spectrum.  The control group in my study was comprised of individuals that attended schools without football programs [Loyola, IUP, Marquette and Grinnell come to mind].  For this subset of grads, the attraction to the college football scene appears to be directly related to their current physical proximity to a Division 1 program.

In the end ... perhaps my love of all things college football does not require an explanation.  It's not like I am trying to defend seal clubbing or styrofoam cups here ... one does not need to craft a dissertation to explain their affinity for chocolate or sunshine.  Some things are just GOOD.  Yeah, you know ... forget I said anything.