GAMEDAY: #8 Ohio State at #21 Iowa

Gameday video:



Gameday links,

Big Ten game-day weather: Week 12
Iowa vs. Ohio State: Game Day
Ricky Stanzi Could Be Steal of 2011 NFL Draft
Diverse Hawks ready to say goodbye to Kinnick
Ohio State-Iowa: Hawks duo wants revenge
Nile Kinnick a reminder of a long-lost time in college sports
Five things to watch in today's Iowa game

Hoops,

Brown:Bowen getting the hang of it
Win Some, Lose Some
Iowa State? In Paradise?
Hawkeyes drop Paradise Jam opener to Xavier
Preview: Alabama vs. Iowa
Xavier races past Iowa men's basketball team, 86-73


Wrestling,

Hawkeyes give Brands 100th victory
The Iowa City Duals
Young Hawkeyes Ace Their `Trial Run'
Iowa sweeps duals

Game Week (OSU) | The Seniors (Defense)

Last evening I listed the Hawkeye seniors on offense that will play their last game in Kinnick tomorrow. Tonight we have the defense. Also, Monday I put together this little video.


#5 Ryan Donahue

Donahue arrived at Iowa being named to the USA Today High School All-American Team. In 2008 he was a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation's top punter. He was named to the watch list for the Ray Guy Award in both 2009 and 2010. Donahue has been named honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2008 and Second Team All-Big Ten in 2009. He holds Iowa's second longest (82 yards), fifth longest (76 yards), and tenth longest (72 yards) punts in school history.

#30 Brett Greenwood

Following Greenwood's redshirt year he entered 2007 listed as co defensive back in the two deeps. That year Greenwood saw action on special teams and started on the road at Indiana. He was named a Freshman All-Big Ten team member by the Sporting News. Throughout his career at free safety Greenwood has been named honorable mention All-Big Ten, Second Team All-Big Ten and was given Iowa's Next Man In and Win During the Week Awards. Greenwood was named to the Leadership Group the last four seasons at Iowa. This season, Greenwood has recorded 41 tackles and has 4 interceptions. Prior to this season Brett had 168 tackles and 7 INTs.

#33 Jeff Tarpinian

Tarpinian began his career at Iowa as a defensive back. He made the move to linebacker in 2007. He has been an Academic All-Big Ten for three consecutive years and earned the Coaches' Appreciate Award. The former Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year had 50 tackles prior to his senior season at Iowa. This year he has recorded 44 tackles and 2 sacks despite having a broken hand injury and a stinger injury. Tarpinian will miss the remainder of the 2010 regular season but may return for one last game as a Hawkeye when Iowa plays its Bowl to end the season.

#42 Jeremiha Hunter

After a redshirt season Jeremiha started his career at Iowa on special teams. By 2008 he had moved into the starting WILL linebacker position and was second on the team in tackles with 80. Prior to 2010 Hunter had racked up 179 tackles and 8.5 for a loss. This season Hunter has recorded a team leading 65 tackles and has one interception.

#46 Christian Ballard

Ballard excited fans when he decommitted from Kansas and committed to Iowa as a tight end recruit. Ballard saw action his true freshman season at Iowa but instead of tight end he moved to defensive end. Ballard has been a constant on the Iowa defensive line switching in 2009 from end to tackle. This season he has showed his versatility and played both positions for the Hawks. Christian entered 2010 with 109 tackles and 9.5 sacks. For 2010 he adds to those career numbers 33 tackles and 1 sack.



#48 Troy Johnson

Troy Johnson had playing time experience on special teams but hadn't started a game at linebacker until the regular season finale against Minnesota in 2009. The results? Johnson had 11 tackles and was named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week. Johnson entered his senior season with 31 tackles. This season the chance for more playing time at the linebacker positions has been limited by injuries. In 2010 he has 38 tackles and 1 INT.

#94 Adrian Clayborn

Probably the most nationally known player, or the face of the Iowa defense. Clayborn is a finalist for the 2010 Lombardi Award. He also is a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarick Award. He was named to several preseason All-America and All-Big Ten teams. He was named MVP of the 2010 Orange Bowl and named National Defensive Performer of the Year by College Sports Performance Awards. The permanent Hawkeye captain 140 tackles and 15.5 sacks entering his senior season. For 2010 Clayborn has 42 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

He has had several big plays as a Hawkeye, his most memorable may be a blocked punt and return for a touchdown against Penn State in 2009.



#95 Karl Klug

Klug's career got off to a bang his sophomore season when he was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week versus Florida International. He followed his sophomore year (17 tackles) with a junior season that saw him record 65 tackles, including 13 for a loss and 4 sacks. Klug started all 13 games in 2009 at defensive tackle and thus far, in 2010, is 10 for 10. He was given the Hustle Award by the Hawkeyes on defense and was named 2009 First Team All-Big Ten in 2009. For 2010 Klug has 46 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, and 3.5 sacks.

#97 Ross Peterson

The walk-on from Durant, Iowa has played both tight end and linebacker during his time at Iowa. Prior to his senior season he had seen the field on special teams, his 2009 season was cut short due to injury. He left Spring camp of 2010 listed on the two-deeps at linebacker and has seen game action in eight games this season. He has recorded 4 tackles thus far in 2010.

Game Week (OSU) | Stanzi and the Sticky Icky? Plus Hawkeye Links

Marc Morehouse of the Cedar Rapids Gazette published a piece of Ricky Stanzi called no Patriot Act this morning. Stanzi discusses America, the American Flag, and hippies. It's perhaps the perfect send off for the senior that has had the Captain America title since proclaiming "USA #1, love it or leave it" at the conclusion of the Orange Bowl.

Wait a minute! The website Deadspin.com also ran a piece on Stanzi. This one claims that they were offered pictures of Stanzi for a fee. Interesting timing by Deadspin for sure. Deadspin claims there were approached by a person that has pictures of Stanzi enjoying a little Mary Jane (who doesn't?). They want money, perhaps to buy themselves more weed? Bottom line, there are no pictures online yet. More to come...

Jon Miller is starting to feel it! Through his message board Hawkeye Nation Jon breaks down why he thinks the Hawks may win tomorrow.

Football links,

Video: Friday Four Downs
How the Hawkeyes can win
Iowa vs. Ohio State: Statistics
Hawkeyes ready for stiff challenge from Buckeyes
The Big Ten Betting Extravaganza: Week 12
Iowa vs. Ohio State (What to expect)
Photos: Nov. 19 I-Club Breakfast
Iowa's All-Time Best "Good Hands" Guys
11/19/2010: I-Club breakfast video
Hawkeye Recruit Roundup: Week 12
Bowl picture: Iowa looking at Cap One, Outback, Gator
Clauss: Climbing Mountains Instead of Moving Them
Harty: OSU is the big game that wasn’t

PSD.com Catches Up With Tim Dwight | Talks DJK, Senior Day, and Predictions

This morning I was presented with the opportunity to interview former Hawkeye Legend Tim Dwight. The legendary Hawkeye receiver played at Iowa from 1994-1997 and up until this season was Iowa's all-time receiving yards leader with 2271 yards. Dwight also recorded 5 touchdowns as a punt returner and accumulated just over 1100 yards.

Dwight went onto to a 10 year career in the NFL playing for the Atlanta Falcons, San Diego Chargers, New England Patriots, NY Jets, and Oakland Raiders. As an NFL wide receiver Dwight had 194 career receptions for 2964 yards and 19 TDs. He also had three regular season punt returns for a touchdown and an electrifying 94 yard kickoff return for a TD with the Falcons in the Super Bowl XXXIII.

Dwight, along with everydayshouldbesaturday.com blogger Spencer Hall will be in Iowa City tomorrow as part of the Rivalry Road Trip sponsored by Good Hands Roadside Assistance. They will be at the Summit Restaurant and Lounge on Clinton St. from 11 am to noon on Saturday prior to Iowa's game with Ohio State.

There fans can engage in an interactive Q&A with trivia and an autograph session with Dwight. Also enter a chance to win free tickets to the Ohio State at Iowa game. There will be 10 pairs of tickets given away. Fans that register for the free tickets will also have a chance to win a trip for two to the 2011 Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.

Q: Tomorrow is senior day for 26 Hawkeyes. In 1997 you guys beat Minnesota 31-0 on your senior day, can you talk about your senior day experience at Iowa?

Tim Dwight: It's an important day as a Hawk. It's your final day in Kinnick as a team and as a family. It's a day you don't want to end. The players tomorrow will both be sad but excited too. It's your last time in Kinnick, not for good, but as a Hawkeye football player.

Q: Have you spoken to  DJK since he broke your receiving yards record?

Tim Dwight: I haven't but I may be try to speak with him after the game. He has the record and every catch he is adding to it. He is a special type of talent with a special ability.

Q: You had a successful 10 year NFL career. How do you see Derrell's talents transferring from the college game to the NFL?

Tim Dwight:  Derrell has good speed and the size the NFL wants. It's a matter of how bad he wants it. You have to work hard and be coachable. Playing for Kirk Ferentz will help his stock because of the way Kirk does business. Ferentz hold the players accountable and their gameday preparation and system (pro style) will have him prepared.

There are many variables. It takes hard work, team skills like blocking, and a little bit of luck. You have to avoid injuries.


Q: One of my favorite Tim Dwight moments is as a gunner on the punt team you blowing up the Arizona punt returner. Did you ever get in Hayden's ear about playing a little defense?

Tim Dwight: (laugh) I played defense one game but Hayden told me I was too important to the offense. We threw it around a bit plus I got to block for Tavian Banks and the rest of our offense, so I enjoyed that.

Q: Do you have a prediction for tomorrow's Ohio State at Iowa game?

Tim Dwight: It's going to be a good game. If the Hawks take care of the football it could be a good day.

Q: You're being inducted into the Iowa High School Hall of Fame tonight. You alma mater Iowa City High is taking on my alma mater Dowling Catholic in the 4A championship game. Have a prediction for that game?

Tim Dwight: I am and it's an honor to be inducted. Maybe we should make a wager? I'm looking for a great game. Finally these two teams will meet for the championship. They've both won titles and I'm looking forward to the game.

Game Week (OSU) | Friday Morning Hawkeye Links and Chatter

The Cedar Rapids Gazette is making football predictions for the football games for the upcoming weekend. Between the four writers the Hawkeyes are picked to win twice, picked to lose twice.

Mike Hlas writes that there are So many good Hawkeye seniors this year who deserve appreciative sendoffs.  I think Hawkeye Nation would agree with that. Hawk Central also writes that a Long road nears end for seniors. Yesterday I posted a list of the senior offensive players. Later today I'll have a list of the defense.


Fight for Iowa, a Hawkeye blog, has a Q&A With The Buckeye Batlle Cry. See what the other side thinks.


Yesterday, ESPN's Mel Kiper talked about OSU at Iowa as his game of the week. He stated that Ricky Stanzi has a chance to move up to a second round draft pick with a strong finish to the season. See where one blogger thinks Stanzi may end up.

This morning the Hawkeye seniors were honored at the I-Club breakfast in Iowa City. Hawk Central has the video here. Also, here are some tweets from the event:

RT @bvak: As KF introduced Koeppel, he added "...who is not wearing a helmet...but isn't riding a moped anymore, either."

RT @bvak: Stanzi and others as they're being introduced.



 

RT @thebstiles: Ricky Stanzi is wearing a tie with an American flag. Can't say I would've expected anything less this morning.

RT @bvak: KF praising the seniors for getting the #Hawkeyes program back on course. 

RT @bvak: KF introducing 26 seniors. Murray already graduated.

RT @bvak: KF: Gable's coaching numbers make John Wooden look like an amateur.

RT @bvak: KF: Marv Cook smarter than me. He coaches for a hobby.

RT @bvak: Dolph: After tomorrow, this senior class will have won 40 games.

RT @bvak: Dolph getting choked up talking about the flyover. Said he and Eddie have surprise planned for it tomorrow.

Here are football links,

Military Flyover Planned For Kinnick
Big Ten rooting interest: Week 12
Fateful boot gave Ohio State win over Iowa in ’09
Big Ten did you know? Week 12
Hawkeyes can play spoiler, set up nice bowl bid
Iowa-Ohio State: Saying Thank You to the Seniors
The Matchups: Iowa vs Ohio State
Timeless moments: This week in Hawkeye History
Cover story: A legacy defined
Iowa QB isn't looking back
What Will Happen: Ohio State Vs. Iowa
Friday Skull Session
Know your enemy: Iowa edition
Slow starts against Big Ten foes vexing Ohio State Buckeyes
Hawkeyes mine Ohio for leftover football prospects
Buckeyes didn't excite Hawkeyes QB Stanzi
Ohio State at Iowa: Key matchups
OSU Notes: Iowa's fans can have a huge impact


Hoops links,

Gatens back for tough Xavier matchup
Iowa opens with defending A-10 champs at Paradise Jam

Wrestling links,

A Winner Is You! 2010 Iowa Wrestling Preview: 141 lbs.
Lots up in the air for wrestlers
Live blog from Iowa City Duals — 3:30 p.m.
'New' wrestler all business

Game Week (OSU) | The Seniors (Offense)

#11 Don Nordmann

Prior to his senior season Nordmann had a total of two catches for 45 yards. He has one catch this season for 14 yards that came in the season opener against Eastern Illinois. Don does play on special teams and recorded a tackle in the Orange Bowl in 2009. He can be seen this season on the kickoff team.

#21 Nick Kuchel

Nick started his career as a defensive back but moved to wide receiver. Most of his time on the field has been on special teams. Kuchel has recorded four career tackles prior to this season and has been named to Academic All-Big Ten and earned a Hawkeye Team Leader Award.

#69 Kyle Haganman

Haganman has seen a little time at offensive tackle, particularly late in games. Haganman was listed as second team offensive tackle following the Spring of 2009. He earned a Team Leader Award in 2007.

#89 Joe Audlehelm

Joe joined the team in 2009 after being named honorable mention All-American at NIACC. He has yet to record a catch in his Hawkeye career.

#1 Daniel Murray

Daniel has had his senior season practically wiped out due to a hip flexor injury and the emergence of walk-on Mike Meyer. His Hawkeye bio notes that Murray ranks 13th all-time at Iowa with 158 career points. No Hawk fan will forget the three points that Murray put on the board with little time left to beat the #3 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions in 2008. Daniel has was named freshman All-Big Ten by the Sporting News and honorable mention All-Big Ten by the media in 2009.



#84 Ben Evans

Ben Evans hasn't recorded a catch his senior season but has two career catches for 20 yards. The walk-on wide receiver is an Iowa City native and will walk into Kinnick for the final time with former high school teammate Josh Koeppel.

#65 Andrew Schulze

Schulze has hardly had his name mentioned on call-in shows or in newspapers and for his position that is a good thing. Andrew has been the primary long snapper for punts and field goals since 2007. He has earned All-Big Ten Academic honors and was given the Reggie Roby Special Teams Award by the Hawkeyes in 2009.

#25 Paki O'Meara

Paki has found himself anywhere from first to fifth on the Hawkeye depth chart at running back throughout his career. His biggest contributions have come on special teams either making big tackles or blocking a punt and returning it for a TD. The walk-on senior worked his way to a scholarship at Iowa and has earned the Hustle Team Award twice. This season Paki has carried the ball 10 times for 56 yards. Prior to this season he had 37 rushes for 97 yards and 4 catches for 64 yards.

#26 Paul Chaney Jr.

Chaney Jr. will probably be best known for the end around. The Hawkeye wide receiver also runs track at the University of Iowa. This season Chaney Jr. has 5 rushes for 58 yards. Prior to 2010 Chaney Jr. had 28 receptions for 279 yards and 1 TD.

#67 Josh Koeppel
 
Josh Koeppel's greatest hit may not have come on the football field. A video of Koeppel hitting a Ford F150 went viral just days prior to Iowa opening the 2010 season. Keoppel was in a tight race for the starting center position that went to sophomore James Ferentz. Josh has seen time starting at guard this season when Adam Gettis and Nolan MacMillan were scratched due to injury. Koeppel is another native of Iowa City, playing his high school football at Iowa City High with Ben Evans.



#22 Colin Sandeman

Sandeman began his career at wide receiver at Iowa as a true freshman. The Bettendorf native has 16 catches for 173 yards and 2 TD's this season. Prior to his senior season Sandeman had 24 catches for 267 yards and 3 TDs. His most memorable catch may have been along the side line in the Orange Bowl against Georgia Tech.

#36 Brett Morse

Morse saw his consecutive start streak end this season at Michigan when he was scratched due to injury. Morse has been the Hawkeye fullback for 31 out of the last 32 games. He has paved the way for Shonn Greene, Jewel Hampton, Brandon Wegher, and Adam Robinson. He has earned the Hawkeye Hustle Award and is a three time All-Academic Big Ten.

#63 Julian Vandervelde

Vandervelde's first start at Iowa was against Northern Illinois in 2007. He has been a constant along the Iowa offensive line ever since. His 2009 season was a bit of a battle due to a bicep injury just prior to fall camp. Julian has bounced back nicely his senior season and is the leader along the line. The Davenport native played in the Little League World series as a 12 year old, sang for President Obama, and was named Academic All-Big Ten three years in a row.

#82 Allen Reisner

The senior from Marion, Iowa played as a true freshman in 2007. While he was behind current NFL Tight Ends Brandon Meyers and Tony Moeaki on the depth chart Reisner was earning the Hustle Team Award and the Next Man In Award. Resiner entered his senior season with 27 catches for 374 yards and 2 TDs. This season he was named a Mackey Award semifinalist and is the teams third leading receiver with 35 catches for 370 yards and 2 TDs.



#12 Ricky Stanzi

If you don't love it, leave it! Ricky Stanzi became the starting quarterback at Iowa after four games into the 2008 season. Since then Stanzi has notched a 25-7 record as Iowa's starting QB. Prior to 2010 Stanzi was 321/562 for 4373 yards and 31 TDs. His senior season has seen remarkable improvement in completion percentage and efficiency. Stanzi has completed 66.4 % of his passes, has a TD to INT ratio of 22 to 4 and a QB rating of 167.2. Ricky Stanzi has been named a Davey O'Brien Award finalist and has a legitimate chance at being the first Hawkeye All-Big Ten quarterback since Drew Tate.



#15 Derrell Johnson-Koulianous

DJK! Derrell will leave Iowa the All-time leading receiver and with the most receiving yards. Another of the Hawkeye seniors to start his career as a true freshman he electrified fans with a one handed touchdown grab against Wisconsin. DJK is currently tied with fellow wide receiver Marvin McNutt for the team lead in receptions. If Derrell ends the season with the most he will have led the team in receptions all four seasons at Iowa. Prior to 2010 DJK had 127 receptions for 1871 yards and 7 TDs. In his senior season he has recorded 41 catches for 673 yards and 9 TDs. Although not a reception his 99 yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Ohio State in 2009 was one Hawkeye fans may remember for ages.

Game Week (OSU) | Thursday Afternoon Hawkeye Links and Chatter

Marc Morehouse, of the Cedar Rapids Gazette, takes a look at Ohio State and its Pryor problem.

Also from the Gazette, Mike Hlas has a collection of OSU-Iowa predictions from around the web.

The duo of Hlas and Morehouse webcast with KCRG to bring their thoughts on the upcoming game.

Morehouse also brings us these stories today:

The Big Analysis — Ohio State
Ohiowa

Here are some tweets from the day:

RT @VoiceoftheHawks: Ferentz not messing around this week - honorary captain for OSU game will be Dan Gable.

RT @IowaHoops: Hawkeyes in downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

RT @TheIowaHawkeyes: LOUD and PROUD and (wear) BLACK on Saturday at Kinnick, Hawk fans! 70,000 gold poms will look great against a field of solid black!

RT @marcmorehouse: "It's definitely real. People always talk about it being from 'Ricky Bobby.' It wasn't. It wasn't a joke. We're dead serious. -- Stanzi

RT @marcmorehouse: "But just the way that I was raised, my dad, my aunt, my mother. Always American flags around. Always with that patriotic mindset." - Stanzi


Here are some more stories related to Hawkeye football:

McNutt becomes the go-to player
Home-Field Advantage, what is it worth?
11/18/2010: Talkin’ Hawks podcast (Iowa vs. Ohio State)
Buckeyes’ Homan brothers take aim at Hawkeyes
POLL: Bring Us Your Iowa-Ohio State Fears
BLACK HEART GOLD PODCAST 44: WHERE WE ALL WISH WE COULD PUNCH BRUTUS IN THE FACE
Iowa Senior Day sendoff still special
Dan Gable named honorary captain for Ohio State game
What to watch in the Big Ten: Week 12
Big Ten predictions: Week 12
Tight end factory lives on for Hawkeyes
C.R. Kennedy recruit French still mum on college plans
THE BREAKDOWN: Ohio State

Hoops links,

Hawkeyes Arrive in St. Thomas for Paradise Jam
Stoermer storms in to help out

Game Week (OSU) | Hawk Talk With Kirk Ferentz Notes

Wednesday night, that means time for Hawk Talk.

Here we go, you know the drill.

RT @bvak: Dolph: No.  Trick is to keep OSU's O off the field.  (God, I hope Dolph shares this insight with KF)

KF: Season's not over, despite some popular opinions. We've got Ohio State, Minnesota, and then a bowl game. Lot's to play for.

Dolph: What disappointed you the most (from Saturday)?

KF: We lost.

KF: Persa was a leader in the conference in completion %. Maybe the best QB performance against us in the last 12 years. Shame to see his season end on the injury like that.

Dolph: Offense had a tough time on third downs.

KF: Goes back a couple weeks ago when we struggled in the red zone, last week was on third down. For and five 3rd and 10s, 3rd and 16's. Third down conversion is as high as its been in 12 years but didn't show up last Saturday.

Dolph: Sounds like it gets back to execution.

KF: I think so. You do what you do well and try and match up with your opponents. Up until the last two weeks we've done well and then shot ourselves in the foot a little bit.

Caller: I'm disappointed because of the hype for the team, front four etc. Looking at our losses, if we blitz, something, why not blitz more?

KF: Is that a question or a statement?

KF: We do blitz occasionally, we have a system and have for awhile. We didn't get the job done last Saturday. With any loss you can look at more than one series. The offense didn't move the ball at times. We played pretty good defense. The "we didn't blitz enough" (from fans) is just part of losing.

Caller: Who called the Hail Mary with 14-16 secs left in the game?

KF: Ken calls most of the plays and I approve everything. At the time it made sense, just didn't work out.

Caller: How spoiled are we having Ferentz as our coach?

KF: It's been a tough show so far.

Caller: Thank you, we respect everything we've done. I've heard ESPNU is there, I want to get on TV. Ferentz rhymes with parents, it's not Fer-untz.

Caller: What was the reason for the spike and not a timeout before halftime?

KF: We did offensively.

Dolph: Not following the question...KF: yeah uh

Caller: We (sic) downed the ball.

KF: We wanted to convert that and sit on the timeouts. It didn't work out.

Dolph: It's not an official Black Out game but they want you to wear Black.

Caller (bvak): Will Gettis and Sandeman return and will you be at the HS championship game?

KF: Can't make the HS game, hope to see it on TV. Both guys aren't 100% yet but we are hoping to get them back Saturday.

Caller: We were beating LSU and S Carolina with the pistol can we put that in along with more blitzes on Thursday?

KF: Probably not that soon.

KF: I was thinking about putting the Oregon offense in until they only put up 15 against Cal, so we scrapped that idea.

KF: Things happen over the season, people need to get over losses, they happen.

Dolph: I bet Texas and Florida is having a tough time with this season.

Caller: Wondering if we could speed up the tempo of the game (offense). It worked against MSU.

KF: Our goal was to try and get a field goal before halftime. About the only time we utilize the hurry up offense (two minute drill).

RT @bvak: KF: "Folks, it's not that bad."

Dolph talking about Giunta. Comparing his feeling about the loss to NW and putting things in perspective.

KF: Sports can bring out both the best and the worst some times. You hear a story like that and it puts things in perspective. Competition in athletics is nothing compared to his story.

KF: Most seasons will have great moments, some others not. It seems to even out.

Caller: Are we gonna come up with some new plays? Our opponent seems to know what we are going to do.

KF: We were thinking about going back to the Michigan State game and using some of those plays.

KF: Definitely not going to use the plays we've had the last two weeks.

Dolph: Can you tell Ken O'Keefe we are not happy with him right now? Probably the first time he'll hear that.

KF: The WR group is a good group. Derrell has set a lot of records already and Marvin's best days are still ahead of him.

Caller: (10 year old) How are the seniors preparing for their last game in Kinnick?

KF: We've played two senior days on the road with one more coming. They are always very special. They are emotional because it's their last day to play in front of their home fans. Nobody has better fans than we do. We've been busy with our preparation. Our fans have been tremendous. We know Saturday will be no different (fans).

KF: Pryor had one of his best games in the Rose Bowl last year and has been improving this year. Statistically OSU is first or second in about every major category. They have a lot of players back from last year. They lost some guys on the DL but their replacements may be even better. They look very good on film. Our guys are very excited about the challenge.

Caller: Great, amazing, catch by McNutt there.

KF: It was, he made a great one against Michigan State too.

Dolph: Allen Reisner made the top 8 of the Mackey Award list.

KF: The WR get a lot of notoriety but Allen has been there too. Great guy to have on the team, a lot of his catches aren't easy. He's been quite but great for us.

Caller: The saying any given day has rung true this year.

KF: That is true, and in the NFL as well.

Dolph: Talking about Persa and then Austen Aurnad.

KF: You hate to see a player get hurt, especially in their senior year. We recruited him (AA) and know he's a great kid. He'll bounce back but you hate to see that happen, especially for a great kid that has had a great career.

Caller: How hard is it to get Notre Dame on our schedule?

KF: Best chance of that was getting them into the Big Ten. Other BT teams play them and who knows how that will shake out with expansion over the next few years in our league play. I have no inside knowledge of that but expect it will happen (expanded league schedule).

Dolph: Wish you luck against Ohio State. 9-3 and a lot of Bowls are still possible.

KF: All we can do is worry about Satuday, the loss was disappointing, but our focus has been on OSU since Sunday. We are playing a great opponent and a great group of seniors are graduating. Should be a good day.

Football links,

Video: Keys to Ohio State-Iowa
FOX to air Big Ten title game
Tailback Adam Robinson close to a grand feat
A History of Iowa Football PART VII: A High Porch Picnic, 1979-1998
Fox to televise Big Ten football championship from 2011-16
Big Ten stock report: Week 12
Seen and heard in the Packers locker room
More talk about the Kinnick color motif
Hills’ Kid Captain video online
Buckeyes strive for fast start vs Iowa
Buckeyes know what's on the line
Flashback: Ohio State vs. Iowa, 1986
Iowa football to honor Giunta in Saturday tribute, flyover



BBall links,

Iowa vs. Xavier (Paradise Jam) Game Notes, starting lineup
BasketballHGPreview: The Bigs
Black and Gold in Paradise
Paradise Jam preview 1
McCaffery's vocal demeanor shows in victory


Wrestling links,

BHGP-a-Thon: Wrestling Edition (Dec. 3rd vs. ISU)

Game Week (OSU) | Wednesday Morning Hawkeye Links and Chatter

We'll start with Hawkeye basketball. The Hawks got Fran McCaffery win number one last night versus the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks. This first half was a lot of this:

(photo via Bvak)

But the second half the Hawks wore down ULM and went on to the 68-40 win. Here are links pertaining to the game:

Photos: Iowa vs. Louisiana-Monroe

Digging deeper

McCaffery: Defense about as good as it could get

Hawkeye men get first win under McCaffery

68-40: Iowa Crushes Louisiana-Monroe, Who Totally Deserves It

11/16/2010: Iowa 68, Louisiana-Monroe 40 (Links)

Iowa men beat Louisiana-Monroe

Gatens hopes for Friday return

Big Ten Roundtable: March Madness Format Thoughts

Football links,

Moeaki concussed in Week 10 loss

Iowa falls short of expectations

11/16/2010: Iowa football notebook

Notebook: Tarpinian possibly out till bowl game

Harty: Making drastic changes isn’t the answer

Hawks trying to get back on track

Items on Ricky Stanzi, Iowa State defense

For week 11, it’s Hawkeyes vs. the World

Big Ten awards race updates: Week 12

Wrestling links,

Iowa assistant wrestling coach suspected in illegal hunting probe
Illegal-hunting probe involves Iowa wrestling coach

Game Week (OSU) | Tuesday Afternoon Hawkeye Links and Chatter

Tuesday means Ferentz met with the media. Here are some of the Tweets from today about Hawkeye sports:

RT @Andy_Hamilton: Ferentz on speedy QBs: "There are 4.4 guys from the Midwest. Pryor's from Pittsburgh. That ain't tropical, I can tell you that."

RT @HawkeyeNation: Tarpinian won't be playing this week...probly not likely next week.  Gettis may go this week will practice today, per Kirk

RT @HawkeyeInsider: Gettis probably practicing today; has decent chance to be ready for OSU. Sandeman getting better. Has a chance. -KF

RT @marcmorehouse: Jewel shooting for August.

RT @TheIowaHawkeyes: Football. Ferentz: not much time to dwell on what's behind us. We have to move on.

RT @ESPN_BigTen: Bielema: "The part that surprises me is that when other schools across the country put up big numbers, no one says anything."

RT @ESPN_BigTen: Ferentz: "Our season’s not over. ... The chances of us being in the title talk have been reduced to a very slim percentage."

RT @ESPN_BigTen: Ferentz on struggles vs. Northwestern: "There might be some cosmic thing. I was born in August. I don’t know when Pat was born. ...

RT @ESPN_BigTen: Tressel on Adrian Clayborn: "He’s a game changer and he’s doing just fine." Sees a lot of double teams on AC.

RT @ESPN_BigTen: Tressel on trip to Kinnick Stadium: "We better be a good road team." Expects toughest road challenge, esp. this time of year.

RT @johnbohnenkamp: SoDakState's Nate Wolters, fresh off his torching of the Hawkeyes, is named Summit League co-player of the week.



Football links,

Ohio State pregame — Ferentz video
The Quickest Slant (with transcript)
TRANSCRIPT of Kirk Ferentz’s Tuesday press conference
Hawkeye Football: Kirk Ferentz's Tuesday presser
NFL Week 10 Recap
Buckeyes may be 9-1, but not everyone in Ohio convinced of their greatness
Hlas joins ‘On Iowa’ to lend perspective on Iowa loss to Northwestern
Hawkeyes look to refocus for Buckeyes
Buckeyes' title streak likely on the line
Ferentz: ‘Doesn’t look good for Jeff Tarpinian’
Mackey semifinalists: Kendricks, Reisner
Buckeyes on a roll entering game against Iowa
Top Ten Reasons Why Iowa Will Lose To Ohio State!
Big Ten Heisman update: Week 12
No short-term plan to expand Kinnick seating
Hawkeyes still have BCS, Big Ten possibilities
Defensive troubles knock Iowa out of Big Ten chase
No. 8 Ohio State steels for pivotal game at Iowa
Tickets Available for Iowa at Minnesota Football Game
Eighth-ranked Buckeyes know what's at stake when they visit No. 21 Hawkeyes
Expect intensity at Iowa, Tressel says
Ohio State Still Big Spender With Alabama, Irish Closing Gap
Tressel says Buckeyes ready for 'heck of a challenge' at Iowa
Tressel: Need Every Play Pryor Can Make Against Iowa
Big Ten teams get ready to go bowling
Is OSU coach Jim Tressel the Arch-Nemesis of Kirk Ferentz?
Understanding Northwestern’s Recent Dominance Over the Iowa Hawkeyes
Ohio State pregame — Players video
Do the Hawkeyes enjoy playing football?


Hoops links,

Layup Drill: Way-too-early First Impressions
INPIYL2I Thinks About Other Sports
Hawkeyes return to action
Hawkeyes face Louisiana-Monroe tonight
Tuesday Tidbits
 
Wrasslin' links,
 
InterMat interviews "Season on the Mat" author about Gable's last year at Iowa

Hawkeye Links | Plus A Hawkeye Football Senior Tribute Video

It has been a helluva run. Let's hope they get it together and finish thier careers strong.




Hawkeye Links,

Football:

Hawk recruit motivated by online comment
The Takeaway: Northwestern
Big Ten Week 11 rewind/Week 12 preview
Hawkeyes Host Ohio State to Close Home Season
Iowa vs. Ohio State Game Notes, 2-deep
Reisner Among Nation's Top Tight Ends
Big Ten football TV schedule: Week Twelve
Since Wisconsin, Buckeyes set on kill
Today’s tale: ‘Hype and the Hawkeyes’
Hawks to face OSU without Big Ten title implications in play
Big Ten bowl projections: Week 11
Next Big Ten title? Ferentz, Hawkeyes still working on it
Bowl talk too soon; It’s onto Ohio State
11/13/2010: Northwestern 21, Iowa 17 (Links)
Hawkeyes take a tumble in both polls
Keeler: Superior defense? That is baloney

BBall:

Photos: Iowa vs. South Dakota State 2010
Big Ten men’s basketball TV schedule: Nov. 15-21
Iowa vs. Louisiana-Monroe Game Notes, starting lineup
White signing announced
Hawkeyes Look to Rebound vs. UL Monroe
McCabe scores 11 in Iowa debut
Back to work
11/14/2010: South Dakota State 79, Iowa 69 (Links)
McCaffery’s debut spoiled by S. Dakota St.
Quick turnaround for Iowa basketball


Wrasslin:

Wrestle-offs show where Hawks need work
A Winner Is You! 2010 Iowa Wrestling Preview: 149 lbs.

I'm in the Minority, I don't Hate Northwestern | Here is Why

Don't get me wrong. I hate that Iowa lost to Northwestern, again. I hate that the Cat's, on paper, look like a team Iowa should roll. They play with a little extra something when it's Iowa Saturday. Perhaps they mimic their coach Pat Fitzgerald, who also played the game with that little extra something.

The final score sucked. Admit it, after NW scored the go ahead touchdown you knew Iowa was toast. I did. But what's done is done. So let me tell you why I don't hate NW.

I drove to Chicago with my fiancee and parents. We had a big weekend ahead. Our marriage check list got lot's of red marks this past weekend. We bought the marriage license, got the flowers paid for, and had the bridal shower. A baking pan, weeee!

We also had a good time as both of our families together took in the Iowa at Northwestern game.

My wife-to-be's father once played football for the Cat's. He's also an avid fan and has made the trip to Pasedena to cheer on his alma mater. His sons or daughter didn't attend NW but are still fans of the Cats.

Our tailgate was near the Metra station. Not a lot of room to roam but we made the best of it. Evanston was booming Black and Gold and as we passed a NW fan he said to my future BIL (who was wearing a NW jersey) "we've been invaded!"

We made our way into grab our group's tickets and I just happened to be outside as the Hawkeye bus rolled into Ryan Field. I snapped some pictures of the team, here are Sash, ARob, Clayborn, and others.

When we grabbed our tickets came the best surprise. My BIL-to-be (who also coaches HS football in the area) gave me my guest coach pass.

We were allowed on the sideline for pregame warm-ups for both teams. We watched from the endzone as Fitzgerald and company did team drills. After a bit of the dynamic warm-up I made my way down to the other side to see the Hawkeyes. DJK almost took me out after catching a down and out pattern. Without looking too much like a rube I snapped these lousy pics.

I didn't know the rules and had a talk with one of the game referees who told me I couldn't be on the Iowa side. It was okay. I was there long enough.

We watched the team finish drills and head to the locker room. My two future BIL's stayed down on the sideline til just after NW's first TD. That's when someone spotted them and ushered them off the field.

We got wet, we snuck out at halftime and found a water bottle that was promptly filled with Captain Morgan. Our ponchos did little to keep us dry and our team lost. Well my and my parents team lost.

I certainly was disappointed but it was a game experience I'll never forget. We could have went into the NW locker room after the game but that wasn't something I wanted to experience. At least not the way the game ended.

There you have it, I don't hate Northwestern. The school and soon-to-be family/avid fans know how to have a good time. After all, at the end of the day, the latter is all that matters.