Hawkeye Football | Wayback Machine | 2000 #18 Northwestern at Iowa

You got it, this is the summer plan. Yes, it's the time of year where ESPN Classic and the Big Ten's Greatest Games provide soothing medication, even if it is in small doses. Thankfully, to fulfill that emptiness that resides in some of us this time of year, there are plenty of thoughtful Hawkeye fans with video libraries, time, and editing tools to provide for us not-so-lucky.  It's also the time of year that bloggers like myself fill time and computer screens watching and posting YouTube videos stirring up memories of waybackwhen.

Today's trip, thanks to TheHawkeyeHistorian, takes up back to November 11, 2000. That's when #18 Northwestern came to Iowa City smelling roses, but left with a date at the Alamo.



The 2000 Hawkeye team ended the season 3-9, 3-5 in the Big Ten. This Hawkeye squad won two of its last three games, the win here over NW included. Many point to Iowa's win in 2000 against Michigan State (October 7th) as the tipping point for the Kirk Ferentz era in Iowa football.

Offensively the Hawkeyes had two quarterbacks in 2000. Both Kyle McCann and Scott Mullen had just over 800 yards passing. Kevin Kasper became Iowa's all-time receptions leader and Ladell Betts rushed his way into Hawkeye fan hearts.

Defensively the Hawks were led by seniors Anthony Herron and LeVar Woods. Herron began his career at Iowa as a true freshman and in four years totalled 172 tackles and 10 sacks. Woods was a two year starter and totalled 165 tackles, 18 of those for a loss.

Northwestern came to Iowa a week after what is now considered by some one of the greatest games in college football history (the video does a short segment on the game in the intro). They defeated Michigan 54-51 on an 11 yard touchdown pass with 20 seconds left in the game.

Northwestern arrived with a 7-2 record and after losing to the Hawks defeated Illinois in the final Big Ten game of the season 61-23. After having their Rose Bowl dreams smashed in Kinnick the Wildcats took a trip to San Antonio where the Nebraska Cornhuskers defeated them 66-17 in the Alamo Bowl.

Hawkeye Football | Wayback Machine | 1987 Iowa at Ohio State

Here it is. Dead season.

Now that the NFL Draft is complete and the Spring game scrimmage over it's officially booooring. Summer brings the hoops Prime Time league and the occasional football recruiting tidbit. There are also the dreaded arrests and transfer rumors that pop-up. Let's hope it's quiet on that front. So, to kill the time until media days in late July let us enjoy the YouTube's and the work of one TheHawkeyeHistorian.

Today's upload is 1987 Iowa at Ohio State Highlights.



Hayden Fry's 1987 Hawkeye team ended the season 10-3, 6-2 in the Big Ten and ranked #16 in both polls. The '87 Hawkeyes ended the season with a six game win streak that included the above game at Ohio State. The season concluded with a victory in San Diego over Wyoming 20-19 at the Holiday Bowl.

These Hawkeyes were led by Chuck Hartlieb at quarterback who had a fantastic statistical season. He ended the year completing nearly 65% of his passes for 3092 yards. Hartlieb's 19 to 8 touchdown to interception ratio helped him finish with a 156.71 QB rating.

Hartlieb benefited by having excellent receivers in Quinn Early and Marv Cook. Early finished the '87 season with 1004 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. Cook, who made the game winning catch against Ohio State, finished the year with just over 800 yards on 49 receptions. Cook's touchdown grab against OSU was one of only two on the year.

This is a great video and full of Hawkeye memories. Hayden's white pants, the rolling ball of butcher knives, the stand-up tight end. The Hawkeye Historian is my new favorite YouTuber and I hope to share more of his work as the dead season rolls on.

Best of Cyclone Fanatic | Bad Boys, Bad Boys, Whatcha Gonna Do?

Annnnd another one arrested.

It's been a bad week to be a Cyclone. News broke this morning that John Lamb, former walk-on transfer from Morehead St., was busted for manufacturing marijuana. Per coach Hoiberg, “We didn't announce that he wasn't on the team any longer, because he was a walk-on who didn't play last season.”

Chris Williams, of Cyclone Fanatic, was first to point out that Lamb was no longer a member of the team. Williams wrote on Cyclone Fanatic:

"Multiple sources are telling me that Lamb hasn't been a part of the Iowa State men's basketball program for months now. After last season, it was known by both parties that Lamb wouldn't be a part of the program going forward. That includes the 2011-12 Iowa State men's basketball season.


So yes, a former Iowa State walk-on did get arrested last night. But no, a current member of the men's basketball program didn't."

Clonefan32 says:

"Hmm, interesting stuff. I know as of mid-March he was still practicing with the team but alot could have changed since then. At least we didn't have a member of the team arrested, although it feels like a "Hawk-fan-esque" technicality."

Thatguy believes:

"who cares. win games. "

And finally, The_Architect sums it up with his feelings:

"Yawn, who cares. He would have never played. "

Here is another thread where Lamb goes from walk-on to former walk-on. Whew!

Now, on to the next arrest. Football graduate assistant coach Ben Barkema was busted for driving drunk. Barkema was a Cyclone tight end playing from 2003-07. He is also the brother of former Hawkeye CJ Barkema.

In this CyFan thread Ray Shimley wants to spend more of ISU's limited athletic budget:

"Can we hire a full-time driver for our coaching staff? This is getting ******* ridiculous. How do they expect the kids they coach to take them seriously when they aren't even smart enough to call a damn cab."

Al_4_State agrees:

"I'd be on board with this. I totally get why coaches drink, as stressful as their job can be. I don't get all the driving in a city while drunk. They can easily afford a cab. "

CycloneJoe thinks:

"We freaking mock Iowa all the time about their arrests but I feel like this is about #10 for us since thanksving! "

Per Lyon309Cy:

"Barkema needs to go. If for no other reason than because every single time I hear his name I remember his dropped North-division-winning TD. Not that it's related at all with this current transgression, just that a little piece of me dies every time I hear that name. Is it unfair, yes, and I realize this, but it would make me very happy to never have to hear of him again."

Now, on to the next arrest. The newest member of basketball coach Fred Hoiberg's staff, Cornell Mann, was also arrested for DUI. Mann's arrest came just one day after it was announced he was hired at ISU. Mann, unlike Lamb and Barkema, was arrested in Ohio and not in Iowa.

Quite a few in this CyFan thread were pretty upset with the news. Others like Cyphyllis thought otherwise:

"I think a few of you would be apt to boot someone out of the program if he were to sneeze in the wrong direction. So he drank a little too much and drove, it happens - all the damn time actually. Wake me up when he kills a hooker, then there might be an issue."

isuno1fan believes:

"Pretty obvious Hoiberg wants to keep him on staff IMO.
6 months from now, nobody will remember this unless he makes it a habit"

clones_jer says:

"who here hasn't celebrated a new job? at least we know he's excited."

Rustshack has this thought:

"He wont be let go because of this. Maybe he can better relate to some of our transfers and Railey now."

And the thread goes on for pages. Read the rest, if you can. Either these guys are excited about the future of Cyclone athletics or are just self medicating depression. It's probably somewhere in between.

As Ricky Stanzi Once Said "USA Number 1!"

Osama bin Laden is dead and Americans are beaming with pride. It's a great day to be a Hawkeye and as always, a great day to be an American!

Hawkeye Football | Predicting Which Hawkeyes Get Drafted in 2012

Now that the 2011 NFL Draft is in the books it's never too early to look at which Hawkeyes could potentially be drafted in next year's draft. Iowa has been on an unprecedented roll of Hawkeyes getting selected into the league. The last two seasons 12 players have had their name called in the draft. Six players each of the last two years is also the most of any Big Ten team for both the '10 and '11 NFL drafts.

So, who will the scouts be watching this Fall as the Hawkeyes take the field?

Riley Reiff:
Hawkeye Sports Bio
6'6" 300 OT -Junior-

Will be a three year starter on the offensive line and will likely leave the program early. As a sophomore Reiff earned second team all-Big Ten honors and was named first team by Sports Illustrated. Reiff will more than likely be named to preseason all-Big Ten teams and possibly a handful of award preseason watch lists.

According to one 2012 mock draft at draftsite.com, Reiff is pegged as a first round pick.

Mock Draft Mania also has Reiff in the first round, here too he is a top twenty pick.

On Football Mockery, Reiff is selected just outside the top ten as the number 11 pick.

Scout.com lists Reiff as the #10 rated tackle prospect.

Walter Football has Reiff heading to the Raiders (gasp) at the 10th pick.

NFL Draft Scout lists Reiff as the #3 rated tackle prospect.

Prediction:

If Reiff has another solid year he should earn himself either a late 1st to early 2nd round selection.


Shaun Prater:
Hawkeye Sports Bio
5'11 180 DB -Senior-

Returned to Iowa after rumors of possibly testing the draft as a junior. Prater has started since 2009 at corner and earned first team all-Big Ten honors his junior season. Prater has 120 career tackles and six interceptions entering his senior season.

Draftsite.com has Prater pegged as a late second rounder, the 59th pick.

Scout.com has Prater listed as the #15 rated corner back prospect.

CBS Sports lists Prater as the #10 rated corner back prospect.

ESPN's Bruce Feldman lists Prater as one of the Big Ten's draft sleepers.

Prediction:

I have Prater as a late 3rd to early 4th round draft pick that with a big senior year could move up to late 2nd to early 3rd round.

Mike Daniels:
Hawkeye Sports Bio
6'1" 275 DT -Senior-

Daniels emerged as a starter for the Hawkeyes in 2010. He bumped former Hawk Christian Ballard from defensive tackle to defensive end while fellow senior Broderick Binns became the 5th man in the rotation. Daniels has a non-stop motor and uses his short frame and reported strongest-guy-on-the-team muscle to get a big push up the middle.

Draftsite.com has Daniels listed as the second Hawkeye off of next year's draft board. In fact, he is penciled in their mock draft as a second rounder, the 56th pick. I think the NFL may be a little bit concerned about his actual height (he is listed at 6'1" but is he?), and they may drop him down the draft board.

CBS Sports lists Daniels as the #8 rated defensive tackle prospect.

NFL Draft Scout lists Daniels as the #8 rated defensive tackle prospect.

Prediction:

I believe that if he has a monster senior year, which may be tough because he'll see a lot more double teams, he could end up around a late 4th to early 5th round pick.

Marvin McNutt:
Hawkeye Sports Bio
6'4" 215 WR -Senior-

McNutt came to Iowa as a quarterback and gradually transformed into a wide receiver. He has had reportedly the best hands on the team the last two seasons and displayed those hands famously on a quick slant against Michigan State in 2009. With the departure of Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, McNutt will be the number one option for the Hawkeye offense in 2011.

Draftsite.com lists McNutt as a third round choice, the 67th pick. The knock on Marvin has been his speed but his hands and size make him a valuable asset to any quarterback. He'll need to continue to work on getting separation off the line and be an outstanding route runner.

CBS Sports lists McNutt as the #12 rated wide receiver prospect.

NFL Draft Scout lists McNutt as the #13 rated wide receiver prospect.

Prediction:

If Keenan Davis can become the effective receiver on the opposite side of the field it will only help McNutt's statistics in 2011. I'd put McNutt as a 4th to 5th round draft pick that may move up with a strong senior showing or a faster than predicted combine 40 time.

Markus Zusevics:
Hawkeye Sports Bio
6'5" 295 OT -Senior-

Zusevics replaced Kyle Calloway at right tackle in 2010 and started all 13 games for Iowa. Reiff will get all the pub but don't discount the job done on the right side of the line. Zusevics has downplayed his past volleyball days (and perhaps rightfully so, he was about 100 lighter then) but he has good feet and scouts will notice. Those feet may be his greatest benefit as some scouts may see a guard in Zusevics allowing him some flexibility in the draft.

NFL Draft Scout lists Zusevics as the #71 rated tackle prospect.

Prediction:

History tells us that Zusevics will be drafted. Both Kyle Calloway and Julian Vandervelde were drafted in the 7th and 6th round of the '10 and '11 draft. I believe that is the range for Zusevics, 6th to 7th round.

Adam Gettis:
Hawkeye Sports Bio
6'4" 280 OG -Senior-

Gettis might surprise some folks this season. He's earned playing time in spot duty since his redshirt freshman year. His career has been marred with injuries preventing him from finishing a full season at guard. This is his last shot and he'll be part of what should be a solid veteran Big Ten offensive line.

He has improved greatly since his first start against Northern Iowa in 2009. He'll need to show continued improvement in 2011 and he'll have to prove he can make it through a full season and avoid the injury bug if he wants a shot at the NFL.

Prediction:

A solid senior season and perhaps he is a 6th to 7th round pick, my bet is free agency.


Tyler Nielsen:
Hawkeye Sports Bio
6'4" 235 OLB -Senior-

Nielsen took the starting spot at outside linebacker in 2010 until a broken neck against MSU ended his season.  He was back practicing with limited contact this Spring and should be ready to go when the season kicks off. Prior to his injury in '10 Nielsen recorded 42 tackles with 4.5 of them coming for a loss.

Nielsen displays a load of athleticism for his size. The rangy 6'4" linebacker can cover and stuff the run. His injury to his neck may be a concern to NFL scouts and if he wants to have a career in the NFL it will be thoroughly inspected by doctors.

CBS Sports lists Nielsen as the #31 rated outside linebacker prospect.

Prediction:

This is a tough prediction. Former Hawkeye AJ Edds went in the 4th round to the Miami Dolphins in the 2010 draft. Nielsen has similar but not-quite-Edds-like ability to cover the slot. Plus there is the previous injury history. I'd like to predict a 5th round pick here but at this time I'll slot Nielsen as a free agent signee.


Brad Herman:
Hawkeye Sports Bio
6'5" 247 TE -Senior-

Most of Herman's playing time while at Iowa has been on special teams and in 2010 playing the second tight end spot behind Allen Reisner. Herman has more size than Reisner (6'3" 245) and is considered the better blocker of the two. In 2011 Herman will have the opportunity to both show Iowa fans and scouts around the nation what he can do.

Allen Reisner wasn't drafted in the 2011 NFL draft but is considered one of the top five tight ends still available for post draft free agency (if this ever happens). That's important because Reisner broke the streak of senior Hawkeye tight ends being selected on draft day but he still may have a shot at an NFL roster.

CBS Sports lists Herman as the #23 rated tight end prospect.

NFL Draft Scout lists Herman as the #23 rated tight end prospect.

Prediction:

Reisner had a poor showing at the NFL combine and at 6'3" 245 is on the small side for an NFL tight end (unless you run a 4.4 40 yard dash). Herman's blocking ability and size will find him an NFL roster. Unless he runs a 5.0 40 yard dash or has a poor senior year I'd predict Herman a 6th or 7th round pick.

Broderick Binns:
Hawkeye Sports Bio
6'2" 261 DE -Senior-

Draftsite.com lists Binns as a very late compensatory pick. Physically he is a tweener. He is undersized (6'2") for a defensive end and not heavy enough for the inside tackle positions (260 lbs). Binns uses his long arms and is effective getting separation from the offensive lineman or batting down quick passes.

CBS Sports lists Binns as the #12 rated defensive end prospect.


Prediction:

If he can run a middle of the pack or higher forty time for his position at the combine or on Pro Day he may be considered for a 3-4 defense. I'd put Binns as a 7th round pick or Free Agent signing following the draft.