The State of Iowa breathed a collective sigh of relief on Saturday afternoon before breaking into a traditional down-home ritual:Dance of Joy!
The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Indiana Hoosiers 45-9 on the road. They squelched a potential third conference loss in a row, staving off bowl ignominy for another week or—dare we hope—another season.
All the while, the Iowa faithful sat huddled in front of their bigscreen televisions waiting for the probable collapse, especially when Indiana marched down the field and scored just before halftime, reducing their deficit to only eight points.
This is the same posture fans held during the last gasps of the Iowa vs. Northwestern contest two weeks ago, as their vaunted Hawks stood ready to score on the Northwestern eight-yard line.
The Hawks had 90 seconds on the clock and five chances to punch it in and win the game at home. Five pass plays later, they remained locked out—losing a game 22-17 they should have won.
Last weekend on the road, the Hawkeyes lost to a very good Michigan State squad 16-13, despite a record-breaking day by runningback Shonn Greene with a career high 160 rushing yards. They had ample chances to win but self-destructed.
For the past three weeks, it has always been close, but no cigar.
The Hawkeyes lost the previous three contests by a combined total of seven points. While the defense soared, the offense squandered opportunities and turned the ball over repeatedly. The offense was definitely sputtering behind new quarterback Ricky Stanzi.
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In defeating Indiana, the Hawks were finally clicking on all cylinders. They barely faltered on passing, punting, and returning as they improved to 4-3 overall and 1-2 in Big 10 play.
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa head coach, characterized the victory as a great team win.
Iowa fans realize that with just a little bit of luck, the Hawkeyes could be 7-0 right now and contending for the Big 10 Conference Title.
Ah, make believe!
On Saturday, they had no turnovers. They held onto the ball and caught it when it really mattered. Greene ran again for over 100 yards. He has done that in each of the last seven games while establishing a new Iowa record with that feat.
Not only that, but Greene’s backup, Indiana native Jewel Hampton, also piled up 114 rushing yards.
Greene was playing on a tender ankle. He suffered a slight injury on the second play of the game—but persevered in spite of it.
“My ankle got caught in the pile,” Greene said. “I’ll be all right. There was pain, but it wasn’t, ‘Oh, I can’t go’ pain.”
The stellar defensive—led by Mitch King and Matt Kroul—grinned ear to ear. They finally had a win after all their hard work.
Iowa’s defense ranks second in the nation in scoring. They allowed only nine points to a usually high-scoring Indiana offense.
Next week, the Hawks take on Wisconsin in Iowa City. The Badgers were waxed by Penn State 48-7 at Wisconsin. Wisconsin is winless in the Big 10 conference.
This game is a real opportunity for Iowa to put its stamp on the 2008 season.
Iowa has two remaining road games at Illinois and at red-hot Minnesota, plus home games against Wisconsin, Purdue and Penn State.
Iowa is the best 4-3 team in the nation.
Somebody said that today and I believe it.
They looked razor sharp and full of confidence at Indiana. The Big 10 is up this year even though Michigan is not having a stellar season.
But, as in all things, we need to approach the rest of the season one week at a time. The best fans in the nation remain a bit paranoid, waiting patiently for the next game, hopefully signally a chance to enjoy theDance of Joy, Part II.
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about 1 month ago
Hey - what's this? Football, too! Surprising...from you. maggie
about 1 month ago
Yeah - I decided to give it a try! Love those Hawkeyes - they break my heart every year! jaa
about 1 month ago
I love college football, too! But USC--they will make it back to the top--wait and see.
about 1 month ago
Even though Iowa trounced Indiana at The Rock, there is no way the Hawkeyes are better than middle-of-the-pack in the Big Ten. Yes, Iowa has huge potential, it is the best three-loss program in the conference (MAYBE the nation - I'd have to look), and this year's team is significantly better than the 2007 squad that failed to go bowling in January. But the Hawkeyes had the chance to beat Pitt, Northwestern, and Michigan State to stay perfect to this point. Instead, they fumbled the games away, which is a HUGE concern. Yeah, mistakes happen, but in clutch situations they aren't tolerable. I'm sorry. Plus, it's not like the Hoosiers were really a threat to beat Iowa. The threat was mainly the Hawkeyes beating themselves with mistakes. Realistically, Iowa may win two more games - possibly beginning with Wisconsin. The end-of-season game against Minnesota isn't a gimme this year, that's a fact.
from about 1 month ago
You are right - it is all a crap shoot; but, if Iowa finally pulled it all together on Saturday on the road then they can beat Wisconsin next week at home and probably Illinois on the road. I still think they can also beat Purdue--Minnesota is always hard especially on the road and Penn State--well, we shall see! Fun to speculate! jaa
about 1 month ago
I don't think bad luck has anything to do with Iowa's losses. Against Michigan State, it was terrible coaching. Twice they could've kicked a game-tying field goal, and twice they went for it and failed.
from about 1 month ago
Let us hope the coaches have improved as much as the players have--they did seem to have it all on Saturday! jaa
about 1 month ago
Iowa will not contend for the Big 10/11 Title. They have no offense that is capable of penetrating all but the most porous of defenses. Their own defense, while much improved, is still somewhat suspect. And, above all, Penn State would have to lose 2 games (assuming Iowa wins out on their Big 10 schedule, which is a HUGE assumption). The Nittany Lions will not do that this year. Therefore, no, they will not win the Big 10. Hopefully, they will get a bowl game.
from about 1 month ago
I agree - a pipe dream no doubt - but that is what Hawkeye fans do best--dream! Thanks for your comments! jaa
about 1 month ago
The Hawkeyes lost their previous three games by nine combined points, not seven. Other than that small mistake I thought it was a very well writen article, hopefully we can continue off this week's success...
from about 1 month ago
Hi Ty! Thanks! Huge Hawkeye fan - and so very hopeful! jaa
about 1 month ago
Big Ten is up this year???? Are you high?? Michigan is a pathetic 2-4 and had Wisconsin not folded, would be 1-5. And that record includes a loss to a 2-4 MAC team. Usually strong Wisconsin has yet to win a conference game. Indiana is poor as usual, Purdue is mediocre as usual. Ohio State is not blowing anyone out and lost big to the only good team on their schedule so far. In fact, the league is so down, Northwestern had been able to get nearly halfway through the year without a loss. If being 4-3 in a conference that you have to trick yourself into thinking is up is a good thing to you, maybe it's time to adjust the standards a little. Iowa beat one of the conference celllar dwellers Saturday. That's all that happened.
from about 1 month ago
Whoah! Guess I riled you a bit! You know when you think about it--the season is a progression and maybe, Iowa will redeem its potential and rise to the top of {ok} a mediocre conference! I choose to applaud their victory and pray for more!! You are probably right, I admit--and maybe I am just a little on the high side! thanks...jaa
from about 1 month ago
Name e a conference, outside the WAC, that is trouncing the Big 10 from top to bottom.
Big 12?
about 1 month ago
Penn State is too dominant. PSU will probably go undefeated, the Nittany Lions will keep playing perfect. Also, Michigan State and Ohio State will finish #2 and #3 in the Big 10, depending on who wins this weekend. Northwestern and Minnesota make the case for the 4th and 5th spots, so I wouldn't get your hopes too high. I see Iowa finishing in the middle of the pack at 7-5 or 8-4, and probably beating a mediocre Big 12 or SEC team in a bowl game.
from about 1 month ago
OK Isaac! I will take that and more!! Next week will determine a pattern--if there is to be one! Thanks! jaa
about 1 month ago
contenders in big 10?? Are you joking? Already have 2 losses and still have to play Penn State and Illinois...thats for sure 1 loss maybe another. Contenders not a chance. Contenders for a bowl game yes lol
from about 1 month ago
Hey - we love a challenge!! Dare to dream!! jaa
about 1 month ago
The Big Ten is not in a up year.
Michigan has no offense and are 2-4
Ohio State barely beats bast teams at home and gets blown out by the one good team they faced.
Michigan State only has one player in javon ringer.
Indiana is not good
Purdue isn't very good either.
Northwestern is ok, but not good enough to compete with the big teams.
Wisconsin has a good running game and thats about it.
Illinois, overated.
Iowa is decent.
Minnesota is pretty good this year and probably the most underrated team in the confrence, they're 6-1 with a road loss to ohio state by 13 points. They could have eaisly won that game if they wouldn't have turned the ball over, and just got a huge road win aganist Illinois.
from about 1 month ago
Maybe everybody else is just down...I don't see any team or any conference dominating. Why discount so early??? jaa
about 1 month ago
I'm sorry, but I must step in and say the SEC and Big 12 are dominating as conferences. Unless you're an Iowa fan you most likely wouldn't know how close they are to being undefeated. Their three losses have came by 1, 5, and 3 points. Iowa is a decent team with a bright future, but they're not ready to compete with Penn State or Ohio State just yet.
from about 1 month ago
It's tough out here! No one agrees with my assessment - well, I am used to that! So far I've watched each number one ranked team go down...now it is Texas on the pinnacle. Iowa will never match with these guys, I know. But I still believe they will contend in the Big 10 race! thanks jaa
from about 1 month ago
The SEC will beat each other like the NFC East...no survivors and Ga. will fall in January.
Maybe...maybe the Big 12 compares on paper.
WAC is looking better and better...sinful.
about 1 month ago
This is outstanding work regardless of subject.
No conference is dominating at this point.
from about 1 month ago
Could you tell I was out of my element??? Love my Hawkeyes - being from Iowa - am pretty darn sick of the Big 12 - lived through years and years of Nebraska dominance. But I do not spend much time on college football...except the Big 10. I am thinking of another article after the Wisconsin game today!! I think Iowa can beat Penn State at home. If I write that, I will get crucified, again!! What fun. Thanks for sharing! Look forward to more! jaa
from about 1 month ago
Oh my, no conference is dominating?
SEC:
No. 2 Alabama
No. 7 Georgia
No. 10 Florida
No. 13 LSU
Auburn, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky are quality teams.
Big 12:
No. 1 Texas
No. 4 Oklahoma
No. 6 Oklahoma St.
No. 8 Texas Tech
No. 15 Missouri
No. 23 Kansas
If those two conferences aren't dominating, I don't know what is...
from about 1 month ago
I wanted to say "No one is dominating THIS conference at this point."
about 1 month ago
Meaning the Big 10? If that's what you're talking about, you should probably watch a Penn State game sometime. I'm most likely not exactly correct with these numbers, but I think they are averaging 45 points per game and allowing only 11 per game.
from 27 days ago
Hey Ty - Iowa has an off week and I am confident that Penn State will defeat Ohio State!! I still think Iowa has a good chance to knock off Penn State at home! My very next article!! jaa
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