Hawkeyes' Tough Play Getting National Recognition

The Iowa Hawkeyes started the season ranked No. 21 in the preseason AP Top 25 and No. 22 in the preseason USA Today Poll.

After defeating instate rival University of Northern Iowa in a very close home game, and after setting a College Football precedent by blocking back-to-back field goal attempts, Iowa dropped out of the rankings. 

For some reason, the Hawkeyes were penalized for making college football history and winning a close game. Until last week's win over Penn State, Iowa wasn't even a thought in the pollsters' minds. 

Thanks for the motivation, pollsters.

Since getting kicked out of the polls, the Hawkeyes have been dominating teams with stellar defense and have gone undefeated on the season. The Iowa players are also starting their very own award show.

For four straight weeks, at least one Hawkeye player has been picked by the Big Ten as a Player of the Week. ESPN has picked a Hawkeye as a Big Ten Player of the week every week of the season.

And it isn't just one or two players winning awards. At least six different Hawkeyes have won some sort of college football weekly recognition this season.

DE Adrian Clayborn
- AT&T Player of Week (Week Four)
- Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week (Week Four)
- ESPN Big Ten Player of the Week - Defense (Week Three)
- ESPN Big Ten Player of the Week - Special Teams (Week Four)

LB Pat Angerer
- Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week (Week Four)
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Week Four)

S Tyler Sash
- ESPN Big Ten Player of the Week - Defense  (Week Two)
- Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week (Week Two)

P Ryan Donahue
- Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week (Week Three)

DE Broderick Binns
- ESPN Big Ten Player of the Week - Defense (Week Four)

LB Jeremiha Hunter
- Big Ten Player of the Week - Special Teams  (Week One)

Heading into today's game against Arkansas State, the Iowa Hawkeyes are now at No. 13 in the Associated Press poll and a No. 17 in the coaches poll. Thanks to the hard work by the Iowa players, the Hawkeyes are starting to get some much deserved (and overdue) respect.

Is a National Championship possible for the Hawkeyes? Most people don't think so.

Keep doubting...the Hawkeyes seem to thrive off it.