Hawkeyes FInish with 12-1 Record, Share for Big Ten Title, Win Orange Bowl Trophy and Coach Declines All Offers
January 4, 2011
Season Report Posted: October 30, 2008 21:59
The Hawkeyes are excited about the off-season and recruiting as they will look to improve their team with some more five stars and starting with a better ranking.
The Hawks will be tough to beat with the return of their coach, Bo Pelini. He declined all offers offered to him at the end of the season which included a 6 year extension with Iowa, a coaching job at Ohio State and a coaching job at Tennessee.
Hawkeyes Have Fun at Orange Bowl
January 3, 2011
Game Report Posted: October 30, 2008 21:52
The Hawkeyes had so much fun at the Orange Bowl that even their second string offense and defense had impressive numbers and they weren't even subbed in until the fourth quarter. The Hawks came out by air attacks and attacks by returning a record four out of 12 punts for touchdowns. SR Colin Sandeman and Heisman Winner was player of the game with 398 All-Purpose Yards (199 PR Yds., 199 Rec. Yds., one rec. td and two punt returns for touchdowns). Freshman WR Franklin Newby also returned two punts for touchdowns.
The Hawks proved to the polls that they deserve to be higher than a #5 ranking, which reflected by the final polls. They finished at #3 in the Coaches and BCS and #4 in the Media final polls.
The Hawkeyes broke a lot of their own season records: They tied their high score with 79 points, tied for passing touchdowns in a game with three, broke their record for passing yards with 340, and destroyed their punt return yards with 327 yards. Franklin Newby had 128 punt return yards and Sandeman had 199 yards.
On the defensive side. They had a season high of only allowing the opposing team with two first downs. Set a record for only allowing 42 passing yards. Didn't allow a team to have a single 3rd down conversion as West Virginia went 0-13 on 3rd downs. Created five fumbles and made a team punt 12 times in a game.
Hawkeyes Look to Start Streaks Back Up Again
January 1, 2011
Season Report Posted: October 25, 2008 02:07
With the loss to Notre Dame during the regular season, the Iowa Hawkeyes lost their winning streaks. They had a 38 game winning streak that ended. Their Top 25 undefeated record went to 16-1 and their undefeated season went to 11-1.
The Hawkeyes averaged 73,379 in attendance this year which has improved dramatically with the hiring of their new coach two years ago and their winning seasons didn't hurt either.
The Hawkeyes will face #11 West Virginia at the FedEx Orange Bowl on January 3, 2011.
Post-Season Awards Handed Out Mostly to Iowa Players
December 1, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 25, 2008 01:46
Many post-season awards were handed out to Iowa players.
DE Lebron Daniel snatched up four awards in the post season: Bednarik, Lombardi, 1st Team All-American, and 1st Team Big 10.
WR Colin Sandeman also snatched up four awards: Best Returner, HEISMAN, 1st team All-American, and 2nd Team Big 10.
K Daniel Murray grabbed the Groza award along with 1st Team All-American and 1st Team Big 10.
C James Ferentz grabbed 1st Team All-American honors as well as 1st Team Big 10.
DT Karl Klug was named to the 1st Team All-American and 1st Team Big 10.
LG Julian Vandervelde grabbed 2nd Team All-American honors as well as 1st Team Big 10.
Named to the Freshman All-American team was DT Anthony Harrison and WR Franklin Newby. Harrison was also named to the 2nd Team Big 10.
Finishing out the 1st Big Ten honors are: CB Jordan Bernstine, T Brandon Rodgers, and HB Jevon Pugh
More 2nt Team Big Ten Honors go to: LOLB Dezman Moses, DE Adrian Clayborn and T Josh Bowser.
Iowa's Streaks Come to an End Against #8 Notre Dame
November 27, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 25, 2008 01:26
It was a heartbreaker to see Iowa miss an opportunity to put away Notre Dame on the 3-yard line with :00 left on the game clock. Iowa could have won the game had they made an easy field goal from the left hash mark on the field. "The wind was blowing directly at my kick and I think I put too much power in the kick because I had it angled as far right as I could but I still went wide left of the goal posts," said senior kicker Daniel Murray on Saturday.
With the missed field goal the game went into overtime and the Hawkeyes threw an interception in double overtime to give the win to #8 Notre Dame. "It was a hard fought battle the entire game. It will probably be one of the best games I'll ever coach" stated Coach Pelini after the game.
With the loss, the Hawkeyes slip out of their #1 spot in the BCS to a #5 and still will play in a very good Orange Bowl in January.
"I'm pleased with how my team did. I would have liked to see the turnovers not be there but to stay with the Fighting Irish at their home field, I was pleased. I'm excited to go to a neutral site and play in the FedEx Orange Bowl. Our fans travel VERY well and we know this from Iowa's past Orange Bowl bids," Coach Pelini stated.
The Hawkeyes are set to face #11 West Virginia Mountaineers on January 3, 2011 in Miami, FL at Dolphins Stadium for the FedEx Orange Bowl.
The Hawkeyes also came away with a share of the Big Ten title along with Michigan. The two teams never met during the regular season and both teams ended up with an 8-0 Conference record to take a share of the Conference title.
Iowa's average attendance at home was: 73,379
#1 Iowa Determines Future
November 21, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 21, 2008 22:12
They've already won a share of the Big Ten conference title because they tied with Michigan but never played them.
The Hawks have one more tough challenge to get past that if they can do it, they will be headed to the National Championship Game in only two years under Head Coach Pelini.
Pelini says he is excited to stay on at Iowa to get them to a 5 or 6 prestige team before heading to the University of Northern Iowa.
#1 Hawks Take Down the Gophers
November 20, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 21, 2008 22:07
The Floyd of Rosedale trophy is headed back to Iowa City for the second year in a row. The Hawks looked good right off the start by returning the first punt of the game for a touchdown. The Hawkeyes also broke many of their season records.
They had the highest number of first downs in a season with 27.
They had the most Total Offense yards with 642.
They had their second highest rushing yards for 306.
They had their highest passing yards with 336.
They had their lowest amount of sacks allowe with 0.
They had their second highest amount of Total Yards with 804.
Stanzi had a season high with 336 passing yards and he tied his passing touchdowns with 2. He also had a season high long pass for 62 yards.
Stanzi was also the only QB to rush for a QB rushing high of 182 yards.
In the receiving column, WR Colin Sandeman had his season high of receptions with 8 and a season high of 245 yards. He also had a season high of 2 receiving Touchdowns a high of longest reception of 62 yards.
The Hawkeyes will finish off their season versus #8 Notre Dame in Indiana. If the Hawks can win, they should easily make it to the National Championship game.
#1 Iowa To Take On #49 Minnesota
November 14, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 19, 2008 21:18
Iowa will end their Big 10 season up in Minnesota. If Michigan wins their game then the Hawkeyes will get a share of the Big 10 Title because Iowa and Michigan didn't play each other in the regular season. After Minnesota, the Hawkeyes will taked on a tough ranked Penn State. If the Hawks can hold on, they should end up playing in the National Championship Game at the end of the season.
Coach Pelini says that he will stay on even if the Hawkeyes win the National Championship Game because he would like to get Iowa up to a 5 or 6 star prestige team before moving on to coaching a different team (University of Northern Iowa).
#1 Iowa Uses All Their Weapons Against Northwestern
November 13, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 19, 2008 21:14
The #1 Iowa Hawkeyes showed why they were #1 today as they brought all all sides of their team. Dezman Moses set a school record for most safeties in a game with two. HB Pugh was named Big 10 Offense Player of the week with 25 Carries, 213 yards and 3 TD. The Hawkeyes have two more games to play that if they can win, they will have a chance to play in the National Championship game.
Hawkeyes Take Top Spot in All Polls!
November 8, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 16, 2008 21:29
The Hawkeyes can now call themselves a #1 team in the nation. They moved up in all of the polls. From a #3 ranking in Coaches, a #2 ranking in the Media and a #3 in the BCS. #1 Iowa now can play for a National Championship if they can win the rest of their regular season games. Up next for the Hawks is a fairly easy Northwestern opponent. They will then follow Northwestern with a visit to Minnesota and finally have the biggest game versus a ranked Notre Dame team (who currently sits at #5).
The Hawks continued to get good news by signing their last recruit in-season. They also added a player to the Heisman Watch list as WR Colin Sandeman jumped into the #4 spot just below LE Lebron Daniel who still sits at the top spot for the Heisman.
The Hawkeyes not only have their eyes set on a National Championship but they are eyeing a second Conference Championship. Normally, by now, the Hawkeyes would have clinched the title but there is still one team that has a perfect Conference record that Iowa will not play this year which could mean a SHARE of the Big Ten Championship since the Big Ten doesn't have a championship game like most other conferences do.
#3 Iowa Wins with Only Their Feet
November 6, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 16, 2008 21:24
The #6 Penn State Nittany Lions proved to be Iowa's toughest opponent in Coach Pelini's career. The #3 Hawkeyes were held to zero touchdowns, a first in team history. The Hawkeyes had to rely on their senior kicker Daniel Murray to win the game for them. "He really shined and I'm glad we got him at least in his range which also impressed me. That guy can kick from just about any where and any distance on the field. He gets the game ball because he was our only offense in this game" Coach Pelini stated.
Kicker Daniel Murray was 4 of 4 on the day and he had a long of 52 yards. He had two field goals that were 30-39 yards, one that was 40-49 and one that was 50+.
#3 Iowa Stays Steady in Polls
November 1, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 16, 2008 21:17
The polls stayed steady for the Hawkeyes as the only movement was in the BCS Polls. The Hawkeyes slipped a spot from that "special" #2 spot in the BCS Polls to a #3. The Hawkeyes aren't worried though because the top two teams in the BCS are in the same conference and one of them will have to lose when they play each other in their conference title game which will allow Iowa to slip back into the top two spots for a chance to play in the National Championship Game.
Next up for the Hawkeyes are the #6 Nittany Lions of Penn State. Penn State is one of the Toughest Places to Play at according to college football media.
#3 Iowa Keeps Streaks Alive Versus #22 Wisconsin
October 30, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 16, 2008 21:13
The #3 Iowa Hawkeyes kept all of their win streaks alive as they beat yet another Top 25 team in fashion.
Iowa's offense numbers were impressive with 428 yards of total offense, 218 of those yards came on the ground with 210 yards through the air. The Hawkeyes had a record total yards of 624.
WR Colin Sandeman shows why he should get the Best Returner award after returning another punt for a touchdown.
Pelini had this to add about Sandeman, "it seems like he is returning at least one punt for a touchdown every game and we couldn't be happier because it really sparks our team and makes us do that better on both sides of the ball."
Iowa's next task will be their toughest yet as they travel to one of the hardest places to play at, Penn State. Penn State is ranked #6.
Iowa Moves Up in Polls and Signs 4 of 5 Remaining In-Season Recruits
October 24, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 15, 2008 02:32
With the #2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish losing, they helped Iowa move up in all of the polls. The Hawkeyes have moved up one spot in the Coaches, Media and BCS polls this week. They are currently #3 in Coaches, #2 in Media and the all important BCS Poll has the Hawkeyes ranked at #2 which means if the season were to end today, the Iowa Hawkeyes would be in the National Championship Game.
The Hawkeyes also signed 4 of their last 5 In-Season recruits.
The Magazine Covers for Week 10 were plastered with the Iowa Hawkeyes: BOWL RANKINGS Cover: THE CLASS OF THE BIG TEN--Defense helps Iowa knock off conference opponent Ohio State 30-0.
BCS RANKINGS Cover: BELIEVE IT!--Hawkeyes are content with their computer rankings in latest poll.
TOP 25 POLLS COVER: CONFERENCE CLASH--#5 Ohio State is no match for the Hawkeyes in Big Ten action.
#4 Iowa Destroys #5 Ohio State in Iowa City
October 23, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 15, 2008 02:27
The Iowa Hawkeyes broke a couple more of their personal records as they completely obliterated the #5 Ohio State Buckeyes at home. For the first time this year, the Hawkeyes held an opponent scoreless! Not only was this a big deal but it was a huge deal because Ohio State was previously a #1 team in the nation. The Hawkeyes also held Ohio State to only 75 yards of Total Offense.
The offensive player of the game was Colin Sandeman. Sandeman returned three punts back for touchdowns but one was called back because of a holding penalty.
Avg. Attendance: 73, 013
#4 Iowa Will Look to Improve Their Rankings with a Win Over #5 Ohio State
October 18, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 13, 2008 21:57
The #4 Iowa Hawkeyes have stayed steady in the Polls for three weeks in a row. That should change if they can beat #5 Ohio State. The reason? #2 Notre Dame lost their game which should move Iowa up to at least a #3 ranking. Depending on how well they play against Ohio State, they may have a chance to move up to a #2 ranking. The all important BCS rankings have the Hawkeyes at #4 right now, just where they want to be says coach Pelini. "When we picked our schedule we looked at who we wanted to be a possible match up in the National Championship game. Our ideal game would be versus the old team I coached, Nebraska. Right now we're looking good because the top two teams are in the same conference and will eventually have to play each other in their championship game and one of those teams will have to lose giving us a shot to jump up to that special BCS #2 ranking in order to play in the "BIG GAME"".
Iowa's Defense Helps in Win
October 16, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 13, 2008 21:34
The 'Heisman Watch' cover says it all: "A Star in the Making: Iowa's Defense is one of the reasons they're 6-0 and ranked #4 in the nation". The Defense had four firsts on the season against Illinois. They held Illinois for a season high/low of only 94 yards Total Offense, they had their season high of holding Illinois to only 112 passing yards, 275 total yards and made the opposing team punt for a high of nine times.
They will look to their defense next week as they will take on former #1 ranked team in the nation, the #5 Ohio State Buckeyes. The Hawkeyes will have the upper hand as the game will be played in Iowa City at Kinnick Stadium.
#4 Iowa Steady in Polls
October 10, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 13, 2008 03:05
The Hawkeyes were happy to see they didn't slip in polls after a slim margin of victory over #70 Michigan State. The Iowa Hawkeyes stayed at #4 in the Coaches poll and #3 in the Media Poll. Next week they will learn of their BCS Poll and their chances of getting into the National Championship game.
Next up for the Hawkeyes is #32 Illinois at Illinois. This will be a National Broadcast.
#4 Iowa Slips By #70 Michigan State at Home
October 9, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 13, 2008 03:02
The #4 Iowa Hawkeyes didn't look like a ranked team today when they hosted Big Ten opponent Michigan State. Not many highlights for this game. The Hawkeyes were held to 96 yards passing and gave up their most passing yards in Pelini's Hawkeye coaching career of 303 passing yards. The Hawkeyes also have some discipline to attend to as they were nailed seven times for penalties adding up to 58 yards.
The best highlight for Iowa was an 88 yard kick return for a touchdown.
Kicker Daniel Murray increased his career record by kicking a 56 yard field goal.
Next up for the Iowa Hawkeyes is #32 Illinois which is a National broadcast.
Iowa Moves in Polls Again, Will Face #70 Michigan State
October 3, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 13, 2008 02:28
The Iowa Hawkeyes made their biggest jump in the Coaches poll from #6 last week to #4 this week. They move up one spot in the Media Poll from #4 to #3.
Other good news is the Heisman Watch where LE Lebron Daniel appeared in the watch list at #4.
The Hawkeyes are staying at home next week when they will take on a dismal 2-3 Michigan State who has yet to win a conference game. Michigan State is currently 0-1 in the Big Ten.
#6 Iowa Takes Down Indiana With Ease
October 2, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 13, 2008 01:55
#6 Iowa definitely looked like a #6 team today against Big Ten opponent Indiana. The Hawkeyes had a team high of 837 total yards in the game and the guy who had a lot of those yards was WR Colin Sandeman who returned three punt returns for touchdowns. Sandeman was named player of the game and big ten offensive player of the week.
Kicker, Daniel Murray improved a career high long field goal of 54 yards.
On the defensive side, LE Lebron Daniel was named NCAA Defensive player of the week and Big Ten defensive player of the week. Daniel had 12 Tkls, 12 TFL, 9 sacks and a forced fumble.
#6 Iowa Visits #63 Indiana
October 1, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 13, 2008 00:47
The Hawkeyes are set to begin their conference opener with Indiana coming off of a bye week. The Hawkeyes will visit Indiana who has yet to win a game this year as they are 0-3 on the year.
Bye Week Helps the Hawkeyes
September 27, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 13, 2008 00:45
The bye week for Iowa helped the team with healing their injuries, practicing and getting ready for their Big Ten opener against Indiana and Iowa was also awarded spots in the recent polls released. The Hawkeyes moved up one spot in both polls. The Coaches gave the Hawkeyes a #6 ranking as the Media gave the Hawkeyes a #4 ranking.
Iowa Moves in Polls and Heads Into Bye Week
September 24, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 13, 2008 00:41
The Iowa Hawkeyes have moved up in both polls this week. In the Coaches Poll, the Hawkeyes have moved up one spot to #7 and in the Media Poll just released this week they will start at #5. The Hawkeyes will head into their second bye week.
#8 Iowa Defends Cy-Hawk Trophy
September 18, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 13, 2008 00:36
They #8 Iowa Hawkeyes have gone into Ames and have defended the Cy-Hawk Trophy as they take it home another year. Iowa's HB Pugh was named Player of the Game and Big Ten Player of the Week as he carried the ball 28 times and ran for 217 yards. He added three receptions for 11 yards and had five total touchdowns. One of those touchdowns had him as a quarterback as he threw a 36 yard passing touchdown to WR Sandeman. CB Jordan Bernstine broke a couple of records as he had a 106 yard interception run back for a touchdown.
Special Teams also had their highlights as Iowa's Kicker, Daniel Murray had a career long 52-yard field goal.
#8 Iowa Will Look to Defend the Cy-Hawk Trophy on National TV.
September 17, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 10, 2008 01:36
#8 Iowa Hawkeyes are slowly moving up in the polls and Pelini couldn't be happier. "Last year the Coaches Polls didn't like us for some reason and I believe they cost us the chance to play in the National Championship. We've really made them turned their heads out of their asses by having the top recruiting class and putting up the #1 most difficult strength of schedule and we've just won our first two games versus a #4 and a #3 team! I think we'll be in perfect shape if we can beat Iowa State and we'll have Ricky Stanzi back to begin the Big Ten run".
Iowa State is ranked #44. This will be Iowa's third straight televised appearance.
#11 Iowa Squeaks By #3 USC on Last Second Field Goal
September 11, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 10, 2008 01:25
The Iowa Hawkeyes were lucky and the USC Trojans have to do some personnel management with their players. The Hawkeyes had a small lead going into half by a score of 13-7. The two major mistakes made by the Hawkeyes were two punt return fumbles by punt returner Colin Sandeman. Penalties killed the Trojans in the fourth quarter as they were nailed by a unsportsmanlike conduct or commonly known as excessive celebration of a defensive stopped that the Hawks capitalized on and were able to get to the 22 yard line and run the clock down to 2 seconds left to go to go for the last second field goal to take the win. Pelini was extremely happy with the clock management as the Hawks nearly doubled USC's Time of Possession with having the ball for 18 of the 28 minutes of the game. The biggest surprise by the Hawkeyes were no penalties were commited by them.
The Hawks will play Iowa State and have their starting quarterback out for that game but will be returning for the game against Indiana thanks to a bye week.
#11 Iowa to Take on #3 USC Without Their Starting QB
September 10, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 09, 2008 22:02
Even though the Iowa Hawkeyes will be playing on their home turf at Kinnick Stadium, they are not favored in this game as they will be playing the game without their starting QB Ricky Stanzi. Stanzi was injured last week in the second quarter with knee bursitis and will be out for the next two games. Stanzi is expected to be back for the game versus Indiana.
Iowa has been heavily practicing this week with their second string QB, Marvin McNutt. Pelini stated that he was happy with practice turnout and that McNutt looked good in the pocket and showed real poise and also showed that he looked like a veteran with the passing and throwing away if no one was open, something Stanzi was having trouble with.
If the Hawkeyes can pull out a victory, they will probably break the Top 10 in the Coaches poll.
#14 Iowa Comes Away With a Win
September 4, 2010
Game Report Posted: October 09, 2008 21:56
The Hawkeyes somehow came away with a win after their starting QB Ricky Stanzi was injured in the second quarter and was determined to be out for the next four weeks with knee bursitis. The Hawkeyes went into clock mode to try to run as much clock as they could to come away with the victory and they did. The Hawkeyes offense was held to just 196 yards. The play of the game was a 68 yard HB Option that Ricky Stanzi took in for a TD.
#14 Iowa Ready to Take on #4 Oklahoma Sooners
September 3, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 08, 2008 20:57
The #14 Iowa Hawkeyes have finished their practices and have set their depth charts and are ready to take on their first opponent. Iowa has made it clear that they want to be in the National Championship game at the end of the season by setting up the #1 Strength of Schedule. On their schedule are six ranked opponents, four of those are currently ranked in the Top 10.
If Iowa can get the coaches poll on their side early and win their games, they will have a strong chance at getting that BCS National Championship invite.
Conference Outlook and Heisman Watch Out
September 2, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 09, 2008 21:49
The Heisman watch list is out and on it is an Iowa Hawkeye player. WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos wasn't in the list last year but this year he has made the pre-watch list at #3.
The Iowa Hawkeyes are also picked to finish second in the Big Ten just behind #1 Ohio State Buckeyes. The Iowa Hawkeyes will be facing the Ohio State Buckeyes this year so the showdown will be determined and there shouldn't be a tie for the Big Ten Championship this year. Iowa leads the series 1-0 as Iowa defeated Ohio State last year.
Pre-Season Awards and Coaches Poll Announced
August 11, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 07, 2008 21:24
Pre-season awards were announced yesterday and on them are four Iowa Hawkeyes. Senior WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was named to the 2nd Team All-American and 1st Team All-Conference. Also named to the 1st Team All-Conference was Senior Kicker Daniel Murray. Seniors FS Brett Greenwood and CB Jordan Bernstine were named to the 2nd Team All-Conference.
Also announced was the Coaches Poll. Iowa will enter into the season ranked #14 after finishing at #5 in the Coaches Poll last year and also having the TOP recruiting class. The Media is still trying to figure out what is with these coaches? With this announcement, Iowa will look to have the #1 Strength of Schedule this year to have a chance to make it in the National Championship game and send their coach off in style!
Iowa Loses Two to Pro Draft
August 10, 2010
Season Report Posted: October 07, 2008 21:17
The Iowa Hawkeyes are sad to see Award winning LE Christian Ballard and LT Brian Bulaga forego their senior year and enter the pro draft. The Hawkeyes feel confident in Ballard's replacement at Left End with SR Adrian Clayborn. "Clayborn looked extremely well with three sacks and five tackles in the spring game, and I feel comfortable that we are good in the left end spot after Ballard left" stated Coach Pelini.
Also in the off-season, the Hawkeyes had the TOP recruiting class with eight-five stars and 15-four stars.