Minnesota

After another gut-wrenching and sadly, all-too-familiar familiar defeat vs. OSU, Iowa tries to pick itself up off the mat Saturday with a game against one of the worst BCS league teams in the country. Basically, if Iowa can't get it done against Minnesota, we should just call it a season.

This week's news includes a possible decommit from a Wisconsin running back, so he can sign with the Badgers instead. He's citing a post-game fight in the Iowa locker room as his reason for wanting out of his committment to play for the Hawkeyes. The news about him not wanting to be a Hawkeye bothers me far, far less than the fact there may have been a fight amongst Iowa players. Maybe this is more frequent than we know, but it would be the first time I've heard of such a thing under Coach Ferentz. If it happened, it's obviously a bad sign of the state of the team right now. And it brings back memories of 2006, when the Hawks had bowl eligibility on the line against Western Michigan at Kinnick in the season finale, and got throttled. Iowa, by the way, is one dropped pass by an Indiana wide receiver from being 1-4 in its last five games. That's a tough pill to swallow.

So, with those happy notes, we turn our attention to the Gophers. If there ever is a team to rebound against, this is it. I imagine the crowd will be filled with Hawkeye fans - though undoubtedly fewer than there would have been in other circumstances. (Circumstances like optimism fueled by winning football.)

The game is at 3:30 on the Big Ten Network. Hopefully the Hawks win and win big, and get some momentum heading into their bowl game.

Enjoy the holiday weekend and hopefully an Iowa win. We could use one.

GO HAWKS,

-Scott

Ohio State

The Hawks return to action Saturday in Iowa City after two very sluggish performances at Indiana and Northwestern. As it turns out, Iowa was lucky to split with those two teams - which pretty much says all you need to know about this season. (Forgive me if I seem down, but I am. I was one of those who bought into the #7 preseason ranking.) This week games starts at 3:30 on ESPN/ABC. Ohio State is still playing with hopes of reaching the Rose Bowl. Iowa's chances for that went up in smoke last week on those two agonizing 4th quarter TD drives by Northwestern. So instead, Iowa will look to play the role of spoiler while solidifying its bowl resume.

If you've kept an eye on Hawkeye news of late, it's been an interesting week. It started right after Saturday's loss with Ricky Stanzi being testy with reporters. (Obviously he was upset with his performance. To his credit, he took responsibility for the loss.) It continued this week with Coach Ferentz's call-in show on Wednesday night. You can read some of the questions from callers and KF's answers here. Interesting stuff that's rare for the Hawkeye nation... A win this weekend will go a long way to clearing all that up. Of course, getting that win won't be easy. Ohio State's only loss of the season came five weeks ago in Madison to what's turned out to be a very good Badger team. The Buckeyes are on a roll coming into Iowa City.

Ed's is again hosting the Hawkeye Club. It's the second to last game of the year, so time is running out to gather with fellow Hawk fans.

Let's buckle down and get a win. GO HAWKS!

-Scott

Northwestern

...Another week in the books and another Hawkeye game to look forward to. The Hawks are coming off a road trip to Indiana in which they were a heartbeat away from losing a game they had no business losing. Thank goodness they didn't!

Iowa this week has the chance to avenge the first loss of last season by beating Northwestern (6-3) Saturday in Evanston. (As you remember, Northwestern handed the Hawks their first of back-to-back losses last season after Ricky Stanzi was injured early in the game.) The Wildcats have been a thorn in Iowa's side the last five years, beating Iowa several times. And we learned this week from a loose-lipped Northwestern freshaman that Wildcat Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald "hates" the Hawkeyes. Perhaps that will spur Iowa into taking care of business Saturday.

Iowa (7-2) remains thin at linebacker and once again true freshman James Morris likely to get the start at MLB. Injuries are also affecting the offensive line, with guards Adam Gettis and Nolan McMillian ailing. Running back Adam Robinson is expected to play after sitting out the IU game with a concussion.

Iowa kicks off with Northwestern shortly after Noon. the game will be televised on the ESPN family. Iowa, by the way, is favored by 10 points.

There are only three regular season games left, so enjoy it. And as always, GO HAWKS!

-Scott

Indiana

What a difference a week makes. Seven days ago, I sat here just hoping the Hawkeyes could somehow eek out a win against Michigan State. Well, I guess they were able to do that – and then some – in a 37-6 rout of what was the #5 team in the nation. The win sets up what could be a very interesting finish to the Big Ten season – a race we all hope Iowa will be in the thick of.

Now, Iowa looks to avoid the dreaded letdown game at Indiana on Saturday. Iowa has had some trouble with the Hoosiers, losing to them in 2006 and needing a flurry of late touchdowns last year to get the home win at Kinnick. (You may remember last year’s IU game for the pinball interception and return for a TD by Tyler Sash.)

The Hawks go to Bloomington without the services of linebacker Tyler Nielsen. He’s apparently dealing with a broken bone in his neck and Coach Ferentz hinted this week he may be done for the year. Coach Ferentz was less specific on Adam Robinson, who’s been rumored to have suffered a concussion late in last week’s game against MSU. Good news on the injury front is that linebacker Jeremiha Hunter returned to practice this week and is expected to play.

Noon kickoffs have become sort of a rare commodity as Iowa has played more high profile games the last few seasons. But the Hawks do have Noon games for the next two weeks, against IU and Northwestern.

I cannot make it, but hopefully many of you will be able to swing by Ed’s for some drinks and food this week. (Nothing like pre-noon beers on a college football Saturday to make you feel like you’re back in Iowa City.)

Hope you’re enjoying the season.

GO HAWKS!

-Scott

Michigan State

Hard to believe that it’s been nearly two months since the football season started. But, it has and here in week 9, it’s make or break time for our beloved Iowa Hawkeyes.

As you know, last week was a very tough loss to take. Wisconsin beat Iowa, in Iowa City no less, 31-30. Iowa’s once-vaunted defense bent and broke one too many times, while Iowa’s special teams were anything but, and clock management at the end of the game also left much to be desired.

As a result of that loss, the 5-2 Hawks now find themselves with their backs against the wall in this year’s Big Ten title race. The Hawks must win Saturday against undefeated and 8th ranked Michigan State (8-0). The Spartans come to Kinnick in the same situation Iowa was in last year when it visited East Lansing – undefeated with an outside shot at the BCS title game. Hopefully, the Sparty run ends Saturday at Kinnick and the Hawks re-establish themselves as a legitimate Big Ten contender.

Unfortunately for Iowa, it will do so without (again) Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker, and possibly without starting linebackers Jeremiha Hunter and Jeff Tarpinian. (On Iowa’s last defensive drive last Saturday, 2 or the 3 Iowa linebackers were freshman. The result, of course, was the Badgers’ go-ahead touchdown.) The Hawks have given up 58 points in their last two games and the defense will need to be better this week to beat MSU.

Like I said, it’s make or break time for the Hawkeyes this week. If you catch the game at Ed’s, home or inside Kinnick, the Hawks need you cheering loud for this one.

Kickoff if Saturday at 3:30.

GO HAWKS!

-Scott

Wisconsin

Whew. Remember those times in July and August when you'd give anything for football, much less Big Ten rivalry games with conference title implications? Well, that time is here.

If you're a Hawk fan, then the time for big boy football has arrived. Iowa hosts Wisconsin this week at Kinnick Stadium in a match up of top 15 teams. Iowa, of course, is coming of a nice win at Michigan, it's first win in the Big House in 8 years. Wisconsin shook up the Big Ten standings with a huge win over then #1 Ohio State in Madison. Now, the Badgers and the Hawks square off for rights to the Heartland Trophy. Iowa currently holds the trophy after wins in the last two games vs. Wisconsin.

This game has huge implications on the Big Ten race, at least at this point in the season. Both Iowa and Wisconsin started the year with hopes of winning a Big Ten title and making it to Pasadena. Three weeks into conference play, hopes for both squads are very much alive. Folks, this is going to be a fun one.
Iowa and Wisconsin are almost mirror images of one another. Top 15 programs in mostly rural Midwestern states. Head coaches are both from the Hayden Fry coaching tree. Both teams hail from renowned college towns know for they're fervent fan bases. Again, this one is going to be fun.

And if one big game isn't enough for you, Iowa is scheduled to host Michigan State the following week in what should be every bit of a rough and tumble match-up.

This is a great time of year. Enjoy it. Kickoff is Saturday at 3:30.

GO HAWKS!

-Scott

Michigan

Iowa returns to action this week in Michigan against the Wolverines. The #15 Hawks are coming of their bye week. It kicks off a 3-week stretch in which the Hawks take on teams with combined records of 16-2. Michigan is 5-1 after losing last week to Michigan State.

Iowa will face the most dynamic player it’s seen this season. Michigan’s QB, Denard Robinson, will be quite a test for the Hawks. (He’s probably the fastest quarterback in college football. And he doesn’t tie his shoes…maybe you’ve heard.) The good news for Iowa is that the Hawks have one of the best defensives in the country. On the other side of the ball, Michigan has struggled defensively while the Hawks have been efficient – and at times potent – in their first five games. Keep your fingers crossed that trend continues.

For those of you ready for another day game, you’ll be happy to know this week’s game kicks off at 3:30PM. It’ll be played at Michigan Stadium – which is once again the largest venue in college football. (Capacity, I believe, is at 113,000. By contrast, Kinnick is about 70,500.)

Personally, I get to make the trip to Ann Arbor, my first. Thanks to an old boss who lives in Detroit, I’ll have the pleasure of seeing this week’s game in person. (So far, I’m 1-1 in road trips, with a loss at OSU in 2005, and a great win at Wisconsin a few weeks later.) Hopefully, I’ll be 2-1 after this Saturday. For those who’ll be watching on TV, Ed’s is ready. Eat plenty, drink some too, and root like hell for the Hawks to get their first win at the Big House since 2002.

GO HAWKS!

-Scott

Penn State

The 4-1 Hawks are coming off their semi-bye week (Ball State) and now have another contest in Iowa City.  This week, it’s a night game with Penn State.  Iowa has won 7 of the last 8 meetings between the two schools, including a very exciting game in Happy Valley last September.  You may also remember the Hawkeyes upsetting #3 PSU two years ago in Iowa City.  That game is widely viewed as THE GAME where the Iowa program got turned around and started on its current run.  Let’s hope the Hawks have Joe Paterno’s number again this weekend.

Iowa is favored by a touchdown, much to the chagrin of Coach Ferentz.  (See link below.)  If Iowa’s D-line plays up to its reputation, then Iowa should win.  Iowa’s defensive linemen makeup what many consider to be the best front four in the country.  Couple that with PSU’s very inexperienced offensive line, and Iowa has a match-up it will hopefully dominate.  Iowa is also much more experienced at QB, where the Nittany Lions starts a true freshman.

Game time this week is 8 PM.  Of course, the game will be on at Ed’s Tavern on Park Road.  And a heads-up, this will be the last game for two weeks.  Iowa’s bye week is Oct. 9th.  The Hawks then go on the road to Michigan on Oct. 16th. 

Hope you’re enjoying the fall weather.  It – finally! – feels like football weather.

Thanks for reading and of course, GO HAWKS!

-Scott

PS Coach Ferentz was on The Dan Patrick Show Thursday.  If you missed it, here's the link

Ball State

Well, Week Three is in the books and unfortunately went down as a loss.  I’m sure all you were as disappointed as I was in the Hawks’ performance early in Tucson.  (Actually, for us on the east coast, there wasn’t anything early about that game.)  For me, it wasn’t necessarily that Iowa lost – although that is never fun – but it was the way they lost.  So here’s to no more un-Hawkeye-like mistakes this week.  And credit goes to Arizona too.  They had a great atmosphere for football and a group of players who were fired up. 

So now the #18 Hawks set their sights on Ball State (think, this guy:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W45DRy7M1no).  Of course they will do so without RB Jewel Hampton who suffered another major knee injury and will miss the rest of the season.  That after he missed all of last season with a similar injury in his other knee.  So Adam Robinson and a freshman named Marcus Coker will likely get the brunt of the carries this week.  There were rumors that QB Ricky Stanzi suffered a concussion last week.  Lord knows he got hit enough.  But Coach Ferentz dismissed the rumor at his Tuesday news conference and said Ricky is fine. 

I’m anxious to see how the Hawks plays this week.  I’m not sure if I expect them to blow Ball State out, or have sort of a hangover game after that emotional loss in the desert. 

Kickoff is at Noon this week.  Ed’s will once again be home to the Hawkeye game watch, complete with beers, tenderloins and everything in between.  Hope you can make it out to support the Hawks and show Ed’s some love for hosting us.

See you Saturday, and as always – GO HAWKS!

- Scott

Arizona

Two games played, two big Iowa wins.  And now things get interesting. 

Hi Hawk fans.  Week Three is upon us and Iowa heads west to the Arizona desert for a late night match-up with Mike Stoops’ #18 Wildcats.  Kickoff Saturday night is a very, very late 10:30 Eastern on ESPN.  It’s considered the top game in all of college football this weekend. And of course, Ed’s will once again host the Charlotte chapter of Hawkeye Nation.  Undoubtedly, the late kickoff will keep some fans at home, but Ed’s would be thrilled to still serve a big Hawkeye crowd.

#10 Iowa had its way with Eastern Illinois and then dominated Iowa State last week.  Both games were at Kinnick.  Now, things get significantly tougher for Coach Ferentz and the Hawks.  Arizona is also 2-0 and has dominated both of its opponents.

This is a rematch of a game Iowa won 27-17 last September in Iowa City.  Different this year is Arizona’s starting quarterback.  Nick Foles played late in the Wildcats’ loss to Iowa last year.  He became the starter after that game and has held on to the position since.  He’s a pocket passer who throws the ball very accurately.  Iowa’s linebackers and secondary are sure to be tested.  And worth noting is that Iowa will be without Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker.  He’s been hospitalized in Iowa City after some complications associated with diabetes. 

I know many Hawk fans who are very nervous about this game, largely because Iowa has traditionally faltered when it’s played out West.  (You may remember a 44-7 drubbing at Arizona State in 2004.)  Coach Ferentz has said the team went on that road trip over confident and under prepared.  Hopefully that won’t be an issue this weekend.

 It’s a big, big weekend.  Let’s go Hawks!

Enjoy the game,

-Scott

Iowa State

Week Two

It’s Iowa State week and the Hawkeye Club in Charlotte is ready.  The season got off to a great start in Iowa City last week with the Hawks doing what the needed to against Eastern Illinois: win big and survive without any major injuries.  The season also got off to a nice start at Ed’s Tavern in Charlotte.  The place was packed and Hawk fans were doing their Iowa best to show Ed’s love with constant beer and tenderloin orders.  The tenderloins, by the way, were outstanding. 

Unfortunately, Iowa State’s season also started with a win.  (Just kidding, congrats to the ‘Clones on beating Northern Illinois.)  Iowa State’s offense looked much improved against the Huskies and their defense was able to capitalize on some turnovers.  This is definitely a better ISU team than the one Iowa drubbed in Ames a year ago.  I, like many Hawkeye fans, are a little nervous.  I think Iowa will be fine, but we’ve been burned a lot the last decade or so.  As a few people have mentioned this week on Twitter, Iowa fans typically get nothing more from an ISU win than relief.  When Iowa loses, they get nothing less than pure misery. 

Bright spots for the Hawks are the return of several starters, including Broderick Binns and Jeff Tarpinian.  And perhaps most exciting is the return of Jewel Hampton.  He sat out all last year with a torn up knee.  The last time he ran the ball for Iowa was against South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl.  He and Adam Robinson will be fun to watch.

Ed’s is the place to be again this Saturday.  The crowd for the ISU game is typically one of the largest of the year, so getting there early to get a table may not be a bad idea.  And remember, kickoff is later this week. Game time is 3:30. 

Thanks for your support of Iowa football in Charlotte.  And of course, GO HAWKS!

-Scott

Eastern Illinois

(The Club has asked me to resume something I did in 2008 by writing a Charlotte-based weekly preview of the Iowa game.  I'm sorry.  Anyway, here's the first installment.)

Finally. Week 1 of the 2010 college football season is here. If you're like me, the summer has been ridiculously long. I think I was ready to see the Hawks strap it up again sometime around March. In the meantime, we've been entertained/distracted by conference expansion talk, Brandon Wegher rumors, huge expectations and now moped accidents.

But, as you likely know, the #9 Hawks start the season off with Eastern Illinois this weekend. Kickoff is at 12:05 ET Saturday. The game will be played at Kinnick but will be broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network, including to a number of TVs at Ed's Tavern on Park Road (www.edstavern.com) in Charlotte. As is always the case, Ed's and the I-Club are flying in tenderloins for - literally - a little taste of home. (Pair a tenderloin with a can of Busch Light and you'll swear you're back in Iowa City.)

This will be the third straight year Ed's has designated itself as THE Iowa gamewatch location in Charlotte. If you can find it your black and gold hearts to swing by, down a few, eat some pork and maybe even sing a certain polka, Ed's would love to have you.

Folks, the best time of the year has arrived. Let's usher it in amongst the best people on Earth: fellow Hawkeye fans.

-Scott

(Scott Graf is host for WFAE Public Radio in Charlotte. The Van Buren County native has had an unhealthy relationship with Iowa football since he was 6.)