2004

Linebacker Chad Greenway jumps into the stands to celebrate victory with Hawkeye fans.

January 1
With the warm sun smiling down on the first bowl game of the new year, the Hawks put a 37-17 pounding on the Florida Gators and proved once again that Iowa can claim a place among the nation’s football powers.

“We made a statement,” said Outland Trophy winner and offensive lineman Robert Gallery. “We wanted to show we’re for real.”

Showing their bite, the Gators scored first on a 70-yard touchdown pass from star quarterback Chris Leak. But the Hawks dominated the second quarter and maintained momentum in the second half. Iowa quarterback Nathan Chandler completed 13 of 25 passes for 170 yards, making the Outback Bowl his best game ever and silencing critics.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Iowa faithful erupted in joyous celebration and smiling Hawkeyes jumped into the arms of their adoring fans. Thunderous cheers exploded again as Robert Gallery waved a giant Iowa flag back and forth.

The win was Iowa’s first victory in a January bowl since 1959 and gave the Hawks a 10-3 finish to follow the 2002 season’s 11-2 record—consecutive double-figure wins for the first time in school history. When the final national rankings were released, Iowa placed No. 8.

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