In our Hawkeyes historic season run, they just couldn’t finish.
With Iowa’s heartbreaking loss in the Big Ten Championship game against Michigan State, the Spartans only touchdown in the game’s final seconds halted them to a Big Ten championship victory.
Hawkeye fans across the nation renounced not only in sorrow, but a whole lot of beer.
The Spartans handed Iowa their first loss of the season defeating the Hawkeyes 16-13 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN with their momentous game winning drive. Hawkeyes across the country painfully watched Michigan State in the final quarter with their drive of 82 yards in 22 plays; during a crucial 9 minutes, and mere 4 seconds.
Iowa dropped to no. 5 in the College Football Playoff rankings, but in return Iowa has gained a bowl game berth to the honorary Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.
It’s been 24 years since the Hawkeyes played in Pasadena. Black and gold hasn’t seen such a place since 1991.
Think about it: Kirk Ferentz was just 26 years old then. It was his first year as offensive line coach under legendary Hayden Fry’s staff. The Hawks went 8-4 that year.
But Iowa is just rubbing off the dirt, with high hopes to finish this magical season strong. With a Rose Bowl bid, Hawkeyes are hoping to prove the nation wrong and gain the respect they deserve.
“I’m really proud of them. We’re disappointed with the outcome. But we still have another football game ahead of us, and we’ll simmer on this one for a little bit and turn our sights to the next ballgame shortly,” said Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz.
Hawkeyes believed they could. And they did. Not exactly the way they wanted it, but a Rose Bowl over Ohio State is good enough, right?
It’s a minor setback for a major comeback. Ferentz and his team eyes are on the prize. A trip to Pasadena, CA is “the granddaddy of them all,” as Ferentz said. The Rose Bowl is quite a nice consolation prize for the Hawkeyes.
Our Hawkeyes end the regular season 12-1. 8-0 in Big Ten play and winners of the Big Ten Conference West Division. It was a season for the books, while most expected a more moderate season the Hawkeyes put on for us; per-usual.
But Hawkeye nation has nothing to be down about. As a current student at the University of Iowa, the historic season is something I personally am greatly proud to be a part of. The Hawkeyes stayed nearly on top. Not even trailing once, and never looked back.
Look at us now, one of the top team’s in the nation. Who would have thought that Iowa would be such the team?
Saturday’s loss in Indianapolis is just a reminder that we’re not perfect, we’re not flashy, but just a hard-working football team that plays knitty griddy football. Our 12-1 record shows for that.
We shouldn’t be ashamed, in fact, we should be nothing but ecstatic for Iowa football. We’re just proud Hawkeyes living in the moment, immersing in black and gold greatness.
We’ll see no. 6 Standford in Pasadena on New Years Day. But till then.
Roll Corn.
