The Hawkeyes ended their season in disappointment,
or did they? Finishing the season with a four win and eight loss season, many fans
were beyond irritated with both the players and coaches. After beating Minnesota
and Michigan State, some people thought Iowa would come through after all! That
notion was proved wrong in the following weeks with losses to Indiana, Purdue,
and a beat down by Michigan. At this point in the season it was clear Iowa
would not, and should not be in a bowl, but that didn’t quite make the season a
lost cause…yet.
Iowa
Hawkeye football regulars had a mindset that if we could just upset Nebraska,
the season would be a success. This thought was way out there considering many people
thought Iowa would lose by upwards of 20 points. Iowa “fans” sold their tickets
right and left, and Kinnick Stadium was filled with red; Husker red that is. Completely
expecting Iowa to come out flat, the Black and Gold exceeded expectations.
The
Hawkeyes entered the locker room at halftime feeling pretty confident as they
held a 7-3 lead. Hawkeye fans were now glued to the television set hoping for
an upset. The Hawks came out of halftime fired up, but not fired up enough to
top the Huskers. Nebraska scored 10 points in the third quarter and both teams
were scoreless in the fourth. Iowa had lost their last game of the season to
number 14 ranked Nebraska by only six points. Although many fans were upset, I believe
each one was eating their words from earlier. “Iowa is going to get smashed” “They
will get clobbered.” “pssht who’s going to watch that game? Iowa will lose by
50.” Those were all things I was hearing. Iowa had put up a good fight, and
after the season we had, I think a large amount of Hawk fans were pleased.
After a
very disappointing season, I feel like Iowa ended on a high note. They beat all
odds, and made a game out of it. I understand that there are no moral
victories, but when very few believe you will even show up to play, and you
only lose by 6 to a top 25 team, that speaks volumes. With the regular season over and no post
season play ahead, Iowa coaches can focus more on recruitment, which is something
Iowa needs drastically; a good recruiting class. Also, our senior quarterback
with less than desirable stats is gone, and we have a bright future in Mark
Weisman at full back. So although the
season was a joke, it might have brought more positives for the future than
people think. (WC 443)
