Football, Basketball, Baseball. If you ask most people, those would be the three most popular sports in the United States, probably in that order. Hockey has some appeal in the north. Golf picks up steam during Majors. And soccer, well, is off the radar most times.
Most Americans have never cared about soccer, and many never will. The sport hits a spike in popularity every four years during the World Cup, but other then that, the World's most popular sport is practically invisible to the most powerful country on Earth. David Beckham tried to change the culture, but other than his first couple MLS games or so, he has been unsuccessful.
This was my sports world. Football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring and summer. If anything else was on ESPN, I wasn't interested. Bowl season was the name of my holiday season and March Madness was heaven. But in the past two months, that has all been turned upside down.
Notice I said was.
Two months ago, a 15 year old boy from the Congo stepped off an airplane in Washington, D.C. He came to the United States to learn, and to have an opportunity for a better life. Leaving for his knew life was only the second time he had ever left his village. He did not know any English, so communication had to come through an interpretor or demonstrating with arm motions. He grew up with a very active lifestyle in the Congo, and therefore was in good shape and enjoyed playing sports. At least one sport.
Soccer.
He explained that he was one of the worst soccer players in his village, but in South Central Pennsylvania, he blows past guys twice his size. He lives in the home of a family with little soccer knowledge and even less interest, but for him, they learn, and turn out to enjoy it. They find soccer games on tv to watch, and kick the soccer ball with the boy in between his weekly indoor games.
While he has never played indoor soccer before, he learns quickly. He begins draining goals from midfield with relative ease. He jukes past defenders as if Barry Sanders bolting for the end zone. He understands soccer, and because of him, his new family has a new appreciation for the worldwide phenomenon.
And perhaps most amazing of all, he is my new adopted brother.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Hopefully, Cyclones Get It Right This Time
With the failed experiment of Gene Chizik behind them, Iowa State needs to quickly move on with their football program. If Iowa fans are smart, they will be hoping their rival's next coach is a successful one.
If last week's wrestling meet was any indication, highly anticipated match ups between two successful programs are a lot more enjoyable than match ups pitting a bowl bound team against a two win program. If you need more evidence, ask fans connected to the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. While the Buckeye faithful had no problem watching a blowout victory on the final day of their season, they felt robbed at the same time. Without Michigan having a successful season, Ohio State's victory doesn't mean as much. It is not as much fun for them when they are SUPPOSED to blow out their rival, as opposed to the Wolverines actually having a chance to win.
During the second half of Dan McCarney's tenure as Head Coach of Iowa State, he led the Cyclones to five bowl games in six seasons. In 2002, 2004, and 2005, both Iowa and Iowa State went to bowl games. Because of the success of both programs, the early season face off of the two teams became more highly anticipated and garnered more national attention. In 2006, after both teams went bowling the previous season, the battle of the Cy-Hawk Trophy was televised to a national audience on ESPN. This year, a year after both teams missed out on the postseason, the game was relegated to regional coverage on Big Ten Network.
Recruits like rivalries. They grow up watching the annual clashes just like the rest of us, and dream of one day playing in one of those big games. With the right coach in Ames, the state of Iowa can be the host to one of those big games every fall.
Hy-Vee runs commercials throughout the state every year, boasting the Cy-Hawk Series as one of the greatest rivalries in sports. This is the time for Iowa State to step up and prove it.
If last week's wrestling meet was any indication, highly anticipated match ups between two successful programs are a lot more enjoyable than match ups pitting a bowl bound team against a two win program. If you need more evidence, ask fans connected to the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry. While the Buckeye faithful had no problem watching a blowout victory on the final day of their season, they felt robbed at the same time. Without Michigan having a successful season, Ohio State's victory doesn't mean as much. It is not as much fun for them when they are SUPPOSED to blow out their rival, as opposed to the Wolverines actually having a chance to win.
During the second half of Dan McCarney's tenure as Head Coach of Iowa State, he led the Cyclones to five bowl games in six seasons. In 2002, 2004, and 2005, both Iowa and Iowa State went to bowl games. Because of the success of both programs, the early season face off of the two teams became more highly anticipated and garnered more national attention. In 2006, after both teams went bowling the previous season, the battle of the Cy-Hawk Trophy was televised to a national audience on ESPN. This year, a year after both teams missed out on the postseason, the game was relegated to regional coverage on Big Ten Network.
Recruits like rivalries. They grow up watching the annual clashes just like the rest of us, and dream of one day playing in one of those big games. With the right coach in Ames, the state of Iowa can be the host to one of those big games every fall.
Hy-Vee runs commercials throughout the state every year, boasting the Cy-Hawk Series as one of the greatest rivalries in sports. This is the time for Iowa State to step up and prove it.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
"That's unacceptable."
Iowa made its emphatic return to the top of the wrestling world with a win at the National Championships in March.
If Thursday was any indication, Head Coach Tom Brands is not going to let the Hawkeyes fade back into obscurity any time soon.
After the 30-12 manhandling of Northern Iowa, Brands only had one number on his mind. 4. That was the number of matches Iowa lost Thursday night.
“Did we lose four matches? That’s unacceptable,” Brands said. “It comes down to not technique, it comes down to not even skills because we are very skilled. Really, it comes down to toughness, and that’s probably the biggest ingredient we need to go to work on. It’s a concern and it’s happened more than once.”
Talk about a perfectionist! Brands did not waste any time looking ahead, and making it very clear to all who would listen: 10 for 10 is the standard, and anything less will be treated like a loss! And if the wrestlers respond, the results could be mind boggling.
Last season was the first time in eight years Iowa finished on top. As Tom Brands enters his third season in Iowa City, this could just be the beginning. Perfection is what he strives for. It doesn't matter that Charlie Falck and Jay Borschel pinned their opponents, or that Brent Metcalf won be Tech Fall for the second straight match. As the Head Coach himself put it, " “You’ve got to make the other guy blink, and when he blinks, you hammer him and put him down."
Is it just me, or is he about the last guy you want to run into in a dark alley?
If Thursday was any indication, Head Coach Tom Brands is not going to let the Hawkeyes fade back into obscurity any time soon.
After the 30-12 manhandling of Northern Iowa, Brands only had one number on his mind. 4. That was the number of matches Iowa lost Thursday night.
“Did we lose four matches? That’s unacceptable,” Brands said. “It comes down to not technique, it comes down to not even skills because we are very skilled. Really, it comes down to toughness, and that’s probably the biggest ingredient we need to go to work on. It’s a concern and it’s happened more than once.”
Talk about a perfectionist! Brands did not waste any time looking ahead, and making it very clear to all who would listen: 10 for 10 is the standard, and anything less will be treated like a loss! And if the wrestlers respond, the results could be mind boggling.
Last season was the first time in eight years Iowa finished on top. As Tom Brands enters his third season in Iowa City, this could just be the beginning. Perfection is what he strives for. It doesn't matter that Charlie Falck and Jay Borschel pinned their opponents, or that Brent Metcalf won be Tech Fall for the second straight match. As the Head Coach himself put it, " “You’ve got to make the other guy blink, and when he blinks, you hammer him and put him down."
Is it just me, or is he about the last guy you want to run into in a dark alley?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
SEC Not Any Better Than Big Ten
Fast SEC vs. Slow Big Ten. That is the stereotype whenever the two conferences play each other on the big stage. The entire "slow" conference can thank THE Ohio State Buckeyes for their meltdowns the past two seasons. The lack of competition by the reigning Big Ten Champs is where the rest of the country gets these perceptions. Since the comments favor the SEC, they are not about to deny them. In fact, the SEC heres it so much, they feel it must be true.
Over the past few days, I have taken a gander at multiple online forums for South Carolina fans. On them, some Gamecock fans seem disappointed with the match up. They know very little about Iowa outside of beating Penn State, and fear this will be boring when USC uses their "speed" against the Hawkeyes.
With all due respect, Cocks fans, let's get your facts straight. The Capital One Bowl has the top non-BCS selection for both the Big Ten and the SEC, usually the second or third teams. The Big Ten has won each of the past 4 meetings! The Outback Bowl has the second non-BCS selection for both conferences, and since 2002, each conference boasts a 3-3 record in the game.
And then there is this year. Both conferences put two teams into the BCS, giving the Capital One Bowl the third pick from both conferences. The game, Georgia vs. Michigan State, is a match up of Top 20 teams who both got blown out by top competition within their conference.
The difference is in the Outback Bowl. With it's invitation, South Carolina becomes the first 5 loss team to ever play in the Tampa game! Both Iowa and South Carolina had an opportunity to knock a team out of the National Championship picture. The Gamecocks hid in a corner while the Hawkeyes took care of business.
The SEC has a great reputation this season in large part to Alabama and Florida. The Outback Bowl, however, displays the lack of talent throughout the entire conference. It's a conference that lacks any depth. In fact, by the time the Outback Bowl had its selection, it was between South Carolina, and another 5 loss team, LSU.
Don't get me wrong. I am not here to brag about how much better the Big Ten is than the SEC. Nor am I attempting to take a stab at South Carolina. It is time, however, the "slow" guys start getting their due.
Over the past few days, I have taken a gander at multiple online forums for South Carolina fans. On them, some Gamecock fans seem disappointed with the match up. They know very little about Iowa outside of beating Penn State, and fear this will be boring when USC uses their "speed" against the Hawkeyes.
With all due respect, Cocks fans, let's get your facts straight. The Capital One Bowl has the top non-BCS selection for both the Big Ten and the SEC, usually the second or third teams. The Big Ten has won each of the past 4 meetings! The Outback Bowl has the second non-BCS selection for both conferences, and since 2002, each conference boasts a 3-3 record in the game.
And then there is this year. Both conferences put two teams into the BCS, giving the Capital One Bowl the third pick from both conferences. The game, Georgia vs. Michigan State, is a match up of Top 20 teams who both got blown out by top competition within their conference.
The difference is in the Outback Bowl. With it's invitation, South Carolina becomes the first 5 loss team to ever play in the Tampa game! Both Iowa and South Carolina had an opportunity to knock a team out of the National Championship picture. The Gamecocks hid in a corner while the Hawkeyes took care of business.
The SEC has a great reputation this season in large part to Alabama and Florida. The Outback Bowl, however, displays the lack of talent throughout the entire conference. It's a conference that lacks any depth. In fact, by the time the Outback Bowl had its selection, it was between South Carolina, and another 5 loss team, LSU.
Don't get me wrong. I am not here to brag about how much better the Big Ten is than the SEC. Nor am I attempting to take a stab at South Carolina. It is time, however, the "slow" guys start getting their due.
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Importance of 15,955
Two years ago, I attended my first wrestling meet. It was a blowout for the team I was rooting for. I didn't have a clue what was going on, but when the other 13,000 fans cheered, I cheered. It ended with a freshman named Morningstar knocking off the number 1 ranked wrestler in his weight class. Yes, it was Iowa - Iowa State, and it was a surreal moment. I could have never imagined that 13,000 people would show up to watch ten matches that pitted two sweaty college guys climbing over each other. But that, of course, was before I had truly come to grasps with the Iowa way of doing things. About two minutes into the first match, I was a converted wrestling fan!
From then on, I had to learn about the scoring. 3 points for a decision, 5 for a tech fall, 2 for a take down, 1 for an escape.
Then came the history. 21 National Championships in 32 years. Dan Gable. Tom Brands. Average home attendance 4 times that of the national average!
Until this past weekend, I thought I knew it all. I had learned from watching and from lifelong fans. The Hawkeyes had it all. The passion, the domination, the attendance records. That is, most of the attendance records.
My learning curve came full circle, however, on Saturday evening, inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. It was there that I was able to witness history with 15,954 of my closest friends (give or take a couple hundred from the wrong side of the state)! I felt proud that I was able to yell "twwooooooo" at the ref when he was hesitant to give Tsirtsis his points towards the end of the 3rd period. But then, it happened. A moment so great, it was only fitting that it took place in front of a record crowd.
Iowa wanted the record back this past weekend. This was proven in their rigorous advertising campaign. But with the number of people who showed up in black Saturday night, I think it was obvious Hawkeyes everywhere wanted their record back. It wasn't good enough that Iowa was a part of the largest wrestling crowd if it didn't take place in Iowa City.
So here is my dare to Minnesota. Go ahead, try to re-break the record. Go back to the Target Center and sell a couple more thousand seats. Because whether or not we have a professional sports arena to use, we have the final say in all wrestling records. Worse comes to worse, Kinnick Stadium holds more than any of your venues!
From then on, I had to learn about the scoring. 3 points for a decision, 5 for a tech fall, 2 for a take down, 1 for an escape.
Then came the history. 21 National Championships in 32 years. Dan Gable. Tom Brands. Average home attendance 4 times that of the national average!
Until this past weekend, I thought I knew it all. I had learned from watching and from lifelong fans. The Hawkeyes had it all. The passion, the domination, the attendance records. That is, most of the attendance records.
My learning curve came full circle, however, on Saturday evening, inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. It was there that I was able to witness history with 15,954 of my closest friends (give or take a couple hundred from the wrong side of the state)! I felt proud that I was able to yell "twwooooooo" at the ref when he was hesitant to give Tsirtsis his points towards the end of the 3rd period. But then, it happened. A moment so great, it was only fitting that it took place in front of a record crowd.
Iowa wanted the record back this past weekend. This was proven in their rigorous advertising campaign. But with the number of people who showed up in black Saturday night, I think it was obvious Hawkeyes everywhere wanted their record back. It wasn't good enough that Iowa was a part of the largest wrestling crowd if it didn't take place in Iowa City.
So here is my dare to Minnesota. Go ahead, try to re-break the record. Go back to the Target Center and sell a couple more thousand seats. Because whether or not we have a professional sports arena to use, we have the final say in all wrestling records. Worse comes to worse, Kinnick Stadium holds more than any of your venues!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Waiting Game
And so the wait continues to find out Iowa's fate during Bowl Season. Nearly two weeks after we last saw the Hawkeyes leave the Metrodome, their December (or January) destination is still unknown. The Bowl Game Ticket Application on HawkeyeSports.com has options available for the Champs Sports Bowl, Alamo Bowl, Outback Bowl, and Capital One Bowl.
While they are all possible, the Champs Sports Bowl is the least likely of options. To get there, Boise State would have to be picked over Ohio State for the BCS at large bid, and Iowa would have to be passed over by both Michigan State and Northwestern.
Speaking of Boise State, I have read a lot of talk about the Broncos being paired up with Utah in the Fiesta Bowl, and I would like to throw out there that it would be a horrible decision to make! The reward for non-BCS team for finishing in the Top 12 is to be able to prove they can play with the big boys. By playing a non-BCS school, a victory is still meaningless in the eyes of the pollsters and the players who want to be respected. That's my two cents, now back to Iowa.
The most likely scenario is the Outback Bowl. This can happen two ways. First, Ohio State can go to the Fiesta or Sugar Bowls, Michigan State to the Capital One, and we are selected over Northwestern for the Outback Bowl. Another way it could happen is if Ohio State goes to the Capital One Bowl and the Outback Bowl selects us over Michigan State.
Although unlikely, the Capital One representatives have not ruled out Iowa. regardless of who they select, it will be a heated debate at their selection meeting.
So, assuming we don't slip to San Antonio, anyone joining me in Florida for New Year's???
While they are all possible, the Champs Sports Bowl is the least likely of options. To get there, Boise State would have to be picked over Ohio State for the BCS at large bid, and Iowa would have to be passed over by both Michigan State and Northwestern.
Speaking of Boise State, I have read a lot of talk about the Broncos being paired up with Utah in the Fiesta Bowl, and I would like to throw out there that it would be a horrible decision to make! The reward for non-BCS team for finishing in the Top 12 is to be able to prove they can play with the big boys. By playing a non-BCS school, a victory is still meaningless in the eyes of the pollsters and the players who want to be respected. That's my two cents, now back to Iowa.
The most likely scenario is the Outback Bowl. This can happen two ways. First, Ohio State can go to the Fiesta or Sugar Bowls, Michigan State to the Capital One, and we are selected over Northwestern for the Outback Bowl. Another way it could happen is if Ohio State goes to the Capital One Bowl and the Outback Bowl selects us over Michigan State.
Although unlikely, the Capital One representatives have not ruled out Iowa. regardless of who they select, it will be a heated debate at their selection meeting.
So, assuming we don't slip to San Antonio, anyone joining me in Florida for New Year's???
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Iowa Pride in Penn State Territory
I have only been here two days, and can already say my first trip back to Central Pennsylvania since the "Upset of the Year" is already going better than expected. I have made an extra effort to wear only Iowa apparel this week, and the dirty looks are coming from all directions. Carlisle, PA is a hands down Penn State paradise. Everywhere you turn, there is a blue lion, paw, or "We Are, Penn State" on a vehicle, shirt, or hat. Pittsburgh isn't even on the radar around here. But walking down the street in Hawkeye gear this holiday weekend gets me thinking I am a lot closer to Ames than originally predicted!
Complete strangers have scolded at me. An airport shuttle driver went out of his way to drop me off last because I made the mistake of telling him I was from Iowa. Even friends of mine have been less willing to acknowledge me until I remove the tigerhawk from my wardrobe.
One guy didn't believe that anyone around here was "dumb enough" to be an Iowa fan. Instead he just assumed I was a Pitt fan rubbing it in. He told me my break was up and it was time for me to return to my steel mill! When I finally got it through his head I attend the University of Iowa, he told me to go pick some corn and walked away.
My response to all of them is: It's Great to be a Hawkeye!!!
My friends who attend Penn State all believe they have the perfect comeback: 8-4.
That, of course, until I snap right back at them: How is your quest for a National Championship coming along?
Complete strangers have scolded at me. An airport shuttle driver went out of his way to drop me off last because I made the mistake of telling him I was from Iowa. Even friends of mine have been less willing to acknowledge me until I remove the tigerhawk from my wardrobe.
One guy didn't believe that anyone around here was "dumb enough" to be an Iowa fan. Instead he just assumed I was a Pitt fan rubbing it in. He told me my break was up and it was time for me to return to my steel mill! When I finally got it through his head I attend the University of Iowa, he told me to go pick some corn and walked away.
My response to all of them is: It's Great to be a Hawkeye!!!
My friends who attend Penn State all believe they have the perfect comeback: 8-4.
That, of course, until I snap right back at them: How is your quest for a National Championship coming along?
Friday, November 21, 2008
Kinnick North, the Farewell Tour
Enjoy this weekend, Hawk fans, as it is a bid farewell to a place that has treated us right. That's right, while our rivals from the north may be celebrating Senior Day before kickoff tomorrow, it is Iowa who will be closing its doors on Kinnick North. The Hubert H. Humphrey Whatrodome??? I don't care what the Gophers call it, it is our home away from home. Don't believe me? Let's reminisce...
Iowa's overall record vs. Minnesota: 40-59-2
Iowa's record vs. Minnesota at Kinnick North: 7-6
Number of Times Goalposts have been torn down after an Iowa-Minnesota game at Kinnick North: 1
Team to tear down the goalposts: IOWA - Isn't this supposed to be the job of the "home" team?
Projected number of Iowa fans at the game on Saturday: 40,000+
Projected number of Minnesota fans at the game on Saturday: 25,000 if they're lucky!
Largest attendance at a Kinnick North Gopher game: 65,184 in 2002 vs. IOWA!
Number of Hawkeye vehicles I saw while driving around Minneapolis this evening: Too many to count!
Number of Golden Gopher vehicles I saw while driving around Minneapolis this evening: NONE
If this isn't proof that this week's game is going to be a home field advantage for the Hawkeyes, watch the game at 6 pm and see for yourself. Iowa has won 2 straight and 4 of the their last 5 while Minnesota comes into town with a 3 game losing streak.
Shonn Greene is one of, if not the, best running backs in the country going up against a defense that gave up over 200 yards rushing to a backup Quarterback (217 yards by Kafka of Northwestern)! Greene is 107 yards away from being the single season rushing leader at Iowa, and the Black and Gold supporters will be out in full force to which him accomplish the feat!
Iowa 28, Minnesota 17
Iowa's overall record vs. Minnesota: 40-59-2
Iowa's record vs. Minnesota at Kinnick North: 7-6
Number of Times Goalposts have been torn down after an Iowa-Minnesota game at Kinnick North: 1
Team to tear down the goalposts: IOWA - Isn't this supposed to be the job of the "home" team?
Projected number of Iowa fans at the game on Saturday: 40,000+
Projected number of Minnesota fans at the game on Saturday: 25,000 if they're lucky!
Largest attendance at a Kinnick North Gopher game: 65,184 in 2002 vs. IOWA!
Number of Hawkeye vehicles I saw while driving around Minneapolis this evening: Too many to count!
Number of Golden Gopher vehicles I saw while driving around Minneapolis this evening: NONE
If this isn't proof that this week's game is going to be a home field advantage for the Hawkeyes, watch the game at 6 pm and see for yourself. Iowa has won 2 straight and 4 of the their last 5 while Minnesota comes into town with a 3 game losing streak.
Shonn Greene is one of, if not the, best running backs in the country going up against a defense that gave up over 200 yards rushing to a backup Quarterback (217 yards by Kafka of Northwestern)! Greene is 107 yards away from being the single season rushing leader at Iowa, and the Black and Gold supporters will be out in full force to which him accomplish the feat!
Iowa 28, Minnesota 17
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Field Hockey Breaks Through
Lost in the success of the football team the last three weeks, there is another fall sport that deserves to be recognized. The Iowa Field Hockey team won a weather delayed game on Monday in East Lansing, MI to advance to the Final Four this weekend in Louisville, KY!
The Hawkeyes won their 3rd consecutive Big Ten Tournament this season, and then broke through in a big way. After losing the NCAA Tournament opening round games the past two attempts, Iowa defeated Louisville 1-0 before dropping Michigan State by the same score.
Iowa came into the tournament ranked 4th in the nation, and now have a showdown with top ranked Maryland. While Maryland is 20-2 this season, Iowa fans should not be quick to count out the Hawks. The Big Ten Champions are the only team in the Final Four who did not allow a goal in the first two rounds of the tournament. Maryland gave up 5 goals alone in the their last game.
While football gets most of the attention every fall regardless of record, it is time the Hawkeye Field Hockey team gets credit. For the third consecutive year, they are the first team to take home hardware for the university. They are also in the best position to win an NCAA Championship for Iowa in a number of years, with the exception of the wrestling team in March.
Iowa ranks in the Top 10 nationally in Scoring Average, Goals Against Average, Shutouts, and Assists.
The Hawkeyes will take on Maryland at 5 PM EST on Friday with the winner advancing to the National Championship Game, to be played on Sunday afternoon.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Why the Big Ten Needs a 12th Team
Call it the Second Big12 if you want, but it is about time the Big Ten goes out and finds a 12th team. There are several reasons why the whole conference would benefit from the additional opponent.
If there were truly 10 teams in the Big Ten, there would not be a problem. They could simply do what the Pac10 does and play 9 conference games. But the Big Ten screwed that up when Penn State joined in 1993. Don't get me wrong, Penn State is very beneficial to the Big Ten, it just makes things a little more complicated when it comes to football.
This is the 16th season that Penn State has been a member of the Big Ten Conference, and this is shaping up to be the 8th season in that span that ends with a tie for the conference championship. Sure, there are tiebreakers to decide who goes to the Rose Bowl, but not to decide the true Conference Champion. A 12th team would allow the conference to split into two divisions and have a Conference Championship Game to decide the title outright.
Another reason to add a 12th team is it would increase how often rivalries would be played. There are currently 12 traveling trophy games played between Big Ten teams, and only 7 are played every season. This is due to the problems in scheduling. Teams only have two permanent opponents. If there were two divisions, each team would have SIX permanent opponents, allowing more rivalries to be played uninterrupted.
Now I know you're ready to jump all over me and ask: But Aaron, who are we going to add? That is a great question. While the popular answer is Notre Dame, that will never happen. Their contract with NBC will allow them to be Independent until the end of time. The team I would want to pursue if I was James Delany would be Syracuse University. They may not be currently strong in football, but they historically have been, and would also bring a very good basketball program. The Orange would also bring in a traditional rival for Penn State into the conference, which the Nittany Lions do not currently have. Perhaps most importantly, the very large fan base from New York City would be brought into the conference.
If Syracuse was the team added to the Big Ten, here is what the football divisions could look like:
EAST WEST
Michigan State Iowa
Michigan Minnesota
Penn State Wisconsin
Ohio State Illinois
Syracuse Northwestern
Indiana Purdue
The scheduling would work as follows: Play all 5 teams in your division PLUS the team directly across from you every year. The last two conference games are played through a rotation of the remaining five teams.
By having the divisions set up this way, 11 of the 12 traveling trophies would be played for every single season. Minnesota-Penn State would be the only exception.
There are pros and cons to every decision the Big Ten makes. If they followed this advice, the pros would far outweigh the cons, and the conference would be on the right step back to restoring it's image as one of the best conferences in college athletics.
If there were truly 10 teams in the Big Ten, there would not be a problem. They could simply do what the Pac10 does and play 9 conference games. But the Big Ten screwed that up when Penn State joined in 1993. Don't get me wrong, Penn State is very beneficial to the Big Ten, it just makes things a little more complicated when it comes to football.
This is the 16th season that Penn State has been a member of the Big Ten Conference, and this is shaping up to be the 8th season in that span that ends with a tie for the conference championship. Sure, there are tiebreakers to decide who goes to the Rose Bowl, but not to decide the true Conference Champion. A 12th team would allow the conference to split into two divisions and have a Conference Championship Game to decide the title outright.
Another reason to add a 12th team is it would increase how often rivalries would be played. There are currently 12 traveling trophy games played between Big Ten teams, and only 7 are played every season. This is due to the problems in scheduling. Teams only have two permanent opponents. If there were two divisions, each team would have SIX permanent opponents, allowing more rivalries to be played uninterrupted.
Now I know you're ready to jump all over me and ask: But Aaron, who are we going to add? That is a great question. While the popular answer is Notre Dame, that will never happen. Their contract with NBC will allow them to be Independent until the end of time. The team I would want to pursue if I was James Delany would be Syracuse University. They may not be currently strong in football, but they historically have been, and would also bring a very good basketball program. The Orange would also bring in a traditional rival for Penn State into the conference, which the Nittany Lions do not currently have. Perhaps most importantly, the very large fan base from New York City would be brought into the conference.
If Syracuse was the team added to the Big Ten, here is what the football divisions could look like:
EAST WEST
Michigan State Iowa
Michigan Minnesota
Penn State Wisconsin
Ohio State Illinois
Syracuse Northwestern
Indiana Purdue
The scheduling would work as follows: Play all 5 teams in your division PLUS the team directly across from you every year. The last two conference games are played through a rotation of the remaining five teams.
By having the divisions set up this way, 11 of the 12 traveling trophies would be played for every single season. Minnesota-Penn State would be the only exception.
There are pros and cons to every decision the Big Ten makes. If they followed this advice, the pros would far outweigh the cons, and the conference would be on the right step back to restoring it's image as one of the best conferences in college athletics.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Bend Don't Break Wins Again
Bend don't break defense.
How many times have you heard this sentence and wanted to throw something at the TV or onto the field? Admit it, at least since Norm Parker became the Iowa Defensive Coordinator, you became frustrated with the defensive scheme.
No blitzing + soft zone coverage = ability to turn any wannabe quarterback into Peyton Manning.
Two years ago I wanted to rip Norm Parker's head off. Last year I wanted to rip Kirk Ferentz's head off for keeping Norm Parker around.
This year, however, I have come to the conclusion that it is a good thing Ferentz is the one making the big bucks to make those decisions and not me. Norm Parker's defense has proven that with the right personnel, it can be a frustrating scheme to go up against. It has worked effectively 10 out of 11 games this season, the lone exception being against Illinois.
The other three losses were within one possession because of the defense. The offense struggled and turned the ball over in all of those defeats, but the defense rarely allowed the opposition in the end zone, resulting in field goals. This is the reason why Iowa even had a chance at the end.
The past two games are perfect examples.
Penn State came into Kinnick Stadium with 52 plays of 20+ yards in 9 games. The "bend don't break" defense allowed just one, for 23 yards. In the Red Zone through 9 games, the Nittany Lions scored touchdowns 70% of the time they entered. Against Iowa they were just 2 for 5 (40%). Because of the ability to keep a high octane offense out of the end zone, Iowa was only down by 6 at halftime, and never trailed by double digits.
On the last drive of the game today, Purdue had an opportunity to go down the field to score the winning touchdown in the final minute. Except one problem. The Iowa defense had already allowed two touchdowns on the day, and weren't about ready to give up another one. Purdue drove down to the 27 yard line with ease, but from there, didn't have a chance to cross the goal line.
Today's final drive was the reason why I am now the biggest fan of "bend don't break". Big plays don't happen. Ever. With a defense that only gives up passes under 10 yards, Iowa had confidence in going for it on 4th and 1. If they get it, the game is over. If they don't, Purdue is forced to go 80 yards in one minute, without the ability to convert a single play longer than 20-25 yards. That is a tough task for any offense to accomplish.
How many times have you heard this sentence and wanted to throw something at the TV or onto the field? Admit it, at least since Norm Parker became the Iowa Defensive Coordinator, you became frustrated with the defensive scheme.
No blitzing + soft zone coverage = ability to turn any wannabe quarterback into Peyton Manning.
Two years ago I wanted to rip Norm Parker's head off. Last year I wanted to rip Kirk Ferentz's head off for keeping Norm Parker around.
This year, however, I have come to the conclusion that it is a good thing Ferentz is the one making the big bucks to make those decisions and not me. Norm Parker's defense has proven that with the right personnel, it can be a frustrating scheme to go up against. It has worked effectively 10 out of 11 games this season, the lone exception being against Illinois.
The other three losses were within one possession because of the defense. The offense struggled and turned the ball over in all of those defeats, but the defense rarely allowed the opposition in the end zone, resulting in field goals. This is the reason why Iowa even had a chance at the end.
The past two games are perfect examples.
Penn State came into Kinnick Stadium with 52 plays of 20+ yards in 9 games. The "bend don't break" defense allowed just one, for 23 yards. In the Red Zone through 9 games, the Nittany Lions scored touchdowns 70% of the time they entered. Against Iowa they were just 2 for 5 (40%). Because of the ability to keep a high octane offense out of the end zone, Iowa was only down by 6 at halftime, and never trailed by double digits.
On the last drive of the game today, Purdue had an opportunity to go down the field to score the winning touchdown in the final minute. Except one problem. The Iowa defense had already allowed two touchdowns on the day, and weren't about ready to give up another one. Purdue drove down to the 27 yard line with ease, but from there, didn't have a chance to cross the goal line.
Today's final drive was the reason why I am now the biggest fan of "bend don't break". Big plays don't happen. Ever. With a defense that only gives up passes under 10 yards, Iowa had confidence in going for it on 4th and 1. If they get it, the game is over. If they don't, Purdue is forced to go 80 yards in one minute, without the ability to convert a single play longer than 20-25 yards. That is a tough task for any offense to accomplish.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Barta's Message Needs to be Heard
Did you get the e-mail from Gary Barta this week? If you are a season ticket holder for Iowa football, you most likely did. If you aren't, I will briefly summarize it for you.
The general gist of the message was that rushing the field is dangerous, so think twice before doing it next time.
Now that that's covered, I am not here to babysit anyone. I was out on that field with everyone else Saturday night. The second time, not the first when there was still one second on the clock.
The message I hope gets across is the latter part of the message: think twice before doing it next time.
Rushing the field is fun, but make it mean something. I am a Junior here at the University of Iowa, and in the three seasons I have been on campus, there has only been one game worthy enough of rushing the field. That was Saturday.
But if I am correct, we have rushed the field 6 additional times dating back to the start of the 2006 season. Are you kidding me? Let's take a look at those games we have been rushing the field for...
2006 vs. Iowa State - Sure, we got the trophy back, but the Cyclones finished 4-8 that season.
2007 vs. #18 Illinois - Were we really that desperate that any Top 25 team is going enough to rush the field for?
2007 vs. Michigan State - If this game hadn't gone into overtime, I'm sure this wouldn't have happened, but still, the Spartans finished 7-6.
2007 vs. Minnesota - I have no words for this. It was great getting Floyd back, but this loss dropped our northern rival to 1-10 on the year. Not exactly an incredible upset.
2008 vs. Iowa State - For the second time in three seasons, we give Cyclones the satisfaction of thinking they are actually important despite them limping in with another horrible record.
2008 vs. Wisconsin - Another trophy game against a team having a down year.
After looking at this list, I almost wish we didn't have traveling trophies. They build the game up to be incredibly huge, no matter what the record of the opponent.
Next time you want to rush the field against a team who may not even make a bowl game, think twice. We are not Iowa State. Most years, Iowa State's bowl game is against Iowa in the third game of the season. We are better than that. We win an emotional game against an in-state rival and move on to our loftier goals for the season.
Maybe, before stepping off down the aisle, take a look at the scoreboard. If the opponent doesn't have a single digit to the left of it's name, they're probably not worth it.
The general gist of the message was that rushing the field is dangerous, so think twice before doing it next time.
Now that that's covered, I am not here to babysit anyone. I was out on that field with everyone else Saturday night. The second time, not the first when there was still one second on the clock.
The message I hope gets across is the latter part of the message: think twice before doing it next time.
Rushing the field is fun, but make it mean something. I am a Junior here at the University of Iowa, and in the three seasons I have been on campus, there has only been one game worthy enough of rushing the field. That was Saturday.
But if I am correct, we have rushed the field 6 additional times dating back to the start of the 2006 season. Are you kidding me? Let's take a look at those games we have been rushing the field for...
2006 vs. Iowa State - Sure, we got the trophy back, but the Cyclones finished 4-8 that season.
2007 vs. #18 Illinois - Were we really that desperate that any Top 25 team is going enough to rush the field for?
2007 vs. Michigan State - If this game hadn't gone into overtime, I'm sure this wouldn't have happened, but still, the Spartans finished 7-6.
2007 vs. Minnesota - I have no words for this. It was great getting Floyd back, but this loss dropped our northern rival to 1-10 on the year. Not exactly an incredible upset.
2008 vs. Iowa State - For the second time in three seasons, we give Cyclones the satisfaction of thinking they are actually important despite them limping in with another horrible record.
2008 vs. Wisconsin - Another trophy game against a team having a down year.
After looking at this list, I almost wish we didn't have traveling trophies. They build the game up to be incredibly huge, no matter what the record of the opponent.
Next time you want to rush the field against a team who may not even make a bowl game, think twice. We are not Iowa State. Most years, Iowa State's bowl game is against Iowa in the third game of the season. We are better than that. We win an emotional game against an in-state rival and move on to our loftier goals for the season.
Maybe, before stepping off down the aisle, take a look at the scoreboard. If the opponent doesn't have a single digit to the left of it's name, they're probably not worth it.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Big Ten Predictions - Week 11
Just two weeks to go in Big Ten play, and 3 teams can still win the automatic bid to the Rose Bowl. Here's how I see this week shaping up:
11:00 CST ESPN
Ohio State 24, Illinois 10 - Ohio State's defense is just too much for the inconsistent Illini offense to handle. Juice throws at least 2 interceptions.
11:00 CST ESPN2
Northwestern 31, Michigan 21 - CJ Bacher returns and leads Northwestern to win #8. Michigan is still too inconsistent and cannot put two consecutive games together yet.
11:03 CST Big Ten Network
Penn State 48, Indiana 10 - It's safe to say Penn State is a little angry after last week. Unfortunately for Indiana, that anger will be taken out on them. Overall series is 11-0 in favor of Penn State.
11:03 CST Big Ten Network
Iowa 35, Purdue 13 - The defense is again the key for Iowa. After last year's debacle against Western Michigan, they understand the importance of getting win #7, and play tough from the first whistle.
2:30 CST ABC
Wisconsin 27, Minnesota 19 - Things just keep getting worse and worse for the Gophers. With Decker out, and Wisconsin starting to regain the form that had them ranked in the Top 10, the Badgers take Paul Bunyan's Axe. It's a good thing Minnesota already has 7 wins...
11:00 CST ESPN
Ohio State 24, Illinois 10 - Ohio State's defense is just too much for the inconsistent Illini offense to handle. Juice throws at least 2 interceptions.
11:00 CST ESPN2
Northwestern 31, Michigan 21 - CJ Bacher returns and leads Northwestern to win #8. Michigan is still too inconsistent and cannot put two consecutive games together yet.
11:03 CST Big Ten Network
Penn State 48, Indiana 10 - It's safe to say Penn State is a little angry after last week. Unfortunately for Indiana, that anger will be taken out on them. Overall series is 11-0 in favor of Penn State.
11:03 CST Big Ten Network
Iowa 35, Purdue 13 - The defense is again the key for Iowa. After last year's debacle against Western Michigan, they understand the importance of getting win #7, and play tough from the first whistle.
2:30 CST ABC
Wisconsin 27, Minnesota 19 - Things just keep getting worse and worse for the Gophers. With Decker out, and Wisconsin starting to regain the form that had them ranked in the Top 10, the Badgers take Paul Bunyan's Axe. It's a good thing Minnesota already has 7 wins...
Hawks look to avoid Western Michigan repeat...
As the Iowa Hawkeyes approach Senior Day this week, there has been a lot of talk from fans worried about a letdown after the emotional upset last week. I know one way to solve that problem.
Watch the film from last Senior Day.
Coming into last year's finale with a 3 game winning streak, and an emotional win over Minnesota to reclaim Floyd, the Hawks dropped the ball with a bowl invite on the line against a 3-7 MAC team.
Now in hindsight, that game was a blessing in disguise for this season. Iowa is coming off a big victory over #3 Penn State, and their Senior Day opponent has a record of...you guessed it...3-7.
Rest easy Hawk fans. The defense is going to be fired up, and the offense is going to be firing on all cylinders. They know from last season 6 wins is not good enough, and aren't about ready to make the same mistake twice.
Iowa 35, Purdue 13
Watch the film from last Senior Day.
Coming into last year's finale with a 3 game winning streak, and an emotional win over Minnesota to reclaim Floyd, the Hawks dropped the ball with a bowl invite on the line against a 3-7 MAC team.
Now in hindsight, that game was a blessing in disguise for this season. Iowa is coming off a big victory over #3 Penn State, and their Senior Day opponent has a record of...you guessed it...3-7.
Rest easy Hawk fans. The defense is going to be fired up, and the offense is going to be firing on all cylinders. They know from last season 6 wins is not good enough, and aren't about ready to make the same mistake twice.
Iowa 35, Purdue 13
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
What's in Your Wallet???
With just 2 games left in the season, and Iowa sporting a bowl-eligible 6-4 record, it is time to talk about possible bowl destinations.
To do this, we must figure out two things. First, the bowl selection order, and second, the Big Ten pecking order.
The order the bowls pick Big Ten teams for the 2008 season is as follows:
1) Rose Bowl
2) Second BCS (If applicable)
3) Capital One Bowl
4) Outback Bowl
5) Alamo Bowl
6) Champs Sports Bowl
7) Insight Bowl
8) Motor City Bowl
With that being said, the Big Ten looks to be in position to get two teams into the BCS this season. If Penn State and Ohio State both win their final two games, Penn State will head to the Rose Bowl as Big Ten Champions. Ohio State would most likely be in the Top 10 in the BCS Standings, and would be picked up as an at-large bid for any of the other 3 BCS Bowls (not including the BCS National Championship. The Buckeyes will most likely head to either the Fiesta Bowl or the Orange Bowl. The Sugar Bowl is almost certainly going to select the loser of the Florida-Alabama SEC Championship Game, and the last thing a bowl game wants is to see Ohio State get run over by an SEC team for the third consecutive season.
Then begins the non-BCS bowls and talks about Iowa start to take place. While it is unlikely, a spot in the Capital One Bowl is not out of the discussion. Don't believe me? Let's take a look at my projected final Big Ten Standings:
This means the Capital One Bowl would have 3 options: Michigan State, Iowa, and Northwestern.
While Michigan State and Northwestern both defeated Iowa during the regular season, Iowa will end the season stronger, and would be Penn State's only defeat all season. The importance of ending the season on a 3 game winning streak cannot be overstated.
If this scenario plays out, Michigan State ends the season with a loss to go along with getting blown out against Ohio State.
Northwestern would also be ending the season with a loss, and would have a 3-4 record in the last two months of the season.
Take into account the press time Iowa has received this week, and you have a very good chance at the Capital One Bowl selecting Iowa. Its only other reasonable option would be Michigan State with the better record.
The bottom line is, Iowa needs to take care of business, and they will be playing in January. An 8-4 Iowa team will get selected to the Outback Bowl long before an 8-4 Northwestern based on the larger fan base alone.
To do this, we must figure out two things. First, the bowl selection order, and second, the Big Ten pecking order.
The order the bowls pick Big Ten teams for the 2008 season is as follows:
1) Rose Bowl
2) Second BCS (If applicable)
3) Capital One Bowl
4) Outback Bowl
5) Alamo Bowl
6) Champs Sports Bowl
7) Insight Bowl
8) Motor City Bowl
With that being said, the Big Ten looks to be in position to get two teams into the BCS this season. If Penn State and Ohio State both win their final two games, Penn State will head to the Rose Bowl as Big Ten Champions. Ohio State would most likely be in the Top 10 in the BCS Standings, and would be picked up as an at-large bid for any of the other 3 BCS Bowls (not including the BCS National Championship. The Buckeyes will most likely head to either the Fiesta Bowl or the Orange Bowl. The Sugar Bowl is almost certainly going to select the loser of the Florida-Alabama SEC Championship Game, and the last thing a bowl game wants is to see Ohio State get run over by an SEC team for the third consecutive season.
Then begins the non-BCS bowls and talks about Iowa start to take place. While it is unlikely, a spot in the Capital One Bowl is not out of the discussion. Don't believe me? Let's take a look at my projected final Big Ten Standings:
- Penn State 11-1
- Ohio State 10-2
- Michigan State 9-3
- Iowa 8-4
- Northwestern 8-4
- Minnesota 7-5
- Wisconsin 7-5
- Illinois 6-6
- Purdue 4-8
- Michigan 3-9
- Indiana 3-9
This means the Capital One Bowl would have 3 options: Michigan State, Iowa, and Northwestern.
While Michigan State and Northwestern both defeated Iowa during the regular season, Iowa will end the season stronger, and would be Penn State's only defeat all season. The importance of ending the season on a 3 game winning streak cannot be overstated.
If this scenario plays out, Michigan State ends the season with a loss to go along with getting blown out against Ohio State.
Northwestern would also be ending the season with a loss, and would have a 3-4 record in the last two months of the season.
Take into account the press time Iowa has received this week, and you have a very good chance at the Capital One Bowl selecting Iowa. Its only other reasonable option would be Michigan State with the better record.
The bottom line is, Iowa needs to take care of business, and they will be playing in January. An 8-4 Iowa team will get selected to the Outback Bowl long before an 8-4 Northwestern based on the larger fan base alone.
Welcome Iowa Fans
Do you like everything and anything related to University of Iowa? Then you have come to the right place! My goal is to post on here at least a few times a week. Obviously, this is a crucial time in the fall with football season winding down. So for the first few weeks I might even be on here everyday.
I want feedback from you, the readers. There will be opinion and analysis. Whenever I right something, I will have facts to back up my opinion, but that does not mean I'm right. Be brutally honest with me. Let me know what you like, and what you don't like.
Writing about sports is something I love to do, and it just made sense to me to write about Iowa. Enjoy, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
I want feedback from you, the readers. There will be opinion and analysis. Whenever I right something, I will have facts to back up my opinion, but that does not mean I'm right. Be brutally honest with me. Let me know what you like, and what you don't like.
Writing about sports is something I love to do, and it just made sense to me to write about Iowa. Enjoy, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
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