Iowa City is the place to be this weekend, but no longer for the reason you’re thinking.
While, yes, the Hawkeyes’ afternoon clash with the No. 4 Michigan Wolverines is one of the most anticipated Big Ten matchups of the year, the real highlight comes on Friday.
Drawn in by the allure of the massive contest happening at Kinnick Stadium this weekend, FOX will be in town where Iowa City will play host to their “Big Noon Kickoff.”
Matt Leinart, former national champion and NFL quarterback, used his status on the show to issue a challenge to Iowa women’s basketball superstar Caitlin Clark for a 3-point competition. The All-American guard and recent Big Ten Player of the Year quickly accepted the invitation.
“I’m in. See you tomorrow… 🙂 and see all you hawk fans there too!!!!” Clark tweeted.
Both Iowa basketball teams will host “Hawkeye Hoops from Downtown” from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Friday afternoon on Iowa Ave. in downtown Iowa City.
Big Noon Kickoff 🤝 Hawkeye Hoops
See you on Iowa Ave tomorrow from 4:30-6 p.m! #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/A5NSW3TbyM
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) September 29, 2022
We're bringing the hoops 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻… literally.
Join @IowaWBB & @IowaHoops on Iowa Ave in Downtown Iowa City on Friday!
☑️ Shooting contests
☑️ B1G Trophies
☑️ Live DJ #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/ynTsR91Fr9— The Iowa Hawkeyes (@TheIowaHawkeyes) September 29, 2022
Leinart might be best remembered for his accomplishments on the football field, winning a national championship with USC and bringing home the Heisman Trophy in 2004. He was the 10th overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2006, but was unfortunately caught behind a resurgent Kurt Warner.
Leinart does have a background in hoops as well, though. He lettered in basketball in high school at Mater Dei, and made headlines back in 2014 when he dropped 15 points and five assists in a Drew League game.
That said, he certainly isn’t Caitlin Clark. We’re talking about the Big Ten Player of the Year here. She averaged 27 points per game last year. She can shoot from anywhere in the gym!
It’s going to be a rough one on Friday for Matt Leinart.
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