Tag: Hawkeyes Football

Kickoff time for Iowa Hawkeyes versus Rutgers Scarlet Knights announced

Iowa welcomes in Rutgers next week in their final Big Ten divisional crossover game. Kickoff time and the network have been announced.

In what will be the final Big Ten divisional crossover game for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2023, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights come to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 11. This will also be Iowa’s final crossover game in the current configuration of the Big Ten; East and West divisions go to the wayside next year with the new-look conference.

Iowa welcomes the Scarlet Knights in for a mid-afternoon kickoff inside Kinnick. Kickoff time will be at 2:30 p.m. CT and is going to be able to be viewed on the Big Ten Network.

The game will be Iowa’s annual Military Appreciation Game. This game has become a tradition for Iowa. The Hawkeyes often ditch the yellow Tigerhawk logo in favor of one decked out in the American flag.

What many may have viewed as a bit of a dud just a few years ago has morphed itself into a matchup of two teams already bowl-eligible just eight games into the season. Iowa and Rutgers each carry a 6-2 record at the moment.

Iowa heads to Wrigley Field to take on Northwestern prior to Rutgers coming to town. The Scarlet Knights have a much more daunting task of hosting the Ohio State Buckeyes this weekend.

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Hawkeye fans react to news that Brian Ferentz won’t return as OC in 2024

Brian Ferentz won’t be returning as offensive coordinator in 2024. Iowa fans reacted across social media to the long awaited news.

The move has long been speculated among fans, supporters and anyone discussing the Iowa Hawkeyes. On Monday the speculation ended.

David Eickholt of Hawkeye Insider was first to report Brian Ferentz would not return as the offensive coordinator in 2024.

Interim Iowa athletics director Beth Goetz confirmed the news on Monday afternoon.

“Anyone who loves Iowa football recognizes both the success and challenges that have brought attention to our program this season. Our struggles on offense coupled with the offensive coordinator’s contract make this a unique situation.

“After conversations with head coach Kirk Ferentz, coach Brian Ferentz and President Wilson, I informed Brian that our intention is for him to be with us through the bowl game, but this is his last season with the program. Making this known today is in the best interest of the program and its loyal fans; it provides clarity during this pivotal time in the schedule,” Goetz said in a statement.

The Hawkeyes’ offense has struggled the last few years and this move signifies change is coming. Brian Ferentz took a pay cut prior to the season along with an amended contract that called for Iowa to average 25 points per game and to win at least seven games in order for Ferentz to remain as the Hawkeyes’ offensive coordinator.

While Iowa will likely hit the seven-win threshold — it is 6-2 — it is a ways off the points per game mark. Through its first eight games, Iowa has scored 156 points, or 19.5 points per game.

Iowa would need to score 169 points over its next five games, or average 33.8 points per game to meet that 25 points per game mark. If the Hawkeyes make it to the Big Ten Championship game, Iowa would need to score 194 points over its next six games, which equates to an average of 32.3 points per game.

As expected, social media took to it when the news broke. Here are social media reactions from Hawkeye fans regarding the news.

Hawkeyes freefall in USA Today Re-Rank, CBS Sports 133 rankings

The Iowa Hawkeyes took a tumble in both the USA TODAY Sports Re-Rank and the CBS Sports 133 Rankings after their loss to Minnesota.

Most teams would be very happy to be sitting at 6-2 after eight weeks while still having a chance to win their division in their conference. In the grand scheme of things, the Iowa Hawkeyes record and what is in front of them is positioned a lot better than most teams. How they have gotten here is another thing, though.

It has been about as putrid and bad as it can be offensively for the Hawkeyes. Scoring 10 points against Minnesota isn’t going to get it done and it certainly isn’t going to draw and brownie points in the rankings.

USA TODAY Sports provided their weekly NCAA Re-Rank 1-133 and the Hawkeyes saw a large fall. Iowa fell nine spots from No. 17 down to No. 26. Surprisingly, USA TODAY’s Paul Myerberg still has the Hawkeyes on the cusp of his top 25.

The CBS Sports 133 was not so kind to Iowa. Iowa was at No. 25 in their rankings last week and freefell 12 spots down to No. 37.

Iowa’s next opponent, after a bye week this upcoming weekend, is the Northwestern Wildcats. USA TODAY has the Wildcats at No. 85 in the NCAA while CBS slots them down at No. 92.

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Goin’ Gold: Social media reacts to Iowa’s alternate uniforms versus Minnesota

Social media had their investigative hats on and nailed this one. Reactions to Iowa’s alternate gold uniforms against Minnesota.

Where there is smoke, there is fire. That old saying holds true once again.

The Iowa Hawkeyes were teasing a potential alternate uniform all week which led to fan speculation on social media. The speculation and conspiracies have proven to be true as it is official that Iowa will be donning their third alternate uniform set of the year when they take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

The announcement came from the official Iowa Football twitter account after a few cryptic messages that led fans to know something was coming. While the entire ensemble has yet to be shown in all of its glory, fans can imagine what the uniform looks like. Some fans have even taken to photoshop to craft up what this uniform set may look like in its entirety.

As Iowa gets ready to take on Minnesota in a massive Big Ten West showdown, here are some of the social media reactions to the alternate uniforms for the Hawkeyes.

Former Hawkeye LB Jack Campbell’s run defense grading out among the best in NFL

Jack Campbell’s run defense in the Detroit Lions’ 20-6 Week 6 win over Tampa Bay earned an elite grade from Pro Football Focus.

Not too many guys like to stick their nose into a hole and meet a running back at full speed anymore. It can be a lost art in the game of football. But, it still remains a crucial piece of a good defense.

The former Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker, Jack Campbell, is in his rookie year for the Detroit Lions and is already showing his willingness and ability to be a hard-nosed player on the field. In a way, Campbell personifies the culture that the Lions emanate. They are hard-nosed, physical, and not afraid.

Campbell’s style of play matches that and it shows. Pro Football Focus graded Jack Campbell as the highest-graded rookie run defender in the NFL in Week 6.

In the Lions’ 20-6 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Campbell registered seven tackles, including three solo tackles.

The first-round draft pick is already paying dividends to the Lions for their trust in taking him earlier than many suspected he would go in the 2023 NFL draft. Through six games, Campbell has accumulated 26 total tackles, a sack, and one pass deflection. The former Hawkeye has these numbers with just two starts, but he is rapidly making a case that it’s hard to take him off the field.

Campbell and his fellow Iowa rookie, tight end Sam LaPorta, have been contributors very early in their careers for the Lions. They know how to win games and played serious parts in helping Detroit get out to a strong 5-1 start.

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Tory Taylor named Big Ten Co-Special Teams Player of the Week

Tory Taylor’s display of punting with power and precision has earned him the award of the Big Ten Co-Special Teams Player of the Week.

The Iowa Hawkeyes have themselves arguably the best punter in America and his ability to do his job to the highest level is one of the largest reasons that they are winning games. Taylor had a career game in the Hawkeyes’ road win over the Wisconsin Badgers and has been acknowledged accordingly.

Tory Taylor’s great day against the Badgers has earned him the accolade of Big Ten Co-Special Teams Player of the Week. he is sharing the award with Penn State’s Daequan Hardy. The 50.6 yards per punt with six pinned deep kept Wisconsin deep in their own territory the entire game and helped Iowa hold them to six total points.

On the year, Taylor has punted 45 times and is averaging a career-best 48.3 yards per punt. Taylor has dropped 17 of these punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard lines which sets his defense up for great success.

Tory Taylor is fourth in the NCAA in punting average while having the most punt attempts. Taylor has the most total punting yards by nearly 400 yards. More or less, any way you cut it, Tory Taylor is either at the top or right there in nearly every major punting statistic.

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Iowa Hawkeyes ranked No. 23 in newest US LBM Coaches Poll

After moving to 6-1 with a win over the Wisconsin Badgers, the Hawkeyes are ranked once again. Iowa is No. 23 in the US LBM Coaches Poll

The Iowa Hawkeyes have clawed their way back and with a three-game winning streak they find themselves polling once again. The Hawkeyes are now ranked No. 23 in the most recent US LBM Coaches Poll.

Iowa had been flirting with the rankings the last few weeks after rattling off Big Ten wins and has finally cracked the top 25 once again. Their win over the Wisconsin Badgers which was fueled by defense and special teams was enough to propel them into the poll. Along with the US LBM Coaches Poll, Iowa thrust itself back into ESPN’s College Football Power Rankings at No. 25.

Iowa stares down a date with the Minnesota Golden Gophers for yet another Big Ten West showdown. The Hawkeyes control their destiny but there is still plenty of work to do before any assumptions can be made. For now, they find themselves among the top 25 teams in this poll.

Here is a look at the entire US LBM Coaches Poll:

Rank Team Record Points Change
1 Georgia 7-0 1,590 (58) –
2 Michigan 7-0 1,516 (4) –
3 Ohio State 6-0 1,429 (2) –
4 Florida State 6-0 1,390 –
5 Washington 6-0 1,325 +1
6 Penn State 6-0 1,302 -3
7 Oklahoma 6-0 1,260 (1) –
8 (tie) Texas 5-1 1,078 +3
8 (tie) Alabama 6-1 1,078 +2
10 North Carolina 6-0 1,038 +2
11 Oregon 5-1 989 -3
12 Ole Miss 5-1 849 +1
13 Oregon State 6-1 809 +1
14 Utah 5-1 704 +2
15 Tennessee 5-1 663 +2
16 USC 6-1 606 -7
17 Duke 5-1 590 +1
18 Notre Dame 6-2 572 +3
19 LSU 5-2 482 +1
20 Missouri 6-1 368 +5
21 Louisville 6-1 309 -6
22 Air Force 6-0 196 +6
23 Iowa 6-1 192 +6
24 Tulane 5-1 112 +11
25 UCLA 4-2 70 -3

Schools Dropped Out

No. 19 Washington State Cougars; No. 23 Kentucky Wildcats; No. 24 Kansas Jayhawks;

Others Receiving Votes

James Madison 67; Clemson 54; Florida 29; Fresno State 21; Washington State 20; Arizona 13; Wyoming 12; Oklahoma State 12; Miami (FL) 12; Maryland 11; Kentucky 9; Liberty 5; Kansas State 5; UNLV 4; Texas A&M 4; West Virginia 3; Memphis 1; Kansas 1;

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A look at the updated SP+ rankings for the Iowa Hawkeyes at the halfway point

At the halfway point of the season, teams are beginning to show what they do well and who they are. Here is a look at ESPN’s SP+ rankings.

With six games down and six to go, teams are giving us a pretty good idea of who they are, what they want to do, what they do well, and what they aren’t so good at. The Iowa Hawkeyes are no exception. In fact, they might be the leader in the clubhouse of not hiding what they want to do.

Iowa wants to play a field position battle won by the defense and special teams. Their rankings in the updated ESPN SP+ rankings (subscription required) are very indicative of that based on where each of their three units are slotted.

Before we take a look at the SP+ rankings at the halfway point, here is a quick reminder of what these rankings are based upon:

What is SP+? In a single sentence, it’s a tempo- and opponent-adjusted measure of college football efficiency. I created the system at Football Outsiders in 2008, and as my experience with both college football and its stats has grown, I have made quite a few tweaks to the system.

SP+ is indeed intended to be predictive and forward-facing. It is not a rĂŠsumĂŠ ranking that gives credit for big wins or particularly brave scheduling — no good predictive system is. It is simply a measure of the most sustainable and predictable aspects of football. If you’re lucky or unimpressive in a win, your rating probably will fall. If you’re strong and unlucky in a loss, it probably will rise. – ESPN.

Kickoff time set for Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Battle for the Floyd of Rosedale is set for Oct. 21. Kickoff time for Iowa versus Minnesota has been set.

One of the Iowa Hawkeyes’ three trophy games each year is against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Battle for the Floyd of Rosedale. The matchup is set for October 21 this year inside Kinnick Stadium.

Iowa has released the kickoff time for this Big Ten West clash and it will be taking place at 2:30 p.m. CT. The television channel or streaming service remains to be determined.

While the Golden Gophers lead this all-time series by a tally of 67-47-2, the recent matchups have been anything but a rivalry. Iowa is currently on a run of winning eight straight games and having complete control of the trophy.

Minnesota’s head coach, P.J. Fleck took over in 2017 and still has yet to knock off Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes during his tenure. Last year was one of his best chances as he had Iowa all knotted up at 10-10 in the fourth quarter until a late interception by Jack Campbell set the Hawkeyes up to kick a game-winning field goal off the right foot of Drew Stevens.

Minnesota sits at 3-3 overall with a 1-2 mark in Big Ten play. While Iowa takes on Wisconsin in a critical game for the Big Ten West race, Minnesota is on a bye week after receiving a 52-10 drubbing at the hands of the Michigan Wolverines.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

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5-1 is 5-1: Takeaways as Iowa does what it takes to win against the Purdue Boilermakers

It might not have been pretty, but wins don’t have to be. Takeaways from Iowa’s win over Purdue as the Hawkeyes move to 5-1 on the year.

No one said wins had to be pretty. There are no style points in the Big Ten. A win is a win and the Iowa Hawkeyes just keep finding ways to rack them up. The Hawkeyes toppled the Purdue Boilermakers, 20-14, to move to 5-1 on the season.

The offense sputtered but had some bright spots that provided some signs of confidence. The defense bowed up time and time again to make stops every time it was needed.

This was a game that wasn’t won by any single unit, but rather outstanding individual performances. A few individuals stepped up and carried this team.

Iowa is currently 5-1 with the Big Ten West fully within reach and in their own control. Homecoming saw the Hawkeyes find a way to win as they so often do with a vintage Iowa performance.

Nonetheless, here are the five biggest takeaways from Iowa’s hard-fought win over the Boilermakers that took an entire team effort throughout.