...it hardly seems real. I can't explain how I feel but its weird, even other worldly. I'm happy. Very happy, but not euphoric like I would have guessed before it happened. It must be because there is still so much unfinished business.
I've been waiting my whole life for a season like this. And now...
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I'm with you bean I think this team has an extra gear and we're going to see something special on Saturday.
Last game was the first time this season I really stressed out about the game, before that I had the "I'm just happy to be here" mentality. It has been much more fun just being happy and enjoying the season so II am making sure to get back to that mind set.
It's unfortunate that the anti Iowa agenda makes the end result of this season, short of a title game, one in which all of us will be attacked and feel the need to defend the Hawks.
It's too bad the media hasn't embraced the "under dog" like you see so often.
The problem is, espn and the SEC have pitted everyone against any outsider and all conferences feel the need to be territorial
It's too bad the media hasn't embraced the "under dog" like you see so often.
The problem is, espn and the SEC have pitted everyone against any outsider and all conferences feel the need to be territorial
This. I cannot even remember the mindset with which we entered this football season. Too much has happened.
Just think how much pressure is on the Coaching staff and players.Its a good pressure but it's still a whole different level.
I hear ya, Bean. I could relate to the '85 team because I knew them, literally. I was a student 81-86. I saw them and could identify with them. Hell, I played HS ball against a couple. Plus, we knew they were going to be good based on previous progressions.
The '02 team became a juggernaut after hanging Michigan's worst home loss on them (at that time). The OL was strong, the offense had multiple weapons, and the defense was strong. They built momentum all year and there was no doubt they were of the best in CFB.
The '09 team was a bunch of highly touted studs who came up through the ranks.Again, not much of a surprise.
This year's team came out of nowhere. There was no build up or anticipation. No forewarning or foreshadowing. It's more surreal. I still don't know if there is full trust within the fanbase because of the overnight turnaround. Kind of feel we've been blindsided by our own team. This year has been the perfect storm.
I'm becoming a believer, may take me three more games
This very well could be Ferentz' finest coaching effort.
The '02 team became a juggernaut after hanging Michigan's worst home loss on them (at that time). The OL was strong, the offense had multiple weapons, and the defense was strong. They built momentum all year and there was no doubt they were of the best in CFB.
The '09 team was a bunch of highly touted studs who came up through the ranks.Again, not much of a surprise.
This year's team came out of nowhere. There was no build up or anticipation. No forewarning or foreshadowing. It's more surreal. I still don't know if there is full trust within the fanbase because of the overnight turnaround. Kind of feel we've been blindsided by our own team. This year has been the perfect storm.
I'm becoming a believer, may take me three more games
This very well could be Ferentz' finest coaching effort.
Serious Question. Were you not the only person on this board who was predicting 12-0? Or is my memory fading? If so,... then ....take a bow my friend!
I actually only saw 11-1 as I feared Wisconsin would edge us in Madison..after that win I knew we would then run the table. But for some strange reason, that I still don't understand, I'm not fulfilled. I think its because in other years I would have seen a bowl game at the end of a successful season as a reward and not just another task to be performed before the reward...I don't know anything other than I wish the Hawks played a game everyday now.
This team has that mysterious ingredient called "chemistry"... Makes less "talented" teams do the unexpected.
I like it...give me some more of that Saturday...please.
I like it...give me some more of that Saturday...please.
I know what you're saying. I think in years past we would have savor end the moment of throwing roses on the field and making plans for Pasadena.
It will go down as a special memory season no matter what, but to think we have to jump this next hurdle almost makes the perfect regular season feel like a qualification rather than an achievement.
I was more nervous for the Nebraska game than any all season. And I think that's because that perfect season felt so rare, I wanted that (as some dorky fan) more than whatever comes next. I'm certainly not throwing in the towel on us finishing the season at #1, but no matter what happens now, my family and I will always hold 2015 season close to our hearts.
It will go down as a special memory season no matter what, but to think we have to jump this next hurdle almost makes the perfect regular season feel like a qualification rather than an achievement.
I was more nervous for the Nebraska game than any all season. And I think that's because that perfect season felt so rare, I wanted that (as some dorky fan) more than whatever comes next. I'm certainly not throwing in the towel on us finishing the season at #1, but no matter what happens now, my family and I will always hold 2015 season close to our hearts.
The main conclusion I've drawn about the success of the 2015 team are as follows:
1. They do a great job of getting take-aways. This is largely a function of guys doing their job, flowing to the ball, tackling, ... and the seizing opportunities given positioning.
2. They do a good job of taking care of the ball. Beathard tends to make good decisions with the ball and the RBs have been doing a pretty good job of protecting the ball.
3. As a whole, the O has done a really done a good job of possessing the ball. Apart from what was hopefully an anomalous performance on 3rd downs by the O ... our O has done a good job on 3rd downs through the rest of the season. Possessing the ball AND scoring have really been keys to the games.
4. It's shocking, but our D really isn't flashy this year. Apart from deception plays, the D really tends to force opposing Os to earn what they get. Given how the D has been able to force turnovers ... the more snaps the opposition takes, the greater the odds we eventually get a turnover from them. It also obviously complements our ball-control O.
1. They do a great job of getting take-aways. This is largely a function of guys doing their job, flowing to the ball, tackling, ... and the seizing opportunities given positioning.
2. They do a good job of taking care of the ball. Beathard tends to make good decisions with the ball and the RBs have been doing a pretty good job of protecting the ball.
3. As a whole, the O has done a really done a good job of possessing the ball. Apart from what was hopefully an anomalous performance on 3rd downs by the O ... our O has done a good job on 3rd downs through the rest of the season. Possessing the ball AND scoring have really been keys to the games.
4. It's shocking, but our D really isn't flashy this year. Apart from deception plays, the D really tends to force opposing Os to earn what they get. Given how the D has been able to force turnovers ... the more snaps the opposition takes, the greater the odds we eventually get a turnover from them. It also obviously complements our ball-control O.
In the past 12-0 would mean a Big 10 championship and a shot at a national championship. Now it only gives us the B1G West championship. Kind of like 2002 where 8-0 in Big 10 play only gave us a share of the title, it feels like there's still something missing.
I think a win Saturday would go a long way toward feeling "fulfilled". Outright Conference champs at 13-0, four weeks to bask in it, and take whatever comes in the playoff!
I think its simple really. Euphoria exists when you are completely and utterly happy and satisfied with the results. But, for a sports fan that is almost impossible. First you have to win the championship, of course. But the your team has to be considered one of the GOAT and praised from every corner. Your team must win, and there must be no doubt of its greatness.
If Iowa somehow, someway, wins the NC, there will still be doubters unless they dominate their opponents - and we know this isn't going to happen. There will be close calls, penalties, mistakes by officials and the opponent, etc. Universal respect won't be there and it won't be completely satisfying.
Just look at how the fans have reacted to the media coverage for example. Ninety days ago most fans wanted to fire KF and thought the program was hopelessly circling the toilet. Now we are offended if someone in the media is not convinced we are deserving of a top 4 spot. Yesterday a guy on Fox said he thought we would be exposed against MSU and picked us 8th. Most Iowa fans seem to refer to that as "hate" and utter disrespect. 8th best team in the country? Hate? As I said, just 3 months ago our own fans thought we stunk, no we are offended at the mere suggestion that we are not in the Top 4.
Plus, we haven't really climbed the ladder. We went from crappy to outstanding too fast - to "easy".
I said to myself a week ago, "just win the PU game" and I'll be satisfied. "I won't even be nervous for Nebby". Well, of course I was a basket case against Nebby.
We might not win another game this year, and we will be "disappointed". How is that possible?
Because we are fans.
I don't think there is any pressure. Iowa will be the underdog, like they have been so many times this year. Heck, a lot of prognosticators picked a 5-6 Nebraska team to beat us. Hawks have everything to play for. Unfortunately, MSU plays really well in big games. They have the experience, we don't.
The Indiana game was of great concern to me...their high scoring ability isn't a good match for Iowa, most often if the wheels come off quickly in a game and they run away.
I watched most of the Fox show...and the discussion was fair. The chubby guy with the earring...sat back and pontificated without much logic or reason... Kind of like a plumped out Cowherd. The others were pretty insightful and fair. Wanstadt and a couple of others kept making the point that...it is very difficult to win games and especially all of your games at this level and the two teams that did it (all the others didn't) should be rewarded with higher seeds. Porky guy said Iowa will be exposed by MSU, etc. He also was pushing Stanford...when one of the guys said that one of the teams that beat Stanford (NW)...Iowa beat by 30 at their place. He said that wasn't relevant, too early, and was only one game. When he said that Stanford should get in if they win their conference title game...the others said...well, you want to keep Iowa out even if they win at 13-0... You were exposed there, porky...
Wanstadt did make a valid point that Oklahoma is in a great, perhaps unfair spot, because they are conference champions and "in" without the challenge, time, wear and tear, the other teams will take to win again next week. For this reason...he said that he would hold the winner of those games higher up, for example, the winner of Iowa/MSU...Alabama/Florida.
Iowa is in a great spot...they have destiny in their own hands, no one will keep them out at 13-0...and very few give them a chance...mostly what the players hear is disdain, and a bit of ridicule. More motivation...
MSU will feel more pressure...this is their destiny...they beat OSU and crushed PSU...only a bit of Iowa roadkill until they, certainly, move on to the big show... We will see...we will just have to see...
Funny thing...if Iowa beats MSU by, say, 3...nationally there will still be little respect...since the Big Ten isn't very good anyhow and it was only MSU...perfect talk for another move.
Iowa needs to bring a clean game Saturday...with hard hitting...to keep MSU on their heels...good things will happen.
I watched most of the Fox show...and the discussion was fair. The chubby guy with the earring...sat back and pontificated without much logic or reason... Kind of like a plumped out Cowherd. The others were pretty insightful and fair. Wanstadt and a couple of others kept making the point that...it is very difficult to win games and especially all of your games at this level and the two teams that did it (all the others didn't) should be rewarded with higher seeds. Porky guy said Iowa will be exposed by MSU, etc. He also was pushing Stanford...when one of the guys said that one of the teams that beat Stanford (NW)...Iowa beat by 30 at their place. He said that wasn't relevant, too early, and was only one game. When he said that Stanford should get in if they win their conference title game...the others said...well, you want to keep Iowa out even if they win at 13-0... You were exposed there, porky...
Wanstadt did make a valid point that Oklahoma is in a great, perhaps unfair spot, because they are conference champions and "in" without the challenge, time, wear and tear, the other teams will take to win again next week. For this reason...he said that he would hold the winner of those games higher up, for example, the winner of Iowa/MSU...Alabama/Florida.
Iowa is in a great spot...they have destiny in their own hands, no one will keep them out at 13-0...and very few give them a chance...mostly what the players hear is disdain, and a bit of ridicule. More motivation...
MSU will feel more pressure...this is their destiny...they beat OSU and crushed PSU...only a bit of Iowa roadkill until they, certainly, move on to the big show... We will see...we will just have to see...
Funny thing...if Iowa beats MSU by, say, 3...nationally there will still be little respect...since the Big Ten isn't very good anyhow and it was only MSU...perfect talk for another move.
Iowa needs to bring a clean game Saturday...with hard hitting...to keep MSU on their heels...good things will happen.
The reason you feel the way you do is because as you said- Unfinished business. Sure, 12-0 is great, but what exactly has that earned for the Hawks other than a chance to play for the B1G title? I think you'll see much more excitement from fans if they beat MSU.
That's what I think is missing, too. It seems weird to proclaim this as Iowa's best team ever if they don't end up with a conference title. So bizarre to think Iowa went to two Rose Bowls with 8-3 records and here we are 12-0 and still not the favorite to win the conference.
In terms of the team, I think it's ideal that they have the feeling of "unfinished business" and (for them, in particular) to be viewed as underdogs all the way until they hoist the NC trophy, frankly. Historically, the program has not done well with high expectations placed upon it. I think it's actually liberating for the team to have a chip on their shoulder as opposed to having accolades and adulation showered upon them. They have their own goals, obviously, as several have stated, which motivate them internally as well.
An outstanding feature of this team, moreso than those of years past, is that it is a synergism by definition, meaning that it's greater than the sum of its parts. It is very difficult to get 105 minds synchronized on the same goal, the same approach. Most teams win with the starters in synchrony, but very few are so synchronized that backups to the backups are of the same mindset of the starters. For example, take our running backs, although there are many others. When viewed this way, I consider this year's Hawks to be the deepest team in the country, because we can sustain injuries to multiple positions, without a significant drop in production (yes, I KNOW CJ is probably the exception!).
In terms of the fans, I get you. My whole approach is completely different because my kid is a part of the team. So, for me, my mindset is more like that of my kid, and hence, the team. The only time I'm nervous is when I'm thinking of my kid's performance, lol. Waaaaaay different for me than years past!!
If we win a NC, history will be much kinder to us than the present, because the enormity of such an accomplishment would grow when viewed from a distance, I think.
For me, no matter what happens from here on, this season has been the most memorable ever. And it's precisely for the reasons mentioned above, surreal, unexpected, no buildup. These players and coaches took everybody by surprise after last season's poor finish. Go Hawks!
Honestly, sounds like it's more greed and entitlement then anything. I'm not questioning anybody's fan hood, but I think this is a common human emotion when an outcome becomes a norm. I'm personally ecstatic that we're 12-0. It has been the longest, most wonderful ride we've ever been on in our life. Granted I wear my emotions on my sleeve, but this has allowed me to celebrate all year long. I'd say last week was the most nervous I've been. That was a big win. Any additional wins this year would be the icing on the cake.
Here's looking forward to a non duel threat QB (as good as he is) and an MSU squad that has looked average and overrated 90% of the season. I believe!!!
yes, totally surprised to be 12-0 and top 4 in the nation- not sure it has really sunk in yet. 2002 was easier to accept since the trajectory was upward at that time. now it seemed to be downward and it appeared that it would take some time to get to this point. if they pull this off and win the next three (who can say that's impossible), it would be the greatest season in the history of iowa football- and one of the best stories ever in college football. it would leave many dumbfounded. win or lose, i will hate to see the season end.
This year's team came out of nowhere. There was no build up or anticipation. No forewarning or foreshadowing. It's more surreal. I still don't know if there is full trust within the fanbase because of the overnight turnaround. Kind of feel we've been blindsided by our own team. This year has been the perfect storm.
I'm becoming a believer, may take me three more games
This captures my feelings exactly. I had completely written off the team after the Tennessee debacle to end last season. I literally went months without reading anything about the program, and by the time this season's opener rolled around CJ was the only player on the roster I remembered by name (no BS). So the emotional payoff of 12-0 hasn't been NEARLY as large had this season happened in 2010 or 2005, for example.
It's pretty incredible.
Honestly, I really wanted them to get that nebby win to avoid the let down of a loss in the last regular season game to a bad team.
Now that they took care of that, I can fully enjoy this unprecedented undefeated regular season. Something that I did not think I would ever see in my lifetime.
If they get the win in indy and make the playoffs, it would be incredible icing on the cake.
Honestly, I really wanted them to get that nebby win to avoid the let down of a loss in the last regular season game to a bad team.
Now that they took care of that, I can fully enjoy this unprecedented undefeated regular season. Something that I did not think I would ever see in my lifetime.
If they get the win in indy and make the playoffs, it would be incredible icing on the cake.
I too am extremely happy for the team, coaches and fan base. My biggest fear is that if Iowa loses on Sat night, they will fall behind OSU in the playoff rankings and thus get passed over for the Rose Bowl. The Hawks could then fall to a non-top tier bowl (unless selected for Fiesta) and many would forget the excitement from the season and the disappointing end will be hard to handle. The media would love that scenario and that would be the most unfair part of the situation especially for the team who has worked their tails off for this position. Not trying to be negative at all, in fact I like our chances on Sat night, but the tone on this board could be completely different next week with a loss.
The definition of success has been changed. In the old days a perfect regular season meant a conference title and the Rose Bowl. Just like the dollar, there is inflation. 12-0 isn't good enough anymore. Now you need 13-0 to get that title and the Rose Bowl isn't the ultimate prize anymore.
There was a ton of pressure on us Iowa fans to get that win. LOL. Can you imagine all the Nebraska BS we would have had to put up with for, well, the rest of our lives had they beat us in that game. "Iowas best team ever, couldn't beat our worst..." blah blah.... Huge sense of relief getting that win just to shut them up.
Win this weekend, and wow is all I can really say. Shut all these national pukes up once and for all.
What a great ride it has been.
Part of it might be the fact that we are not dominating teams. Most every game has been a battle.
Like others, I'm not nearly as enthused about this as I feel like I should be. I don't personally blame the media, as they've said all along "go 13-0 and win the B1G championship and you prove you belong" so that's what we need to do anyway.
For me it comes down to this:
In 2002, I *KNEW* that team was better than any opponent. Teams like OSU were lucky to avoid us and they damn well knew it too.
In 2015, I'm still not totally sure how good this team is. I know they've beaten every team on the schedule and I know this MSU test will be the toughest one yet. But I can't sit here and tell you "we'd beat OSU and they are lucky to avoid us!"
I guess what I'm saying is for me personally, I am not sure how good this team really is. Which is strange given they have the best record ever for a Hawkeye team.
For me it comes down to this:
In 2002, I *KNEW* that team was better than any opponent. Teams like OSU were lucky to avoid us and they damn well knew it too.
In 2015, I'm still not totally sure how good this team is. I know they've beaten every team on the schedule and I know this MSU test will be the toughest one yet. But I can't sit here and tell you "we'd beat OSU and they are lucky to avoid us!"
I guess what I'm saying is for me personally, I am not sure how good this team really is. Which is strange given they have the best record ever for a Hawkeye team.
It's the unfinished business part. I'm in the same boat; I've been following the Hawks for fifty years.
Ferentz is a magician.
He has been sand bagging the Hawks all season to build up depth and keep from blowing everyone out. This keeps Iowa under the radar and dogs for as long as possible, also keeps a chip on the team's shoulder.
Anyone who underestimates the Hawkeyes do so at their own peril.
Go Hawkeyes! 15-0
He has been sand bagging the Hawks all season to build up depth and keep from blowing everyone out. This keeps Iowa under the radar and dogs for as long as possible, also keeps a chip on the team's shoulder.
Anyone who underestimates the Hawkeyes do so at their own peril.
Go Hawkeyes! 15-0
I hear ya...went to my first game in 1957 at 7 years old - don't remember much about it. By 1963 was going regularly at 13 and have vivid memories from Gary Snook thru CJ Beathard.
