Wine Online: A New Formula

Oct. 18, 2004

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An old football axiom goes like this: Teams that successfully run the ball are generally the winners, teams that resort to the forward pass are often the losers.

If you want proof of that, consult page 342 of the Iowa Football Media Guide, which lists 21 games in which a Hawkeye has rushed for more than 175 yards. Iowa was victorious in every one of those contests.

On the other hand, the guide lists 29 games in which an Iowa quarterback has passed for more than 300 yards. Iowa’s record in those contests is 12-16-1. Chuck Hartlieb tops the list with a 558-yard passing performance at Indiana in 1988, but his dazzling aerial blitz didn’t result in a victory for the Hawkeyes, who lost 45-34.

A successful running team controls the clock and inflicts physical punishment on its opponent. As an example, Sedrick Shaw carried the ball 41 times for 214 yards and three touchdowns in Iowa’s 33-20 triumph over a very good Wisconsin team at Madison in 1995.

Teams often throw the ball in desperation, as Iowa did at Purdue in 1980 when Pete Gales passed for 321 yards, then a school record. The result was an embarrassing 58-13 loss to the Boilermakers.

Which brings us to the 2004 Hawkeyes, who have recorded two straight lopsided victories, mainly by throwing the football. A gifted young quarterback and promising wide receivers, along with an improving offensive line, have laughed in the face of an old football axiom.

A strong defense has also been a huge factor in the impressive wins over Michigan State (38-16) and Ohio State (33-7). But Iowa has leaned heavily on the forward pass to move the football, as witnessed by the aerial yards against the Spartans (340) and Buckeyes (331).

Sophomore quarterback Drew Tate, who throws as well on the run as he does from the pocket, has eye-popping passing stats in three Big Ten games – 75 of 107 (71 percent) for 941 yards and six touchdowns, with three interceptions. Ed Hinkel makes dazzling catches and Clinton Solomon is an emerging star, and they’re backed up by able wideouts Scott Chandler and Warren Holloway.

Tate is obviously a special talent, but Kirk Ferentz has wisely not piled too much praise, and therefore pressure, on his young quarterback. “Drew wants to improve and he wants to make the team better,” says the coach. “He has real pride and commitment.” Then, with a smile, Kirk adds, “And, oh yeah, he can throw the football a little bit.”

Ferentz would like to take some heat off his new quarterback, but injuries have decimated a stable of running backs that was once a team strength. Iowa has now lost twice as many RBs (4) as it has lost games (2). Jermelle Lewis, Albert Young and Marcus Schnoor are out for the year with knee injuries. Marques Simmons is out indefinitely with a sprained ankle.

That leaves the Iowa depth chart with a precious two – walkon Sam Brownlee and freshman Damian Sims. Under normal conditions, Brownlee would be doing mop up duty and Sims would be wearing a red shirt. Instead, they combined for 66 yards in 19 carries against Ohio State. When asked by a reporter who is now No. 1 at the running back position, Ferentz responded with his own question: “Who’s No. 3?”

Iowa’s defense was considered a pre-season strength and seems to be improving. The No. 1 unit held both Michigan State and Ohio State without a touchdown. When the top defenders left the field with less than three minutes remaining against the Buckeyes, the scoreboard showed Iowa with 443 yards, the visitors with 105. First downs were 24-8.

Ohio State had only one chance to score against Iowa’s top unit, and that was stopped when Marcus Paschal intercepted a pass in the end zone. Iowa’s defense was so good that all-America kicker Mike Nugent never got a shot at a field goal. He is 51 of 63 for the Buckeyes in the last two seasons.

Iowa recorded more total yards and passing yards against Ohio State than any Buckeye opponent has this season. Only one other foe held the Buckeyes to fewer yards.

The Hawkeyes can also take heart in what Michigan State has done the past two weeks. Since losing at Kinnick Stadium, MSU bounced back with impressive wins over Illinois and Minnesota, indicating Iowa soundly beat a pretty good ball club.

Coach Ferentz says he likes the way his team has improved over the past month, and he’s happy that the Kinnick Stadium winning streak — now at 16 — is secure.

When asked by a reporter if his team might be getting a swagger, he flashed his familiar smile and gave this answer: ” Swagger? I don’t know about that. But we are feeling better about ourselves.”

With five tough games remaining, starting at Penn State Saturday, that’s a good feeling to have, especially when you’re working against an old football axiom.

Editor’s Note: George Wine, the University of Iowa’s long-time sports information director who is now retired and living in Coralville, Iowa, is the author of George Wine Online. George has remained very close to the intercollegiate athletics program at the UI since his retirement and, in fact, has authored two books during that time. The first was a collaboration with the subject of today’s editorial, Hayden Fry, and named “A High Porch Picnic.” The second, “Black & Gold Memories, The Hawkeyes of the 20th Century,” included many of the essays George originally wrote for “The Voice of the Hawkeyes.” As he wrote in the book, “Collectively, they serve as a historical reference, and hopefully provide entertaining reading.” “Black & Gold Memories” is currently available at Barnes & Noble book stores across Iowa and on the world wide web.