Aug. 8, 2005
- Hawkeye All-Access: Watch Kirk’s visit with the media
- Purchase your 2005 Iowa football tickets online
- 2005 National I-Club Spring Banquet Tour
- Follow the Renovation of Kinnick!
- 2005 Capital One Bowl: The Game Story
- 2005 Capital One Bowl: Photos from the Game
- 2005 Capital One Bowl: Notes from the Game
- 2005 Capital One Bowl: Statistics from the game
- 2005 Capital One Bowl: Video Highlights from the Game
- 2005 Capital One Bowl: Listen to the Game
- 2005 Capital One Bowl: Watch Mediacom’s Pre-Game Special
- The Schedule: 2005 and Beyond
- Order your 2004 Iowa Football Instant Replay DVD
- 2005 FanFest: Photo Gallery
Kirk Ferentz officially kicked off the 2005 college football season on the University of Iowa campus earlier today when he visited with local, regional and national media earlier today at the Hawkeyes’ annual media day.
Ferentz enters his seventh season at the UI dealing with something new and something old.
New is the attention the Hawkeyes have received since last year’s Big Ten Conference championship season and last-play-of-the-game victory over Louisiana State in the 2005 Capital One Bowl. Call it hype. Call it media scrutiny. Call it whatever. It’s been intense for the Hawkeyes.
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“The conference looks extremely strong. There are talented, very talented, players on every roster. A lot can and will happen between now and November and December. We hope to be in the mix when November rolls around.”
Kirk Ferentz
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“Sure, there’s been more talk than in previous years and for obvious reasons,” Ferentz said, adding that, as in the past, last year is last year – the 2005 Hawkeyes haven’t made a first down or scored a touchdown yet.
“We have work to do like every college football team in the country this time of year,” added Iowa’s head coach.
Also new is the fact that Iowa’s staff will be starting its first season with a quarterback who won’t be taking his first snaps behind center. Ferentz said that fact along with the experience that returns elsewhere on the field will help the Hawkeyes overcome what he called a “great loss of leadership.”
“A fair share of last year’s squad has moved on to the next level. They were experienced and leaders. We’ll need to work hard to replace that experience and leadership. I’m optimistic we can,” Ferentz said.
In terms of “old,” Ferentz said this time of year is no different than others.
“Our wives have given us a hall pass,” Ferentz said. “They know we’re pretty much worthless for the next two, three weeks. This period of time – the pre-season – is the very best time for college football coaches. This is the time of year, I think, college football coaches really enjoy.”
Ferentz said he can’t remember a Big Ten Conference that has been so talented from top to bottom.
“The conference looks extremely strong. There are talented, very talented, players on every roster,” said Ferentz. “A lot can and will happen between now and November and December. We hope to be in the mix when November rolls around.”
Ferentz said his squad will enter drills in “fairly good shape” medically. He said only Chris Brevi isn’t ready to go.
Ferentz said the coaching staff is eager to see the defensive line develop. “They’re a pretty good group that we’re pretty excited about,” he said. “But they’re not alone. They have a pretty veteran supporting class at linebacker and d-back.”
Offensively, Ferentz said the 2005 Hawkeyes are the most experienced they’ve been in two years. He also has a healthy son – Brian – readying himself for the season. “We’re excited for lots of reasons…thanks for asking,” he said.
In closing, it was classic Ferentz: Honest and straight-forward: “We feel like we have a chance….but then you look at the schedule. Oh well, that’s why you play the season.”