Wine Online: A Lot to Like

Aug. 17, 2005

Aug. 16, 2005

• Purchase your 2005 Iowa football tickets online
• 2005 Hawkeye Huddles
• Follow the Renovation of Kinnick!
• The Schedule: 2005 and Beyond

Kirk Ferentz made two obligatory appearances before the news media in early August. The first was at the Big Ten Kickoff activities in Chicago. The second was a few days later at Iowa’s own Media Day.

At both events, the Iowa coach faced a horde of sports reporters eager to hear what he had to say about a Hawkeye team that is expected to finish high in both the national polls and Big Ten standings.

At neither stop did Ferentz back away from the expectations. He did not behave like the coach of an overrated team.

Now approaching his seventh season (has it really been that long?) as Iowa’s head coach, Kirk seems comfortable and confident in his role. Two Big Ten co-championships and 31 victories over the last three seasons tend to build a man’s confidence.

Throw in three Top Ten finishes and three January bowl games and some coaches would get downright cocky, but that is not the style of the self-effacing Ferentz. Still, if you press him on it, he’ll admit the Hawkeyes have enjoyed a nice run of success and he doesn’t back off at the notion that there are more good times ahead. You can also help break up gray space by including this graphic. It’s suggested that you don’t insert this any earlier than the top of paragraph four.

There’s a lot to like about this football team, starting with a returning all-Big Ten quarterback who made enough big plays a year ago to give Iowa a share of the conference title. If dynamic Drew Tate doesn’t keep you on the edge of your stadium seat, you have been drinking too much soda pop at the tailgate party.

Click HERE to read the rest of the first installment of Wine Online for the 2005-06 athletic year at the UI.