Sept. 26, 2010
EDITOR’S NOTE: Later this month, the UI Athletics Department will officially introduce its new free daily e-newsletter, “Hawk Talk Daily” — “HTD” for short. However, we decided to re-introduce a popular column from last year’s “Official Sports Report” — OSR — in advance to celebrate the start of the 2010 college football season. If you want to make sure you are on the list to receive HTD, send an e-mail to gohawks@hawkeyesports.com with “HTD” in the subject line. We’ll keep you posted as the launch of HTD nears. Enjoy!
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Random Thoughts on the morning after a spectacular crisp, fall day in the Heartland…
I read somewhere that Iowa’s remaining schedule ranks Numero Uno in difficulty based on the cumulative record of the teams it has left to play in 2010. No surprises there, folks. It is afterall Big Ten season and the Hawkeyes open the first of four games against a nationally ranked opponent on Saturday when Penn State visits Kinnick for Black and Gold Spirit Day. I’ll ask again: Do you know what color you’re supposed to be wearing if you’re in the house Saturday for the only live primetime event from Kinnick this fall. Hope so. Here’s the map if you need it: MAP.
|
=’caption’> |
Field general Ricky Stanzi is a senior and he’s playing like one. 66 completions, 999 yards, 9 touchdowns and only that tipped pick-6 in the Desert. Smart, efficient leadership. “I just think he’s a fifth-year quarterback who has worked hard,” Ferentz said after the tall righthander’s three touchdown Saturday. “He’s played a lot now. He just seems comfortable in all regards.” And that, my friend, is a good thing for the good guys, a not so good thing for the bad guys.
If you’re looking for something to do during that very, very long tailgating time Saturday, here are two (2) thoughts: First, continue to THINK. You’ll be glad you did. And, second, wander over to the Krause Family Plaza. The 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl Trophy will be available for pictures. And, on your way to you tailgate party, THINK some more. We’d hate to see you miss kickoff.
Something told me that the cupboard wasn’t totally bare. Brad Rogers and Marcus Coker certainly looked capable of toting the pigskin often and with success. However, folks , before we start etching their names on the side of the Heisman Trophy – and more than a few of you were mentioned that very act during the post-game radio talks shows Saturday — remember there’s so much more to playing that position successfully in addition to running with the ball. High on that list, I’m sure, is picking up the blitz. Then there’s probably another six to eight to 10 other responsibilities us archchair quarterbacks no very little of.
|
Field general Ricky Stanzi is a senior and he’s playing like one. 66 completions, 999 yards, 9 touchdowns and only that tipped pick-6 in the Desert. Smart, efficient leadership. “I just think he’s a fifth-year quarterback who has worked hard,” Ferentz said after the tall righthander’s three touchdown Saturday. “He’s played a lot now. He just seems comfortable in all regards.” And that, my friend, is a good thing for the good guys, a not so good thing for the bad guys.
|
Did I tell you that ESPN will be the source for the live television coverage Saturday night. The broadcast team that includes former Notre Dame coach Bob Davie will be looking for a little redemption. Davie and ESPN is a good pick, too, because that, as they, is the “Mother Ship” which means at least inside the walls of the World Wide Leaders of Sports, there’s anticipation of another close, entertaining Iowa-Penn State college football game – and we kind of like `em that way. Kirk went way out a limb – with full respect, too – post-game Saturday when he offered: “I predict they’ll have good players, they’ll play good defense and make it tough on us with their offense as well.”
The legend of Mike Daniels just grows daily. Podolak compares him favorably to Mitch King. “A distruptor.” Daniels apparently was a bright light on the coaching staff’s radar screen in the spring, generally referred to in the same breath as the No. 1s. “I’m not surprised he’s playing well. He’d practicing well every day. He’s a good football player. So, it’s good to have him out there,” the head coach added Saturday, obviously a believer that you can never had too much talent.Speaking of talent, we saw a year older and a year stronger and year wiser Keenan Davis Saturday and it was absolutely delightful. Sure, everyone loves a touchdown reception, but my favorite was that 20-or-so yarder up the right sideline. I particularly liked the way he watched the ball all the way into this hands. Check out pictures inside the photo galleries of hawkeyesports.com for evidence of that concentration.
Another record-setting Saturday for the Hawkeyes Express last week. Just a chip shot away from 5,000 passengers. Those thinking of training it to Kinnick this week, remember that service begins to Kinnick at 3 p.m. and back to depot at the start of the fourth quarter. Here’s my hint for locals: Want to get to bed quick Saturday night? Ride the rails instead of tailgating in your routine locations. You’ll shave a good chuck of time off the commute home.
I’ll close the book on the Throwback Game with just one thought: In spite of the rain, Greg Morris hit another home run. `nuf said. Heck of a deal.
Random Thoughts is written by Rick Klatt, the UI Athletics Department’s associate athletics director for external affairs, and is an exclusive feature of Hawk Talk Daily, the daily e-newsletter of the UI Athletics Department.
Go Hawks!