Jamie Pollard Puts Up Another Billboard

OK, fine, Jamie.  You put up "It's a Cyclone State" billboards when ISU beat Iowa in football.  Fine, whatever.  It was a jab at Iowa.  And while petty and trite, it at least made sense in its efforts to get under the skin of Hawkeye fans.

The ISU athletic department's latest advertising move is just... well... stupid.
They even had a jigsaw puzzle on Facebook that added new pieces while excited ISU fans guessed what it was going to be...


Here's the billboard:

Yes, that's former Iowa and UNI AD, Bob Bowlsby on a billboard in Iowa markets.  The ISU marketing department Pollardized this advertisement by making it seem as if Bob Bowlsby is coming home to Iowa State.  And by doing that, getting under the skin of Iowa and UNI fans.  But here's the thing.  It doesn't make any sense.  Both fanbases are completely apathetic when it comes to Bowlsby.  No one gives a shit.  Really.  No one.  He works in Texas, where the Big XII offices are located.  He has 9 other schools besides ISU under his wing.  Yet ISU Marketing thinks this makes sense. I just do not get it.  I can't even put into words how silly this billboard is, I'm not even upset, I'm dumbfounded at why a program would put something like this up. Seriously, you made a billboard about your conference commissioner.

Needless to say, even Iowa State fans weren't pleased with this billboard.

Since I can't put it into words, I'll have to draw an analogy.  I guess it only makes sense that Iowa would put a billboard (a Pollardized one, of course) to "get back" at those rascals down there in Ames.  Oh, Iowa is gonna troll you guys from Ames. 

SEE WHAT I DID THERE?!?!?!
Cael coaches for Penn State and because of that, he coaches in the Big Ten.  Well, guys, IOWA IS IN THE B1G CONFERENCE, you know.  So Cael is TOTALLY coming home to Iowa when he left the state to become the head wrestling coach at Penn State.  NOW I GET IT.  I UNDERSTAND POLLARD AND ISU MARKETING 101.

trolololololol

HAWKEYE FOOTBALL: Get ON or Get OUT

It's been quiet on this little blog of mine with it being the off-season and all, also due to the fact that I started up a new site earlier in the year - BrewManiacs - with a couple other midwest friends.

The new Iowa Football video was awesome enough to bring me out of semi-hibernation.

Awesome.

FOOTBALL: Jewel Hampton and Jordan Bernstine Arrested

(Photos from Hawkeyesports.com)

Word is there was a fight at Vito's, Jewel was involved, cops were called by the staff, Jewel was arrested, Jordan interfered in the arrest and was cited for pub. intox.

Rittenberg has a story up.

Marc Morehouse gives us some more information via his Twitter:

• Hampton was arrested for public intox and presence on property, basically the new IC bar law which started June 1. Pub intox for Bernstine. 43 minutes ago via UberTwitter
• Through UI sports information director Phil Haddy, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said he wouldn't comment until he had more details. about 1 hour ago via UberTwitter
• Both were transported to the Johnson County Jail, Campbell said, and were in custody. about 1 hour ago via UberTwitter
• Bernstine, aka Jordan Morris, "hampered" the Hampton arrest, according to Campbell. Blew a .129 post arrest. Hampton's BAC was .091. about 1 hour ago via UberTwitter
• Hampton was involved in several physical problems inside the bar, the IC Police report states. about 1 hour ago via UberTwitter
• Bernstine "wasn't constructive" during Hampton's arrest and that's what led to his arrest, according IC police Lt. Bill Campell.
  

The following is a statement from Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz:
“I am aware of the incident involving Jordan Bernstine and Jewel Hampton Friday evening and at this time I am in the process of gathering all the facts concerning the incident. Until I have all the facts, I’ll have no further comment and the incident will be handled internally.”


Personally, I don't see much missed time for these guys. Jordan is of-age, it's the start of summer on a Friday night, nothing wrong with going out and having a couple brews... however, he was in a tight battle for the starting CB spot, so he might take a backseat for awhile, though. Jewel looks to maybe have a tougher road back, under-age and out at the bars after 10 PM (new I.C. rule on June 1st), along with the fighting. He could find himself at 3rd string come this fall. Iowa is pretty stacked at running back, so a couple games without Jewel won't hurt the Hawkeyes that much either.

By "handing it internally", I see that as the punishment likely won't be too severe.

OT: Korean Chics Dig Iowa Football

Straight out of WTF?!?!?!?!?!



http://yeinjee.com/star/girls-generation-snsd-group-profile/

I guess the Iowa Hawkeyes are hotter in Korea than we first suspected.
And I can't tell if the ladies in the video are 14 or 20... that's bad... really bad.

EDIT - Google shows they are all 18+, reducing the creepiness.

Props to Hawkeye10970 for finding it HERE.

FOOTBALL: Iowa Holds Firm at #4 in the Latest GRI Rating

GRI (Gade Ratings Index) - 11/4/09

Rank	Team	Points	Last	This Week
1.	Florida (10)	162	1	vs Vanderbilt
2.	Alabama (5)	149	2	vs LSU
3.	Texas (2)	144	3	vs UCF
4.	Iowa	113	4	vs Northwestern
5.	Oregon	78	9	at Stanford
6.	Cincinnati	75	6	vs UConn
7.	TCU	70	7	at San Diego State
8.	Boise State	62	8	at La Tech
9.	Georgia Tech	30	NR	vs Wake Forest
10.	LSU	25	10	at Alabama

Dropped Out: USC (5).

Also Receiving Votes: Penn State 22, Pittsburgh 2, Utah 1.

About the GRI: The GRI has been successfully ranking college football teams for 5+ years. The GRI consists of voters from across the nation. Currently at least one of our voters represents the following regions: Midwest, West Coast, Southwest and Atlantic Coast. The first GRI is released each year on the Wednesday after Big Ten Conference play has started. It is then released on a weekly basis for the rest of the regular season. The GRI continues to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to unbiased, comprehensive college football rankings.

FOOTBALL: MSU's Jeremy Ware's Helmet to Helmet Hit on Iowa's Colin Sandeman

It was the right call by the officials, no matter how long it took for the flag to come in.
I don't know how any self respecting football fan can not see that this was a blantant H2H.

Here's the video.


Here's the screenshot.


It's pretty obvious, folks.

Ware should be given a 1 game suspension from the Big Ten, while the Big Ten Network should suspend Wayne Larrivee for his lack of knowledge and the way he approached the hit. If Coleman from Ohio State was given a suspension, so should Ware.

Check the rules

PROTECTION OF DEFENSELESS PLAYERS—In 2008, the committee
introduced a separate rule prohibiting initiating contact with and targeting a
defenseless opponent (Rule 9-1-3).
The following are situations in which defenseless players are susceptible to
serious injury:
• The quarterback moving down the line of scrimmage who has handed or
pitched the ball to a teammate, and then makes no attempt to participate
further in the play;
• The kicker who is in the act of kicking the ball, or who has not had a
reasonable length of time to regain his balance after the kick;
• The passer who is in the act of throwing the ball, or who has not had a
reasonable length of time to participate in the play again after releasing the
ball;
• The pass receiver whose concentration is on the ball;
• The pass receiver who has clearly relaxed when the pass is no longer
catchable;
• The kick receiver whose attention is on the downward flight of the ball;
• The kick receiver who has just touched the ball;
• The player who has relaxed once the ball has become dead; and
• The player who is obviously out of the play.
POINTS OF EMPHASIS FR-9
These players are protected by rules that have been in place for many years. It
is of the utmost importance that participants, coaches and game officials carefully
and diligently observe safety rules.
Intentional helmet-to-helmet contact is never legal, nor is any other blow directed toward an opponent’s head. Flagrant offenders shall be disqualified.

FOOTBALL: GRI Released, Iowa Moves Up to 7th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

GRI (Gade Ratings Index) - 10/14/09

Rank	Team	Points	Last	This Week
1.	Florida (12)	173	1	vs Arkansas
2.	Alabama (6)	164	2	vs South Carolina
3.	Texas	149	3	vs Oklahoma
4.	Virginia Tech	117	6	at Georgia Tech
5.	USC	92	5	at Notre Dame
6.	Boise State	65	7	at Tulsa
7.	Iowa	52	10	at Wisconsin
8.	Ohio State	51	8	at Purdue
9.	Cincinnati	43	9	at South Florida
10.	Miami (FL)	28	NR	at UCF

Dropped Out: LSU (4).

Also Receiving Votes: LSU 27, Oregon 21, TCU 8.

FOOTBALL: Latest GRI Poll is out - Iowa is at #10 this week

It's Wednesday and we all know what that means, the Gade Ratings Index is released.

This week's ratings are below

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

GRI (Gade Ratings Index) - 10/07/09

Rank	Team	Points	Last	This Week
1.	Florida (11)	172	1	at LSU
2.	Alabama (7)	163	2	at Ole Miss
3.	Texas	149	3	vs Colorado
4.	LSU	105	5	vs Florida
5.	USC	86	9	OFF
6.	Virginia Tech	82	4	vs Boston College
7.	Boise State	67	6	OFF
8.	Ohio State	38	NR	vs Wisconsin
9.	Cincinnati	36	10	OFF
10.	Iowa	35	7	vs Michigan

Dropped Out: Oklahoma (8).

Also Receiving Votes: Miami (FL) 25, Oregon 13, TCU 11, Auburn 7, NC State 1.

About the GRI: The GRI has been successfully ranking college football teams for 5+ years. The GRI consists of voters from across the nation. Currently at least one of our voters represents the following regions: Midwest, West Coast, Southwest and Atlantic Coast. The first GRI is released each year on the Wednesday after Big Ten Conference play has started. It is then released on a weekly basis for the rest of the regular season. The GRI continues to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to unbiased, comprehensive college football rankings.

FOOTBALL: Why Tate Forcier will Struggle Against the Iowa Hawkeyes

Some basic stats to project Tate Forcier's struggles in the upcoming Oct 10th Iowa game.


PHOTO COURTESY OF (RASHAUN RUCKER/Detroit Free Press)

Listed stats are:
Pass Efficiency Defense
Total Defense
Scoring Defense

Take a look at the defenses (specifically pass defenses) that Forcier has played against.

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Western Michigan
PE D - 79th
Total D - 89th
Scoring D - 71st

Notre Dame
PE D - 76th
Total D - 96th
Scoring D - 58th

Eastern Michigan
PE D - 6th
Total D - 72nd
Scoring D - 99th
EM is 6th in PE, but Forcier was only 7/13 for 68 yards because the game was in hand.

Indiana
PE D - 86th
Total D - 46th
Scoring D - 63rd

Michigan St
PE D - 101st
Total D - 49th
Scoring D - 64th

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Now, look what he faces this Saturday -

Iowa
PE D - 4th
Total D - 32nd
Scoring D - 10th

And Tate Forcier has yet to win a game on the road.

Forcier has been pretty good so far. He makes freshman mistakes, though, and Iowa will capitalize on those.

Forcier hasn't played away from home in a stadium like Kinnick with fans like Iowa's.

Forcier hasn't seen a defense remotely as good as Iowa will bring on Saturday.

I think the frosh has supreme talent and potential, but he'll be shell shocked coming into Kinnick - not only because of the environment, but because of what the D will be bringing at him.

UM's hope will be on the ground in this one.

Iowa will handle Forcier, and the Wolverines, this Saturday.

FOOTBALL: Thoughts on the Iowa Hawkeyes Going into the Arizona game

The depth chart was released today....

IOWA OFFENSE
WR ....... 7 McNutt , 15 Johnson-Koulianos
LT ......... 79 Bulaga, 77 Reiff
LG ........ 78 Richardson, 73 Gettis, 68 Kuempel
C ......... 52 Eubanks, 67 Koeppel
RG ........ 63 Vandervelde, 74 Doering
RT ........ 60 Calloway, 56 Zusevics
TE ......... 81 Moeaki, 82 Reisner
QB ........ 12 Stanzi, 16 Vandenberg/14 Wienke
WR ....... 86 Stross, 26 Chaney, Jr.
RB ........ 32 Robinson, 3 Wegher
FB ......... 36 Morse, 47 Leppert

IOWA DEFENSE
DE ........ 94 Clayborn, 58 Daniel
DT ........ 95 Klug, 61 Meade
DT ........ 46 Ballard, 93 Daniels
DE ........ 91 Binns, 64 Hundertmark
OLB ...... 49 Edds, 45 T. Nielsen
MLB ..... 43 Angerer, 48 T. Johnson
WLB ..... 42 Hunter, 33 Tarpinian
LC ......... 10 Lowe, 28 Prater
SS ......... 9 Sash, 31 Cato
FS ......... 30 Greenwood, 20 Conklin
RC ........ 19 Spievey, 2 Casti llo
PT ......... 5 Donahue, 6 Guthrie
PK ........ 1 Murray, 8 Mossbrucker

My thoughts:
1.) That offensive line is killer. I love it! I love it! I love it! I hope that five can go all year with Reiff get some spot minutes at OT.

2.) Iowa's WR Corps is FANTASTIC. I think it is easily Ferentz's best squad he has ever had at Iowa. Easily.

3.) Does anyone really think Prater won't get most of the minutes on Sat? I think he will. Although, give Lowe credit, he looked good vs. ISU.

4.) Our safeties are pretty seasoned for their age. Almost like having Jovon Johnson and Antwan back there, but with more talent. Greenwood is to Allen and Sash is to Johnson. Obviously not a perfect comparison as two player CB and the other two played S, but it still will lead to stability in the backfield.

5.) I don't have any problem with Robinson ahead of Wegher. He didn't do anything to lose carries last game. Averaged (I think) something like 5 YPC and held onto the ball, what else do you need? Split carries between the two freshman will help them make it through the season... it's a long one.

6.) Our TE squad is stacked too. Without taking time to look, I'd say Iowa's TE squad is best in the Big Ten for sure.

7.) Stanzi has the weapons, he needs to know how to fire them accurately now!

FOOTBALL: Discover ISUISU.COM: Iowa State Fans are Already Looney... Oh Boy

http://www.isuisu.com/2009/09/2009-iowa-state-cyclones-football-season-prediction/

9/12 Iowa (2008 record: 8-4, 2008 result Iowa 17 Iowa St 5) – It would appear that both offenses are going to have big advantages over the defenses. Iowa State, with the spread offense, should have luck moving the ball down the field against a defense that will be missing its top two DB’s for the contest. The Hawkeyes will play a 4-3 defense that the Cyclones should be able to exploit. Iowa has a very good offensive line and should be able to lean on an undersized ISU front seven. However, the Hawks will most likely be missing OL starter Julian Vandervelde and the RB’s are still unproven. The Cyclones have won the last two against Iowa at Jack Trice and Iowa is team that gets better as the season moves along.
Prediction: Iowa State 30 Iowa 28
Win (55% chance of victory)

Ok, let's get this straight.... a team that had 10 losses last year (a current 10 game losing streak mind you), went winless in the Big XII, has a new coach/new system has a 55% chance to beat a nationally ranked Iowa team coming off a News Years bowl win, having won 6 out of their last 7 games.

Look, I know... I know... Iowa plays like donkey crap against ISU, especially in Jack Trice stadium. However, some of this stuff is just ridiculous.

• First things first, Iowa was 9-4 last year, not 8-4.
  
• ISU's offense will have an advantage over Iowa's D? The same Iowa D that is arguably the best defense in the entire Big Ten?
• Iowa will be missing its top 2 DBs? Is this foresight to say Amari Speivey will be injured? How often do spread offenses exploit Iowa's 4-3? Better do some research on that one too.
  
• And the post says Julian is out, so supposedly that's going to have some affect on the line's play... huh? JV is a very nice lineman, but Iowa is deeper than the Pacific Ocean at OL. Seriously.

Wait, wait there's more... check out the About Us page.



So... what exactly is that dude pointing? Hmmm.......

FOOTBALL: Bucs Glad To Grab Bruggeman

Former Iowa center Rob Bruggeman is attempting to make Tampa Bay's 53-man roster (Cliff Welch)

Former Iowa center Rob Bruggeman was targeted by the Bucs in the seventh round. But when the team traded away one of its three seventh-round picks to move up in the fourth round to get Kyle Moore, Tampa Bay had to resort to signing Bruggeman as an undrafted free agent and the team thinks it has a steal.

---

Read more here: http://www.pewterreport.com/articles/view/5444

FOOTBALL: Jake Christensen to Transfer from Iowa

Well, the rumors were correct this time. People close to the program had stated middle of the year that Jake would probably leave. Speculation began to increase after the Outback Bowl when Jake reportedly told a crowd at a bar that he was done at Iowa and appreciated all the support.

Adam Rittenberg is now reporting that Jake's dad, Jeff, has told ESPN that Jake has been given his release by Iowa.

What I appreciate about the whole situation was the maturity and team-first approach Jake took during the season. He could have cause a mighty distraction midway through the season, but instead he was supportive from the sidelines and was leader off the field.

What I don't appreciate is the way Jake's dad continues to talk to the press. It's readily apparent that Jake is far and away more mature than his old man. Jeff's whiny, "woe is me" attitude hasn't rubbed off on Jake, and that's great to see. The past four years Jeff has been interviewed a handful of times by the media and every time he comes off as an arrogant man with a sense of entitlement.

Regardless of how Jeff acts, this post is about Jake and the fact that he is no longer an Iowa Hawkeye. I, for one, appreciate what Jake did for The University of Iowa. He played hard, was all about the team, and was an all around good guy. Much thanks to Jake for what he has done at Iowa, good luck to him in his future endeavors. I hope to see him playing pitching for the Cubs some day.

FOOTBALL: Let The Rumors Fly! Kirk Ferentz, Jake Christensen, DJK

Well, Iowa just came off an impressive showing vs. the Ol Ball Coach's Gamecocks.

It wouldn't be Bowl Season without speculation that Kirk Ferentz is heading to the NFL. This time it seems a little more plausible. Big time connections are contacting people's people's people, and the rumors are flying around like crazy. Jon Miller stated on his radio show that he thought Ferentz's chances of going to the Browns was "about 75%". That's scary stuff right there. The message boards are blowing up with different stuff right now.

One of the latest rumors is Jake Christensen being done at Iowa. Although many people expected him to take off after losing the starting job, I had hoped he'd stick it out. Regardless of what happens, Jake has been one of the greatest teammates. He has been continually helping out Ricky and stayed focused while he was on the bench. The latest rumor of his leaving was found HERE on Hawkeyenation. The link points to THIS PHOTO from the latter part of the Outback Bowl. The photo(s) are credited to Gazette photographers Jim Slosiarek and Jonathan D. Woods.

The Photo and Caption:


It's no secret that DJK and Jake are tight. What's even more interesting is that DJK has canceled his Facebook account.



No idea what that means...but... you never know these days...

Then again, the "he's outta here" might have been directed at DJK, as in he is leaving the stadium, see you later type of thing.

EDIT: I am, by no means, advocating anything. I am just relaying what I've read and spouting off some of my observations.

FOOTBALL: Shonn Gone! Greene Heads to the NFL

Original pic by press-citizen.com

After racking up 121 yards and 3 TDs against South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl, Shonn Greene declared that he would be heading to the NFL in an interview with ESPN. Greene was the only running back to rush for over 100 yards in every single game this year. The Doak Walker winner also set the single season TD record for the Hawks with his 3 TD performance.

Good Luck to Greene at the next level!

FOOTBALL: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. South Carolina - 2009 OUTBACK BOWL

VS.
GAME INFO: Thurs., January 1, 2009 - 10:00 AM CST - Raymond James Stadium; Tampa Bay, FL
IOWA: 8-4 (5-3) NR / SOUTH CAROLINA 7-5 (4-4) NR

TV COVERAGE: ESPN (HD)
LINE: Iowa is a 4 point favorite at the nuetral site.

---

It's finally here. Football is back. The fans are excited, and Tampa Bay is crawling with Black and Gold. Less than an hour left until kickoff. The Gazette has an awesome site that they have been updating leading up to the game - HAWKEYEBOWLGAME.COM. The Gazette guys will be live blogging - join in HERE. Don't forget to take a look at Hawkeyesports.com's coverage of the Outback Bowl, as well.

Spurrier is running his mouth about injuries, yada yada. I'm just looking forward to see them strap on the chin straps and go at it. Should be a great game.

No in-depth analysis today. Just getting ready for the game.

Offensive Player of the Game: Shonn Greene (Look for him to run all over the Gamecocks)
Defensive Player of the Game: Pat Angerer (Looking a pick from him and a boatload of tackles)

---

PREDICTION:
Iowa - 31
South Carolina - 21

IOWA - IOWA STATE 2008: It's STILL the HAWKEYE STATE (Video)

Recap of the Iowa-Iowa State Football, Basketball, and Wrestling Head to Head Matchups.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sykRkEC_fLE&fmt=18

And the ISU Blooper Reel, of course:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXhQuW6Ll94&fmt=18

If you want the high quality, original video, I have it on my mostlynothing.com site. This is the original piece, but due to YouTube restrictions on length (10 min), I had to edit it. Here is the original in all it's 13 minute glory.

FOOTBALL: Shonn Greene Wins the 2008 Doak Walker Award

Photo by Rodney White/Des Moines Register

Mad props go out to Shonn Greene for winning the Doak Walker Award for 2008!

Whether it was having the Play of the Year in the Big Ten or taking home the Silver Football, Shonn Greene is on his way to an award-filled postseason. He's an All-American. He is Iowa Football. Greene just completed arguably the best season by a running back in the history of the Iowa program, and we are lucky to have witnessed it. While I'd like to get all sentimental reflecting back at the season that was Shonn Greene, BHGP (HawkeyeState specifically) does a far better job than I could dream of - READ HIS STORY HERE IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY.

Congrats to Shonn; thanks for the memories!

FOOTBALL: Shonn Greene is NOT a Finalist for the Heisman Trophy

And neither is Graham Harrell.

Epic fail by those involved in the voting.

Greene was, by far, the best running back in the nation. Did he have a shot to win it? Hell no, but he deserved to be invited to NYC.

What a crock.

FOOTBALL: Iowa Has Accepted a Bid to Play in the 2009 OUTBACK BOWL

THE IOWA HAWKEYES ARE BACK IN A JANUARY BOWL!!




Opponent unknown, but likely South Carolina.