2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

NCAATeamFootballSeason
Year=2008
Team=Iowa Hawkeyes

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ImageSize=150
Conference=Big Ten Conference
Division=
ShortConference=Big Ten
CoachRank=
APRank=
Record=4–3
ConfRecord=1–2
HeadCoach=Kirk Ferentzcite web|title = Kirk Ferentz|url = http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/ferentz_kirk00.html|publisher = HawkeyeSports.com|date = |accessdate = 2007-10-16]
OffCoach=Ken O'Keefe
DefCoach=Norm Parker
OScheme=
DScheme=
StadiumArena=Kinnick Stadium
Cap: 70,585cite web|title = Kinnick Stadium|url = http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/facilities/iowa-kinnick-stadium.html|publisher = HawkeyeSports.com|date = |accessdate = 2007-10-12]
Champion=
BowlTourney=
BowlTourneyResult=The 2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team (commonly referred to as the "Hawkeyes," the "Hawks," or "Iowa") will represent the University of Iowa and the Iowa Hawkeyes football program in the 2008 college football season. Coached by Kirk Ferentz, the Hawkeyes will play their seven home games in Kinnick Stadium.

Leading up to the season

Previous season

Iowa opened the 2007 season on September 1, 2007, against Northern Illinois in a game played at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Hawkeye running backs Albert Young and Damian Sims ran for 144 and 110 yards rushing respectively, while Iowa's defense held the Huskies to just 21 yards rushing. The Hawkeyes won, 16–3, and ended the four-game losing streak that comprised the final four games of Iowa's 2006 season.cite web|title = Iowa 16, Northern Illinois 3|url = http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200709010042|publisher = Yahoo! Sports|date = 2007-09-01|accessdate = 2007-12-15] The next week, Iowa defeated Syracuse in the Hawkeyes' home opener, 35–0. Jake Christensen threw for 278 yards and four touchdowns as the Hawkeye defense held the Orange to just five first downs and 103 yards of total offense in Syracuse's worst defeat since a 51–14 loss to Georgia Tech in the 2004 Champs Sports Bowl.cite web|title = Iowa 35, Syracuse 0|url = http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200709080028|publisher = Yahoo! Sports|date = 2007-09-09|accessdate = 2008-01-19] Iowa took a quick 28–0 lead with 9:55 left in the second quarter, and the Hawkeye defense sacked Syracuse six times while holding the Orange to 24 rushing yards.cite web|title = Blown away: Iowa rolls over Syracuse with dominating first half|url = http://media.www.dailyorange.com/media/storage/paper522/news/2007/09/07/Sports/Fb.Blown.Away.Iowa.Rolls.Over.Syracuse.With.Dominating.First.Half-2956927.shtml|publisher = The Daily Orange|date = |accessdate = 2008-01-24] Following the first two games – which saw the Iowa defense give up only three points – the Hawkeyes traveled to Ames, Iowa, to play 0–2 Iowa State on September 15. The Cyclones began the season with losses to Kent State and Northern Iowa, but had won six out of the last nine games against the Hawkeyes, including three of the last four played at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa fell behind by 12 at half-time, and lost, 15–13, starting yet another four-game losing streak. Placekicker Bret Culbertson scored all of Iowa State's points on five field goals, the last coming with one second remaining.cite web|title = Iowa State's game-winning kick caps win over Iowa|url = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272580066|publisher = ESPN|date = 2007-09-15|accessdate = 2008-01-19]

Following a 20-point loss at Penn State on October 6,cite web|title = Lions maul hapless Hawkeyes; Penn State 27, Iowa 7|url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20071007/ai_n21034835|publisher = Chicago Sun-Times|date = 2007-10-07|accessdate = 2007-12-15] which was preceded by losses to Wisconsin and Indiana, the Hawkeyes returned to Kinnick Stadium for a game against Illinois, who was coming into the game after home victories over Penn State and Wisconsin.cite web|title = Illinois Fighting Illini Schedule - 2007|url = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/teams/schedule?teamId=356|publisher = ESPN|date = |accessdate = 2008-01-19] Christensen threw for 182 yards and the game's only touchdown – a 20-yard pass to Brandon Myers in the third quarter which gave the Hawkeyes a 10–6 lead. However, it appeared that Illinois had taken a 12–10 lead on an 83-yard Eddie McGee touchdown pass midway through the fourth quarter, but it was called back due to a penalty. The Illini were forced to punt, but got the ball back with 2:28 remaining. McGee threw passes of 28 and 24 yards to Arrelious Benn, putting the Illini at the Iowa 12-yard line. However, Brett Greenwood intercepted a McGee pass at the goal-line, sealing the win and snapping an eight-game Big Ten losing streak for Iowa heading into a road game at Purdue.cite web|title = Christensen, Young help Iowa snap eight-game Big Ten skid|url = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=272862294|publisher = ESPN|date = 2007-10-13|accessdate = 2008-01-19] cite web|title = Mild shock, bad burn; Iowa 10, Illinois 6: Quarterback change no|url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20071014/ai_n21047915|publisher = Chicago Sun-Times|date = 2007-10-14|accessdate = 2007-12-15] But Iowa lost to the Boilermakers a week later, 31–6, to put the Hawkeyes' record at 3–5 with only four games remaining. Curtis Painter threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns for Purdue, who had lost to the Hawkeyes, 47–17, only a year earlier.cite web|title = Purdue 31, Iowa 6|url = http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200710200035|publisher = Yahoo! Sports|date = 2007-10-20|accessdate = 2007-12-15] In Iowa's next game against Michigan State, the Hawkeyes entered half-time down by 14 points only to take a 20–17 lead with 10:05 remaining in regulation. The game was destined for overtime when Michigan State's Brett Swenson hit a field goal with four seconds remaining, and the Spartans quickly garnered a seven-point lead following a Jehuu Caulcrick touchdown in the first overtime. Down by a touchdown, Christensen found wide receiver Paul Chaney for a 23-yard touchdown pass and following the extra point, the game headed to double overtime. Iowa had the ball first and scored on a Jevon Pugh one-yard run, giving the Hawkeyes their own seven-point lead. However, the Spartans were unable to score and Iowa won, 34–27. The win was Iowa's first overtime victory in Kinnick Stadium history.cite web|title = Michigan State Spartans vs. Iowa Hawkeyes|url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/boxscores/2007/10/27/36131_boxscore.html|publisher = SI.com|date = 2007-10-30|accessdate = 2007-12-09] cite web|title = Subs' subs subdue Spartans; Iowa 34, Michigan State 27|url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20071028/ai_n21075085|publisher = Chicago Sun-Times|date = 2007-10-28|accessdate = 2007-12-13]

On November 3, Iowa defeated Northwestern, 28–17, after trailing, 14–0, in the first quarter. The Wildcats took a 17–14 on a third quarter field goal after the Hawkeyes tied the game at 14, but Sims ran for two fourth quarter touchdowns to seal the Iowa victory. Christensen threw for 299 yards for Iowa, who came back from a 14-point deficit in the second straight game.cite web|title = Christensen airs it out, Sims scores twice in Iowa's 28-17 win over Northwestern|url = http://www.bigtennetwork.com/news/article.asp?STORY_ID=7341|publisher = Big Ten Network|date = 2007-11-03|accessdate = 2007-12-15] Later, on November 10, Iowa defeated Minnesota, 21–16, to reclaim the Floyd of Rosedale trophy. With one home game remaining against Western Michigan, Iowa held a three-game winning streak and a 6–5 overall record. But the Hawkeyes lost to the Broncos, 28–19, and gave up 489 yards in the process. Western Michigan took a 19–0 second quarter lead before Iowa scored 13 straight points to make it a six-point game. But the Hawks would get no closer and eventually lost by nine.cite web|title = W. Michigan 28, Iowa 19|url = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273212294|publisher = ESPN|date = 2007-11-17|accessdate = 2008-01-19] Soon thereafter, Iowa was not selected for a bowl game, ending a six-year streak in which the Hawkeyes played in a bowl and rumors about the firing of Kirk Ferentz were rampant.cite web|title = College football: Hawks fail to land bowl bid|url = http://www.wcfcourier.com/articles/2007/12/03/sports/local/doc47542585bea91020676413.txt|publisher = WCF Courier|date = 2007-12-03|accessdate = 2007-12-15]

Coaching rumors

Following Iowa's loss to Western Michigan, rumors about the possibility of Ferentz becoming Michigan's head coach began to circulate.cite web|title = Iowa's Kirk Ferentz offered Michigan job?|url = http://www.fanblogs.com/michigan/007325.php|publisher = Fanblogs.com|date = 2007-11-26|accessdate = 2007-12-15] cite web|title = Say Hello To My Little Ferentz|url = http://mgoblog.blogspot.com/2007/11/say-hello-to-my-little-ferentz.html|publisher = MGoBlog|date = 2007-11-25|accessdate = 2007-12-15] LSU coach Les Miles was widely believed to be Michigan's top choice for the job,cite web|title = Kirk Ferentz to Michigan? Really?|url = http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/11/23/kirk-ferentz-to-michigan-really/|publisher = FanHouse|date = 2007-11-23|accessdate = 2007-12-16] but any chance of that happening likely ended when LSU extended Miles' contract through 2012.cite web|title = LSU extends Miles' contract through '12|url = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3144459|publisher = ESPN|date = 2007-12-06|accessdate = 2007-12-16] Ferentz's relationship with Michigan president Mary Sue Coleman may have contributed to the rumor, as Coleman was the president at Iowa when Ferentz was hired. However, indications that the rumor was false were revealed when Iowa's sports information director, Phil Haddy, reported that Michigan had not asked for permission to talk with Ferentz.cite web|title = Iowa: No permission granted to talk with Ferentz|url = http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2007/11/iowa_no_permission_granted_to.html|publisher = MLive.com|date = 2007-11-26|accessdate = 2007-12-16] It was a point reiterated by Gary Barta, Iowa's athletic director.cite web|title = Ferentz-Michigan link befuddles Barta|url = http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071119/SPORTS/71119014/1008/sports|publisher = Cedar Rapids Gazette|date = 2007-11-19|accessdate = 2007-12-15] cite web|title = Barta: No schools have contacted UI about Ferentz|url = http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071126/SPORTS020502/71126024|publisher = Des Moines Register|date = 2007-11-26|accessdate = 2007-12-16] Ferentz's contract has a clause requiring him to contact Barta when talking to other schools, which indicates that he was not a candidate to become Michigan's next head coach. On December 16, West Virginia's Rich Rodriguez was hired as Carr's successor at Michigan.cite web|title = Michigan hires WVU's Rodriguez|url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/ncaa/specials/bowls/2007/12/16/michigan.rodriguez.ap/index.html|publisher = SI.com|date = 2007-12-16|accessdate = 2007-12-16]

Soon thereafter, Ferentz was once again rumored for a coaching job, this time for the Baltimore Ravens. Ferentz was an assistant head coach at Baltimore for six years,cite web|title = Hawkeyes Look to 2008|url = http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121807aab.html|publisher = HawkeyeSports.com|date = 2007-12-18|accessdate = 2007-12-19] and became a "respected assistant" in his time there. However, when asked about the Baltimore job, Ferentz said, "I've got a great job here, and with that being said, I'm sure Baltimore will get a top-notch coach." Ferentz also cited wanting to see his son James – who is slated to be a freshman at Iowa in 2008 – play every weekend.cite web|title = Ferentz indicates he'll stay at Iowa|url = http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.ferentz05jan05,0,7588656.story|publisher = Baltimore Sun|date = 2008-01-05|accessdate = 2008-01-20] The Ravens eventually hired Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach John Harbaugh on January 18, 2008.cite web|title = Ravens hire Harbaugh as coach|url = http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-harbaugh118,0,5839718.story?coll=sns-ap-entertainment-headlines|publisher = Baltimore Sun|date = 2008-01-18|accessdate = 2008-01-24]

Recruiting class

The Hawkeyes had 24 verbal commitments for the 2008 recruiting class. One of the players, Nate Guillory, is a junior college recruit. The other 23 players are all high school seniors. James Ferentz, Kirk's son, is among the players committed to play for Iowa in 2008.cite web|title = Iowa Hawkeyes 2008 Commits|url = http://iowa.scout.com/a.z?s=8&p=9&c=8&yr=2008|publisher = Scout.com|date = |accessdate = 2007-12-21] cite web|title = Iowa Commit List for 2008|url = http://iowa.rivals.com/commitlist.asp|publisher = Rivals.com|date = |accessdate = 2007-12-21]

Schedule

The Hawkeyes will open the 2008 season with three home games against Maine, Florida International, and Iowa State, followed by a road game versus Pittsburgh.cite web|title = Future Schedules|url = http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/future-schedules.html|publisher = HawkeyeSports.com|date = |accessdate = 2007-12-09] The game will mark the first of four meetings between Pittsburgh and Iowa. The teams will meet in Iowa City in 2011 and 2015, and in Pittsburgh in 2016.cite web|title = Pitt football reveals schedule|url = http://media.www.pittnews.com/media/storage/paper879/news/2005/07/13/SportsonlineExtra/Pitt-Football.Reveals.Schedule-1786570.shtml|publisher = The Pitt News|date = 2005-07-13|accessdate = 2007-12-13] Pitt closed the 2007 season with an upset victory over second-ranked West Virginia. Had the Mountaineers won, they would have likely played in the national championship game.cite web|title = Pitt throws curveball at BCS with win over No. 2 WVU|url = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273350277|publisher = ESPN|date = 2007-12-01|accessdate = 2007-12-27]

Following the conclusion of the non-conference portion of their schedule, the Hawkeyes will begin Big Ten play with a home game against Northwestern, and will open October with road games against Michigan State and Indiana. Iowa was 1–1 against the Spartans and Hoosiers in 2007, winning, 34–27, over MSU while losing, 38–20, to IU. Following the two road games, Iowa will play at home against Wisconsin. Iowa lost, 17–13, to the Badgers in 2007. Following a bye week, the Hawkeyes will play at Illinois, in what will be Iowa's third road game in five weeks. However, Iowa follows this with two home games, against Penn State and Purdue. Iowa lost to both teams in 2007 by 20 points or more.cite web|title = Iowa Hawkeyes 2007 Schedule and Results|url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/schedules/team/2007/iowa/index.html|publisher = SI.com|date = |accessdate = 2007-12-13] A week following the Hawkeyes' final home game against Purdue, Iowa will play Minnesota in the Gophers' home finale.cite web|title = Minnesota Golden Gophers Football - 2008 Schedule|url = http://www.gophersports.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPSID=38609&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400&KEY=&Q_SEASON=2008|publisher = GopherSports.com|date = |accessdate = 2007-12-09] Minnesota will look to take back the Floyd of Rosedale trophy a year after Iowa won it for the sixth time in seven years.cite web|title = Iowa 21, Minnesota 16|url = http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=273142294|publisher = ESPN|date = 2007-11-10|accessdate = 2007-12-27] The game will likely also be Minnesota's last at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. [Minnesota plans to begin playing football at TCF Bank Stadium in 2009. Therefore, the final home game at the Metrodome will take place on November 22, 2008, against Iowa.]

Two of Iowa's games – vs. Northwestern and at Michigan State – have been scheduled for 11:05 a.m. starts.cite web|title = Two Iowa Football Game Times Announced|url = http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051208aaa.html|publisher = HawkeyeSports.com|date = 2008-05-12|accessdate = 2008-05-12] The season finale against Minnesota has been set for a 6:00 p.m. start time.cite web|title = Iowa-Minnesota Football Game Time Set|url = http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051308aaa.html|publisher = HawkeyeSports.com|date = 2008-05-13|accessdate = 2008-05-13]

CFB Schedule Entry
date = August 30
time = 11:00 a.m.
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Maine
opprank =
site_stadium = Kinnick Stadium
site_cityst = Iowa City, IA
gamename =
tv = BTN
score = 46–3
overtime =
attend = 70,585CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 6
time = 11:00 a.m.
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Florida International
opprank =
site_stadium = Kinnick Stadium
site_cityst = Iowa City, IA
gamename =
tv = BTN
score = 42–0
overtime =
attend = 70,585 CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 13
time = 11:00 a.m.
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Iowa State
opprank =
site_stadium = Kinnick Stadium
site_cityst = Iowa City, IA
gamename =
tv = BTN
score = 17–5
overtime =
attend = 70,585CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 20
time = 11:00 a.m.
w/l = l
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Pittsburgh
opprank =
site_stadium = Heinz Field
site_cityst = Pittsburgh, PA
gamename =
tv = ESPN2
score = 21–20
overtime =
attend = 50,321CFB Schedule Entry
date = September 27
time = 11:05 a.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming = yes
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Northwestern
opprank =
site_stadium = Kinnick Stadium
site_cityst = Iowa City, IA
gamename =
tv = ESPN Classic
score = 22-17
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 4
time = 11:05 a.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Michigan State
opprank =
site_stadium = Spartan Stadium
site_cityst = East Lansing, MI
gamename =
tv = ESPN2
score = 16-13
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 11
time = 11:00 am
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Indiana
opprank =
site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Bloomington, IN
gamename =
tv = BTN
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = October 18
time =
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Wisconsin
opprank =
site_stadium = Kinnick Stadium
site_cityst = Iowa City, IA
gamename =
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 1
time =
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Illinois
opprank =
site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Champaign, IL
gamename =
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 8
time =
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Penn State
opprank =
site_stadium = Kinnick Stadium
site_cityst = Iowa City, IA
gamename =
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 15
time =
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Purdue
opprank =
site_stadium = Kinnick Stadium
site_cityst = Iowa City, IA
gamename =
tv =
score =
overtime =
attend = CFB Schedule Entry
date = November 22
time = 6:00 p.m.
w/l =
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Minnesota
opprank =
site_stadium = Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
gamename =
tv = BTN
score =
overtime =
attend =

Personnel

Coaches

Scores by quarter

Receiving

References

See also

* 2008 Big Ten Conference football season

External links

* [http://hawkeyesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/iowa-m-footbl-body.html HawkeyeSports.com] — Official Iowa Hawkeyes football website