What a Game!

The title here is linkified; that is, you can click on it for more exciting details.

I was able to attend this game, thanks to the wonderful graciousness of Greg Suckow and the unbelievable hospitality of Jon Van Nevel and Dr. Johnny Langley. Dr. Langley works for a cable outlet in Orlando and was able to get us on-field press passes. I was able to stand on the sidelines for the whole contest and follow the action. It was amazing!

Let me just share some thoughts about the game:

• It looks much larger on TV-- It was surprising how young most of these kids look. I can say kids because I'm 10-15 years older than them. Also, they do look much bigger on television. While the linemen were huge, most of the others were my size or smaller. And everyone of them seemed to have a baby face. What made it interesting is the things that older adults were going to say about these kids and their performance and it made me wonder if we, the fans, weren't setting some pretty tall expectations on such young shoulders. It will change the way I think and talk about college football.
• "You have to be sound in the kicking game." -- Coach Saban did his best to tarnish this win by focusing on a last-second breakdown in coverage that he claims cost him the game. Not so fast, my friend. Two blocked punts, one for a touchdown and the other for a field goal (I think) and a failed attempt to fake a field goal and convert on fourth down cost you the game. Your offense was neutralized and our one-dimensional offense was able to move the ball adequately enough to score 30 points and win. Besides, would there have been a lack of focus if you had waited a few days to announce that you're leaving for Miami? Shut up and go replace Dave Wannstedt.
• Kinnick Stadium South-- This was the fastest sell-out in Capital One Bowl history. They added temporary bleachers to the north endzone because LSU fans were too slow on the draw to order tickets. I would guess-timate that it was about 60%-40% Iowa to LSU. But, the Iowa fans brought their enthusiasm and their love for the Hawkeyes and let it be known. The Iowa fans were firmly ensconsed in the game while the LSU fans were busy waving to each other, literally. The fans were the 12th man that we needed them to be. To reward the fans, after the initial celebration and handshakes with the Tigers, the Hawkeye football team went over to their fans and shared high-fives for about ten yards. It was a class act. Iowa fans travel well...and drink A LOT! They started with 10 kegs for the fan appreciate festival...they ended up consuming a total of 30! Orlando will welcome us back any time.

These are the things that I remember most about this game. Thanks again to all of you who made this possible!