A Lot Riding On Iowa Bowl Game

No, today's Taxslayer Bowl is NOT the College Football Playoff.  But it is a hugely important game for the Iowa Hawkeye football program. A win won't cure all that ails it. But a solid win over an SEC team in Tennessee that has won 3 of its last 4 will give Iowa something it can use going into the new year:  Momentum.

Unlike Tennessee, Iowa has LOST 3 of it's last 4 games.  Not the kind of slide you want to enter a bowl game on.  Losses to Wisconsin and Nebraska late in the year had Iowa fans saying "here we go again!"  But as bowl season has proven, the SEC is beatable!  Ohio State beats Alabama!  Wisconsin gets by Auburn!  The Big 10 hasn't been favored in a single bowl game this season.  The conference is 5-4 going into today's Iowa game.  Not too shabby.

The game today could also solve or further deepen a quarterback controversy.  Jake Ruddock will start.  C.J. Beathard will play.  I hope both play well, and lead Iowa to a victory.  But a part of me also wants one to stand out, so we can put the QB question to bed, at least until spring ball starts.  Beathard has made his desire to play public in the past week.  Here's hoping that he doesn't decide to transfer if things don't go well.

I've heard so many people complain about the Ferentz coaching job at Iowa.  Yes, Iowa thought they'd be better than 7-5 with the schedule they had.  Did bad coaching have something to do with some of the close losses late?  Yes.  That's something every good ball coach will admit, Ferentz included.  This is Iowa's 12th bowl game in 14 seasons.  Not all have been high profile, but 12 out of 14 years, the Hawks have gone bowling.  That is impressive in my book.  Are Ferentz's days numbered in Iowa City?  Today's game may have more to do with that than you think.  But Ferentz haters....be careful what you ask for.  12 out of 14 isn't as easy as it looks.