Bob Brooks has covered University of Iowa athletics for over 50 years. He's seen its highs and lows. For my final project blog component, I spoke with Brooks as he recanted his Top 10 moments of Iowa football.
10. 2008 -- Murray Last-Second FG Lifts Iowa
Placekicker Daniel Murray knocked in a last-second field goal to give Iowa a win over then-No. 3 Penn State at Kinnick Stadium last November.
Brooks: "I got knocked down in the melee down there [on the field]. I had no doubt that he would make it."
9. 1981 -- Iowa Smells Roses In Win Over Michigan State
After 20 seasons of losing, third-year head coach Hayden Fry took the Hawkeyes to the Rose Bowl, thanks to their win over Michigan State and an Ohio State loss to underdog Michigan. It was Iowa's first Rose Bowl trip since 1958.
8. 2002 -- Clark Catch Seals Iowa's Big Ten Title
Tight end Dallas Clark was on the receiving end of a 94-yard pass from quarterback Brad Banks, as Iowa came from behind to beat Purdue and win the Big Ten title. Just watch the first 30 seconds.
7. 1985 -- Long's Bootleg "Something Else"
Quarterback Chuck Long called his own number, running a bootleg with 31 seconds left to cap a 12-play, 78-yard drive to give Iowa a win over Michigan State. He fooled the defense so badly,. he held the ball high over his head from the five-yard line in. Long, the Heisman Trophy runner-up to Auburn's Bo Jackson, went completed 30-of-39 passes in that game.
6. 1958 -- Fleming's Second Half Stuns Wolverines
Freshman running back Willie Fleming torched Michigan's defense in the second half to give Iowa the win and cement him as a legend.
Brooks: "The Michigan folks didn't know much about him, but neither did Iowa because he didn't play a whole lot. We heard these stories coming out of scrimmage that this guy was something else. Willie didn't play in the first half and Michigan had a one touchdown lead over Iowa going into halftime. [Iowa head coach Ray] Eddie put him in at the start of the second half and he ran all over them. Went on to be an all-star in Canadian football."
5. 1985 -- Houghtlin's FG Pushes #1 Iowa past #2 Michigan
Placekicker Rob Houghtlin's 29-yard field goal from the right hash went through the uprights as time expired, giving #1 Iowa a 12-10 victory over #2 Michigan and Bo Schembechler.
Brooks: "I remember the officials taking away Scott Helverson's diving touchdown grab at the end of the first half which would have given Iowa the lead. With Michigan winning and time winding down, linebacker Larry Station would stuff two Jamie Morris runs to force a punt. Chuck Long would nickle-and-dime the defense to set up a perfect storybook ending for Houghtlin. It was probably Hayden's signature win.
4. 1956 -- Eddie, Iowa Smell Roses For The First Time
#7 Iowa beats #6 Ohio State, 6-0, to earn their first-ever Rose Bowl trip. Jim Gibbons caught a touchdown in the corner of the end zone to win the game.
3. 1952 -- Evashevski's First Win Comes At OSU's Hayes' Expense
In Forest Evashevki's first year, the Hawkeyes beat Ohio State and Woody Hayes, 8-0, in the middle of the season after previously being blanked in the win column.
2. 2004 -- Tate-To-Holloway
Every Hawkeye fan remembers this moment as one of the best in Iowa history. Drew Tate threw a hail mary touchdown pass to Warren Holloway as time expired to give Iowa a dramatic win over LSU. Get to the 4:52 mark to witness greatness.
Brooks: "I was shocked. I ran to the middle of the field and did a dance with the President on the 50-yard line. The fans were more shocked than the players. I remember Gallery going down to the end zone after it was over and waving that Hawkeye flag like it was a toothpick."
1. 1939 -- Kinnick Magic
In the 1939 season, Brooks saw every one of Nile Kinnick's games and even got to meet the man. Kinnick went on to win the Heisman Trophy. To date, he is the only Iowa player to win the award and the current stadium is named in his behalf.
Brooks: "I knew then, for better or worse, this [broadcasting] was what I wanted to do. I wanted to be around Iowa. It shaped the whole deal."
Brooks is still running strong. At 82 years old, he rarely misses an Iowa football game, home or away. He bleeds black and gold. You can catch Brooks on the radio daily at 4:30 p.m. on KMRY 1450 (AM) out of Cedar Rapids.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
2010 Preview: Purdue
The semester is coming to a close. It's been a good run since late January when this started. Hope it's been real. I'm not done quite yet, though.
Ten teams have already been previewed, which leaves one left: the Purdue Boilermakers, my
2009-10 Big Ten champion.
Key Returnees: F Robbie Hummel, G E'Twaun Moore, C JaJuan Johnson, G Chris Kramer
Key Departures: F Nemanja Calasan, G Marcus Green
2010 Recruits: F Patrick Bade (Indianapolis, IN), F Jeff Robinson (Indianapois, IN), F Kelsey Barlow (Indianapolis, IN), G D.J. Byrd (Crawfordsville, IN), C Sandi Marcius (LaPorte, IN)
Biggest Need: Bench depth
2010 Outlook: Out of all eleven teams, Purdue is the only team with all five starters returning (Moore, Hummel, Johnson, Kramer, guard Lewis Jackson). They've also got the conference's best weapon off the bench in sharpshooter Keaton Grant. They got hot at the right time, winning the Big Ten Tournament and advancing to the Sweet 16. This is a cohesive unit and they have great chemistry together. They are very knowledgable about their roles on the team and this is a group that is going to continue to grow.
Robbie Hummel, the preseason pick for Player of the Year, was never truly 100 percent healthy, essentially playing with a broken back the last half of the conference season. Yet, even crippled, he showed tremendous grit, having a sensational month of March. If he can fully recover from the back injury, which is expected, he should be a contender for the honor once again. JaJuan Johnson caught the eyes of many NBA scouts with his long, athletic frame, but decided to return to school after a sensational sophomore season. He'll add some more muscle to his frame and be one of the conference's best post players on both sides of the basketball.
Despite his run-in with the law earlier this offseason, speedy guard Lewis Jackson will likely be the guy to run things again next year. He's not likely to scortch you with his shooting touch, but he can distribute the ball and pester defenders. His off-the-court troubles likely nets him a multiple game suspension, but the Boilermakers should be fine in his absence.
Outside of the top six, there isn't anybody else that has proven themselves, which makes coach Matt Painter's recruiting class important. Purdue has got to find some depth on the bench to spell their starters. They've loaded up on frontcourt players (four of the five incoming freshmen are forwards/centers) but none of them really spell "superstar. Patrick Bade has the potential to garner the most playing time of them all and has a Big Ten-ready body (6'8", 225 lbs.). D.J. Byrd has got game, but with so many other guards ahead of him, it might be difficult to earn playing time.
Interestingly, each of them are from the state of Indiana. For those of you at home keeping tabs on the recruiting battle between Purdue and Indiana, the Boilermakers are clearly winning that one. They've haven't had to stray outside their state borders to grab the talent they need. IU's Tom Crean is still building relationships with high school coaches throughout the state, but it's very obvious Painter has a leg up on his counterpart to the south, at least for now.
Purdue's lineup, complete with their coach and playing experience, make them my choice to win the Big Ten. Here's a rundown of how I think the conference will play out:
1. Purdue
2. Michigan State
3. Ohio State
4. Minnesota
5. Illinois
6. Michigan
7. Wisconsin
8. Penn State
9. Indiana
10. Northwestern
11. Iowa
What are your thoughts?
Photo: Indianapolis Star
Ten teams have already been previewed, which leaves one left: the Purdue Boilermakers, my
2009-10 Big Ten champion.
Key Returnees: F Robbie Hummel, G E'Twaun Moore, C JaJuan Johnson, G Chris Kramer
Key Departures: F Nemanja Calasan, G Marcus Green
2010 Recruits: F Patrick Bade (Indianapolis, IN), F Jeff Robinson (Indianapois, IN), F Kelsey Barlow (Indianapolis, IN), G D.J. Byrd (Crawfordsville, IN), C Sandi Marcius (LaPorte, IN)
Biggest Need: Bench depth
2010 Outlook: Out of all eleven teams, Purdue is the only team with all five starters returning (Moore, Hummel, Johnson, Kramer, guard Lewis Jackson). They've also got the conference's best weapon off the bench in sharpshooter Keaton Grant. They got hot at the right time, winning the Big Ten Tournament and advancing to the Sweet 16. This is a cohesive unit and they have great chemistry together. They are very knowledgable about their roles on the team and this is a group that is going to continue to grow.
Robbie Hummel, the preseason pick for Player of the Year, was never truly 100 percent healthy, essentially playing with a broken back the last half of the conference season. Yet, even crippled, he showed tremendous grit, having a sensational month of March. If he can fully recover from the back injury, which is expected, he should be a contender for the honor once again. JaJuan Johnson caught the eyes of many NBA scouts with his long, athletic frame, but decided to return to school after a sensational sophomore season. He'll add some more muscle to his frame and be one of the conference's best post players on both sides of the basketball.
Despite his run-in with the law earlier this offseason, speedy guard Lewis Jackson will likely be the guy to run things again next year. He's not likely to scortch you with his shooting touch, but he can distribute the ball and pester defenders. His off-the-court troubles likely nets him a multiple game suspension, but the Boilermakers should be fine in his absence.
Outside of the top six, there isn't anybody else that has proven themselves, which makes coach Matt Painter's recruiting class important. Purdue has got to find some depth on the bench to spell their starters. They've loaded up on frontcourt players (four of the five incoming freshmen are forwards/centers) but none of them really spell "superstar. Patrick Bade has the potential to garner the most playing time of them all and has a Big Ten-ready body (6'8", 225 lbs.). D.J. Byrd has got game, but with so many other guards ahead of him, it might be difficult to earn playing time.
Interestingly, each of them are from the state of Indiana. For those of you at home keeping tabs on the recruiting battle between Purdue and Indiana, the Boilermakers are clearly winning that one. They've haven't had to stray outside their state borders to grab the talent they need. IU's Tom Crean is still building relationships with high school coaches throughout the state, but it's very obvious Painter has a leg up on his counterpart to the south, at least for now.
Purdue's lineup, complete with their coach and playing experience, make them my choice to win the Big Ten. Here's a rundown of how I think the conference will play out:
1. Purdue
2. Michigan State
3. Ohio State
4. Minnesota
5. Illinois
6. Michigan
7. Wisconsin
8. Penn State
9. Indiana
10. Northwestern
11. Iowa
What are your thoughts?
Photo: Indianapolis Star
Monday, May 4, 2009
2010 Preview: Michigan State
No other team in the nation has done what Michigan State has this decade. They've made five Final Four trips in the past ten years, including winning the 'ship in 2000 with Mateen Cleaves and the "Flintstones". They play their best basketball of the year when it matters most (March) and they've proven to be the most feared team in the conference. Expect them to contend for a conference championship, but they aren't my 2010 Big Ten champion...
Key Returnees: G Kalin Lucas (2009 Big Ten Player of the Year), F Raymar Morgan, F Delvon Roe
Key Departures: G Travis Walton (2009 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year), F/C Goran Suton, F Marquise Gray
Recruits: C Garrick Sherman (Kenton, OH), C Derrick Nix (Detroit, MI), F Dion Sims (Orchard Lake, MI)
Biggest Need: Off-guard
2010 Outlook: The Spartans got as far as any team could without taking home any championship hardware, getting pummeled by North Carolina in the national championship game last month. Yet, the majority of their key pieces return next season and a trip to the Final Four in Indianapolis, another site in close proximity for Spartan fans, isn't out of the question.
Kalin Lucas was somewhat of a surprise pick for the conference's Player of the Year, but he proved he deserved that award after the NCAA Tournament he had. He's crazy good with the basketball and extremely quick, both traits coaches look for in a purebred point guard. He has complete command of his team at all times, and make no mistake, it is HIS team. He's a sure-fire lock for preseason all-Big Ten. Lucas could improve his shooting touch but there aren't too many areas of his game that need work.
Delvon Roe battled a knee injury during the early parts of the season and never looked to be fully healed from it. When 100%, Roe is a beast on the glass and a perfect low-post compliment for the barrage of shooters Michigan State will have on the wings. Expect him to be much more involved in the offensive and really blossom in his second year under Tom Izzo.
Raymar Morgan had a similar bout with pnemonia during the midway stages of the season and that seemed to slow him down. He's a much better player than he shows on the court and has got to improve consistency in order to be the second scoring option that the Spartans need him to be. He's got the athletic ability and basketball talent, but he has yet to put it all together. Could this be the year for him?
Travis Walton was the leader last year, but with his defensive grit gone, a gaping hole is left next to Lucas in the backcourt. Izzo has a few options to fill his spot, including Chris Allen, Durrell Summers and Korie Lucious. Allen is as streaky of a shooter as there is in the Big Ten, but he has unbelieveable range and a sweet-looking stroke from the arc. Summers is an athletic freak who loves to play above the rim. And Lucious is another speedy guard who grasped Michigan State's run-and-gun offense well in his freshman season. One of those three is likely to start with the other two being valuable backcourt weapons off the bench. My money is on Allen to start.
Michigan State is one of the nation's best rebounding teams and they'll need to find some bigger bodies down low to help maintain that edge. Suton and fellow big man Marquise Gray are gone, but they bring in two vastly different centers to help replace them. Garrick Sherman (6'10", 225) is longer and leaner while Derrick Nix (6'9", 275) is stronger and bulkier. They probably won't go exclusively with the 6'8" Roe, though it would allow them to get out and run even more with a three-guard offense.
Izzo has some options to tweak his starting lineup, but expect the Spartans to turn their basketball games into a sprinting contest. They are most fluid when they are on the run with their frantic style and most teams, especially in the Big Ten, simply cannot keep up with their athletes. They'll be the favorites to win the Big Ten come October; whether they do is a different story. But make no mistake, Michigan State will be dancing once again in March and if this past season was any indication, they are likely to go far once again.
Next Up: Purdue
Photo: StilletoSetSports.com
Key Returnees: G Kalin Lucas (2009 Big Ten Player of the Year), F Raymar Morgan, F Delvon Roe
Key Departures: G Travis Walton (2009 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year), F/C Goran Suton, F Marquise Gray
Recruits: C Garrick Sherman (Kenton, OH), C Derrick Nix (Detroit, MI), F Dion Sims (Orchard Lake, MI)
Biggest Need: Off-guard
2010 Outlook: The Spartans got as far as any team could without taking home any championship hardware, getting pummeled by North Carolina in the national championship game last month. Yet, the majority of their key pieces return next season and a trip to the Final Four in Indianapolis, another site in close proximity for Spartan fans, isn't out of the question.
Kalin Lucas was somewhat of a surprise pick for the conference's Player of the Year, but he proved he deserved that award after the NCAA Tournament he had. He's crazy good with the basketball and extremely quick, both traits coaches look for in a purebred point guard. He has complete command of his team at all times, and make no mistake, it is HIS team. He's a sure-fire lock for preseason all-Big Ten. Lucas could improve his shooting touch but there aren't too many areas of his game that need work.
Delvon Roe battled a knee injury during the early parts of the season and never looked to be fully healed from it. When 100%, Roe is a beast on the glass and a perfect low-post compliment for the barrage of shooters Michigan State will have on the wings. Expect him to be much more involved in the offensive and really blossom in his second year under Tom Izzo.
Raymar Morgan had a similar bout with pnemonia during the midway stages of the season and that seemed to slow him down. He's a much better player than he shows on the court and has got to improve consistency in order to be the second scoring option that the Spartans need him to be. He's got the athletic ability and basketball talent, but he has yet to put it all together. Could this be the year for him?
Travis Walton was the leader last year, but with his defensive grit gone, a gaping hole is left next to Lucas in the backcourt. Izzo has a few options to fill his spot, including Chris Allen, Durrell Summers and Korie Lucious. Allen is as streaky of a shooter as there is in the Big Ten, but he has unbelieveable range and a sweet-looking stroke from the arc. Summers is an athletic freak who loves to play above the rim. And Lucious is another speedy guard who grasped Michigan State's run-and-gun offense well in his freshman season. One of those three is likely to start with the other two being valuable backcourt weapons off the bench. My money is on Allen to start.
Michigan State is one of the nation's best rebounding teams and they'll need to find some bigger bodies down low to help maintain that edge. Suton and fellow big man Marquise Gray are gone, but they bring in two vastly different centers to help replace them. Garrick Sherman (6'10", 225) is longer and leaner while Derrick Nix (6'9", 275) is stronger and bulkier. They probably won't go exclusively with the 6'8" Roe, though it would allow them to get out and run even more with a three-guard offense.
Izzo has some options to tweak his starting lineup, but expect the Spartans to turn their basketball games into a sprinting contest. They are most fluid when they are on the run with their frantic style and most teams, especially in the Big Ten, simply cannot keep up with their athletes. They'll be the favorites to win the Big Ten come October; whether they do is a different story. But make no mistake, Michigan State will be dancing once again in March and if this past season was any indication, they are likely to go far once again.
Next Up: Purdue
Photo: StilletoSetSports.com
Saturday, May 2, 2009
2010 Preview: Ohio State
Looking back, the 2008-09 season has to be a successful one for Thad Matta. He won 20 games (again), made the NCAA Tournament (again), and was finally able to keep a superstar on campus (Evan Turner).
Key Returnees: G/F Evan Turner, G William Buford, G David Lighty, G/F Jon Diebler
Key Departures: C B.J. Mullens
Recruits: None
Biggest Need: Center
2010 Outlook: With the exception of Mullens, Ohio State returns everybody next year. Seriously. Look over their roster and you'll find there are no seniors. If you're looking for a team with complete chemistry and continuity, you've found it in Ohio State.
As mentioned above, the Buckeyes got a huge boost when Evan Turner decided to stay in Columbus for at least another season. Turner used this past season as a springboard to the national spotlight and was one of the nation's breakout players. He should be one of the frontrunners for the conferece's Most Valuable Player award if he's able to stay healthy. Through two years, he's been very durable, but Ohio State's season likely rides on Turner's continued improvement.
Mullens' defection to the pros certainly hurts the Buckeyes, as he is the third-straight center to bolt early for the NBA, joining past Buckeyes Greg Oden and Kosta Koufos. The good news is that Dallas Lauderdale proved himself to be a solid defensive replacement. He's not much for offense and he doesn't have ideal height (6'8"), but Lauderdale is one of the Big Ten's craftier post defenders. He's got a seven-foot wingspan and can turn a game into his own personal block party.
While Laurderdale likely gets the nod to start come November, that doesn't mean Matta isn't looking for more frontcourt depth. Kyle Madsen provided some quality minutes last year, but he isn't a complete player by any means. Other options on the bench are forward Nikola Kecman and UAB transfer Zisis Sarikopoulous. I'm not going to even try to pronounce that, but Big Z has got size in spades, standing at 7-feet and weighing close to 270 lbs. Could he be the next best center in Ohio State's history?
Ohio State has no recruits coming in next season, but they get better and deeper with the return of David Lighty. He missed most of last season after breaking his foot in the nonconference slate and has gained a medical redshirt, giving him two more years of eligibility. He is the Buckeyes' X-Factor and most experienced player. Remember, he was a freshman when Oden and Co. went to the national championship game in 2007. If he can return to form, that's a major shot in the arm for this team.
With essentially their whole roster back and armed with one of the conference's best players, Ohio State is going to be dangerous team next season. They should contend for a conference title and be a lock for yet another NCAA Tournament berth.
Next Up: Michigan State
Photo: chantrant.com
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