Under coach Kirk Ferentz, Iowa football has been the Little Program that Could.
Despite having to recruit in a state known for producing corn rather than quarterbacks, Iowa has put together a glittering resume. Since 2002, the Hawkeyes have appeared in four January bowl games, won two Big ten titles and produced a .778 winning percentage.
And yet it’s only normal to want more. And to ask this question: Is Iowa football good or great? Is it among the excellent–or the elite?
The Hawkeyes never have won a national championship, never have beaten a No. 1 team. Casual fans know about the pink visitors’ locker room, but do they know that since 2002, Iowa is 26-7 in the Big Ten? That’s exactly on par with Ohio State and Michigan.
Iowa can take the mighty leap Saturday night when top-ranked Ohio State comes to town. Ferentz expects to see a “six-ring circus” break out at Kinnick Stadium, the toughest venue in the Big Ten because of its manic crowds and narrow sidelines. The effect is deafening.
And the result? Ohio State turnovers. And an Iowa victory, 16-14.
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tgreenstein@tribune.com
