Iowa's Business Approach to Bowl Games

[JonDMiller]

I recall reading a few tweets from a couple of Iowa writers in the days leading up to the Orange Bowl...one stood out in my mind...that Iowa seemed tight, and GT seemed loose, in interviews.

I liked seeing that, but I think the 'tweeter' felt like that spelled trouble.

The deal is this; Iowa is there on business. WR Coach Erik Campbell, who was at Michigan for a number of years, said the biggest difference he noticed about the two programs was the bowl prep...Iowa goes on business trips, he said.

It might not be as fun for the Iowa players as it is elsewhere, but I can promise you when these guys get older and the present accomplishments becomes the fuel for glory days memories, the shine of the bowl championship rings will only become brighter, and they will appreciate the way their coaches prepared them even more.

 

[BSpringsteen]

I think the notion that a bowl game should be an all expense paid vacation is ridiculous. I love Iowa's approach.

I realize that when you are not playing in the Rose Bowl or for a national championship that these games mean more to the fans and coaches than to the players, and I am ok with that too.

But this is what it should be, and if CFB ever wants to really improve, more schools will treat it as such.

 

[Herkyalert]

In terms of prep, I think that 2002 Orange Bowl was the turning point for the good.

 

[HawkeyeShane]

I can't remember who said it a few years back...maybe Greenway, but it went something like this, when talking about the coaches' approach to bowl prep, post 03 Orange Bowl..."You may not have many fun memories of the trip itself, but how much fun would they be if you lose the game?" I put that in quotes, but it's definitely not an exact quote...I wish I had written it down.

 

[brewhawk23]

Ferentz was not going to let what happened to the Hawkeyes in 2003 happen again. Yeah it is great to be in a bowl game in South FLorida but they were there to win a ballgame as well. I think that is the right attitude and the players really buy into the preparation needed to beat a top notch opponent. KF is a hell of a coach and I hope he stays at Iowa for a long time because I think his hard work and coaching will culminate in a National Championship in the near future........

 

[PasadenaDreams]

I always here this...but the last week I have seen tons of pictures of players around Miami looking like they are having a ball. From NYE to hanging around the pool talking and taking pictures with celebrities. What I have heard is that Ferentz gives them longer curfews and lets them out a little bit the first couple days...then they buckle down. but from what I have seen from the pictures, i know they are out having fun too and its not ALL business.

 

[Bighawkfan784]

Agreed