Since Murray's kick in 2008

[SwirlinLingerie]

In many ways, the latest chapter of the Ferentz era began two years ago with the win over Penn State. Murray split the uprights on November 8, 2008, and as Hayden would say, the sun has been shining on Iowa's rump ever since.

Much of the personnel has changed from the '08 team. But since that moment, with Ricky leading the Hawkeyes downfield and Iowa finally pulling off a close one, the team has had a certain swagger.

Today's "ugly" win reminds me how recent it was that Iowa seemingly couldn't get over the hump.

Given all that has transpired since Murray kicked that field goal two years ago, how would you compare this current Iowa team to the Iowa squad that finished the 2008 season in the Outback? What about the current team to any point of last season's team?

Despite some hand-wringing over a few games this season, it has been a great two years, hasn't it?

 

[olivecourt]

In many ways, the latest chapter of the Ferentz era began two years ago with the win over Penn State. Murray split the uprights on November 8, 2008, and as Hayden would say, the sun has been shining on Iowa's rump ever since.

Much of the personnel has changed from the '08 team. But since that moment, with Ricky leading the Hawkeyes downfield and Iowa finally pulling off a close one, the team has had a certain swagger.

Today's "ugly" win reminds me how recent it was that Iowa seemingly couldn't get over the hump.

Given all that has transpired since Murray kicked that field goal two years ago, how would you compare this current Iowa team to the Iowa squad that finished the 2008 season in the Outback? What about the current team to any point of last season's team?

Despite some hand-wringing over a few games this season, it has been a great two years, hasn't it?

I think you've got to put a lot of it on Mr. Richard Stanzi. They guy is 25-6 as a starter, and he was knocked out of one of those losses... no way they lose that Northwestern game with him. I know Iowa loves to emphasize line play (offensive and defensive), but you can't underestimate how huge having an accurate, smart, and tough quarterback is. Especially when the guy never gives up, no matter how effed up the situation is: the five INTs against Indiana, the first half disaster at Arizona, the late deficit at Michigan State, the red zone malfunction today.

I think Vandenberg has all of the tools to be very good, but it's going to be a very different era next year. I hope people are enjoying this one. I really think when it's over you'll be able to put Stanzi next to Chuck Long as one of the best Iowa QBs ever.

 

[PJHawk]

IMO the 2008 team that won the Outback bowl could beat both the 2009/10 Hawkeyes. Their win/loss record does not reflect it but the 2008 team is one of the best of the Kirk Ferentz era. Having said that I also feel if Shonn Greene would have come back the 2009 Hawkeyes would have gone 12-0.