Saturday, October 31, 2009

Resilient Hawkeyes overcome turnovers to oust Indiana

By Brian Heinemann
For the Herald

IOWA CITY ––– Resiliency.

The word just won’t go away when talking about the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Saturday was another chapter in an improbable season for Iowa, who came from 14 down to shock Indiana, 42-24, behind the strength of a 28-point fourth quarter.

Resiliency is something the Hawkeyes (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) have shown repeatedly this season. They’ve trailed in all but one of their games. They needed an unbelievable two consecutive blocked field goals to escape with a win over UNI. They survived a pesky Arkansas State. They beat Michigan State with a touchdown as time expired.

Then, they overcame turnovers – five interceptions by quarterback Ricky Stanzi and a fumbled punt return – and exploded in the fourth quarter to beat an Indiana team that looked to have things well in hand.

“The good news is our guys don’t buckle,” said Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz. “If they’re ever going to buckle, I think today would have been the day.”

No matter how they play, the Hawkeyes don’t know how to do anything but win. They have no quit in them.

“A lot of times we probably could have gone out there and quit, and we didn’t,” said linebacker Pat Angerer.

Not even when things looked their bleakest, like when Stanzi went 4-for-11 for 48 yards and four interceptions in the third quarter against Indiana, did the Hawkeyes quit.

“There’s no trick to it and it’s not like a magic saying,” Stanzi said of fighting off the mistakes. “You keep the same demeanor even if you throw a touchdown pass or throw a pick. It’s the same thing when you come on the sideline. You just get ready for the next opportunity.”

Stanzi bounced back with a spectacular fourth quarter, completing all three of his passes for 177 yards and two long touchdowns.

That’s the thing about Stanzi. He’s thrown three pick-sixes this season and 13 interceptions total. He threw four in one quarter against Indiana. Yet he never lets it get him down and is always able to move on and look forward.

That, as Ferentz said, is mental toughness.

His teammates constantly praise Stanzi for his leadership, but possibly the most important thing he gives his team is his demeanor. It’s trickling down to the entire team, and that never-say-die, there’s-always-time-to-come-back attitude has directed the Hawkeyes to the thick of the national championship hunt.

“We go to 9-0, and we’re never going to quit. We’re going to keep fighting,” said left tackle Bryan Bulaga. “Every game of ours has gone 60 minutes, so that’s the kind of team we are. We’re going to keep fighting for 60 minutes.”

While Ferentz readily admits that he doesn’t particularly pay attention to the BCS rankings, that doesn’t mean they don’t matter to the Hawkeyes. Iowa sits atop the Big Ten, one game ahead of both Ohio State and Penn State, and control their own destiny in a way.

A win this weekend against Northwestern would set up a showdown for the Big Ten title in Columbus, Ohio, against the Buckeyes in two weeks.

But, believe it or not, that’s not on the minds of the Hawkeyes.

“All we can try to do is win the game we’ve got in front of us,” said Ferentz. “That’s about as simple as it is.”

The Northwestern team coming to town this weekend beat Iowa last year at Kinnick, 22-17. The Hawkeyes blew a 14-point lead in that game, the polar opposite of what they’ve been doing this year.

The way things have gone this season, it’s unlikely the Hawkeyes will look ahead to the Buckeyes and take Northwestern lightly.

Fighting through all but one game – the 35-3 lambasting of rival Iowa State – means focus shouldn’t be a problem for the Hawkeyes.

Regardless of how things go against the Wildcats, the Hawkeyes will believe. They believe in their coaches, they believe in their quarterback, they believe in each other. And they believe that there is always enough time left to make a difference.

“Bottom line, the guys are just finding a way to get it done,” said Ferentz. “I’m just really proud of their effort.”

Friday, October 30, 2009

The Hawk's Eye on Iowa vs. Indiana

When Iowa has the ball

We all know that the offense has been the question since day one of the 2009 season. Well now, things get even more questionable. With the loss of starting running back Adam Robinson and mid-season All American Dace Richardson on the O-line, the burden falls squarely on the shoulders of Ricky Stanzi this week.

While Brandon Wegher has shown flashes of brilliance over the course of the season, he's been miserable the last few weeks, rushing for under two yards per carry over the last three games. Behind Wegher is Paki O'Meara, who has barely seen the field since an early season fumble, and two true freshmen. The problem? Those freshmen are currently red-shirted. Ferentz hasn't ruled out using one of them if needed this week, but that would be a tough pill to swallow after sitting them for eight games already.

What it all translates to is more pressure on Stanzi to deliver. He avoided the big mistakes in the nail-biter over Michigan State, but his days of inconsistency aren't far enough in the rear-view mirror yet to forget about them. Stanzi needs to forget about the out-route to the right sideline – or at least stop staring it down – as that's where all his pick-sixes have come from.

The Indiana defense has the potential to make Stanzi's life miserable or fantastic tomorrow. They are banged up – and already weak – in the secondary, which means Stanzi should be able to have a big game. Two of Indiana's safeties – Jerimy Finch and Jarrell Drane – are both listed as doubtful for the game, and the Hoosiers haven't exactly had a light's out pass defense this season to begin with, ranking dead last in the Big Ten in the category. The fly route to either DJK or Marvin McNutt should make several appearances, as Stanzi will likely test Indiana deep to take advantage of the lack of depth at safety.

Where Indiana can hurt Stanzi is up front. Defensive ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton have combined for 8.5 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss, and in these teams' last meeting at Kinnick, in 2007, the two terrorized Iowa in racking up six sacks. Kirlew could be especially problematic, as he has forced a Big Ten-best five fumbles this season, and Iowa's Mr. Dependable in that department, Robinson (with zero) is out. Kirlew will be most dangerous to Iowa if either of the Hawkeyes red-shirt freshmen make an appearance.

Having an experienced replacement for Richardson in Julian Vandervelde will help Iowa in trying to contain IU's ends and open holes for the run game, but Iowa's offensive line has been suspect all season and looks to be over-matched up front this week.

Advantage – Iowa



When Indiana has the ball


The last time Iowa faced an offense similar to that of the Hoosiers was in the Michigan game, where Iowa struggled badly on defense. This Indiana team runs a dangerous spread/pistol/Wildcat offense that uses a lot of trickery and deception, and will likely give the Hawkeyes fits at points. Still, Iowa's defense is strong and should be able to keep the Hoosiers in check – at least better than they did against Michigan.

Indiana quarterback Ben Chappell is having a very Ricky Stanzi-like season to this point. He's been inconsistent, completing 63 percent of his passes and throwing for 1,827 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. His biggest target is sophomore receiver Tandon Doss, who through eight games has 54 catches for 716 yards and two touchdowns.

As a team, Indiana has rushed for 1,019 yards and a 4.0 average. They are led by red-shirt freshman Darius Willis, whose 405 yards have come at a 5.3 clip. Behind him, both Mitchell Evans and Demetrius McCray are averaging 4.9 yards per.

The strength of the Indiana offense is the offensive line, which has allowed a league-low nine sacks in eight games. Keeping Chappell upright is a paramount importance for IU, as Iowa's defensive line has been improving as the season goes on and, although only recording 17 sacks, has been getting to the quarterback more consistently.

Defensively, Iowa is intact this week despite the beating they took, physically, at Michigan State. Brett Greenwood is back after a scary hit, and everyone else is good to go. The rush defense has rebounded nicely since allowing Michigan to run all over them, and the defensive line is coming off a four-sack game in the 15-13 win last week.

Keep an eye out this week for Tyler Sash. He's been a ball magnet so far in his two years at Iowa, but has been relatively quiet the last few weeks and is due for another big play. If the front seven can contain the run and get to Chappell effectively, Sash could have another big game.

Advantage – Iowa

Special Teams

With Colin Sandeman likely out this week, Iowa has some questions in the return game. They should be OK with Sash, Spievey or even Keenan Davis back returning punts, but the fact remains that they lost their most consistent returner.

Iowa has the advantage of Indiana at both kicker and punter with Daniel Murray and Ryan Donahue, but the Hoosiers kickoff return team makes Iowa's look pitiful by comparison. Indiana leads the Big Ten in kickoff returns, averaging 25.9 yards per return, and has two touchdowns this season. The teams are relatively even in returning punts, but the field position battle could go IU's way thanks to their strong kick return squad.

Advantage - EVEN

Intangibles

Iowa has the distinct coaching advantage not only in Ferentz, but with Ken O'Keefe and Norm Parker as well. They have the 8-0 record and the No. 4 BCS ranking, and they are strong at home. Indiana is 4-4, but several of the losses were close. Still, they lost to Michigan, Ohio State and Northwestern in the Big Ten, and were embarrassed by Virginia 47-7.  Both teams are hit pretty equally with injuries right now.

IU is coming off a devastating collapse against Northwestern, and they claim they are ready for the challenge of the Hawkeyes. Last time they were here they manhandled Iowa, but those were two very different teams in 2007. The Hawkeyes are coming off an emotionally draining, incredibly physical win, so both teams have mental challenges ahead of them tomorrow.

Advantage - Iowa

Prediction


If the offense is ever going to have another big day for the Hawkeyes, it will come tomorrow. Stanzi stands to have one of the best games of his collegiate career, but the run game could very well hold him and the Hawkeyes back a bit. Indiana may have a complex offense, but Iowa has faced much better and emerged victorious so far this year.

This isn't the game Iowa loses this season – that's next week, against Northwestern, but that's a story for next week.

Iowa 30, Indiana 13

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

The Iowa Hawkeyes press box experience

This was written the night of the UNI/Iowa game that started this college football season. I will be updating with more thoughts after the Indiana game Saturday, touching on what it was like to be at the Blackout against Michigan and what it's like to be covering a Top 5 team.

ARTICLE: http://www.clintonherald.com/sports/local_story_249173737.html

Well, today was the big day. The pinnacle of my early career.

I'll be honest –it's almost ridiculous some of the opportunities I've been given. I'm still not even done with college, and I've done all sorts of amazing stuff. I really want to thank the people who are responsible for that, first of all. The Quad-City Times gave me my start (and sent me off to AHL hockey and Minor League Baseball), the Gazette (they've sent me all over, to MiLB games, to interview Nate Kaeding) and, of course, the Clinton Herald for sending me to Kinnick Stadium today.

That out of the way, let's get on with the story.

Walking up to Kinnick Stadium after getting off the train was cool, but I've done it before as a fan, so it wasn't that big of a deal. Walking around the stadium while wearing a press pass (pictures), however, was quite awesome. I walked up to Gate I, where media are told to go, and got my pass scanned. I was directed to the elevators that lead to the press box, and worked my way around the concourse to get there. I took the elevator up to the Fourth floor, and my jaw about dropped when I opened the door.

There were people everywhere. Absolutely everywhere. I wish my phone wasn't broken and preventing me from taking pictures, because I would have taken some to give you an idea what the inside of that place is like. There are three rows or press chairs, about 35 in each row, with the first being lowest, the second being about 5 feet up (so, sort of stadium seating), and the third being even higher. I'm not sure which gives the best view, but I was in the second row, seat 30, directly above the 10 yard line. I've watched a lot of football in my day (and even been in the press box at Lambeau Field once) but I've never seen a game like this before.

I had an hour to kill before the game, so I scoped out my surroundings. The press passes are scannable for one free meal, so I ate some press box food. Funny story–there were hot dogs or BBQ chicken. Everybody in front of me took one hot dog, and, despite being fat and hungry, I only took one so I wouldn't look so huge. Of course, the tiny girl behind me took two hot dogs, chips, a few cookies, etc., and made me look skinny by comparison. Oh well, the food was good, and with how riled up my stomach was, it's probably good I didn't pig out.

Surprisingly, the press box isn't too far off from being soundproof. The bands were playing, and I couldn't even tell. The crowd cheering made a little noise, but still, pretty incredible how quiet the box is. The lead-up to the game itself was boring, as I just read through some media materials that were provided, so let's skip to just before the game.

The press box has it's own PA announcer, and anything the referees on the field say into their mic comes through, incredibly loud, in there. The PA announcer asked us to stand for the National Anthem, and I was stunned that, for the next two minutes or so, I was surrounded by dead silence. We couldn't hear the anthem at all, and not one loud-mouthed sports writer said a word. Incredible.

Right before the kickoff, the PA guy came on and told us that "This is a working press box, so there is no cheering allowed. If you are caught once, we'll ask you to stop. If you are caught again, you will be removed from the press box." I mean, I thought it was just frowned upon to cheer in the press box –I didn't know it was outlawed. Just an interesting fact.

Not much happened during the game. I watched, from the greatest vantage point ever, as the Iowa Hawkeyes played a pathetic game and almost lost to an FCS opponent. One funny moment was after one of Ricky Stanzi's many pathetic attempts at a pass in the first half, some guy in the box yelled "Somebody should Twitter 'Where's Jake?'", referring to former Iowa "QB" (I use that term loosely, because he sucked worse than Rex Grossman) Jake Christensen. The entire press box cracked up at that one.

At halftime, I ran into some familiar faces. Craig DeVrieze, of the Quad-City Times, was there. I basically started writing for newspaper thanks to him, because he needed a backup for covering the Quad-City Mallards (and later, Flames), and I loved hockey. I talked to him for a few, and Mike Hlas, from the Gazette, came over. I actually hadn't met Mike to that point, so that was nice to meet and talk a bit. Near the end of the game I ran into Don Doxie, the Sports Editor at the Q-C Times who was my boss when I was there. It was nice to catch up and say hello and see how they are doing at the Times.

I'm not going to describe the end of the game here, because if you care about sports you already know what happened, but it was literally the weirdest thing I've ever seen at a sporting event. Not one person in the entire press box had ever heard of the rule that gave UNI a second chance at winning. We were seriously stunned, and couldn't for the life of us understand. Yes, there were a few of us there who hadn't covered college football before, but a lot of these guys had been doing this for a LONG time. The ending was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence, and I can safely say I was witness to one of the greatest games in Iowa football history. Not a bad first game.

Now, to the fun part. Right when the game finally ended, the 100 or so of us in the press box all bolted for the elevator. I got on in the first group (with Don and Craig and many others I don't know) and we went down to the concourse. Here is where things get stupid –there is no easy way for the media to get to the press rooms. We literally walked through the concourse that was packed with people, then entered the field through the corner of one of the end zones. I actually got to walk on the field, because we had to cross the ENTIRE thing to get to the two locker room areas. Seriously, there's no better way they could have designed this? I will say that it was an awesome feeling to be on that field with a press pass while the stands were still relatively packed...

We all stood outside of the media area, because security doesn't let us in until all the players and coaches have left the field. Since ESPN/TV stations like to grab them on field right as the game ends, we waited for about ten minutes. Finally, after one of the players walked by (I can't remember who), we were all allowed to follow.

The setup is like this –to the left is the vistor's media room. To the right are two separate rooms – the Iowa player's media room, and Ferentz's press conference room. We were told by "veteran" writers that Ferentz was notorious for taking up to an hour to start his press conference, so I waited in the UNI room since I needed to talk to both teams.

Three players came in the UNI room and sat up at a table with a mic, and all the reporters put their recorders on the table in front of them and then went and sat down. I kept quiet and just listened and took notes as three extremely depressed UNI players (standout WR Jarred Herring, defensive lineman Ben Boothby and quarterback Pat Grace) were grilled for about five to ten minutes each.

I decided to head to Iowa's player room, as Ferentz was still nowhere to be found (although he had given his "first call," so he was coming sometime in the near future) where most of the freshman were brought in. Apparently, they bring in the Iowa players in order of class, and they trickle in every few minutes. I was there for interviews with new (likely starting) running back Adam Robinson, defensive lineman Broderick Binns and wide receiver Marvin McNutt – he was the only one I actually asked a question of, because, with so many people around and me being in awe, I just let others do the talking except for with him.

The interview process is interesting. The visiting team gets to have their players sit at a table, while reporters sit a decent distance away. The players are elevated, too, so it's not awkward at all.

The Iowa players, however, got a full-on dose of awkwardness. When I first walked into that room, Robinson was literally being smothered up against a wall by about 20 reporters holding mics/digital recorders up to his face. Of course, I joined that throng, but it's really weird to witness in person. I was only one of about 5 people talking to McNutt, but it was odd because he basically just looked down at all our tape recorders while he talked.

I checked to see if Ferentz was there – nope – and headed back to the UNI room. That was good timing, because Coach Farley was in the middle of his press conference. He was the best of the group, because he was quite outspoken, very passionate, got pissed off on a few occasions, and was just a good speaker. I sat at the back of the room with the recorder on my lap, but still managed to get 11 minutes of decent audio out of it.

I walked back to Ferentz's conference room, only to see the camera guys dismantling their gear. Apparently, he came out during Farley's press conference and I missed him. I was mainly upset for selfish reasons –it would be cool to say I was in the room with him and interviewing him –but I knew I could find his press conference online or on TV if I needed, so it wasn't a horrible situation. I went back into the players room to go join the mob harassing one more player –senior linebacker A.J. Edds, who is an awesome player, by the way – before calling it a day. Edds had some great, great quotes (including one about how he jumped on Pat Angerer on the last play, after Angerer recovered the blocked kick, so 'Pat wouldn't do something stupid and kick the ball into the end zone') but I wasn't able to use them for my story.

I realized I didn't talk to Paki O'Meara, Ricky Stanzi or Tony Moeaki, but that's OK. I was there for both teams, so I had to pick my spots. I also had no clue what I was doing heading in, so next time (if there is one) I'll be able to better pick who to interview.

Anyway, that's about it. I got lost trying to find the train station but made it onto the last train in time to get home, so everything worked out. I'm happy with my article (I'm not sure I should post it yet, since it won't run until Monday... Still, who's gonna see it?), and the experience was just incredible.

The best part of all? I didn't feel out of place at all. I belonged in that press box. I wasn't very outgoing so I didn't talk to many people around me (because I was lost in my own thoughts at the start of the day), but next time I'll feel more comfortable and have even more fun with it.

What a day. I can't even accurately describe it with words. I wish I had pictures of the press box, my view, the conference rooms, the interview scene, etc, but you'll just have to deal with this.

One last thing – as my status says right now, it is completely and utterly surreal to have been writing an article about Kirk Ferentz, Ricky Stanzi, Mark Farley, etc. It felt so weird typing it, and I actually re-wrote the entire thing after finishing it and turned it into a different angle. I needed to make sure this was right and I did everybody involved justice, so hopefully I did that.

Thanks for reading!

My NCAA Top 25

Last week ranking after record. Ranking of opponent is AP's ranking from last week.

1. Florida (8-0, #1) - W 29-19 over Ole Miss
Something just isn't going right with Florida right now. The offense is relatively stagnant, despite Tebow being healthy. They are too one-dimensional right now, and Tebow getting picked twice doesn't help that. Still, they are the defending champions and have beaten everyone they've played, so I can't drop them.

2. Texas (7-0, #3) - W 41-7 over Missouri
I considered Texas at #1, but couldn't do it. They've beaten Oklahoma and Texas Tech, but nobody else worth mentioning. Still, outside of OU, they have crushed everybody they have played. If Colt McCoy ever finds his 2008 form again, they will be nearly impossible to beat thanks to a sick defense.

3. Alabama (8-0, #2) - W 12-10 over Tennessee
Another team that is way too one-dimensional. Greg McElroy is the definition of a mediocre quarterback. Mark Ingram can't do it all by himself. 'Bama needed two blocked field goals (and another miss) to outlast a feisty –but not so good –Tennessee team, but a win is a win.

4. Cincinnati (7-0, #5) - W 41-10 over Louisville
The Bearcats dismantling of Louisville was impressive. That they did it without star quarterback Tony Pike is something that should terrify teams. The offense looked like it didn't miss a beat while Pike sat out after arm-plate surgery early this week, which bodes incredibly well for the Bearcats if Pike needs more time off.

5. USC (6-1, #4) - W 42-36 over Oregon State
I'm sorry, but a six-point win over Oregon State doesn't exactly inspire confidence in me. They have a very good offense even with a freshman, Matt Barkley, running the show. The big concern is the defense – apparently it's not just "reload" instead of "rebuild" at USC, because they sure haven't looked good after losing most of their starters to the NFL last year.

6. TCU (7-0, #10) - W 38-7 over #16 BYU
Max Hall called the TCU defense "The best I have ever played against." For years TCU has had a smothering defense, and this year is no different. People need to be talking about the Horned Frogs as a BCS buster, not Boise State. Remember, only one non-BCS team can get in, and it's going to be TCU when all is said and done.

7. Boise State (7-0, #4) - W 54-9 over Hawaii
They looked good in pummeling Hawaii, and they beat Oregon in the LaGarette Blount debacle, but they literally have played nobody since then. That doesn't make them a bad team, but after seeing what TCU could do to a solid Top 25 BYU team, they had to be dropped below the Horned Frogs.

8. LSU (6-1, #11) - W 31-10 over Auburn
Even though Auburn has been sliding, a 21-point win over the Tigers is impressive considering their resume. LSU's only loss was by 10 to #1 Florida, so a win in two weeks over #3 Alabama could vault them up the rankings.

9. Iowa (8-0, #7) - W 15-13 over Michigan State
They may be 8-0 for the first time in school history, but they've rarely looked like a Top 10 team in getting there. Is it better to be lucky than good? This team is both, but, realistically, they would need a lot more luck than good to beat any of the eight teams I've ranked above them. The National Title talk is unwarranted, but the Hawkeyes should end up in the Rose Bowl with a Big Ten championship on their mantle.

10. Penn State (7-1, #11) - W 35-10 over Michigan
If not for the loss to Iowa, Penn State would again be in title contention. Nobody has come within 18 points of the Nittany Lions, and yesterday's win over a much-improved Michigan team was the most impressive yet.

11. Oregon (6-1, #12) - W 43-19 over Washington
Notre Dame could barely handle Washington. USC lost to the Huskies. Oregon? They hung 43 and crushed them. They beat Utah. They beat then-#6 Cal. But now, the toughest test – and potentially the Pac 10 title –hang in the balance as Oregon takes on USC in six days.

12. Oklahoma State (6-1, #13) - W 34-7 over Baylor
Oklahoma State continues to roll without suspended WR Dez Bryant, but they'll need him to somehow get reinstated this week. Texas comes to town, so we'll know in a week whether the early season loss to Houston was the aberration, or if the Cowboys really aren't as good as they've looked at times.

13. Georgia Tech (7-1, #14) - W 34-9 over Virginia
This running attack looks unstoppable right now, which makes the defense an even bigger question mark. If you are running all over your opponent and controlling the time of possession, shouldn't your defense be doing a little better than they have been until yesterday? Still, the presence of Nesbitt and Dwyer make this team tough to pick against.

14. Virginia Tech (5-2, #15) - OFF
The schedule the rest of the way is ridiculously easy, which means Tech has a very realistic shot of easing back into the Top 10 and potentially getting into a BCS bowl.

15. Miami (5-2, #9) - L 40-37 to Clemson
This team is incredibly hard to figure out. They beat Oklahoma, Georgia Tech and Florida State, but got manhandled by Virginia Tech and lost to a crap Clemson team yesterday. If they played Georgia Tech or Oklahoma again I have a hard time imagining they would win, but this is still a talented team and you can't take away from the impressive opening month.

16. Ohio State (6-2, #17) - W 38-7 over Minnesota
Terrelle Pryor bounced back nicely after receiving a hefty dose of criticism last week, but that still doesn't make this offense particularly impressive considering it was against a porous Golden Gopher defense. Expect to see this team end up with at least three, potentially four losses, as dates with Penn State, Iowa and Michigan close out the regular season.

17. Pittsburgh (7-1, #22) - W 41-14 over USF
In the win over USF, Dion Lewis had his fifth 100-yard rushing game and topped 1,000 yards on the year. The Panthers are a surprise team, but they will need Lewis to have his best football ahead of him to keep moving up, as Notre Dame, West Virginia and Cincinnati await after a meeting with Syracuse Saturday.

18. Houston (6-1, #18) - W 38-15 over SMU
Houston pulled a switcheroo on the nation with the 23 point win over SMU - instead of winning with the arm of Case Keenum, they did it with the run game – three touchdowns – and a strong defensive performance. This team should finish 11-1, but the loss to UTEP likely will outweigh wins over Oklahoma State and Texas Tech in the end.

19. Utah (6-1, #19) - W 23-16 over Air Force
Needing overtime to beat the Falcons doesn't seem so great on paper, but remember, Air Force has one of the most opportunistic defenses in the nation. Still, the Utes haven't beaten anybody worth mentioning, and TCU and BYU await as the season winds down, so we still don't know just how good this team is.

20. West Virginia (6-1, #24) - W 28-24 over UConn
UConn had every reason to come out and pound West Virginia, but the Mountaineers showed their mettle in holding on for the win over the inspired Huskies. This is yet another team that's tough to gauge as they haven't played anybody particularly notworthy, but they'll get Pitt and Cincy back-to-back in November.

21. Notre Dame (5-2, #23) - W 20-16 over Boston College
For the first time in nine years, the Irish beat Boston College. It wasn't the best victory, but it was a nice bounce back after a heartbreaker to USC. The Irish defense is the best it's been in years, and the offense is always dangerous with Jimmy Clausen and an incredible corps of receivers. This isn't a top tier team, but the AP is underrating them.

22. Arizona (5-2, UR) - W 27-13 over UCLA
The loss to Iowa doesn't look so bad now, and they fell victim to Washington while the Huskies were hot. They have a very tough road ahead of them –Cal, Oregon, USC –but if Nic Grigsby keeps running for 7.5 yards per attempt, they can pull off some upsets.

23. South Carolina (6-2, UR) - W 14-10 over Vanderbilt
The win over Vandy wasn't pretty, but not much the Gamecocks do is. Saturday's matchup with Tennessee will be telling –the Volunteers have hung in with Florida and Alabama, so how South Carolina plays against them could answer some questions.

24. Oklahoma (4-3, UR) - W 35-13 over #25 Kansas
We already know Landry Jones is a quite capable backup to Sam Bradford, but the easy win over a good Kansas team still came as somewhat of a shock. This may be the best 4-3 team in college football history, but they still aren't THAT good, with or without Bradford.

25. Central Michigan (7-1, UR) - W 24-10 over Bowling Green
The Chippewas are still just outside of the AP's radar, but this team is good and led by one of the most underrated signal callers in the nation, Dan LeFevour. All he's done is pass for 16 touchdowns and rush for nine, while only throwing four interceptions. The only loss was to Arizona, but this team can't go much higher right now with their only marquee win being over Michigan State.

Dropped Out - BYU, Kansas, Texas Tech, Nebraska

A gem from Ricky Stanzi

This was published on my Facebook after the Hawkeyes beat Arizona in September.

Stanzi was hilarious today in the post-game, especially when talking about the Pick-six that he threw. Seriously, all of us listening to him were busting up. I have it on my digital recorder, but can't upload it here for various reasons.

Somebody asked him about the Arizona player doing a front-flip into the endzone after the interception, and here's Ricky's response. He laughed talking about it, too, and we were seriously rolling at the way he said this stuff.

"I guess it's my fault, the whole thing. Throw the pick, and then ... I can't tackle. I mean, I tried. A.J. (Edds, linebacker) gave me some pointers after the game on how to make an open-field tackle, and he made a lot of sense. I was trying to think about it while I was running, and then I'm like, 'I'm screwed. I got my knee brace on, and there's not a chance I can cut back.' I mean, I'm not even fat. I don't know why I would think that I could make an open-field tackle."

He later explained how he would go about making the tackle in the future (based on A.J.'s advice), then said that "there was a hundred things going through my head while I was trying to make the tackle, or, the pathetic attempt that I did have, that shoestring, maybe."

Iowa gets boost from Moeaki, beats Michigan

Here is my article from the Iowa/Michigan game a few weeks back. I'll be back in the press box this Saturday for the Indiana game, so check for my article on here sometime Sunday!

http://www.clintonherald.com/archivesearch/local_story_285061258.html