cid is clearly pumped for the season. Something like 25 threads in the past two days including this magnum opus.
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Iowa was the preseason AP #1 program in 1961. It was Jerry Burns first season after replacing short-term legendary Iowa coach Forest Evashevski.
Ohio State was ranked #2.
Ironically, this season Iowa State is #7, highest ranking in program history. And, Big 12 conference mate Oklahoma is ranked #2. (Note: IU was ranked in 1969 at #14, Iowa beat IU that season in Bloomington).
We all know Iowa didn't fare well in 1961, ending 5-4 on the season. The next 19 years was worse, including those 19 straight losses to Black & Gold rivals Purdue, starting with an 9-0 road loss in 1961.
Does Iowa really have the #1 defense in 2021?
Hopefully, Iowa fairs better than the #1 AP preseason ranking in 1961.
Iowa has two tough road games to kickoff 2021 in non-conference and Big Ten.
The Hawkeyes have not loss in Ames, since the 44-41 3OT game in 2011. Of course, the ugliest game in the Kirk Ferentz era was 2005 loss.
Overall, Iowa does play better in Ames, than Iowa City in the KF era?
BTW, Iowa has never won in College Park. Lost in 2014, with OC Greg Davis asking QB Jake Rudock to go win the game in the air. Memories of OC Kirk’s son, Brian Ferentz last year with Spencer Petras against Northwestern.
Will the Iowa State Cyclones fair better in 2021 than Iowa in 1961?
Iowa went from #1 preseason to NR with a 5-4 record. Iowa State isn't going to fall too far, but we shall see, with Northern Iowa and Iowa in Week 1 and 2 at Jack Trice Stadium.
It was fitting in 1981 that Iowa clinched their first winning season, since 1961 against Purdue. Next up, Iowa opens with Indiana.
Iowa didn't get Iowa State in 2020, while Indiana didn't get Purdue. Listening to Tom Allen this week, hopefully, Iowa takes care of business out of the gate?
** More tweets but can't continue to embed because of HaLo's sensible limit of five - he did one from
@BuffettHawk 's bro Quinn Douglas
https://twitter.com/Quinn_Douglas_/status/1161363832658415616 ***
It will be vital to get and stay healthy in 2021.
100 years ago, the Hawkeyes had an elite season in my best PJ Fleck voice.
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https://twitter.com/Quinn_Douglas_/status/1162434242397310978 ***
Growing up at Kinnick, with the Bob Commings era and early Hayden Fry, it took until 40 years ago, to witness that first breakout season.
Since 2014, Iowa has trended upward according to FPI each season. However, 2021 is a question?
Does Iowa take a step backwards?
Or, can the Hawkeyes break through, with a Top notch opportunity with two Top 20 opponents, like early 1981.
It makes for good drama:
• 2014 UI 7-6, IU 4-8, ISU 2-10
• 2015 UI 12-2, IU 6-7, ISU 3-9
• 2016 UI 8-5, IU 6-7, ISU 3-9
• 2017 UI 8-5, IU 5-7, ISU 8-5
• 2018 UI 9-4, IU 5-7, ISU 8-5
• 2019 UI 10-3, IU 8-5, ISU 7-6
• 2020 UI 6-2, IU 6-2, ISU 9-3
Will any of these teams have a breakout season in 2021, despite the preseason rankings?
Kirk Ferentz is in Year 23, loves his team. It certainly appears loose in the preseason. What will BTN have to say later in August with their preview show?
Tom Allen made his debut in the 2016 bowl game, replacing Kevin Wilson. He has brought L-E-O and an uptick to recruiting with the Class of 2022 for the Hoosiers in Year 5.
Iowa State coach Matt Campbell enters Year 6 with what is being called the greatest Iowa State Cyclones team in program history. They are seeking their first 10+ win, double digit win season, ranked #7 in the preseason. IU is #17, with Iowa #18.
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https://twitter.com/GazetteOnIowa/status/1427300243008376833 ***
It should be an interesting 2021. Reminder, be like 1960
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https://twitter.com/mbenson6/status/1427303674578051078 ***