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It wasn't pretty in Lincoln last Friday as the Cornhuskers dominated the Hawks in the 20-7 football game. Nebraska had the ball for 37 minutes and 27 seconds compared to Iowa's 22:13. It was sweep left, sweep right, off-tackle, first down. Hawkeye defenders had career highs in tackles. Thomas Nardo recorded a personal best 14, Jordan Bernstine and James Morris added 13. The defensive effort wasn't enough to overcome a shaky and confused offense that ended with 18 first downs and 270 total yards, most of which that came in the fourth quarter.
Some Hawk fans, myself included, complained when Wisconsin's Monte Ball and Nebraska's Rex Burkhead were named finalists for the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's best running back. Marcus Coker's name was left off the list despite leading the Big Ten in rushing at the time the list was trimmed. Going head-to-head Burkhead was the clear winner. Rex rushed the ball a Nebraska record (tie) 38 times for 160 yards against Iowa. Coker finished with 87 on 18 carries.
Coker may still have one more shot at besting Burkhead. Tonight (6:30 CST) the Big Ten Network will televise a season honors show. The BTN's Brett Yarnia has some predictions on who will win and what awards. Yarnia picks Coker over Burkhead for first team all-Big Ten running back. He also selects Marvin Mcnutt as first team wide receiver and Micah Hyde as a first team defensive back.
Yarnia predicts Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David will win the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year Award. After the performance David had against Iowa I know I'm sold. Rich Kaipust, of the Omaha World-Herald believes that David's play after being knocked down by C.J. Fiedorowicz was career defining.
Iowa's Bowl situation is still yet to be determined and several guesses are out there. Iowa is predicted to play Auburn in the Gator Bowl. Scott Dochterman predicts Iowa will take on Texas A&M in the Meineke Car Care Bowl (aka Texas Bowl). And the most interesting projection, Iowa to face Iowa State in the Insight.com Bowl.
Hoops. Iowa pulled out a 10 point win over IPFW on Saturday afternoon. The Hawks were led by Matt Gatens' 22 points. Iowa was without Devin Archie who has an injured hand, Zach McCabe started in his place. The win brings Iowa's record to 4-2, up next is Clemson Tuesday night (8:15 PM CST) in the Big Ten/ACC challenge.
About Clemson. The Tigers are 3-2 on the season with losses to Charleston and Coastal Carolina. They average 65 points a game and are ranked 209th in total rebounds per game. Their best player, Milton Jennings, had 22 points and 14 rebounds in their win Friday against Furman.
After six games Iowa is averaging 80.2 points a game, good for 40th overall. The Hawks have been doing so without the help of Melsahn Basabe. Melsahn's slow start has him averaging just over 19 mins a game. He's been in foul trouble and looked confused on the court and is only contributing 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds. The last four games he's averaging 3.5 points and 3 rebounds. He played only 11 minutes in Iowa's win over IPFW.
Another player that only contributed 11 minutes was junior Eric May. McCaffery believes May was "pressing a bit." May was one of the guys that was said to have had a great Spring but for now it appears the same confidence problems that plagued him last season are still there.
Other links of interest:
- Video of Ferentz's post Nebraska PC
- Nebraska post game player videos
- Football recruiting will pick up now, Ferentz expects to sign around 20
- Riley Rieff not sure on his status for next year
- Anthony Hubbard, still not eligible at Morgan State
- Friday college football excitement belongs to the Cyclones?
- Iowa Hoops: Still Searching
- Mike Gesell scored 24 points in his season opener
- Patrick Ingram went for 16 and 7 against the #4 team in Indiana
- Big Ten coaches, Meyer in, Zook out
- Five sentences on next season (football)