:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26121141/20140101_mje_sv7_187.0.jpg)
IT WAS OBVIOUS ON THE GAME'S FIRST DRIVE THAT LSU HAD BETTER ATHLETES. Jeremy Hill, the Outback Bowl MVP, took the first handoff and rumbled over 40 yards on a simple sweep play. LSU took an early 7-0 lead but the Iowa defense would adjust. It was the Hawkeye offense that couldn't adjust to the LSU D and Iowa couldn't score until the third quarter when Mark Weisman punched it in following a Johnny Lowdermilk interception return that resulted in Iowa's possession beginning on the one yard line.
With the score 14-7, LSU again used the power run game to put another seven on the board over a tired Iowa defense. Jordan Cotton returned the following kickoff to the LSU five and C.J. Beathard, who replaced an injured Jake Rudock, found Kevonte Martin-Manley in the endzone to make it 21-14. With little time on the clock and only one timeout remaining, Iowa attempted an onside kick that bounced right into the chest of an LSU player. That's it, the season ends 21-14 LSU.
FERENTZ SPEAKS FOLLOWING THE GAME.
Outback final -- Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz (via Marc Morehouse)
THE PLAYERS TALKED ABOUT THE GAME TOO. Marc Morehouse has video of James Morris, C.J. Beathard, Jake Rudock, John Lowdermilk, KMM, Carl Davis, Mark Weisman, Louis Trinca-Pasat and Brandon Scherff. Lowdermilk is apologetic. It's the last time you'll see one of these from Morris too. Enjoy.
AND NOW, THE FOOTBALL FOCUS MOVES TO 2014. Iowa finished 2013 with eight wins. That's, perhaps, the bar for 2014. If Iowa is to exceed eight wins next season, they'll have to find some answers to several questions. Who will be the starting quarterback? Will special teams improve and can Iowa replace Mike Meyer? How will Iowa replace those linebackers? We have nine months to discuss this, unfortunately. Iowa opens 2014 at home with in-state FCS Northern Iowa.
BRIAN FERENTZ SAYS THANKS.
Thank you to the best fans in the country for a great season. #GoHawks
— Brian Ferentz (@CoachBFerentz) January 2, 2014
Our fans were there until the end and the sendoff they gave our players as they Swarmed off the field was special and touching.
— Brian Ferentz (@CoachBFerentz) January 2, 2014
HAWKEYE BASKETBALL GOT A WIN IN THEIR BIG TEN OPENER.
Iowa Wins Big Ten Season Opener (via Iowa Hawkeyes)
Iowa's next game is Sunday evening at Wisconsin. The tip-off time has been moved back 30 minutes because the Green Bay Packers are playing in the NFL Playoffs on Sunday too.
OTHER LINKS:
- Morris Stands Tall, Proud Until the End
- Nebraska game: What we learned
- Contractors seek payment for Iowa football project
- Iowa vs. LSU Postgame Notes
- Hill leads No. 14 LSU over Iowa in Outback Bowl
- Cheering, groaning together
- Brown: Ferentz shows pride in 2013 Hawkeyes
- Ground and pound
- Outback Bowl - LSU 21, Iowa 14: Three and out
- LSU pirates a victory over Iowa, but arrrrgh it wasn't a thing of beauty
- Match Notes: Purdue and Michigan State
- Injured Rudock sees learning opportunity for Hawkeyes