Sports Then and Now

The Iowa Hawkeyes were undefeated before playing at Ohio State in 1985.

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”

The year was 1985 and the setting was Iowa City where the Iowa Hawkeyes under the leadership of head coach Hayden Fry were enjoying the best season memory could recall.

The Iowa faithful had grown to love almost everyone – even in the media – except Beano Cook – who could possibly love that cranky forecaster who obviously had it in for Iowa!

Three weeks into the season and the Hawkeyes were declared the number one team in the nation.  Chuck Long, Iowa’s vaunted quarterback, was a front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.  Could life get any better?

Read the rest of this entry →

Michigan Freshman Tate Forcier led the Wolverines to a late victory over Notre Dame.

Each Sunday during college football season we look at some of the big games, stories, and events from the action of the week.

Are They Really Back?
I noticed a lot of similarities between the outstanding game Saturday afternoon between Michigan and Notre Dame and the equally entertaining contest last Monday night between Florida State and the University of Miami.

Both games featured two teams with proud football traditions that have been struggling in recent years, but appear to be turning the corner back toward respectability.

After Miami turned back Florida State’s final charge in the closing seconds of the game, all post game talk was about whether this signaled the return of Miami as a football power and if FSU was also now poised to return to national relevance.
Read the rest of this entry →

With a year of experience Terrelle Pryor could emerge as one of the top players in the Big Ten.

Overview: Once recognized annually as one of the strongest conference in college football, the Big Ten has taken a reputation hit in recent years with the poor showing of its top teams in bowl games. Last season the conference was 1-6 in bowl games with only Iowa pulling out a victory. Ohio State and Penn State start the season ranked in the top 10, but the conference must have some strong early non-conference victories if they hope to have a squad seriously considered for the BCS Championship Game.
Read the rest of this entry →