Black Heart Gold Pants
Swelling with Iowa Hawkeye pride since 2007
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Iowa Hawkeyes Football: Minnesota Golden Gophers Game Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes head to Minneapolis this Saturday for the Battle for Floyd of Rosedale against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Iowa, riding a playoff‑push with a +290 odds and a 19th‑ranked chance to reach the postseason, needs an 11‑1 record to stay alive, while Minnesota looks to rebound after a blowout loss to Purdue. The preview highlights the contrasting fortunes of each team’s rushing game: Iowa boasts the nation’s No. 7 rush defense and ranks seventh in yards‑per‑carry, but its own ground attack has been inconsistent; Minnesota’s rush defense sits at 67th and its offense is 120th in YPC. The article argues the winner will be whoever dominates the trenches, with coaches Kirk Ferentz’s steady demeanor opposite P.J. Fleck’s bombastic style.
2026 College Football Watch Guide – Week 8
Week 8 of the 2026 college football season arrives after a historic Week 7 that saw #1 Georgia and #2 Notre Dame both lose, joining a cascade of upsets that toppled five of the AP top‑seven. The controversy over the newly announced 24‑team playoff sparks debate, with fans fearing it could diminish regular‑season stakes and bowl relevance. Despite the buzz, the guide highlights key matchups: #6 Indiana vs. Michigan, where Michigan’s backup QB Tommy Carr sparked a 36‑yard TD run, and other power‑four games like #8 Texas Tech at Cincinnati and #18 LSU at Auburn. The article balances analysis of the playoff expansion with a preview of the weekend’s games.
The Butcher’s Word: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Ahead of their rivalry showdown with Iowa, the Minnesota Golden Gophers sit at 4‑2 after a bye week. Quarterback Drake Lindsey, completing nearly 65% of his passes for 1,335 yards and nine TDs, leads a passing attack anchored by Javon Tracy (375 yards) and new transfer Noah Jennings. The Gophers showed promise with wins over Washington and the Little Brown Jug against Purdue, but sloppy performances against Mississippi State and Purdue have left fans wary. Coach expectations focus on bowl eligibility, with a stretch of ranked opponents and trophy games remaining; a win over Iowa could reignite enthusiasm.
By The Numbers: Iowa vs. Minnesota
Iowa (5-1, No. 15 AP) heads to Minneapolis to defend the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy after a 41‑3 win over Minnesota on Oct. 25, 2025. The Hawkeyes, led by QB Jeremy Hecklinski and running back Kamari Moulton, boast a 31.0 PPG offense (403.2 YPG total) and a 20‑game winning streak in the series, including five straight victories in Minnesota. Coach Kirk Ferentz (28th season) enjoys a 20‑7 record vs. the Gophers, while P.J. Fleck (10th season) is 1‑8 at home. Minnesota (4‑2) hopes to snap a Homecoming drought dating back to 1974 and capture the Little Brown Jug and Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Expect cooler, rainy weather and a battle of rival trophies.
Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 7
The Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 7 put Ohio State (#3, 6‑1, 4‑0) atop despite losing star Julian Sayin to a season‑ending elbow injury. Indiana slips to #6 (6‑1, 3‑1) after a near‑miss against Indiana, while UCLA climbs to #9 (6‑0, 4‑0) following a 17‑7 win over Wisconsin. Iowa, USC, and Northwestern round out the top six. Oregon (4‑2, 2‑1) lands at #7 after a comeback victory over Nebraska, and Michigan (4‑2, 1‑2) sits at #8 after beating Penn State. The rankings preview tough Week 8 matchups, including Ohio State’s trip to Los Angeles and USC’s road swing to Wisconsin and Ohio State.
Hawks in the NFL: Week 6
Week 6 was quiet for former Hawks, but George Kittle shone as the 49ers beat Washington 23-17, scoring an 11‑yard TD and finishing with 5 catches for 69 yards. Kittle now leads the league with 5 TDs (third overall) and is on track for an All‑Pro season. Rookie kicker Drew Stephens nailed a 51‑yard field goal and both extra points. Aussie punter Tory Taylor’s “banana ball” punts helped Chicago beat Atlanta 31-23, causing a second forced fumble of the year. Meanwhile, Titans safety Amani Hooker recorded 13 tackles and an early interception in a 26-20 win over the Colts.
KIRK SPEAKS: Minnesota
Iowa’s 5-1 Hawkeyes, ranked #15, announce quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski as the starter for Saturday’s game at Minnesota, despite healthy backup Hank Brown. Coach Kirk Ferentz casually confirmed the decision during a press conference, noting both QBs have proven road‑win capabilities, but Hecklinski’s 79% completion rate against Power‑4 defenses sealed the call. The article also includes a brief personal note about co‑author Matt Cabel’s new baby and a link to the full transcript.
Iowa Football: How Aussie Punter Boston Everitt Mastered the Art of “Punting is Winning”
Iowa Hawkeyes punter Boston Everitt, a 6‑foot‑8 native of Hope Island, Australia, is quickly becoming the Big Ten’s top field‑position asset. Fresh from the Coates Talent League and the St Kilda Next Generation Academy, Everitt brings the drop‑punt precision of Australian rules football to Kinnick Stadium, consistently pinning opponents inside the 10‑yard line. With a football pedigree—his father Peter “Spida” Everitt is a three‑time All‑Australian AFL star—Boston’s ice‑cold composure under 70,000 fans has earned special‑teams coordinator Chris Polizzi high praise during the first half of the 2026 season. His unique rollout and rugby‑style punts prove a game‑changing weapon for Iowa.
Hawkeyes Look to Keep Rolling at Minnesota
The #15 Iowa Hawkeyes travel to Minneapolis on Oct. 24 to face the 4‑2 Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten showdown that could boost Iowa’s conference standing. After a bye week, Iowa’s quarterback situation remains open between Jeremy Hecklinski, fresh off a historic win out west, and Hank Brown, returning from a shoulder injury. The Hawkeyes, favored at -6.5 with a 41.5 over/under, rely on a strong rush defense (7th nationally, 84.7 ypg allowed) and a balanced offense that recently posted 300+ yards and 21 points against Washington. Minnesota’s passing game, led by Drake Lindsey (64.8% completion, 9 TDs), is vulnerable to turnovers, while its rushing attack ranks 129th. The game also decides who keeps the Floyd of Rosedale trophy.
Iowa Hawkeyes Halfway Point Report Card
At the season’s midway point, the Iowa Hawkeyes sit 5‑1 overall, 2‑1 in the Big Ten and ranked No. 15 nationally. The offense averages 31 points (61st) and 403 yards per game, but shows a stark contrast: 47.5 points versus NIU and UNI versus only 16.7 against Iowa State, Michigan and Ohio State. A breakthrough came in the road win at Washington, the first power‑conference game where Iowa broke 300 yards and 21 points. Defensively, the Hawkeyes rank 8th in scoring (14.5 pts) and 22nd in total yards allowed, with a top‑10 run defense (84.7 ypg) and 19 sacks (tied for 6th). Midseason grade: C+.
Iowa Football Depth Chart: The OR Returns at Quarterback for Week 8 vs Minnesota
Iowa releases its Week 8 depth chart ahead of the showdown with Minnesota, and the once‑away quarterback “OR” re‑emerges as a potential starter alongside Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski, with Jimmy Sullivan as backup. Strong safety Xavier Styles finally cracks the starter spot over Anthony Hawkins after strong play against Washington, while Tyler Brown remains sidelined with a hamstring issue. Will Hahn makes his first season appearance at left guard, replacing Trent Wilson. No other changes follow the Washington game, setting the Hawkeyes up to chase the Floyd of Rosedale trophy on Oct. 19.
Iowa Football Bye Week: National Top 10 Chaos Complements Big Ten Resume Boost
It was a highly entertaining Saturday to be an Iowa football fan with a bye week on the schedule. From the comfort of our living rooms, we were treated to a great day of college football as multiple top 10 teams fell in a wave of weekend upsets. While the national landscape shifted on television, […]
The Tale of the Tape: Hecklinski vs Brown
The old saying goes if you have two quarterbacks then you have no quarterbacks. Well, Iowa now has two quarterbacks—Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski—both of whom have a reasonable claim to the starting spot. The season began with a quarterback competition and the dreaded “OR” on the depth chart. Then Brown seemed to distance himself […]
Iowa Hawkeyes Women’s Sports: Field Hockey and Soccer 2026 Mid-Season Report
A well-kept secret in Iowa City is the legendary history of the Iowa Hawkeyes field hockey team, the winningest program in Big Ten history. While casual fans might have noticed last year’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 run, that postseason appearance was simply par for the course for this powerhouse. Combine their sustained dominance with an […]
2026 College Football Watch Guide – Week 7
After a dominant Hawkeye victory it’s great to have a stress free Saturday. So good, in fact, that we’ll just have to do it again this weekend. It’s Iowa’s bye week and I don’t have a whole lot to say for this week’s intro other than we’ve got some great games ahead of us to […]
Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 6
How is this possible? The season’s already at the mid-way point? UGH. UCLA is a big mover. Minnesota did Minnesota things. We have a power rankings #1 versus #2 this weekend. But first, let’s look back at Week 6! 1. #5 Indiana (6-0, 3-0) The Hoosiers maintain the top spot and now sit on a […]
Hawks in the NFL: Week 5
Week 5 is in the books. We still have three undefeated teams. The Eagles are in serious trouble. The NFC East won zero games this weekend, despite two teams in that division playing one another. Let’s take a look back at how former Hawks did this week. Alaric Jackson We start here for all the […]
JAN SPEAKS: Media Day!
I can feel it in the air: the leaves are starting to change color and fall from my trees, it’s getting dark sooner, the sweaters are getting busted out from under the bed. This can only mean one thing: BASKETBALL SEASON IS ALMOST HERE! After a very fun regular season and a bit of a […]
20 Days Until Hawkeye Basketball: Trey Thompson
While football season is in full swing, it doesn’t mean we can’t dabble in some basketball prep ahead of the first tip-off on November 3rd! Next up is redshirt freshman: Trey Thompson! #20 – Trey Thompson, F, 6’8”, 228 lbs2nd year; Greeneville, TN; Greeneville 2025-26: Redshirt After the hay was in the barn for the 2025-26 […]
Mapping Iowa’s Path to the College Football Playoff
I know we can all be a little superstitious at times. Like the world’s greatest boss, Michael Scott, I myself am not superstitious, but I am a little stitiuos. So, let’s just go ahead and say it out loud: at the midway point of this season, the Iowa Hawkeyes are in the playoff race. The […]
Iowa Basketball Player Previews: Tate Sage
While football season is in full swing, it doesn’t mean we can’t dabble in some basketball prep ahead of the first tip-off on November 3rd! Next up is a guy whose best game came at the best time: Tate Sage! (Our regularly established timing will continue tomorrow) #24 – Tate Sage, G, 6’7”, 210 lbs2nd […]
Wound Up & Rewind: Iowa Football Dominates Washington
The Iowa Hawkeyes delivered an absolute statement game, leveraging a complete three-phase performance to dismantle the Washington Huskies 41-24 on Friday night. Coordinators Tim Lester and Phil Parker dialed up relentless game plans, while Chris Polizzi’s special teams unit delivered a flawless performance in the kicking game. Backed by a visible, vocal contingent of traveling […]
23 days till Iowa Hoops: Isaia Howard
While football season is in full swing, it doesn’t mean we can’t dabble in some basketball prep ahead of the first tip-off on November 3rd! Next up is a UFC fighter masquerading as a basketball player: Isaia Howard! #23 – Isaia Howard, G, 6’5” 216 lbs3rd year; Plattsburg, MO; Plattsburg 2025-26: 37 games, 5.1 PPG, 2.6 […]
The Morning After: Savor This
Well Hawkeye fans how are you feeling!? If you’re reading this on Saturday morning your Hawkeyes have already wrapped up a dub for the weekend and are sitting pretty at 5-1 going into a bye week with its sole loss to a team that will most certainly be in the playoff field and could win […]
Hawkeye Football: Instant Reaction Iowa Crushes Washington 41-24
The West Coast curse is broken as Kamari Moulton runs with a vengeance, and Tim Lester finds the keys to getting Iowa’s run game going while the passing game finds its rhythm against Washington. A first half offensive explosion and a convincing 41-24 victory pushed Iowa to 5-1 for the first time since 2023, keeping […]
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