The Eve of Iowa
I am writing this on the eve of my return trip to Iowa for the Iowa Hawkeyes game against Penn State. With the implications of Obama’s tax plan looming on the horizon, I am enticed by the prospect of fattening my wallet on the 7.5 point spread. This is one of the most difficult pieces I have written as I continue to find myself conflicted.
Do I want the Hawkeyes to pull off a miraculous win, or would I prefer a demoralizing loss that leads to much needed change? Do I want to lay my life savings on a ridiculously low 7.5 point spread (I live in Vegas- its legal), or do I want to believe that the Hawkeyes have a chance. Do I want to believe that Ferentz has what it takes to coach a brilliant game, or acknowledge the fact he was shown up by 3-time “Unnecessarily Cocky Assbag” award winner Ron Zook. Where to begin?
Lets start from the top. After big wins over Wisconsin and Indiana, Hawkeye fans were energized at the prospect that Ferentz had finally righted the ship. Last weekend’s loss to 4-4 Illinois was a complete demoralizer. Between Zook’s shitty grin and Ferentz’s compulsive gum chewing, fans witnessed a polo-sporting battle for the Big Ten’s biggest disappointment.
That’s what shocked me the most about the 7.5 point spread for this Saturday’s game. What respectable gambler could not make this his “lock of the week?” Based on records and ranks it seems like an indisputable pick. I gave serious to laying (whats left of) my 401k on the game. After all, if Penn State lives up to expectations I would come out a huge winner. If Iowa decides to play up to potential and win, I am still a happy camper. Yet there is still that grey zone where Iowa loses by a touchdown or less and makes a loser of everyone. A scenario we have all encountered more than once. In my gut something tells me the Hawks still have a trick up their sleeve.
So here we go. Number 3 Penn State rolls in to Iowa this Saturday afternoon. The Nittany Lions have something to prove after being snubbed by the BCS. The Hawkeyes have something to prove after being embarrassed by the Zookettes. I am going to be honest. I kept my money in the bank. I think the Hawkeyes come out on top in a stunner (if they lose I will root against them for the rest of the season.) 28-24 HAWKS WIN!
November 10th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
You should go with your gut more often!!!! Nice prediction! I am crushed, as Penn State is my second favorite team, and I wanted to see Joe Pa get a National Championship before he dies on the field. Iowa’s season is already over. However, I congratulate them on a great win over a great team. Iowa is a great team as well……with some really shitty luck recently. Unfortunately, we no longer have any hope of a Big Ten team going to the N.C. game…..
November 12th, 2008 at 10:27 am
possibly the best game in IA’s history and there’s still no post about it. you want people to soak up your prediction, or what’s the deal?