Shonn Greene of the University of Iowa is undeniably one of the best running backs in college football.  As a result, we have received several emails asking us to publish the link to the ESPN Heisman vote.  My understanding is that there are 924 votes for the Heisman.  Nissan is allowing internet users to cast their votes.  They will in turn cast their vote for the candidate receiving the most online votes.  CLICK HERE to go vote for Greene and support Iowa Hawkeye football.

After destroying the Wisconsin Badgers with 217 yds and 4TD’s, Shonn Greene and his IOWA HAWKEYE teammates are set to have a week off in preparation for the Fighting Illini.  This scenario can only conger up images that are imbedded into my HAWKEYE psyche. 

The year was 1990 and the HAWKEYES were facing the #1 ranked rushing defense in the BIG TEN in Memorial Stadium. Illinois was  ranked 3^rd nationally for rushing defense.  On Iowa’s 1^st offensive play Nick ran for 44 yards.  It was all downhill for the #5 Illini after that as Nick went on post 168 yards and 2 TD’s in a 56-28 route.   Tony Stewart added 101 rushing yards and a halfback pass to Danan Hughes for a touchdown.  We also scored on a fake field goal and amassed 540 total yards.

Unlike Nick Bell, SHONN GREENE will face an Illinois defense that well is not quite a stout as the 1990 version.  Shonn also gets a week to rest up but so do the Illini as they are playing the Badgers.  This game will be broadcast regionally so another huge day may just put this legendary HAWKEYE further into the national and dare I say Heisman spotlight.   Our stout defense will struggle against the mobile Juice Williams but maybe the Badgers will actually do us a favor this weekend and remind him that he plays in the Big Ten with some hard hits. 

I am not making my game prediction as of yet but as I look at the Illini defense I think our offensive line and SHONN GREENE are licking their chops for this game.  I hate bye weeks.

After two consecutive wins over Big Ten’s “D” Teams, we are led to wonder what is next for Iowa Hawkeye football.  Are they really as impressive as they have begun to look?  There is no denying the fact that the Hawks look like they have finally started gelling as a team.  Will it be enough to salvage a respectable season, or are we doomed to more late-season disappointment?

As we have been saying all year, they Hawkeye football talent pool this year is undeniable.  The last two games would seem to indicate they have finally come together as a team behind coach Kirk Ferentz.  They would appear to have grown up by leaps and bounds over just the last few weeks.

The Iowa Hawkeyes next game with Illinois should set the tone for the remainder of the season.  Should the Hawks be able to come away with a win, they will be on a roll going into Penn State.  I can only imagine the implications of that game had the Hawks been undefeated- a scenario that at this point is only a cumulative 9 points from being a reality. 

Illinois football was a team I thought had a chance to be a real contender this year.  Although they have had almost as many ups and downs as Iowa, they look to have righted the ship against Indiana.  The Illinois vs. Wisconsin game this weekend should offer us more insight as to what Illinois team will be taking the field against Iowa.  Both teams are trying to salvage a respectable season.  Both teams as of now are coming off massive wins.  The Hawks have a bye week this week so at this point I would say anything can happen. 

The Hawkeyes have been looking like a shark that just got the scent of blood.  Everyone on that team realizes they are on the verge of being a real contender.  I think Iowa goes into Illinois with something to prove.  My (pre Wisconsin vs. Illinois) prediction goes to the Hawks 34-24.

When the Hawks win, Iowa City will be energized for Penn State as we have not seen in years.  Kirk suckered me in again- I will be making the trip back from Vegas for the game.  You will probably recognize me as the guy stumbling haphazardly from tailgate to tailgate!  Feel free to email if you are looking for us to come crash YOUR tailgate (or just need a very reasonably priced male exotic dancer for your next party!) 

In all seriousness- are the Hawks a better team than Penn State?  Probably not.  Hawkeye football is a notoriously good team when playing big games as the underdog.  With momentum on their side anything can happen!