winklogo200.png

Football Daily

Iowa Hawkeyes Football History
Search results provided by xnetd.com
Page Blog Posts

Greatest Pro Team
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team

FREE Daily Sports History
You are only seconds away from receiving the Pigpen's Newsletter everyday filled with new items

SUBSCRIBE BY CLICKING _________________________  

Iowa Hawkeyes Football History

Iowa began playing football as a club sport in 1872, and the first intercollegiate game was played in 1889 against Grinnell College. Iowa joined the Big Ten Conference in 1899, and won their first conference championship in 1900.

The Hawkeyes enjoyed a period of success in the early 20th century, winning conference championships in 1921 and 1922. However, the program fell on hard times in the mid-century, and it wasn't until the arrival of head coach Hayden Fry in 1979 that Iowa returned to prominence.

Fry led the Hawkeyes to five conference championships and six bowl games during his 20 years at the helm. He was succeeded by Kirk Ferentz in 1999, and Ferentz has continued the tradition of success, leading Iowa to 10 bowl games and three conference championships.

The Hawkeyes are known for their strong defense and running game. They have also been known to produce some of the best college quarterbacks in the country, including Chuck Long, Brad Banks, and Nate Stanley.

Iowa has a passionate fan base, and Kinnick Stadium, where the Hawkeyes play their home games, is one of the most intimidating venues in college football.

Here are some of the most notable moments in Iowa Hawkeyes football history:

  • 1958: Iowa wins the Rose Bowl and claims a national championship.
  • 1979: Hayden Fry arrives as head coach and begins to rebuild the program.
  • 1981: Iowa wins its first conference championship under Fry.
  • 1985: Iowa wins the Big Ten championship and makes its first appearance in the Rose Bowl since 1958.
  • 1990: Iowa wins the Big Ten championship and makes its second appearance in the Rose Bowl in five years.
  • 1999: Kirk Ferentz takes over as head coach.
  • 2002: Iowa wins the Big Ten championship and makes its first appearance in the Orange Bowl.
  • 2004: Iowa wins the Big Ten championship and makes its second appearance in the Orange Bowl in three years.
  • 2021: Iowa wins the Big Ten West division championship and makes its first appearance in the Big Ten Championship Game since 2015.
     

Check out the top posts of the internet on the history of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team by joining us in the celebration of college football history.  The Hawkeyes gridders represent the University of Iowa on the field. See the best web posts that tell the Iowa football story below.

Results 11 thru 13 of 13 for "iowa hawkeyes"
Go To Page: 1 2

Why the Iowa Football Unis look Like the Steelers by Randy Snow

Randy Snow, historian and co-host of The WORLD OF FOOTBALL Kalamazoo, dives into the story of the IOWA HAWKEYES and how their uniforms came to look eerily similar to that of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The connection goes back into the seventies with a connection between then Iowa Coach Hayden Frye, Steelers Coach Chuck Noll, and the Rooney family. Randy does an excellent job of clearing up a gridiron uniform mystery.

The 1925 Iowa-Wisconsin Snow Game’s 33 Fumbles

I published a story about a week ago regarding WSUI, the University of Iowa’s radio station, and its coverage of football games in the 1920s. I noted that WSUI only broadcast the first four games of the 1925 season, which led a reader, Bill Claypool, to suggest they might have missed the Wisconsin game due to the game being played in a blizzard. — www.footballarchaeology.com
The winter wonderland gridiron clash of 1925 between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Iowa Hawkeyes as told by FootballArchaeology.com.

On a crisp November day in 1925, the battle lines were drawn at Iowa Field in Iowa City. The Iowa Hawkeyes, seeking revenge for a narrow loss to Wisconsin the previous year, clashed with the Badgers, hungry to solidify their position in the newly formed Big Ten Conference.

Wisconsin, under the guidance of first-year Head Coach George Little, entered the game boasting a 5-0 record against non-conference opponents. Iowa, coached by Burt Ingwersen, sported a respectable 3-2 record, eager to prove their mettle against their Big Ten rivals.

The game unfolded as a defensive stalemate, with both teams struggling to move the ball consistently. Neither offense could find the end zone in the first half, leaving the halftime score locked at a scoreless tie. The tension crackled in the crisp Iowa air as fans of both teams held their breath.

The second half brought a glimmer of hope for the Hawkeyes. A sustained drive fueled by the running of Howard Baxter culminated in a field goal by Harold Swanson, giving Iowa a precarious 3-0 lead. The crowd erupted, but the celebration was short-lived.

Wisconsin responded with a punishing ground attack of their own. Doyle Harmon, the Badgers' star halfback, weaved through the Hawkeye defense, finally breaking free for a 15-yard touchdown run. With the extra point, Wisconsin snatched the lead 7-3, sending a wave of elation through their supporters.

The remaining minutes ticked away with agonizing slowness. Iowa made desperate attempts to equalize, but the Badger defense held firm. The final whistle blew, sealing Wisconsin's 7-3 victory.

Despite the defeat, the 1925 Hawkeye-Badger matchup remains a noteworthy chapter in both teams' histories. It marked the first competitive Big Ten game for both programs, setting the stage for a long and storied rivalry. It also showcased the defensive prowess of both teams, with strong performances from players like Doyle Harmon and Harold Swanson.

A History of Iowa's AP Poll Peaks

Few sights elicit as much joy in Iowa City as Hawkeye red raining down on Kinnick Stadium on a crisp fall Saturday. But when it comes to pure excitement, nothing quite matches the sight of the Hawkeyes soaring to the top of the Associated Press (AP) Poll. While not as frequent as some of college football's blue bloods, Iowa's moments amidst the elite are etched in Hawkeye lore, each one a testament to the program's enduring grit and talent.

The first time Iowa truly etched its name in the national consciousness came in 1955. Led by Forest Evashevski and the legendary Nile Kinnick, the Hawkeyes climbed to No. 3 in the polls, a feat unimaginable in the program's early years. Though they fell short of reaching the pinnacle, this ranking marked a turning point, announcing Iowa's arrival on the national stage.

Fast forward to 1985, and Hawkeye fans found themselves chanting "Hayden's Hawkeyes!" with newfound fervor. Under coach Hayden Fry, a team fueled by explosive offense and swarming defense reached No. 2 in the polls, culminating in a Rose Bowl appearance. This peak, alongside several top-10 finishes throughout the Fry era, cemented Iowa's place among college football's elite.

The 2002 season proved that the Hawkeye spirit burned as bright as ever. With Brad Banks orchestrating a potent offense, Iowa ascended to No. 2 once again, battling it out with powerhouses like Oklahoma and Miami. Though their pursuit of a national championship fell short, this ascent reaffirmed Iowa's ability to compete with the best in the nation.

Most recently, the 2022 season saw the Hawkeyes soar under Kirk Ferentz's steady leadership. Fueled by a stingy defense and the clutch play of quarterback Spencer Petras, Iowa climbed to No. 2 in the polls, thrilling fans with wins over Penn State and rival Minnesota. While their national championship bid ultimately ended in the Big Ten Championship Game, this peak demonstrated that the Hawkeyes remain a force to be reckoned with.

While Iowa's appearances at the top of the AP Poll may be rarer than some, each instance embodies the spirit of Hawkeye football: resilience, hard work, and a refusal to back down from any challenge.
Results 11 thru 13 of 13 for "iowa hawkeyes"
Go To Page: 1 2

Topics Related to Iowa Hawkeyes Football History

 

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there! Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch _________________________

Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the fun in preserving football history go to The Official PFRA Website. _________________________
We have placed some product links on this page. If you purchase by clicking on them, we will get a commission to use to help with operating costs.

Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch. _________________________

 
Gridiron Legacy: Pro Football's Missing Origin Story
Author Gregg Ficery tells the story of the beginnings of Pro Football through the pro football career of his Great Grandfather, Bob Shiring _________________________

Sports History Network
A Proud Partner in the Headquarters of Sports Yesteryear, SHN. _________________________

Sports Memorabilia
This Deal Ends Soon! We have become an affiliate of

SportsMemorabilia.com. Find the latest deals on football treasures. When you purchase you not only get great historical items but you also help Pigskin Dispatch. It is win win!

Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry. _________________________

Posts on "Iowa Hawkeyes Football History"

GROUPS: PUBLICSITEGROUP