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Hawkeye Sky

College Football Programs | Hawkeye Sky

The 1922 Rose Bowl
Celebrate 2 of the top Gridiron Coaches in history in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

When Greasy Met the Wonder Coach

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

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Dive into the Depths of College Football

Take a deep dive into the history and origins of the top gridiron teams and programs at the collegiate level. We celebrate the game of American football right from its roots. The concept started with youngsters of different schools competing against each other and the game at that level still thrives.

College football – a tapestry woven from roaring stadiums, electrifying plays, and passionate rivalries. But beyond the spectacle, lies the beating heart of the sport: the college football programs themselves. Each one, a unique ecosystem of tradition, strategy, and vibrant personalities, shaping the future of the game and inspiring generations of fans. In this series, we'll delve deep into these programs, exploring their storied histories, iconic figures, and the intricate dance of coaching philosophies and player development that shapes their triumphs and challenges. So, grab your jersey, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by the captivating world of college football programs, where legends are forged, dynasties built, and every Saturday becomes a battleground for gridiron glory!


Charting the Heights of Iowa's Passing Prowess

What do the top 25 passing seasons in Hawkeyes history look like? Here’s the best passing seasons in Iowa’s black and gold. — hawkeyeswire.usatoday.com

While Iowa Hawkeyes football may be synonymous with its stout defense and punishing ground game, it's not always been a run-first affair. Scattered among the memories of powerful backs and stingy D-lines reside seasons where the airwaves sang with the symphony of crisp throws and soaring receptions. Let's embark on a journey through the annals of Hawkeye history, unearthing the seasons where Iowa took to the skies with the best of them.

1985: Chuck's Cannon Barrage: The air crackled with electricity in Kinnick Stadium as Chuck Long, affectionately known as "Chuck Strong," unleashed his cannon arm. Long amassed a then-school record 3,689 yards, dissecting defenses with pinpoint accuracy. This offensive explosion propelled the Hawkeyes to a 10-1 record, a Big Ten Championship, and a Rose Bowl appearance, cementing 1985 as the dawn of the golden age of Hawkeye passing.

2002-2004: The Brad Banks Era: Brad Banks, the "Golden Bantam," wasn't just a quarterback; he was a conductor, orchestrating an offensive masterpiece. In back-to-back seasons, Banks surpassed the 3,000-yard mark, leading the Hawkeyes to three consecutive top-10 finishes. His pinpoint throws to receivers like Robert Gallery and Jermaine Lewis painted breathtaking aerial portraits, etching his name into Hawkeye lore as one of the best passers the program has ever seen.

2019: Stanley Takes Flight: After years of a conservative approach, Nate Stanley finally unleashed the offensive dam. Stanley rewrote the record books, shattering 27 school records, including a single-season mark of 3,109 yards. His potent connections with T.J. Hockenson and Brandon Smith had Hawkeye fans chanting "Big Nate!" with newfound enthusiasm, proving that Iowa could win through the air just as effectively as on the ground.

These seasons weren't just statistical anomalies; they were cultural shifts. They showed that the Hawkeyes could embrace the vertical game without sacrificing their defensive identity. They proved that Iowa quarterbacks could sling it with the best, silencing critics and rewriting narratives.

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 _________________________

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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. _________________________

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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. _________________________