Hey, Bob and I were at UNI when the greats were there. I mean I watched the family fued a couple times in Bryce Paup’s apartment.   Kurt Warner was a back up to Jay Johnson in our last year at UNI.  I did not know Kurt on any level, but played some pick up games against him, and the CR boys did school us a couple times in the intramural playoff games.   Bob was a manager on the football team and probably has better stories.   My point is Kurt Warner is one of us.   He is an Iowan, an open book.  He hides nothing, including his faith.  When doing radio or discussing Warner, I have always defended him.  Late in his time with the Rams and when he was with the Giants, I felt he was unfairly criticised.  I’m not saying justice is being served this year.  I just feel like I have a blind faith to trust Warner and his ability to get the job done if he is given a chance to prove himself.   This season, it has all fallen into place.  The cards defense found itself late, and Kurt has unreal tools to work with on offense.    Win or lose the title game Warner has proven that he has mastered the toughest role in football.   The Steelers do have an edge in this game.  Tradition is an intangible factor that can’t be measured in a game of this magnitude.  However, if there is one player that will not waiver in the face of adversity, it is Warner.  The Steeler Tradition may force the Cards to start wondering if they belong on this stage.   Warner will be ready with an answer.  It may not be enough, but Warner will not waiver.   Win or lose nothing will change Kurt Warner.  Win or Lose nothing will ever change my opinion of one of the best QB’s to ever play in the NFL.

brettfavreandthejets

Outback Look back

Hawk defense takes turn… first pass Tyler Sash with the pick.. Hawks defenders still throwing blocks after the whistle.. They are here for a fist fight.. Gamecocks wobbling and nearly on life support.. Greene.. Greene Greene.. TD Greene.. 14-0… 4:40 left in the first..

Defense continues.. SC QB Garcia Whacked. Fumble.. Sash on it..

  Offense seemed to get a little soft here. First a goofy pass to Moeaki a couple of incomplete throws to DJK one Greene rush for 5 yards.. This lead to a 45 yard FG miss by Murray.. Which I still have no Idea if it was close or not.. ESPN’s TV coverage of this game was not up to par.. They went through the motions and never got us to replays let alone catch the action as it happened. I had no real issues with the announcers.. Just though I had to use my DVR a little too much.. Offense’s third possession was a missed opportunity. I felt they had a game plan to include Moeaki.. I realize he is a talented player that has had some bad luck. But I feel featuring him in this game is a slight slap in the face of players like Brodell and Myers who have been reliable and consistent. Personal and selfish issue to me.. not a major deal, just an observation.

Gamecocks stop wobbling for a moment. Defense played a little bend don’t break.. Rush is getting heat but no sacks.. Fletcher gets the big pick in the end zone.. Parkers Boys hold again..

Start at 20.. Little pass to Morse.. Greene Run 1^st and 10. And we throw to a pass on 1^stdown to TE running vertical. Moeaki is the beneficiary here. It is a great call, for sure with kids like Tony, Brandon and Mr Risner.. But Go back to my personal/selfish side for a moment and I wish at some point in his career Myers would have been able to catch a vertical route on first down.

Great call anyway,, and overdue.. Leads to the Stanzi almost TD. Ruled down.. Greene finishes the deal.. 9-plays 80 yards.. 21-0 Gamecocks out cold but somehow still standing.. 8:09 left in the second

Defense back on field.. Hammer the Gamecocks on a big 3^rdand one.. It was cool….. Kroul and King were awesome on the play.. A moment that really defined what this team and defense were this year.. Cocks converted on 4^th and short.. And then Sash picked another one.. Made a nice run fumbled but Hawks got on it..

Then my selfish side gets a little more hot.. The hawks go Greene for 7… Good pass to DJK.. Moeaki again… then on second and 3 throw up a jump ball to Moeaki in the end zone.. No problem with the play call but not sure you throw up a ball in traffic to the softest player on your offense.. The guy is good.. But his effort on that play was weak. Sorry my “Man Crush” on Myers aside. I was miffed at that one.. Another missed opportunity, gamecocks get a moment to try to regain consciousness. D Holds….. Stanzi has a ball tipped and picked.. Hawks go to half up 21-0.… Cock-A-Doodle-Doo

The”Old”  Ball Coach goes to Smelly in the second half.. Up 21-0 and the cocks have a Smelly QB and a Succop(Pronounced Suck Up) for a kicker?? Really,, Iowa can’t lose to this dysfunctional train wreck. The Old Ball Coach looks like he is whispering to his coaches about football but I’m wondering if he is confirming Tee Times..

Anyhow, Smelly’s first pass not bad, but Fletcher knocks if from the WR.. IOWA BALL AGAIN..

OMG GREENE 5 carries Hampton 1… First and goal.. I think now is the time to reward one of my boys.. Throw it to Brodell or Myers right here.. But no.. Hampton.. Greene Twice for no gain.. FG.. Whoopee 24-0.. Game over.

Smelly then catches a little fire.. FG is good then..called off because of another error by the cocks.. Re-kick is no good.. Parker’s boys still have the shutout!

Offense on the field we are using all the play clock.. .. I hate this but understand it.. I have a tendency to want to destroy teams of lesser talent when given the chance.. Boom, we do get a delay of game… no matter.. We realize that Brodell and Myers are on the team.. Each catch a pass.. And Greene finishes it with ease.. 31-0.. On his way to the NFL.. No Doubt..

Cocks are done and frankly horrible. Do add 10 late points.. HAWKS knock the gamecock out of the kicker on the an onside kick.. come on?? DORK ball coach..     Hawks do get senior Jared Oberland a late(probably too late)carry.. And season over.

As I’ve posted before, I wanted more for this team.. Not a national title but more. The loss at Pitt still bothers me. However the Character and Leadership of this Senior Class is impressive. Goes to show you passion is always more powerful than talent. Talent doesn’t hurt.. And the Hawks have a bunch returning.. Hope the passion returns to the field next year…….Along with “Iowa’s ball coach”… He would be missed..