While my hands are still stinging from clapping and my throat's still raw from yelling, I'm going to put this out there. A win is a win is a win. But oh. my. god.
First of all, I was texting during the game and admittedly had given up on my team ("I'm prepared to lose," is what I said). No, I'm not a fair-weather fan; because I was still gonna have my Hawk love, but I really did not think we were going to win. I thought we were going to lose by double digits. I don't have the exact stats, but it felt as though we were down by two touchdowns for half the game. I know it wasn't actually that long, but it REALLY felt like it.
Anyway, my love for McNutt is back in full force and more. I mean, can the kid get any more likable? First, his name is awesome. Second, he catches and he RUNS. I don't even know whether he made one or two touchdowns. It doesn't really matter in my book.
Also, I am SO sick of hearing lame-ass fans shouting and complaining about Stanzi. In case they haven't noticed, we're 9-0. In case they also haven't noticed, the team is ever faithful to their man and that means more to me than any civilian's opinion. I was recently conversing with one of the offensive linemen about the nail-biter at MSU. I expressed my genuine awe and shock at the narrowness of our escape. His reply? "I knew we were going to get it." That's it. He just knew. While I will NEVER be that blindly faithful, I think we can all learn something from that statement. Bitching about our quarterback and believing he should be benched (yes, I heard this today...) is NOT the spirit of the Hawkeyes. The spirit of the Hawkeyes is knowing every player on that field is working to the best of their ability to make not only that game, but each individual block, run, pass, etc the most perfect it can be. As an athlete I can say that NO ONE wants to be the best more than the players themselves. And that's where the faith part comes in. (Shout out to Talya!)
On that note: Hawks, way to bust a McNutt!!!!
ETA: I need to make a shout out to Adrian Clayborn. IMO, the very best defensive player we have right now. And that's AFTER Sash's sweet TD!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
What Da Heck?
I'm really confused. It's a product of my newness at this football stuff, but all these different polls and who gets to choose the winner and how the computers love Iowa but people hate us...all that; it's confusing. I'm used to sports like gymnastics where, even if the judging is subjective, it's pretty clear who the winner is based on points alone.
I tried to get this guy (thanks Keith!) to explain how football rankings work to me, and I just wound up even more confused. But have no fear, I don't really care. I like to watch the game. I like to watch us WIN. Whatever happens in the post-season is great, especially if it's us playing and us winning, but really, I just like to watch the ball make it to the end-zone.
That said, I'm really kinda sad that being part of the Big 10 makes us look lame. Anybody who knows me that I'm one of the most competitive girls you will ever meet. Forget everybody winning, forget making people feel good. I want to be on top of the podium...and it is SO totally lame that people's perceptions get to decide where the Hawks end up.
Anyway, I really don't know what I'm talking about here. I guess I just am trying to tide myself over until Saturday. Thank God it's an early game (sorry all you tailgaters!) because I can't wait!
I tried to get this guy (thanks Keith!) to explain how football rankings work to me, and I just wound up even more confused. But have no fear, I don't really care. I like to watch the game. I like to watch us WIN. Whatever happens in the post-season is great, especially if it's us playing and us winning, but really, I just like to watch the ball make it to the end-zone.
That said, I'm really kinda sad that being part of the Big 10 makes us look lame. Anybody who knows me that I'm one of the most competitive girls you will ever meet. Forget everybody winning, forget making people feel good. I want to be on top of the podium...and it is SO totally lame that people's perceptions get to decide where the Hawks end up.
Anyway, I really don't know what I'm talking about here. I guess I just am trying to tide myself over until Saturday. Thank God it's an early game (sorry all you tailgaters!) because I can't wait!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
The Reverse Silver Lining
You know, you often hear about that silver lining that appears in bad situations. Folks, right now I am in the midst of seeing what I'd like to call the black lining to a fabulously brilliant, fluffy white cloud on a perfect day.
I think I care too much. It's Tuesday night, and I'm getting nervous. I'm getting nervous for a game that isn't going to happen for 4 more days. I'm getting nervous for a game against an opponent with a 1-3 Big 10 and 4-4 overall record. I'm getting nervous because I can't stand the thought of us losing. I can't stand the thought of us losing to anyone, but particularly at home, after our record breaking 8-0 start to a...well, I don't feel qualified enough to say "bad" but maybe a "less than stellar" team.
Before last week's game began, I kept telling everyone, "I just want it to be over! I don't even want to watch; I want to know the scores and I want it to be over!" How's that for nuts? I told you I care too much! Now, looking back, I'm obviously glad I watched. I mean, my dad compared it to "The Catch" of the 2005 Capital One bowl.
This is an audio...I just love the passion behind it, especially starting right after the 1:30 mark:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnKckP-Ayow&feature=related
But here's the video in case seeing is believing (actual catch around 1:05 mark):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5ipzYMb2SQ&feature=related
And heeeeeeeere's McNutt:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZgMtnxysUI
By the way, I almost had a heart attack watching those last few plays.
Anyway, I'm getting off topic, which might actually be a good thing because it's distracting me from my nervous feelings.
Actually, I have a final thought, speaking of nervousness. If I have to watch another Iowa player go down, I might go down myself! As if seeing Greenwood carried off on a stretcher wasn't bad enough, watching Sandeman twitch on the field literally made me want to throw up. When they cut back from commercial and he was walking off the field, I almost freaking fainted. I tell you, if nothing else, football is exercising my adrenal glands.
I'm out. Go Hawks!
I think I care too much. It's Tuesday night, and I'm getting nervous. I'm getting nervous for a game that isn't going to happen for 4 more days. I'm getting nervous for a game against an opponent with a 1-3 Big 10 and 4-4 overall record. I'm getting nervous because I can't stand the thought of us losing. I can't stand the thought of us losing to anyone, but particularly at home, after our record breaking 8-0 start to a...well, I don't feel qualified enough to say "bad" but maybe a "less than stellar" team.
Before last week's game began, I kept telling everyone, "I just want it to be over! I don't even want to watch; I want to know the scores and I want it to be over!" How's that for nuts? I told you I care too much! Now, looking back, I'm obviously glad I watched. I mean, my dad compared it to "The Catch" of the 2005 Capital One bowl.
This is an audio...I just love the passion behind it, especially starting right after the 1:30 mark:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnKckP-Ayow&feature=related
But here's the video in case seeing is believing (actual catch around 1:05 mark):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5ipzYMb2SQ&feature=related
And heeeeeeeere's McNutt:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZgMtnxysUI
By the way, I almost had a heart attack watching those last few plays.
Anyway, I'm getting off topic, which might actually be a good thing because it's distracting me from my nervous feelings.
Actually, I have a final thought, speaking of nervousness. If I have to watch another Iowa player go down, I might go down myself! As if seeing Greenwood carried off on a stretcher wasn't bad enough, watching Sandeman twitch on the field literally made me want to throw up. When they cut back from commercial and he was walking off the field, I almost freaking fainted. I tell you, if nothing else, football is exercising my adrenal glands.
I'm out. Go Hawks!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Ahh, The Beginning.
As I write this, I should be writing a paper, or at least viewing the classic '80s television show Doogie Howser, M.D. in order to write said paper. However, here I sit, as I have for the past hour, obsessing over my new love. I LOVE football. I LOVE it. More specifically, I love the Hawkeyes. Sure, I have spent a lot of time in the past couple months watching youtube videos of not just the Hawks, but other teams as well. And I can appreciate their great plays and last minute touchdowns. I'm even beginning to appreciate the hard hits and total knockouts associated with this crazy game. And crazy it is. But mostly I love my team.
However, we can't start here. Oh no. You see, unlike many (most?) Hawk fans, I have not been here through thick and thin. I have been here through thick, and that's it. But there's a reason for this. You see, I didn't like football until this summer. I spent a large portion of my summer staying with friends in TN. Tennessee may not be football capital of the United States (by now I've educated myself enough to realize that place would be Texas) but boy, do they love their football. They love the Titans, and they love UT. They love their HS ball and their middle school ball. And they even love their grade school ball. Which is how I became educated on this crazy game in the first place. A seven year old explained football to me. And by God, it worked. He used a few legos to map out an "I formation" and explained how they might do a fake, complete with how you use your arms to confuse the opponent. Then I watched a few of his games...and guess what? I ACTUALLY got it. I knew what was going on. With a few brief explanations from his parents, I was enjoying and understanding football. Wow.
So I came back to the good old IC and decided, in my senior year, to purchase my first football tickets. I couldn't have made a better decision.
Now, I couldn't complete this post without mentioning my friend, Jordan. The girl is good. She stood next to me at my very first game and answered every last one of my questions. According to her, she's been a football fan since she was born. And the girl knows the game. In fact, I remember that very first game against UNI, and how it came down to not just one, but TWO blocked field goals. At the first attempt, Jordan was there next to me, hands to cheeks, bemoaning our chances. I, naive to the core, thought there might be a good chance they'd miss. When the first attempt got blocked, Jordan and I both screamed. I didn't know that blocked field goals almost NEVER happen. I didn't know that we had won by what came down to pretty much luck. Oh, but we soon found out that not only was luck on the Hawkeyes' side, but skill too. Because it was then that the refs called out that UNI STILL had possession and they were about to attempt another field goal! Still naive, still hopeful, I KNEW they'd block it again. But this wasn't some blind faith I had in the Hawks. It was straight up ignorance. But that ignorance saved me, and probably my heart too. Jordan seemed on the verge of a heart attack next to me as we blocked that second attempt! Luckily all's well that ends well, and my very first football game went down with a W for my team.
Thus far, only two other games have much significance for me, and believe it or not, both are away. I'd heard about Penn State. Ohhhh, had I heard. I watched the videos, I was pulled into the hype. I not only wanted us to win again, but I NEEDED it. I wanted to have the same feelings my friends did when they rushed the field after that awe-inspiring 2008 upset. I actually traveled to my parents' house to watch this game. Both of my parents have been Hawk fans since WAAAAAY before I was ever born, and I wanted to cherish this shared experience with them. It also helped that my dad has an awesome giant HD TV. So when that awful opening play went down, it was me reminding my dad that the game had barely begun and that touchdown meant nothing. Besides, rumors had already been circulating that we were a second-half team, and boy did we prove it at (not so) Happy (anymore) Valley. My favorite play that game is probably the same as every other Hawk fan's: Adrian Clayborn's fabulous block and scoop to run for a touchdown. Ahhh, what a night. But as for plays of the season, so far that award is going to Marvin McNutt. Near the beginning of the season I had him pegged as my favorite receiver, but my love began to wane as I saw the GOD that is Tony Moeaki. However, McNutt has been redeemed and for good reason. This time it was my dad trying to reassure me. I KNEW we were going to lose to MSU on Saturday night. I KNEW it. I mean, we had just failed to catch 3 passes. There's 2 seconds left on the game clock at 4th and goal. A field goal wouldn't be enough; it had to be a touchdown. But my dad was freaking right. The hawks came through again! Another W, and we're 8-0.
I probably can't even appreciate that 8-0 as much as most other Hawk fans. I mean, who am I? I have yet to see a losing game! Of course I love the Hawks! But what a feat...if nothing else, this year's team has me convinced...I'll be a fan. I'll be a fan LONG-TIME.
-Andrea
However, we can't start here. Oh no. You see, unlike many (most?) Hawk fans, I have not been here through thick and thin. I have been here through thick, and that's it. But there's a reason for this. You see, I didn't like football until this summer. I spent a large portion of my summer staying with friends in TN. Tennessee may not be football capital of the United States (by now I've educated myself enough to realize that place would be Texas) but boy, do they love their football. They love the Titans, and they love UT. They love their HS ball and their middle school ball. And they even love their grade school ball. Which is how I became educated on this crazy game in the first place. A seven year old explained football to me. And by God, it worked. He used a few legos to map out an "I formation" and explained how they might do a fake, complete with how you use your arms to confuse the opponent. Then I watched a few of his games...and guess what? I ACTUALLY got it. I knew what was going on. With a few brief explanations from his parents, I was enjoying and understanding football. Wow.
So I came back to the good old IC and decided, in my senior year, to purchase my first football tickets. I couldn't have made a better decision.
Now, I couldn't complete this post without mentioning my friend, Jordan. The girl is good. She stood next to me at my very first game and answered every last one of my questions. According to her, she's been a football fan since she was born. And the girl knows the game. In fact, I remember that very first game against UNI, and how it came down to not just one, but TWO blocked field goals. At the first attempt, Jordan was there next to me, hands to cheeks, bemoaning our chances. I, naive to the core, thought there might be a good chance they'd miss. When the first attempt got blocked, Jordan and I both screamed. I didn't know that blocked field goals almost NEVER happen. I didn't know that we had won by what came down to pretty much luck. Oh, but we soon found out that not only was luck on the Hawkeyes' side, but skill too. Because it was then that the refs called out that UNI STILL had possession and they were about to attempt another field goal! Still naive, still hopeful, I KNEW they'd block it again. But this wasn't some blind faith I had in the Hawks. It was straight up ignorance. But that ignorance saved me, and probably my heart too. Jordan seemed on the verge of a heart attack next to me as we blocked that second attempt! Luckily all's well that ends well, and my very first football game went down with a W for my team.
Thus far, only two other games have much significance for me, and believe it or not, both are away. I'd heard about Penn State. Ohhhh, had I heard. I watched the videos, I was pulled into the hype. I not only wanted us to win again, but I NEEDED it. I wanted to have the same feelings my friends did when they rushed the field after that awe-inspiring 2008 upset. I actually traveled to my parents' house to watch this game. Both of my parents have been Hawk fans since WAAAAAY before I was ever born, and I wanted to cherish this shared experience with them. It also helped that my dad has an awesome giant HD TV. So when that awful opening play went down, it was me reminding my dad that the game had barely begun and that touchdown meant nothing. Besides, rumors had already been circulating that we were a second-half team, and boy did we prove it at (not so) Happy (anymore) Valley. My favorite play that game is probably the same as every other Hawk fan's: Adrian Clayborn's fabulous block and scoop to run for a touchdown. Ahhh, what a night. But as for plays of the season, so far that award is going to Marvin McNutt. Near the beginning of the season I had him pegged as my favorite receiver, but my love began to wane as I saw the GOD that is Tony Moeaki. However, McNutt has been redeemed and for good reason. This time it was my dad trying to reassure me. I KNEW we were going to lose to MSU on Saturday night. I KNEW it. I mean, we had just failed to catch 3 passes. There's 2 seconds left on the game clock at 4th and goal. A field goal wouldn't be enough; it had to be a touchdown. But my dad was freaking right. The hawks came through again! Another W, and we're 8-0.
I probably can't even appreciate that 8-0 as much as most other Hawk fans. I mean, who am I? I have yet to see a losing game! Of course I love the Hawks! But what a feat...if nothing else, this year's team has me convinced...I'll be a fan. I'll be a fan LONG-TIME.
-Andrea
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