Anyone who loves freedom (and CareBears, mind you) needs to root for Percy Harvin and Greg Olsen tonight.  They also need the Bears to score just over 100 points or so.

The Championship Game in the BHGP Fantasy Football League just got real, folks:

Again, rooting interests - Percy Harvin, Greg Olsen, anti-Minnesota Vikings defense.

Blame Drew Brees for this sort of conclusion on the season.  Or blame Zook.  Either one is fine by me.

http://www.cyclones.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10700&ATCLID=3722007

I'm sure Hawk fans can create something more realistic than that... can't they?  The current ones are ok to make fun of, but there have to be Drafts out there that never made it to Final Production.

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WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD - WORD

To be fair, I think we owe our football and basketball players a lot of credit in getting this one done.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090417/lf_nm_life/us_colleges_party_1/print

The top 10 party schools are below in order of rank:

1) University of Miami

2) University of Texas (Austin)

3) San Diego State University

4) University of Florida

5) University of Arizona

6) University of Wisconsin (Madison)

7) University of Georgia

8) Louisiana State University

9) University of Iowa

10) West Virginia University

http://northwestern.scout.com/2/826927.html

What a damn joke.

WOO HOO!

Iowa defeats #3 Penn State.

New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video New Scothawk Video

[Bumped. Congratulations to Klug, of course, but he only dominated the second half of an absolute laugher. Don't most guys who win POTW, like, start?--OPS]

DEFENSE:

Karl Klug, Iowa, SO, DE, Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia

After missing most of last season due to injury, Klug posted career highs with nine tackles and two sacks while also forcing a fumble to help the Iowa defense post a shutout against Florida International. The sophomore defensive end’s second sack forced a fumble that was recovered by Iowa on FIU’s final drive. The Hawkeyes limited the Golden Panthers to 56 rushing yards and four-of-15 on third downs. Iowa posted its fifth shutout in Kirk Ferentz’ nine-plus seasons as head coach and its second straight dominant defensive outing, after holding Maine to a field goal on Aug. 30. Klug earns his first weekly honor.

LAST IOWA DEFENSIVE POW: LB Mike Humpal on Oct. 15, 2007

Hawkeyesports has updated the Football roster.  The incoming froshes have their numbers; Shonn Greene gets his old one back.  Fun for all.  Although Marcus Wilson and David Blackwell have pages on Hawkeyesports, I don't see them listed on the roster... yet.  Probably nothing to worry about.  Other notes:  Paine is listed as a WR, Staten at LB, and Riley Reiff is still on the team.

HERE ARE THE NUMBERS FOR THE INCOMING FRESHMAN COURTESY OF HAWKEYESPORTS.COM

Pretty egregious error on Casey McMillan's height and weight (6'4"/295, who are they kidding?), but we'll let it slide as this is probably just a preliminary release.

How many days until kickoff?

Here is the second and final part of this installment of BHGP Roundtable.  All four authors that contribute to BHGP were to answer 12 incredibly written questions... yada, yada, if you don't understand what's going on, refer to Part One.  Six questions then, six questions now.  Wow.  Fun.

LEGEND (for those of you scoring at home):

	Oops Pow Surprise
	Hawkeye State
	Jebus H Christ
	storminspank

EXPLANATION OF THE LEGEND:  Again, go back to Part One to get the lowdown.

The final six questions after the jump.

Continue reading this post »

This piece was meant to have been an all-inclusive, one-stop-pop roundtable discussion on the upcoming Hawkeye football season.  All four authors that contribute to BHGP were to answer 12 incredibly written questions and give their expertly expert expertise.  Seeing that I collaberate with a bunch of overzealous, pompous wannabees (I can only assume they were the same guys who, as kids, ran to the front of the class to be first to hand in their math assignments), this story is much larger than I anticipated.  Henceforth (yeah, big word, I know), this will be a double dipper.  Six questions now, six questions later.  Wow.  Fun.

LEGEND (for those of you scoring at home):

	Oops Pow Surprise
	Hawkeye State
	Jebus H Christ
	storminspank

EXPLANATION OF THE LEGEND:  If you were wondering about the basis of the icons for each contributor to the roundtable.  Here’s your answer.  I suppose I could have used everyone’s current avatar, but that would just confuse everyone severely.  The only logical thing to do was to go to Google.  It basically runs everything in the world, top to bottom.  The Google image results were studied and the most applicable images were used.  Sure, JHC gets a flaming unicorn and I get Pearl Jam rocking out on stage, but that’s randomization at its best.  If you disagree, go screw.

Now, without further ado, the questions…

Well, there’s a little more ado.  The questions are after the jump… so… make the jump… now.

Continue reading this post »

	Coach Lickliter, thank you for agreeing to meet with me... even though I live in 200 miles away from you and the fact that I didn't actually  secure an interview of any form with you.
	Thank you for conducting this fake interview.
	You're welcome.
	Thank you.
	Thank you. I mean, you're welcome. Er... thank you??
	(Pause)
	So last season went pretty well, huh?
	[long look, then puts head in his hands]
	Nah, I'm just messing with you. Last year really sucked. I mean, I tried to be optimistic throughout the season, but we were bad... like LA Clippers during the 80's and 90's bad. We even lost our own tournament we set up in order for us to win a preseason tournament. Shouldn't be a problem, though, because I saw you took it into your own hands that we'll never lose the Challenge again, as you got rid of it completely.
	Yeah, the Hawkeye Challenge had too much Hawkeye in it. However, I thought our team played through a lot of adversity. Tony's early injury, then Jarryd gets nicked for the season. All in all I thought our guys gave it their all. I'd still like to see them play a different style, a certain way if you will.
	What way would that be?
	The Butler Way.
	The what way?
	The Butler Way.
	Ooooh Kaaaay. So you want Iowa Hawkeye basketball players to play as if they were playing for a completely different team?
	Precisely. If I can get everyone to play just like Butler does, we are going to go places. I can see it already. Anthony Tucker will be Mike Green. In fact, I have already told Anthony that he will be wearing #10. Devan Bawinkle gets to play A.J. Graves. Um, let's see, oh, Matt Gatens will be known as Pete Campbell. I have everyone picked out. It's going to be great.

Continue reading this post »

Now that the NBA Draft is around the corner done, what better time than now to hit up a Gornstar highlight reel?  The X-Factor is out in full force.  Throw in some caress rebounds, perfect-form free throws, defensive side guarding, and plenty 19 foot 2-pt FGs and the world sits in awe of the man that is Gornstar.

(H/T: DONJUAN2234 at HawkeyeNation)

Mac has done it again!

Although the major recruiting sites have yet to confirm the verbal from young Julius Michalik, Jr., I have spoke with several insiders and they say that it's a done deal.  This would be the earliest a recruit has ever committed to the ISU program.

While there is only one piece of video currently on the web showcasing Michalik's skills, there's no doubt that he will fit right in with his fellow Clones... well, the ones that are actually left on the team.

VIDEO IS BELOW

The shot itself is gorgeous, but what I really appreciate is his hustle on the defensive side of the ball.  Probably a four year starter for ISU.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8dcE0fOC04

While Ed Norton continues to get money from his movie obviously based off of the life and times of Casey McMillan, I can't help but think some sort of royalties need to be paid to the incoming freshman.  Maybe some sort of likeness fee?  I don't know.  I've never studied law... or paid attention to it when I took any of those classes.

I think the McMillan family has a case, though.

With the PTL starting, it only makes sense to take a look at what the Iowa Hawkeye basketball team is going to be bringing to the court this upcoming season.

After a disappointing 6-12 Big Ten record and 8th place finish in Todd Lickliter's first season as Iowa's head coach, the Hawks are looking to make significant strides in the right direction this year.

Iowa will say goodbye to five players, leaving six players from last year's team remaining on the roster.  Additionally, seven new faces are scheduled to suit up for the Hawks (6 scholarship players and 1 confirmed walk-on).

WHO'S GONE

• Leading scorer, TONY FREEMAN (13.8 PPG), who is transferring to Southern Illinois for his senior year.  Had his year end interview with Lickliter and then proceeded to whine about "not being wanted" by the program.
  
• JUSTIN JOHNSON, second leading scorer (11.8 PPG) and the Hawks' primary trey launcher.  JJ ended up 2nd on the single season Iowa record books for 3PM and 3PA for his work last season (93/269)
  
• SETH GORNEY, who excelled at being the X factor.  By that, I mean crossing his forearms in an "X" manner.  Consistently hit the 15 ft jumper, and when motivated properly played well at times.  Needed to learn how to rebound, though.
  
• KURT LOOBY, project left over from the Alford era.  One of the nicest guy you will ever meet.  For a guy who has only been playing organized basketball for 5 years or so, he did ok.  Dude could dunk, though.
• DAN BOHALL, drank a little too much, then lost his passion for the game. 

BACK FOR ANOTHER SEASON

• CYRUS TATE - 2008 Chris Street award winner and team captain.  Cy came on strong after the injury to Jarryd Cole last season and ended up leading the team in rebounds for the year.  He also made an insane 2/3rds of the shots he attempted last season.
• JAKE KELLY - Stud.  Seriously.  Jake set the freshman record for 3P% (.435) last season.  He has a terrific basketball IQ, and has the skills to boot.   Love what he brings to the court.  He progressed well over the course of the season, VIDEO EVIDENCE HERE.
  
• JARRYD COLE - Team Captain.  Not sure I've seen a guy like this in awhile at Iowa.  He is the epitome of the word, "hustle" and has a motor that just does not stop.  If he can recover fully from his injury (all reports thus far are awesome), he will be a force for the Hawks this season.
• JEFF PETERSON - JPete went through a lot of growing pains last year.  He is another guy on the team who really has an overall good feel for the game.  Freeman's freestyling last year did nothing to help Peterson's game.  Hopefully another year in this system will help Jeff out.
• JR ANGLE - JR committed early in his high school career to Alford and just didn't become the player most thought he would be.  He ended up playing a different position in college than what he did in high school (no fault of his own, blame puberty).  He has adjusted ok, but really doesn't have the game to compete consistently at the Big Ten level.
• DAVID PALMER - A big guy who loves to hang 25 foot from the basket.  Palmer actually does have a pretty decent jump shot.  The problem is he doesn't play much D and he seems completely lost in the Lickliter system.

NEW FACES

• MATT GATENS - Seems like it's been a decade since Matt committed to be a Hawkeye.  Matt will be a fixture for the program from the day he steps onto campus until his time is done at Iowa.  He does everything, and does it very, very well.  Truly a terrific home-grown talent.  Iowa's Mr. Basketball.
  
• ANTHONY TUCKER - Silky smooth shooter out of Minnetonka, MN.  Star-Trib's Player of the Year, 4 year starter/unanimous all-conf. player.  He has the prettiest shot I have ever seen from a prep BB player, and can get his shot off at will.  He can also play the point if need be, as he has a great handle on the ball, as well.
  
• DEVAN BAWINKEL (JUCO) - Originally recruited by John Beilein, so that should tell you a little bit about his game.  Devan is a very versatile guard, who recently finished off an MVP campaign at the JUCO level after he left West Virginia because of the Huggins hire.  More info here.
  
• AARON FULLER - The steal of the recruiting class for Iowa.  Aaron was the Arizona player of the year, and the assistant coaches are pretty much giddy over getting him to campus.
  
• JERMAIN DAVIS (JUCO) - Is he hurt?  Does he have a career-threatening illness/injury?  Is he still having migraines/allergies?  It's almost as if Iowa has their own Ferris Bueller enrolled.  Rumors have swirled about how well Jermain is, some items are fabricated, some have some merit.  Regardless, what Iowa has in Jermain is a consummate run-your-team PG and a lock-down defender.  If he is good to go this fall, don't be surprised to see Davis crack the starting lineup.
  
• ANDREW BROMMER - Former Gopher recruit who decommitted only to commit to Lickliter.  Andrew didn't play at the same level of competition as Tucker up in MN, but has shown some flashes over the past few years.  I would not be surprised to see a possible redshirt here.
  
• JOHN LICKLITER (last name isn't a coincidence) will walk-on to the Iowa program.

POSITION BREAKDOWN

Iowa's lack of a true center will surely make the lineup hard to put a finger on.  Cole and Tate were not on floor very often together last year, and Tate really only started getting significant PT once Cole went down with his season ending injury.  By all means, Iowa has the personnel to go to a 3, perhaps even a 4 guard lineup, this year.  As Hawk fans have come to understand with Lickliter's system, it's not who starts, it's who plays.  That said, here's the breakdown of the positions.

PG - Davis, Peterson, Lickliter
SG - Kelly, Tucker, Bawinkle
SG/SF - Gatens, JR Angle
PF - Cole, Fuller
PF/C - Tate, Palmer, Brommer

STARTING LINEUP

I think your three locks are Kelly, Gatens, and Tate.  If Cole is 100% come this fall, he will be hard to keep out of the lineup, as well.  That would leave you with the PG, which will be a toss-up between Davis and JPete.  If I had to make a call right now, I'd put the lineup as Peterson, Kelly, Gatens, Cole, and Tate.  If the Hawks go 4 guards, you're probably going to see Peterson, Kelly, Bawinkel, Gatens, and Tate.  Don't rule out Tucker, Davis, or Fuller snagging a spot either, though.

OUTLOOK

The Hawkeyes will be competing to be the best of the bottom half of the Big Ten this upcoming year.  The potential is surely there, as is the proven system.  The primary issue at hand will be how quickly the team can get familiar with each other.  Iowa has a good shot at the NIT this year, with a very, very outside chance of the NCAA if they overachieve and gel faster than most teams normally do.  One thing is for certain, you will see a much different team on the court this year.