The Iowa Hawkeyes football team has a rich history of competing in bowl games, with their first appearance dating back to 1957. As one of the most successful programs in the Big Ten Conference, the Hawkeyes have participated in a total of 33 bowl games, with a record of 17-16. In this article, we will delve into the history of Iowa's bowl games, highlight some of their most memorable appearances, and provide an overview of their upcoming schedule.
Early Years (1957-1980)
Iowa's first bowl game appearance was in the 1957 Rose Bowl, where they lost to Oregon State 19-17. The Hawkeyes did not return to a bowl game until 1961, when they played in the Rose Bowl again, this time defeating Washington 38-12. The 1960s and 1970s saw Iowa make sporadic appearances in bowl games, with their most notable win coming in the 1964 Rose Bowl against Oregon State.
Hayden Fry Era (1979-1998)
The Hayden Fry era marked a significant turning point in Iowa's bowl game history. During his 20-year tenure, the Hawkeyes appeared in 14 bowl games, including three Rose Bowl appearances. Fry's teams were known for their strong defense and running game, which helped them secure wins in several bowl games, including the 1982 Rose Bowl against Stanford and the 1986 Rose Bowl against UCLA.
Kirk Ferentz Era (1999-Present)
Kirk Ferentz has been at the helm of the Iowa program since 1999 and has led the team to 17 bowl game appearances. During his tenure, the Hawkeyes have won several notable bowl games, including the 2001 Alamo Bowl against Texas Tech and the 2004 Outback Bowl against Florida. Ferentz's teams have been known for their strong defense and ability to compete with top-ranked opponents.
Recent Bowl Game Appearances
In recent years, Iowa has continued to make regular appearances in bowl games. Some notable wins include:
- 2010 Orange Bowl: Iowa defeated Georgia Tech 24-14
- 2011 Insight Bowl: Iowa defeated Missouri 27-24
- 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl: Iowa defeated Tennessee 45-28
- 2017 Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa defeated Boston College 27-20
Upcoming Schedule
Iowa's upcoming schedule includes several tough matchups, including games against Big Ten rivals Ohio State, Penn State, and Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes are also scheduled to play non-conference games against Iowa State, Miami (OH), and Northern Iowa.
Here is a list of Iowa's upcoming bowl game schedule:
- 2023: Music City Bowl vs. Kentucky (December 30)
- 2024: Outback Bowl vs. Auburn (January 1)
- 2025: Rose Bowl vs. USC (January 1)
Notable Bowl Game Moments
Some of the most memorable moments in Iowa's bowl game history include:
- 1982 Rose Bowl: Iowa defeated Stanford 28-0, with quarterback Chuck Long throwing for 123 yards and a touchdown.
- 2001 Alamo Bowl: Iowa defeated Texas Tech 19-16, with quarterback Kyle McCann throwing for 244 yards and a touchdown.
- 2010 Orange Bowl: Iowa defeated Georgia Tech 24-14, with running back Adam Robinson rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown.
Bowl Game Records
Iowa's bowl game records include:
- Most bowl game appearances: 33
- Most bowl game wins: 17
- Most consecutive bowl game appearances: 6 (2010-2015)
- Longest bowl game winning streak: 4 (2010-2013)
Conclusion
Iowa's bowl game history is rich and storied, with the Hawkeyes having appeared in 33 bowl games and winning 17. From the early years of the program to the present day, Iowa has consistently competed at a high level and has produced some of the most memorable moments in college football history. As the Hawkeyes look to the future, they will undoubtedly continue to make appearances in bowl games and compete for championships.
What is Iowa's all-time bowl game record?
+Iowa's all-time bowl game record is 17-16.
Who is Iowa's all-time leader in bowl game appearances?
+Kirk Ferentz is Iowa's all-time leader in bowl game appearances, with 17 appearances as head coach.
What is Iowa's most memorable bowl game victory?
+Iowa's most memorable bowl game victory is arguably their 2010 Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech, where they defeated the Yellow Jackets 24-14.