Iowa Football Review: Voices from section 138
By Jeff Hare
Well, as we all know, it is all over. The exciting, incredible run by Kirk’s Hawkeyes, culminating in the 24-14 Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech Tuesday night. It was exhilarating, roller coaster ride that gave us a thrill a minute, every single game, every single week. It is a season none of us will forget.
From my seat in section 138, I made (and overheard) numerous comments that gave a clearer picture of what this season was all about. Here are a few in this piece we will call, Voices from section 138. All the comments here are actual, none are made up.
“I have been coming to this stadium for 40 years. I have never seen anything like this, nor will I again” comment made after Iowa blocked two field goal attempts in the last seven seconds to beat UNI 17-16 on September 5. Seat 44 (me) as people were leaving the game. That comment drew a lot of nods.
“Wow, this kid Brandon Wegher looks good. Runs hard in the middle.” After the Iowa State game in which Wegher gained 101 yards in the 35-3 Hawkeye win on September 12. Comment made by a friend of mine while watching the game.
“You know, when Clayborn is on, he can’t be blocked.” Talking about Clayborn’s game against Arizona, in which he had 6 takes, 1 forced fumble and a spectacular quarterback sack in Iowa 27-17 win, on September 18. Seat 44 to a friend of mine after Clayborn’s stellar effort.
“What do you say, we get 4 or 5 touchdowns ahead, and we are out in the parking lot drinking beer in the third quarter.” Said before the Iowa-Arkansas State game, which Iowa held on for a hard fought 24-21 win on October 3. Seat 44 from the guy in front of me before the game.
“Anyone have an eligibility left? They may put you in today, it will be that easy.” Overheard in the men’s room after Iowa scored early in the Iowa-Arkansas State game on October 3.
“Moeaki has NFL written all over him. If he can just stay healthy.” Discussing the oft-injured Tony Moeaki during the Michigan game on October 10. Moeaki returned to the lineup and scored two touchdowns in the 30-28 Iowa victory. Seat 44 to a friend of mine.
“We will see you in two weeks, but no way will we be undefeated. I can’t see us going to Madison and East Lansing and winning.” After the Iowa victory over Michigan. I made that comment to 3 elderly gentlemen who sit in row 30, three rows above mine. I was wrong, as Iowa won both.
We are doing a fun recap of the incredible 2009 Hawkeye football season. I call it Voices from section 138. We have already had part one, now for part two. Or as Casey Kasem would say, “Lets get on with the countdown.” Remember seat 44 is me.
“This guy is killing us today. We need Vandenberg.” Seat 44, to a friend after QB Ricky Stanzi threw his fifth interceptions against Indiana. James Vandenberg is Iowa’s backup quarterback. Iowa won the wild game on Halloween 42-24.
More from the Indiana game-Me: “What happened?” Some guy outside the men’s restroom: “I dunno. Tyler Sash came out of the pile with the ball and scored a touchdown.” Me: “huh”.
Back to section 138, seat 44. Me: “What happened”. Buddy of mine in seat 45: “I dunno. Tyler Sash came out of the pile with the ball and scored a touchdown.” Me: “huh’? Comments made after Hawkeye DB Tyler Sash grabbed a loose ball and ran 86 yards for a touchdown in the Indiana game.
“You know, I don’t think anyone thought we would go undefeated. But to lose to Indiana? I thought it be someone better then these guys.” Spoken during the Indiana game, with the Hoosiers up 21-7.
“Can you believe this? How does a team go into the fourth quarter losing 24-14, come back and win by 18?” Seat 44, comment from a friend of mine. All I could do was shrug my shoulders.
Moving on-“Hey. Stanzi’s down. He isn’t moving. We may be in trouble. Maybe not, where is Vandenberg.” Seat 44 after starting qb Ricky Stanzi went down with an ankle injury on November 7 against Northwestern. Vandenberg struggled and Iowa lost 17-10.
“We are in trouble next week in Columbus, unless Vandenberg plays like John Unitas.” Seat 44, to the three elderly gentlemen in row 30 after the Northwestern loss. Wrong again, as backup Vandenberg did play like Unitas in the Hawkeyes 27-24 loss to Ohio State the following week.
“We will be all right, Vandenberg looked like John Unitas last week”. Spoken before the Minnesota game on November 21. Wrong again, as he struggled in Iowa’s 12-0 defeat of the Goph. Floyd of Rosedale is home in Iowa City where he belongs.
“Do you believe in miracles? Yes.” Ok, that is not me, that was Al Michaels’ great call for the 1980 USA Olympic hockey win. But man, was it appropriate. Great season, I miss it already.
Thanks Hawkeyes for the memories that none of us will ever forget.
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