Click here for game photos from the Orange Bowl

Commentary by Brian Siguenza
The Iowa Hawkeyes won tonight because they were able to control the game using their style of football.

As expected, it wasn’t always pretty, but the end result is something we’ve come to love about this team over the course of the year: that never-say-die attitude.

I think part of the credit there goes to the fans. Even when things got hairy, they didn’t stop believing this moment would happen. The Hawks–and their fans–deserve to celebrate this victory.

More stuff from the game (as released by the UI)
Iowa defeated Georgia Tech, 24-14 in the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl. Iowa has appeared in bowls in eight of last nine seasons, including six January bowl games and two BCS bowl appearances.

Iowa is now 1-1 in the Orange Bowl. The Hawkeyes lost to Southern Cal, 38-17 in 2003 Orange Bowl.

Tuesday’s game was the first meeting ever with Georgia Tech. Iowa was 0-7 previously against ACC.

Iowa finishes the season with an 11-2 overall record and a 6-2 league mark. The Hawkeyes posted double-figure wins for the fourth time under Head Coach Kirk Ferentz, including the third time in regular season. Additionally, Iowa has posted six league wins for third time under Ferentz. (more…)

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By Brian Siguenza

The wait is almost over. More than six weeks after their last game, the tenth-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes will take to the Land Shark Stadium field in Miami Gardens, Fla., where they will meet the No. 9 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the 76th edition of the Orange Bowl on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010 (7 p.m. on FOX).

Across this vast Internet, you’ll find differing opinions on what the outcome will be. Some people think Georgia Tech will simply be too much for the Hawks to handle, while others say Iowa will rise to the occasion. After giving it some serious thought myself, I’ve decided that this one could go either way. Whether it goes the way of the black and gold will be contingent upon some key factors.

First thing to keep an eye on is the weather. Miami is known for its sunshine and warm temperatures, but this is a night game, and South Florida is in the middle of a “cold spell.” Tuesday’s high will be 61, according to The Weather Channel, with a near freezing overnight low of 36. They’re also calling for northwest winds at 16 miles per hour.

The cold and wind could affect Georgia Tech’s passing game, which has low numbersto begin with. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt has completed less than half of his passes this year and averages 130 yards a game in the air. But it’s the run game that’s the real threat. On the year, the Yellow Jackets ran for over 4,000 yards, with 2,500 of those coming from Nesbitt and Jonathan Dwyer.

For the Hawkeyes, Ricky Stanzi will be another key to victory. He’s been pretty clutch throughout the year and isn’t afraid to roll the dice. Unfortunately, some of those gambles have ended up in six points for the other team.  If Iowa is to have a chance, Stanzi needs to limit his mistakes.

His receivers will need to step it up a notch as well. They’ve been good for the most part, but every now and then get a case of the dropsies. Georgia Tech allows 357 yards of total offense a game, so the Hawks should get yards, but they need to turn them into points. Too many turnovers and three-and-outs won’t help the Hawks’ cause.

Again, this game could go either way, but I think it will come down to defense. There is no doubt in my mind Norm Parker will have Iowa ready for the triple option attack of the Ramblin’ Wreck. Don’t expect them to shut it down completely, but just enough to let the Hawkeyes take the oranges back to frosty Iowa.

Brian’s pick: Iowa 24, Georgia Tech 20.

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Here are some preview notes for the Jan. 5, 2010, game, as released by the UI.

Orange Bowl: Iowa vs. Georgia Tech

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The University of Iowa Athletics Department announced today that members of the general public can now purchase their 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl tickets online via hawkeyesports.com. The online option is the easiest and simplest way to purchase tickets for the game by non-season ticket holders.

The Hawkeyes will travel to Miami, FL, to play Georgia Tech in the first ever meeting between the two programs. Land Shark Stadium will host the event Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. (CT).

Iowa’s invitation to the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl marks the eighth bowl game and second BCS appearance for the Hawkeyes in Coach Kirk Ferentz’s 11 seasons at Iowa. Since 2001, Iowa has made three appearances in the Outback Bowl, two appearances in the Valero Alamo Bowl and one each in the FedEx Orange Bowl and the Capital One Bowl.
 
Fans interested in placing a ticket order can do so online at hawkeyesports.com, over the telephone at 1-800 IA-HAWKS, and over the counter at the UI Athletic Ticket Office in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

Information released by the UI.

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Moeaki

Iowa is going to the Orange Bowl and will play Georgia Tech. The game is on Jan. 5, 2010. It’ll be on Fox 28 in Eastern Iowa. Go here for travel information.

“This is going to be pretty exciting,” Tight End Tony Moeaki said. “Obviously, it’s going to be a big game, the biggest game all year for us. We’re just excited as a team, I’m excited for everybody. It should be fun.”

Moeaki said he’s seen Georgia Tech on TV a couple times.

“Their offense will be different than what we’re used to. Other than that I haven’t seen too much on them. I’ve heard of them and know they’re a good team,” he said.

Information provided by the UI.

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