Owning JoePa, Turning a Corner, and Ryders on the Storm

That's just a good, solid Big Ten win for the Hawkeyes. The game epitomized Kirk Ferentz's coaching blueprint - methodical offense, STOUT defense, and mistake-free special teams. Was it a little bland? Sure. White rice. But no one should complain with the end result. Iowa has now won eight of its last nine games against Joe Paterno and Penn State. That's nothing to sneeze at.

Next to last year's win at Nebraska, Saturday's win against Texas Tech is the biggest of the Paul Rhoads era. The Cyclones won the type of game they've lost countless times in the past. Iowa State blew a 24 point lead, but still had enough composure and fortitude to wrestle the momentum back in its favor and win the game. Rhoads said in his post-game news conference "we might have turned a corner tonight." Coming from a straight-shooter like Rhoads, that's a big statement.

I love the Ryder Cup, but hate that it's played right in the heart of football season. I'd love to see the event moved to July or August, so the Ryder could get the attention it deserves.

Shawn