Hangover Over, Throwbacks Rule, Childish Adults

• Just what the doctor ordered for a hangover: Ball State.
• LOVED Iowa's throwback uniforms, wish they were in gold instead of yellow, but why quibble. If the Hawkeyes had worn those uneys all along, they'd now be considered classics, like Alabama and Penn State.
• Kirk Ferentz owns Penn State. After Saturday, he'll be 8-2 vs. Joe Paterno.
• ISU did what a Big 12 team should do to one from the Missouri Valley: won easily. It didn't quite feel like 27-0, but it sure as heck was nothing like 2007 when UNI dominated Iowa State.
• I don't think Austen Arnaud or Jerome Tiller has done anything to win or lose the starting quarterback job. If I were Paul Rhoads, I'd go with the hot hand. For now, that's Tiller, but I wouldn't hesitate to switch back. Nothing to lose, and coming off the bench could relieve some of the pressure Arnaud puts on himself.
• The NFL must be relieved both Favre and the Cowboys won. The league wants those two in the playoffs in a big way.
• Sunday I watched several adults yell at the officials at a pee-wee football game for first and second graders---6 and 7 year-olds. That's downright sad.
• Here's a sign how great Pixar movies are. I could never get one of the older kids to accept an invitation to sit down and watch, say, Finding Nemo, Cars, Monsters Inc, or Toy Story---but if the teens come in when one's playing, they're always hooked. A good story is a good story.

Shutout Saturday

I love college football Saturdays. Standing in the rain is practically enjoyable when you're at Kinnick, even if the game is a dog, and the stadium is half empty.




Sure, Ball State is a terrible football team. But the Cardinals proved to be the perfect proverbial Bloody Mary for an Arizona hangover. The Hawkeyes got exactly what they needed out of the game. Kirk Ferentz feels more comfortable about his running back depth, and everyone was relatively healthy after 60 minutes.





Nice work out of the Iowa State defense. A shutout is a shutout, even when it comes against an FCS opponent. On top of that, the Cyclones defense provided most of the offense in the 'Clones 27-0 win over UNI.



Iowa State's offense is another story. It's very disconcerting ISU isn't putting more points on the board. With Tom Herman's track record and all the experience returning, the offense should be further along, and Austen Arnaud re-injuring his arm won't help the situation.




I love listening to the pre-game and post-game call in shows for both Iowa and Iowa State. Jim Zabel, Jon Miller and Chris Williams provide great analysis. And even though I'm not a big fan of WHO Radio's programming, I love the new Ronald Reagan promos that the station is airing. Good stuff.



Shawn

P.S. Formatting issues with the blog... sorry about the lack of paragraph seperation.

Ryno and Craig.

Ryne Sandberg is reportedly a candidate to be the Toronto Blue Jay's new manager. Chicago is Ryno's top choice, but if the Cubs give him the run-around, don't be surprised if he bolts for Canada. Toronto would be paradise compared to the year Sandberg spent in Peoria.

Craig Brackins has been a member of three NBA organizations in the three months since he was drafted. I can't decide if that means Brackins is better than projected, or if teams are quickly realizing he was over-hyped at Iowa State.

Shawn

Bowyer, Overtime, and the Blues

I admit my interest in NASCAR dwindles quite a bit once football season starts. Now, the driver I was pulling for in the chase is all but out of the race. Clint Bowyer was docked 150 points after his winning car from last weekend failed inspection. Bowyer drops from 2nd to 12th in points, which ends his quest for the Sprint Cup. I met Bowyer and his car owner, Richard Childress, at the the Iowa Speedway this summer. Bowyer was a riot in the 20 minutes or so I spent b.s.-ing with him. Never mind the fact that he hit on every intern in sight during that time span...

Mark Dantonio's recent heart attack made me curious about how many hours college football coaches work per week during the season, and how much stress is involved with the job. I broached that topic with Kirk Ferentz on Tuesday, but Ferentz really didn't want to go down that road. If I had to guess, I'd say Ferentz works close to 100 hours per week during the season. But he also makes nearly $4 million per year, and Ferentz is smart enough to realize how it would sound if the state's highest-paid employee was lamenting his long days. Ferentz admitted in generalizations that he works long hours, but also pointed out that lots of people work long hours or hold down two jobs. Such a soundbite doesn't make for an interesting story, but it's a smart play on Ferentz's part.

I'm headed over to Blues on Grand to check out Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts. It's a shame Des Moines will have one less place to listen to live music in just a couple weeks.

Shawn

Hamton Out, Letterman In, Twins Hungover

• I feel for Jewel Hampton. Rehabbing an injury is both gruelling physically and mentally. Hampton worked so hard to get his right knee back in shape, only to blow out his left. He could still play dozens of football games at Iowa, but I'm sure that seems so far away right now to  Jewel.
• Next man in. That's the mantra at Iowa, but it's not clear who is the next man in at running back. A-Rob then...
• Remember when we wondered how Iowa would find enough carries for three potential starters: Robinson, Wegher, and Hampton. And then there was one.
• Iowa State's offense isn't working well, so that makes Jerome Tiller the answer, at least in the minds of many fans. That's an oversimplification, but at this point it can't hurt to give Tiller some reps.
• Why is anyone surprised to learn Letterman was in on the Joaquin Phoenix hoax?
• Five days, and I still haven't seen The Town.
• I'm headed to the Hangover game Wednesday. My friend Ryan and I were hoping to see the Twins clinch, but Tuesday night the Twins won and the White Sox lost, so the players celebrated, which means we get the hangover game. I can't wait to see Target Field anyway. My ticket cost $85! Never thought I'd pay that to see a Twins game.
• It's a triple-header: Twins, The Town, Arcade Fire.
• Is Lethal Weapon 2 really better than Lethal Weapon? Our KXnO radio listeners backed Andy on this one.

SI Dazzles, Kurt Dances, Hawks Recover

• Drew Brees is now in the conversation of best NFL quarterbacks. You knew when he had a minute to work with, the Saints would beat the 49ers.
• Scary end to the season for Cubs rookie Tyler Colvin. He's still in the hospital after being pierced in the chest with a shattered bat. If the maple bats are a problem, time to rule them  out.
• I'm going to my first Twins game at the new Target Field Wednesday. As fate would have it, Sports Illustrated will put out its new issue that day with this unbelievable cover. It's a wow.

• I can't believe while I was watching Monday Night Football, Kurt Warner was on another channel dancing. I did watch the season Shawn Johnson was on, and even hosted the DWTS tour event here in Des Moines, but I can't get through another season. Not even for a good guy like Kurt. My mom and sister will have to represent me.
• Hawaii Five-O looks like a hit to me, thanks in no small part to the star turn from Scott Caan. He has the same mannerisms and charisma of his father, James.
• The Event is just waiting for me to watch,  but I promised my wife I wouldn't watch it until she gets back from a business trip. Is it as good as advertised?
• I still can't believe Iowa lost at Arizona. I was certain the Hawks would win, which is why I don't gamble. Arizona was the better team Saturday night, but I'm stunned Iowa played that sloppy. Big Ten season hasn't even started yet. Plenty of good times ahead for Hawk fans.
• Iowa State just isn't a good football team yet. The Cyclones have a must-win if there ever was one against UNI.
• My son, Colin, had his first football game. He played linebacker. When I asked him his favorite part of the game, he said, "No one tackled me!". Again, he was on defense. Still learning, but having fun. What else matters.
• From the "Where are they now department", former Roosevelt basketball star Josh Ansah started his own clothing line. He appears to have stayed in good shape too: http://www.jayteesapparel.com/

Hawkeye Heartbreak, Injury Limbo, Cyclones Stumbling

What a weekend. I'm still coming to grips with the fact that Iowa lost at Arizona. I felt much more confident about this game than I have about any big Hawkeye game in a long time. Honestly, I have no idea what to take from the loss. Should I be encouraged that Iowa played that bad, and still had a real chance to win the game, against a really good team? Or should I be wary of all the problems that arose? Special teams is clearly a major problem, right now; but what about the offensive line looking like bowling pins on that final drive, or the defense (which was supposedly one of the best in the nation) completely collapsing in the final minutes? We'll find out, but it won't be this week. Ball State is the opponent. Snooze....

After playing BS, the Hawkeyes face an all-out onslaught --- their first four Big Ten games, are against ranked opponents. Oh, and then there's #2 Ohio State at the end of the year.

There success moving forward could hinge on the results of Jewel Hampton's MRI. Late reports from Hawkeyeinsider.com's Rob Howe, say it's not looking great. Ferentz told Howe that Hampton will be out "a while", and linebacker Bruce Davis could be out for the season. We should learn more on Monday.

Paul Rhoads says his team isn't practicing hard enough. They better ratchet up the intensity, this week. A loss to Northern Iowa, at home, would spell disaster for the Cyclones.

I thought Austen Arnaud played his best game of the season, against Kansas State --- but it still wasn't good enough. This offense shouldn't be having this many problems. ISU is ranked 82nd in passing, 84th in rushing, and 103rd in point per game. That's not good for any BCS team, especially a BCS team with such an inexperienced defense.

Did you see what happened to Cubs outfielder Tyler Colvin? It's actually worse than it looks.  http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=5592592
Colvin is in stable condition, but he's expected to remain in the hospital for several days. His season is over.

Chris

Cyclone Analysis

Iowa State's uber-tough schedule doesn't leave the Cyclones much margin for error. And Saturday in Kansas City, ISU lost a win-able game. That doesn't mean the Cyclones won't go to a bowl game... it's too early for that kind of talk. But for every win-able game the Clones lose, they'll need to upset a favored team. What game could atone for Saturday's loss? Texas Tech, Utah, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska? See what I'm getting at? It's an uphill climb from here on out.

I shouldn't be surprised that much of the blame for the K-State loss is being heaped on Austen Arnaud, but I am. The general sentiment in SoundOFF emails and on message boards is that ISU would be better off with Jerome Tiller under center instead of Arnaud. I think Tiller is a serviceable quarterback, but what exactly has he done to prove he's a better option than Arnaud? One touchdown pass against Nebraska? And to be clear, being enamored with the back-up quarterback is not a phenomenon exclusive to Cyclone Nation. I just don't understand why fans can't trust the head coach, in this case Paul Rhoads. He's a sharp guy, and he's been at every workout, practice, and game for the last two years. If Rhoads thinks Arnaud gives Iowa State its best chance to win, take his word for it.

Shawn

Maroon Machine, Hawkeyes Roll, Lacey Wins

• Good gosh, Dowling is good. The Maroons keep blowing out ranked teams. Hit me back if Dowling doesn't go undefeated and win the state championship.
• College football Saturday predictions: K-State keeps I-State reeling, Iowa makes people wonder why Arizona was favored by 1.
• Great to see Seneca Wallace starting Sunday for the Browns.
• I'll take Peyton over Eli in Manning Bowl II Sunday night on channel 13 (followed by SoundOff!).
• Reggie Bush says giving back the Heisman trophy is not an admission of guilt. Right.
• Did you know former Cyclone Alison Lacey just won a WNBA title with Seattle? Lacey didn't play much after a season of ice cold shooting. She was 4-35 from the field.
• No Gators arrested the past few days.
• Derek Jeter didn't cheat. The baseball culture is such that you're encouraged to pretend you caught a ball when you know you trapped it, or take a base any way you can. Baseball is not golf. However, Jeter didn't need to fake the injury. That's too much.
• My son Colin plays his first Little All-American football game Saturday. This is good news. Colin is tired of practice. He told me tonight, "Dad, I think I need to be seven, not six." Most of the time, he's having fun with football at six.

Movie Night and Mr. November

The Iowa football team normally has team meetings in the hotel the night before a game, except when the Hawks play a night game. In that scenario, the team meetings are moved to Saturday so the players aren't laying around the hotel all day with nothing to do. In other words, the Hawks have Friday night open this week. The plan is for the entire team to catch a movie in Tucson. The seniors get to pick the flick, which Ricky Stanzi says is a double-edged sword. Stanzi told me it's nice to have control over the movie, but it's also a pain because all the underclassmen have been pestering him all week about which movie he and the other seniors will pick. Apparently, James Vandenberg started texting Stanzi last Sunday inquiring about the movie. Stanzi said linebacker Jeff Tarpinian is the movie buff on the team, and Tarp will recommend "The Town," both because it looks exciting, and also because the only other option might be "Eat, Pray, Love." Good choice, Tarp.

Derek Jeter's Oscar-winning performance on Wednesday night is the latest hot-button sports topic. I don't have a problem with Jeter pretending that he was hit with a pitch, but did he really have to feign an injury? For crying out loud, the trainer nearly dragged Jeter back to the clubhouse for x-rays.

Shawn

Miller & Deace Done, Ines Turns Heads, Doing It for the Snookies

• Reggie Bush gave back the  Heisman before they took it away. Let's not mistake this for nobility.
• "Miller & Deace" in the morning will be missed. Chemistry and friendship can't be faked. They had both. They're leaving for the right reasons, but it's terrible timing for listeners, and KXnO. The show ends two weeks into the most anticipated football season in Hawkeye history.
• Jon Miller is a rising star on the Big Ten Network. Look for his show "The Pulse" on Thursday evenings. (also the night you'll see Jon's Hawkeye Insider reports on our newscasts)
• U of Miami is the latest school to tell football players they can't tweet on twitter any longer. Iowa never started. Iowa State still going strong.
• Can't wait for Patriots vs. Jets this weekend.
• I'd also like tickets for Cubs vs. Red Sox at Fenway Park next season for the first time since the 1918 World Series. Babe Ruth played for the Sox. He's the last pitcher to bat in a spot other than ninth in the World Series (sixth).
• Ines Sainz is a stunning woman. She knows that. She uses that. She still doesn't deserve harassment. However, if she wants to be taken seriously as a professional, she needs to dress like one.
• One of our boys saved his money like never before. The reason: Halo Reach.
• My son Colin asked repeatedly to play tackle football this season. Since he's only six, I did not think that would be possible, but Des Moines' Little All-American Football League added six year olds this season. Here's Colin before this first practice in pads Monday night:

• Beaverdale Fall Fest is this weekend. Raygun has the shirt to go with it.
• 

Go West Young Men, Parker Parked, Cyclones Dissed

The Hawkeyes haven't won a football game west of Texas since the 1987 Holiday Bowl. Iowa is 0-8-1 over the last 23 years, including an embarrassing 44-7 defeat at Arizona State in 2004. This years team isn't too concerned with the trip to Arizona. As Tyler Sash put it "West is just the opposite of going East".

Norm Parker won't be making the trip to the desert. Iowa's Defensive Coordinator is stuck in the hospital suffering from severe back pain. The 68-year-old has diabetes, and his health has been declining over the last few years. I'm sure his players would love to win one for the ol' coach on Saturday.

Some Cyclone fans were wondering why Austen Arnaud wasn't benched after his third pick at Iowa. In 2009, Rhoads brought in Jerome Tiller to close out the game, but not in 2010. I asked Rhoads after the game if he gave any thought to sitting Arnaud down --- he replied with an emphatic "NO".

UNI head football coach Mark Farley is calling this Saturday's game against Stephen F. Austin the "toughest" game on his teams schedule. It's a schedule that a week from Saturday includes Iowa State. I have a hard time believing that a team that lost to Texas A&M by 41 is better than Iowa State. I guess the Cyclones did lose by 25, down there, a year ago. We'll find out in a couple weeks.

And now it's time for the news blooper of the day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y7sYeDCmck

-Chris-

Hawks Flyin High, ISU Returns to KC, Jets Crash

Well, we're back. It's hard to believe it was already a week ago, tonight, that we kicked off RVTV in Winterset. This was my fourth tour on the RV road show, and it was definitely the best one yet. Not only have we figured some things out along the way, the towns and communities we visit have too. A huge thank you to all the folks in Winterset, Centerville, Albia, and Osklaloosa. Only 363 days until the next Cy-Hawk showdown in 2011.

I said before the game that I would be very surprised if the Cyclones won. After the game, I couldn't stop saying how surprised I was that Iowa handled ISU as easily as they did. By the time the 'Clones ran their 7th play on offense, it was already 21-0. At one point in the second quarter, the scoreboard read: Iowa 222 yards, ISU -2 yards. The Hawkeyes scored touchdowns on their first four possessions. Kirk Ferentz said it was the best a team of his has looked since 2002. I agree.

Iowa's defense is expected to be one of the best in the nation, but the offense has been even better through two games. Last season, the Hawks ranked 87th in the country, averaging just 23 points a game. This season, they're averaging 28 points --- in the first half.

This Saturday's game, at Arizona, will be one of the toughest tests the Hawks will face all season. Iowa is only favored by one point over 18th ranked Arizona. The U of I says there will be at least 12,000 black and gold clad fans in the middle of 'Zona's "Red-Out". Before the season began, I thought the Hawks might lose this game...but after seeing them up close and personal in week's one and two, I can't pick against them.

The ticket search engine fansnap.com released its list of the most in-demand NCAA football tickets over the first two weeks. Topping the list was the Iowa Hawkeyes. LSU, Alabama, Ohio State, and Notre Dame rounded out the top 5. Where you at Nebraska?

Iowa State also has a huge game. The Cyclones open up Big 12 play at Arrowhead in Kansas City against Kansas State. If you're an ISU fan, you know exactly how last year's game ended, so I won't even both you with the details. I called the NIU game a must-win, and I'm going to label this one as a must-win as well. If the Cyclones can bounce back with a win, a bowl game is a strong possibility. This could be that one game that means the difference between a 5 win, and a 6 win season.

A big thanks to Austen Arnaud for ruining the season finale of Entourage. I was sifting through the tape of Monday's press conference when AA stepped in front of the mic and went on and on about ---- well I won't give it away, in case you still have it on DVR like me.
Arrowhead Stadium is absolutely rocking, tonight. It's becoming more and more rare for an NFL stadium to match the electricity found in its college counterparts, but Arrowhead is the exception.


Am I the only one that feels the Jets are a more entertaining team off the field, than on it? I couldn't turn away from "Hard Knocks" on HBO, but their brutal offense made me turn away from Monday Night Football. Wake me up when the game is over so I can hear Rex Ryan at the podium.

Hiatus...

...for RVTV. Please see RVTV blog.

Back next week.

Thanks.

Keith

RVTV in Winterset

First stop of the RVTV Road Trip, and Winterset put pressure on the other towns. These nice folks did it up right.

The RVTV Cy-Hawk street party brought out far more people than we expected on Labor Day. They sold nearly 400 sandwiches before running out before the 6 p.m. news even started.

Winterset also borrowed our state fair Cast Your Kernel idea to raise money for the Quarterback Club. One quarter, one vote. The Hawkeyes won. I don't think that's the last time we'll hear that this week.

As usual, I had someone somewhat angrily confront me immediately about my obvious bias. This time it was "Hawkeye". It's running about even this year, but that will change based on who wins.

After the live report at 5, a big storm came through and nearly blew us all away. We thought we might have our first cancelled live shot in 10 years of RVTV (can't put the satellite dish up when there's lightning), but at 6:10, the rain moved out, the sunshine back in, and Winterset smiled. Surprisingly, about a hundred fans stayed during the storm. They didn't stay dry.

First day can be tough because it's the first set-up, but thanks to Bob & Jo's RV, we know the RV from last year. Only problem, the model is called "Cyclone". Yes, nearly every Hawkeye fan notices.

Talk of the town here was definitely Chris and Andy's Stivers Ford jingle. Apparently more than a few people nearly lost it laughing. My favorite comment was from a sweet elderly lady who said, "I love SoundOff. Always have to watch it. I thought the Stivers thing was really funny... racy, but funny."

As I type this, there's a teenage girl outside the RV who is so excited that, "Ed Wilson is here! I can see him!" It's me. I'm playing the part of Ed Wilson.

Off to  Centerville in the morning. That town has a tough act to follow. I can't say enough about Winterset. Nice people, and a beautiful town.

-Keith

RVTV, Downright Proud, Hawkeye State

• Today's the Day: RVTV. We're on our way to Winterset. If you're near one of the covered bridges, drop by and say hello. We'll be in the town square.
• We've never had more positive, immediate feedback than we did after last night's SoundOff Stivers Ford spoof. A number of people laughed out loud, and you can count Andy and me in that group. It's also great free pub for Stivers because several of the emails said they felt like driving to Stivers and buying a car. (Our thanks to Stivers for providing the now familiar music). One problem: I can't get the song out of my head. You can watch the video in the SoundOff section of whotv.com. (It's an 11 p.m. skit, and not for small children.)
• I thought Iowa did exactly what a top ten team should do Saturday against an overmatched opponent---the Hawks had the game won by the end of the first quarter. That's a big difference from last season. Iowa looks improved from the opener a year ago, and so does Iowa State.
• Iowa is a 14.5 point favorite. Given the recent history, that seems like too much. Iowa State is almost always the underdog, and usually covers, though not last year. I don't bet, but rivarly games are always tough to figure. Three years ago at RVTV, we couldn't find a Cyclone fan in Ames who gave 0-2 Iowa State any real chance of winning. The Cyclones shocked the Hawks without scoring a TD. No outcome could ever surprise me more.
• I think Iowa is clearly a more talented football team. Iowa State needs a go-for-broke game plan, flawless execution, and a clear win in the turnover battle (see Nebraska). If that happens, the Cyclones have a chance; otherwise, it's a Hawkeye State for the third straight year.
• Time to hop in the RV. Enjoy Rivalry Week! Who knows how long we'll have it.

Thoughts on Iowa vs. Eastern Illinois

The Hawkeyes looked good in their season-opener, but not too good. I think Kirk Ferentz is happy about that. Iowa played like a Top Ten team much of the game, but several mistakes illustrate that the Hawks (like most Ferentz teams in September) are still a work in progress. The 27 point win over Eastern Illinois gives the team confidence, but the mistakes and turnovers should keep the Hawks from getting over-confident.

Ferentz has his most talented team since 2002, and Ricky Stanzi is one of the main reasons why. Stanzi is the unquestioned leader of the Hawkeyes, which is why a hush fell over Kinnick when he limped off the field. Even after James Vandenberg replaced Stanzi and continued Iowa's scoring drive, the silence at Kinnick was noticeable. It wasn't until Stanzi returned the following series that the 70 thousand inside the stadium (and hundreds of thousands across Iowa) collectively exhaled. Stanzi said after the game that he merely tweaked his knee, and there was no structural damage. But I wouldn't be surprised if he underwent an MRI anyway, not that we'd ever know about it.

Stanzi's injury aside, I saw a lot of growth in Stanzi's game on Saturday. He had a better rhythm in the pocket, his release seemed a fraction quicker, and I counted at least three times where Stanzi "lived to play another down," meaning he threw the ball away or tucked it and ran when his receivers were covered. Most importantly, he didn't throw an interception, although his fumble inside Eastern Illinois' five yard line surely cost the Hawks points.

Another player that I thought improved significantly from the Orange Bowl was Adam Robinson. There was so much talk about Jewel Hampton and Brandon Wegher in the off-season that maybe a few people forgot A-Rob set a freshman rushing record last season. When Robinson gets through the line and to the "second level," it's nearly impossible for just one player to bring him down. And he has a knack for spinning and always falling forward for positive yards. And although A-Rob doesn't have game-breaking speed, a couple different times on Saturday I saw a burst of acceleration that wasn't there last season.

My biggest concern going into the season was the offensive line, and the unit proved to be a little shaky on Saturday. The good news there - the offensive lines under Ferentz, like most of his teams, tend to improve dramatically as the season wears on. And getting Adam Gettis and Josh Koeppel healthy will certainly help the depth.

Ready for RVTV?

Shawn

ISU Improved, Drunk Fans, Iowa Staycation

Iowa State looked like a much better football team in game one than it did a year ago. I can't imagine a staff more suited to the challenges in Ames than Paul Rhoads and crew...


As Austen Arnaud goes, so goes the season. He looked much better in the first quarter against Northern Illinois, but made some familiar mistakes after that. Arnaud can do that and still beat a MAC team, but it won't be enough against Iowa, and many others on the Cyclone schedule. I'm sticking with my 6-6 prediction, which despite the match of last season, would mean Iowa State is much better...

I have Iowa going 9-3 and many Hawkeye fans are insulted by that. Those are high expectations. 9-3 is a solid season...

Good gosh some fans get too drunk. I had several people who couldn't form sentences trying to talk to me Thursday night in Ames. I don't mean over-served, I'm talking about wet your pants, pass out in your own vomit drunk. Too much...

Iowa State has really improved the overall experience of going to a game. (The drunks are at every stadium, not just Jack Trice:)...

Nearly all sports and leagues---even the NFL---are experiencing a drop in ticket sales. Not the Hawkeyes. Every football game sold out. People will find the money somehow if there's enough anticipation. There's never been more in Iowa City...

The U of I commits, potentially, more than $40 million to Kirk Ferentz. He's worth it too. It's all relative, but Ferentz helps make a fortune for Iowa and Johnson County (estimated at $100 million a year). The contract extension through 2020 doesn't guarantee Ferentz will stay at Iowa---he can still leave whenever he wants---but it does appear more likely he's at his final head coaching job. Why would he leave?...

Iowa takes on Eastern Illinois without five starters. The Hawks could win this without 22 starters...

RVTV starts Monday. Looking forward to some male-bonding, not looking forward to catching my annual cold. Happens every year...

Watching the Deer Hunter as I blog. What a great movie. So much said without dialogue. If you haven't seen it, make sure you do. Clear out a night with no distractions. Phenomenal...

We're taking a staycation this week (yes, I hate that word too). Water park all the way in Des Moines. The things we do for kids...

Honest Abe and Viral Video

To put a different slant on the timeless Abraham Lincoln quote, "you can't make all of the people happy all of the time."  That was my thought process before the Big Ten Conference announced its new football divisions.  Full disclosure, I didn't spend the last two and a half months analyzing and hypothesizing the 567 different combinations of possible divisions, but I think the conference did a pretty good job.  It's kind of like the NCAA basketball tournament bracket - there are too many factors involved for the seeds and sites to make perfect sense for all 65 teams in the field.

Is it a little sad to know that Wisconsin and Iowa will no longer meet every year?  Sure.  But some collateral damage (in this case, the Heartland Trophy) was to be expected.  The Hawkeyes will still battle for Floyd of Rosedale annually, and a new rivalry has emerged; Iowa and Nebraska will meet in the final game of the regular season the next two years (and hopefully every year). At least from the Hawkeyes perspective, the new divisions seem pretty fair.

Shifting gears, I've watched the video of Josh Koeppel's motorcycle colliding with a truck at least two dozen times.  (If you haven't seen the police video, check out the video player on the sports page at whotv.com) Why are most humans (myself included) fascinated with, for lack of a better term, graphic video?  Thankfully, and miraculously, the Iowa lineman picked himself up off the pavement almost immediately.  Koeppel was treated for minor injuries and released after just a couple hours in the emergency room.  But I have a feeling if the outcome hadn't been as fortunate, a large number of people still would have watched the video. Remember how popular that "Faces of Death" video was? Something to think about.

College football starts Thursday night.  I'm ready.

Shawn

RVTV Schedule

The RVTV road trip to the Big Game begins Monday (is it really here already?). Our sweet Bob & Jo's RV arrived Tuesday. Cousin Eddie wishes he had this rig. The tour stops are finalized. Here's where you'll find Andy, Shawn, Chris, and me each night, and until we can wake Chris up, each morning:

• Monday: Winterset
• Tuesday: Centerville
• Wednesday: Albia
• Thursday: Oskaloosa
• Friday: Iowa City (duh)

We'll be in the town squares in each of the four central Iowa towns, and by the stadium in Iowa City. Please stop by for our live broadcasts at 5, 6 & 10. And yes, we really sleep in the RV.

Sounding off on SoundOFF

• SoundOff 700 is in the books. It was a lot of fun, though I can't say I want to sit in a dark edit bay and review any more tapes. Challenges for a highlights show after 14 years include tape formats switching many times, hundreds of live shows not being recorded, logged or saved, and there's no way to include everything we'd like.
• In the 24 hours since the show, I've received more feedback than any SoundOff ever, partly because Twitter and Facebook make it so easy to reach me with your thoughts, which is (mostly) a good thing. The most frequent moments you wanted to see but didn't were: 1) The time Andy may or may not have passed gas and made his co-host laugh uncontrollably. 2) The Tiny Ref, and 3) The high school couple who spent their prom night slow-dancing on SoundOff. We'll keep looking.
• A big part of SoundOff's success is strong opinions from the hosts on the hot topics of the week ("I Think", "FaceOff", etc). However, these type segments are quickly dated, and don't work well in a highlights show, so it kind of turns into the funnier moments, which means a lot of Andy and Hassel. Shawn Terrell has filled in many times, and always does good work, but he's rarely in skits.
• SoundOff has had three co-hosts: Round Guy, Andy, and Heather Burnside. Round Guy was prominently featured in our "Early Years" segment, though the video is fading faster than the Cardinals. We had only a couple tapes saved from Heather's months, but she deserves special credit for not only taking on the thankless role of following Andy, and doing it well, but then gracefully exiting without complaint when Andy returned.
• SoundOff started when then news director Al Setka asked me to come up with a show idea to replace the long-running, "Beat the Bear". Al and I decided on SoundOff, synergizing/stealing the name from 1040 WHO's Sound Off (two words), which I was hosting on the radio at the time. Al also hired Andy. After managing us for a few years, he left to run the Great Ape Trust. Yes, it was an easy transition. Our first "congratulations on 700" note came from Al.
• Rod Peterson is now the news director, Dale Woods the GM. We're fortunate they never micromanage the show, and back us when we need it. You can't do the show we do without the support. You wouldn't find it at most stations. Seriously.
• I'm embarrassed at how I laugh like a hyena on-air at times. Take being caught off guard by something funny, and add discomfort to it, and there you have it. Same thing used to happen to me as an altar boy. My parents enjoyed that less.
• Anyway, enough SoundOff talk, save for one final thank you for letting us do something we enjoy so much, and making us feel like you enjoy it too. We appreciate it.

Show 1000, Chiz-Whiz, Predictions

Congrats to Keith and Andy on a great 700th episode of SoundOFF. The show has been going strong for nearly 14 years, and I'm proud to say that I've been a small part of the program for 4 of them. If my math is correct, we should expect show 1,000 to come around in the fall of 2016. That's assuming the world doesn't come to an end in 2012.

What the heck is wrong with the Cardinals?! I'll admit, I picked St. Louis to win the NL Central by 10+ games, before the season began. With one month to go, they're dangerously close to losing the division by 10+ games. 5 games out on August 30? I'm still taking them over the Reds.

I'm so ready for football that I'm watching the NFL Yearbook on the CLEVELAND BROWNS. My fantasy draft was on Saturday, and there wasn't a single Brown taken in the first 100 picks. Although, I must say, they may have a better year than my poor Bears. Jay Cutler...ouch.

Iowa State holds its first weekly press conference, Monday. It's such a different feeling up there, under Paul Rhoads, than it was with Chizik. I never really got the sense that anyone was having fun during those two painful seasons. I'm sure it helps when you win more games in Rhoads' first season, than in the previous two with the Chiz-Whiz.

Season prediction:
Iowa State 5-7
Iowa 10-2
St. Ambrose 10-0

And Finally, here's your news blooper of the day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlWDJQXeihg&feature=related

Football Friday: the Good, the Bad, and the Retro Andy

The "Big Game" was a good one, this week. To be honest, I didn't think Ames would be able to stay with #5 Ankeny, but they sure proved me wrong. The Little Cyclones moved the ball, at will, all night ---- until they reached the red zone. On three different occasions, Ames went inside the Ankeny 15, and failed to score a single point. The 20-7 defeat was a tough one for the lil clones, but they showed that they are a legitimate contender in the CIML Iowa division.

We like to reward people for checking out the blog, so here's a little inside info on one of our recent newscasts. If you watched Friday night's 6pm sportscast, you probably noticed the part where I blew Keith off (by not responding to his question during my live shot). Well, here's the real story. I'm refusing to answer any questions unless he refers to me as Johnny Bench. Just kidding (although Keith did demand that at one point during his childhood). The truth is, my IFB (the thing in my ear) cut out at the last second, so I couldn't hear him. I was hoping he wasn't going to ask me a question. I just saw the recording...ouch! I think Keith was a little hurt.

I find it hard to read the box scores from games involving Hoover and North. The two schools are a combined 0-4, this season...and they've been outscored 199-15. I can't imagine how hard it must be for the coaches and players on those teams to continue to compete, day in and day out. It would be nice if there was a simple solution to the problem facing metro schools around the state. Growing up in eastern Iowa, I saw the same exact things in Davenport. The city schools would take a beating, in football, just about every week. The good news is, Des Moines has created a junior football league in hopes of getting more youngsters involved in the sport before the middle school stage. But I think it's going to take more than that to get things turned around ---- a lot more.

When Stephen Strasburg burst onto the scene, earlier this year, he reminded me of Mark Prior, and Kerry Wood. Both pitchers were "Can't Miss" prospects, and both (in many ways) missed, thanks to major arm injuries. Sure enough, just 12 starts in to his major league career, Strasburg is on the shelf. The 22-year-old tore a ligament in his throwing elbow, and likely won't be pitching again until the 2012 season. He'll undergo the dreaded "Tommy John Surgery" that some pitchers never recover from. Here's to hoping he comes back as strong as Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter. He's 31-9 since having the surgery in 2007.

I can't wait for the 700th episode of SoundOFF. Keith has been slaving away in the edit bay, putting together some of the most memorable clips in SoundOFF history. I always hated when my favorite tv show played a bunch of old clips for an episode, and called it "new", but this is different. I guarantee you're going to see some clips you've either never seen before, or have completely forgotten about. Half the show will be new, and the other half will be legendary. We can do this, now, because we're finally going back to an hour! Sorry Buck McNeely.

 Check out this picture I found of Andy from the mid 60's. He was in President Kennedy's cabinet.

SoundOff 700, Orr Bronzed, Pack Attack

• I'll keep it brief, because it's 12:30 AM and I just finished looking through more SoundOff tapes. Sunday is our 700th show, and we're going to show a lot of clips from the first 699. This week is one of the rare times I wish I worked at a network where a staff of dozens goes through all the tape. Here, it's me. It has provided me with laughs and cringes. I also can make the time by my hair getting shorter and grayer.
• I've warmed to the idea of honoring Johnny Orr with a statue at Hilton Coliseum. I pushed for the Johnny Orr Court, or Orr Floor, but Cyclone fans can't really have their picture taken with a wooden court. They'll gather around the Orr statue the way Bulls fans do with Michael Jordan at the United Center. That's better for a guy like Johnny who's always at his best making fans smile.
• It's only preseason, but the Packers sure looked great Thursday night. 59 points! If only fantasy season had begun.
• The Cardinals are making Andy Fales, Bill Fennelly, and Dave Price really grumpy.
• Back to the video tapes. Please join us for SoundOff 700 Sunday night at 10:30 PM. We're back to an hour.

Elin Interest, Hawk Hype, Chips Ahoy!

• I have zero interest in reading Elin Nordegren's interview in People magazine about her marriage and divorce with Tiger. I just don't think it's really any of our business.
• I care even less about Lindsay Lohan's release from jail---or whatever it is she's doing these days.
• ESPN college football analyst Ivan Maisel picks Iowa vs. Alabama for the BCS championship game. This gives some Hawkeye fans goose bumps, others worry worts.
• Mike Quade is making the most of his time as Cubs manager. The former Iowa skipper is 3-0, which with these Cubs, is not easy.
• Scottie Pippen is one of the nicer NBA stars I've ever interviewed, so I'm glad to hear he's getting a statue at the United Center, even if I don't quite think of Pippen as statue-worthy.
• I can't stop eating those little Chips-Ahoy! cookies. I have one, then two, three, four, five...
• If you're not watching HBO's Hard Knocks, what are you waiting for?! Andy even got his wife hooked on this show.

Jordan Rides Bus, Favre Needs Receivers, Grayer Leaves Bummed

• Another terrific 30 for 30 from ESPN. Ron Shelton's "Jordan Rides the Bus" takes us back to what now seems couldn't have really happened: Michael Jordan temporarily stopped playing basketball in his prime and switched to baseball. The video of Jordan swinging the bat for the Birmingham Barons remains surreal.
• The documentary makes the strong case the murder of Jordan's father, and the love they shared of baseball, gave MJ an outlet to take his mind off his grief and, at the same time, honor his dad. The theory the NBA forced Jordan out because of his gambling problem comes off as laughable (Commissioner David Stern understandably begged Jordan to reconsider).
• As I look back, I regret I was snarky about Jordan's pursuit. I now see it as something that took guts, sacrifice, and hard work. Since it was sincere, it's really one of the coolest things a superstar has ever done. I was wrong.
• Brett Favre better call a couple of the receivers in his Wranglers commercial.
• All Carlos Zambrano needed to rehab his temper is a little time in Des Moines.
• I feel bad for Jeff Grayer. The Cyclone legend really wanted to coach at Iowa State, but Fred Hoiberg, who was in a tough spot, didn't name Grayer one of his three fulltime assistants. Hoiberg did offer Grayer an administrative position, but Jeff decided he'd rather return to Michigan and be with his family. No one's at fault here---Greg McDermott hired Grayer, not Hoiberg---it's just a shame Grayer leaves without fulfilling his dream.
• Milwaukee just put up a statue of Bud Selig at Miller Park. He's not looking the other way. Brewers fans do appreciate that Selig brought baseball back to Milwaukee.
• I watched Sunday's Vikings game with Packer fans in a Milwaukee bar. The loudest cheer of the night---by far---was when the 49ers sacked Favre and he fumbled.
• One of my co-workers said today that fantasy football players are worse than comic book geeks. He might be right. They're now even starting to wear t-shirts. Here are some that don't suck: http://www.smwclothing.com/

Indianola Stays, Coutdown Begins, Joyce's Near Redemption

Indianola is staying in the CIML. The school board didn't even vote on the proposal to leave for the Little Hawkeye Conference because no one seconded the motion. I, for one, think its the right move not to move. We heard from a great deal of Indianola fans, on the Murph n Andy show, today, that felt the same way. Indianola can, and has, competed in the CIML. They were beating North 41-0 in the SECOND quarter, in their first football game, Friday. I know what the athletics director was hoping to do, by moving to a smaller conference, but I don't think it would've sent the right message. The Indians are better off than a handful of other CIML programs.

We're less than 10 days away from the college football season opener at Jack Trice stadium. I'm not sure if I'll be able to sleep until then. It seems like every year I get more, and more, excited about football season coming around. We have a lot to look forward to this season. ISU is coming off a 7-win season that ended with a bowl victory...and the Hawks have already been labeled as national title contenders. And for the first time, maybe ever, some of those people live outside of Iowa City.

Iowa RB Brandon Wegher hasn't, yet, returned to the football team, but he has enrolled in classes. That's definitely a positive.

For now, at least we have high school football to keep our thirst for pigskin satisfied. This week's big game is #7 Ankeny @ Ames. Both teams are 1-0. Thanks to the creation of bye weeks in the CIML, this season, there aren't as many good matchups each week.

We almost had our 6th no-hitter of the MLB season, Monday. Joe Mauer broke up the no-no with one out in the 9th inning, in Texas. Umpire Jim Joyce was behind the plate. Yeah...that Jim Joyce http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJFIlAMHSyU&feature=related  

It's finally starting to feel like this awful summer is starting to lose its sting. I will take really hot over really cold any day, but there's nothing better than fall weather in the midwest. I think it's cooled off so much that the leaves are already starting to turn. Just try not to think about how, in 3 months, we'll be shoveling off the driveway.

TGIFS, Eye to Eye w/ Shawn, Mascot Sighting

TGIFS. Thank goodness it's football season! Some people argue that "week 0" in high school starts too early, but I say it's never too early for the greatest sport on earth. My favorite duty as a sports reporter, here at channel 13, is standing on the sideline shooting football games on Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

It was sad to see Lou Piniella go out the way he did. I don't blame him for leaving a few weeks early. The team quit long before Piniella.

I was on the field after the I-Cubs game, Sunday, looking to talk to Ryne Sandberg about the move. Ryno respectfully decline to comment about the happenings in Chicago. He told me that all of his energy is being focused on the triple-A pennant race. I have to believe that Sandberg was hoping to be called up to Chicago to coach the remainder of the season. Instead, the Cubs made 3rd base coach Mike Quade the acting manager. If I had to guess, I'd say the Cubs are going to go after Joe Girardi. If he doesn't want to leave the Yanks, Ryno is the man.

Brett Favre came back, and that's how he ended his first game. The 40-year-old took 4 snaps in the Vikings preseason game in San Francisco, and he's still feeling that last play. When Favre got rocked, the newsroom exploded. I guess we didn't have any Vikes fans in the house, today. I don't want to see him get hurt, but I wouldn't mind seeing him get lit up a few more times.

In many ways, Shawn and I are polar opposites ---- but when it comes to the state fair, we see eye to eye. I've lived in Iowa my entire life and I've never willingly gone to the fair. I don't have a problem with people who enjoy it, as long as they're not putting human teeth into the cast your kernel jars (actually happened, last week).

After a two year hiatus, the worst mascot in sports has returned... http://twitpic.com/2h0vgn

The Mountain West Conference has been the talk of the college sports world over the past week. Here is what the latest transgressions would look like if the MWC was on Facebook http://www.blocku.com/2010/8/19/1632774/the-mountain-west-conference

Fairly Uninterested in the Fair.

I feel like I'm the only person living in Iowa that doesn't enjoy the State Fair.  I'm 32, and I've lived in Iowa almost my entire life, but I still don't understand the allure.  As Keith pointed out in a previous blog, the fair is incredibly expensive.  10 bucks for admission, 10 bucks for parking, and for what?  Over-priced food and drink?  But more than that, nothing at the fair seems to interest me.  I'm not shopping for a new hot tub, I don't raise livestock, and the "carnies" aren't all that interesting to talk to.  The strange part is, I'm surrounded by people that live for the fair.  I have college friends that live in downtown Chicago, and they annually make a five hour drive just for "East Side Night." I don't get it.  What am I missing?

Shawn

Our State Fair Is A Greatly Overpriced State Fair

• As predicted by everyone, including Nostradamus, the Hawkeyes will start the season in the AP top ten (9). Iowa has done much better in the Ferentz era with low expectations, but Iowa has the talent to win 10+ games, even while hunted.
• Iowa State will play four (!) teams in the top ten. That's a brutal schedule. (Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas)
• I received a sneak preview of the Register's special Hawkeye preview section. It's good. Look for it Sunday.
• Kirk Ferentz unintentionally sent the Iowa media into a frenzy Friday night when he went on Fox Sports Radio's Petros & Money show on 1460 KXNO. It sounded to many like Ferentz said Brandon Wegher had returned to practice, but his heart wasn't in it, so he left again. Turns out Ferentz was talking about early in camp, and there was no "news". Wegher is still absent. You can always use a Wegher, but Jewel Hampton looks like the guy, with Adam Robinson a proven, productive option. Hampton is suspended for the first game though. Jewel, the folk singer, could play against Eastern Illinois, and Iowa would win. As long as she doesn't sing, "Who Will Save Your Soul".
• Prices at the Iowa State Fair are absolutely ridiculous, if not scandalous. I don't know how many families afford it. Someone should seriously look into why it can't be more reasonable. $6 for a cinnamon roll? And it's $10 just to get in. Our state fair should be an affordable day for Iowa families, not a day at Disney.
• Quick, what teams played in the Arena Bowl? I had to look it up. Spokane and Tampa Bay. Spokane won.
• The documentary on former NFL player Pat Tillman is a movie I need to see, though I'm sure it's heartbreaking.
• We're headed to Miller Park this weekend. My fourth of five planned MLB stadiums. (Wrigley, Fenway, Kauffman, Miller, Target)
• Seriously, how is the state fair allowed to be that overpriced? I guess the short answer is, we're willing to pay.

Insert Creative Headline Here

I've started a letter-writing campaign.  I'm petioning HBO to make "Hard Knocks" a season-long show.  It's phenomenal television, but I'm already bummed out because there's only two episodes left.

As a Bears fan, I've never liked Brett Favre.  But I always respected him... that is, until two years ago.  What a flake.

I'm so starved for football, I've been watching football replays on the Big Ten Network for the last two weeks.  I've also been watching preseason game replays late at night on the NFL Network. I hate to see summer end, but the dawn of football season makes it easier to swallow.

I had no idea the restoration of Hilton Coliseum would take nearly three months.  What a shame.

The first "Big Game" of the High School football season is Dowling vs. Valley.  Who ya got?

Shawn

Favre Blah Blah, Fantasy Football Shirts, Expendables Body Count

• Brett Favre is like the hot girl in the club. He knows everyone wants him, but he needs to hear it anyway.
• Favre blah, blah, blah.
• HBO's Hard Knocks is the best sports show on television. This week featured the unintentional tragicomedy of Jets defensive back Antonio Cromartie struggling to remember all his many children.
• The Jets also received Shake Weights. There just no way to watch someone using one without laughing.
• The Iowa Speedway will sell out both NASCAR Nationwide races next year.
• Keno Davis is catching grief for not releasing a player from his commitment to Providence. I wish more schools would do this, but they won't. Why? Because they know they'll gladly take other kids who back out of their commitments.
• I first ate at Smokey Row in Oskaloosa when we stayed in the town square with RVTV. Loved it. Tonight, I tried the new Smokey Row in Des Moines on MLK. I don't know what took me so long. Cool place, tasty food. I was easy to spot too. I was the person without a laptop.
• Looking for a shirt that shows your passion for fantasy football? Check this site for gear that's not lame. http://www.smwclothing.com/
• I took my dad to the testosterone filmfest that is The Expendables. I liked it. Way over the top in that Tango & Cash kind of way, but if you know what you're getting into, you'll have a good time. You'll also lose track of the body count, which easily goes into the hundreds. Jason Statham steals the show from the old guys.

Flushed Out, Hawks #1, Keno Blasted

You have to feel for the Iowa State volleyball team. The Cyclones spent the last few years building up one of the best home court advantages in all of collegiate volleyball, and they won't even be able to play at home. The flood waters have forced the program to move all of its home games out of Hilton Coliseum, and into the Ames High School gym. ISU averaged 2,700 fans in 2009. Ames high only holds 2,000.

Hawkeye fans always think the Iowa football team has a chance to reach the BCS title game, and this year they're not alone. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/preview10/news/story?id=5467170 

I've become somewhat of a Twitter junkie over the past few months (hassel13 if you wish to follow). Keith (murph_13) has been on board for a while, but Shawn and Andy have been stubborn holdouts. I expect Shawn to join in within the month. Andy is likely many months away.

Speaking of Twitter, I had been reading, all day, to stay away from spam known as Twifficiency. Some 17-year-old kid built a program to calculate your own Twitter efficiency, based on your numbers of tweets, and followers. Many warned me to stay away, but that just made me want to try it even more. It turns out my score is 18%. I have no idea what it means, and now I'm going to be worried about some teenager from Britain hacking into my account. Not worth it.

Drake head football coach, Chris Creighton, is Paul Rhoads lite. He's an entertaining guy to listen to, and he's very honest about how he runs his program. Every year, he spends 2-4 months coming up with a theme for the upcoming season. This years theme is "rabid". Creighton explained it by saying, "Rabid is off the chart. It's no longer in the normal realm and, at times, maybe even a bit irrational." Sounds like they're ready to have some fun.

Keno Davis is just two years removed from being named National Coach of the Year. After a pair of lackluster season's at Providence, the former Drake coach is starting to feel the heat. Fans are beginning to lose their patience, and a recruits father is now calling him a "bad guy". http://hoopsblog.projo.com/2010/08/joseph-young-lo.html

I'm a big fan of old sports clips. This one, is definitely in my top 5. If you like big comebacks and crazy announcers with Texas slang....you'll love it. If you haven't seen it, be patient. You won't be disappointed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHkABO0VwCg

Unruly Hawkeye Tailgaters, Rex Bleeping Ryan, My Huge Head

• Can't believe how many one-liners we've received at SoundOff about the flooding at Iowa State. Example: Good to see they finally filled Hilton Coliseum with something. I think it's too soon for jokes. What do you think?
• We went to Kansas City to see a Yankees "home game" Friday. I have never experienced heat like that, outside a sauna. Our car temperature gauge read 112, and it felt like 130. The temperature dropped 30 degrees for a two hour rain delay. The Royals won, which is nice. Kansas City baseball fans are great, Kauffman Stadium is now a cool venue, and Royals Nation---what's left of it---deserves a contender.
• We went off the beaten path from Missouri to Mizzoura. Now I know where they filmed Dukes of Hazzard.
• U of I Police say they'll crack down on unruly tailgating. Good luck with that. I'm not sure where you even start, but I suppose it's a little like what Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart said when asked to define hard-core pornography. He said, "I know it when I see it". Let's hope police can do the same with tailgating. Most is fun, some is unruly, and you can usually see the difference.
• Kirk Ferentz confirmed Saturday that Brandon Wegher is away from the team dealing with "personal issues". We don't need to know more than that. I hope Wegher returns soon, and I think he will.
• No DJK interviews after Saturday's practice. Don't shut him down, Coach. Please!
• Has any third string QB ever received more attention than Tim Tebow Sunday? No. And I kind of understand it.
• Twins manager Ron Gardenhire removed pitcher Kevin Slowey after 7 innings of no-hit ball. Gardenhire was right. Slowey has tendinitis in his elbow. Fans booed. They were right too.
• Tony Dungy says Commissioner Goodell should tell Jets coach Rex Ryan to tone his language down on HBO's terrific Hard Knocks. If Goodell does that, Hard Knocks becomes a lot less real. Many coaches, in many sports, use as much profanity as Ryan. And not just on the pro or college level. I had a high school coach who makes Ryan sound like Dungy.
• One of the guys who started http://www.buildahead.com/ grew up watching SoundOFF. He sent some "heads" of Andy and me. Immediately a couple staffers at work had fun with them.

Cast Your Kernel

I spent Saturday afternoon manning Channel 13's "Cast Your Kernel" booth at the Iowa State Fair.  The object is simple.  Fair-goers chose who they want Iowa's next governor to be by placing a corn kernel in a mason jar representing either Terry Branstad or Chet Culver.  Below is a top ten list of the most frequent questions and comments uttered during my time at the booth.

10. Who are you? You work at Channel 13?
9.    I listen to you guys on the radio all the time.
8.   Where's the jar to vote for neither?
7.   Where's the jar to vote for Jonathan Narcisse?
6.   There's a chunk of corndog stuck in your front tooth.
5.   How do I get to the backgammon tournament?
4.   What's the deal with Brandon Wegher?
3.   I was on Channel 13 one time three years ago. Can you get me a copy of that?
2.   Hot enough for ya?!?
1.   Where's Ed Wilson?

Gotta love the State Fair.

Shawn

Kirk and Kurt

On Friday, Kirk Ferentz confirmed what most Hawkeye fans already suspected... Brandon Wegher hasn't practiced all week because of undiclosed personal reasons.  Ferentz volunteered the information during an interview on ESPN Radio's Scott Van Pelt show.  Ferentz will undoubtedly be asked about Wegher on Saturday, following Iowa's open practice at Kinnick Stadium, but I'll be highly surprised if he offers much more information than he did on Friday.

Kurt Warner continues to dabble in broadcasting.  The Iowa native and two-time NFL MVP will be the color commentator for the NFL Network's broadcast of the Arena Bowl.  With a little work, Warner could easily end up in a network booth calling NFL games.  It just depends on if Warner wants to make that kind of commitment. 

Shawn

Perspective, F-bombs, and Uncle-hood.

The water in Ames is receding, but it won't be gone anytime soon.  And the forecast calls for more rain in northern Iowa in the coming days... here's hoping it's minimal. As I write this, the folks at Iowa State are pumping flood water out of Hilton Coliseum.  Until the water is gone, they won't know how long it will take to renovate Hilton or how much it will cost.  While the flooding at ISU is a huge inconvenience and expense, everyone at the university seems to have a good perspective... meaning they realize many others across the state have suffered greater tragedies.  The video and interviews with people that have lost loved ones or their homes is truly heartbreaking.

On a lighter note, I absolutely loved the first episode of "Hard Knocks" Wednesday night. Rex Ryan stole the show with both his candor and colorful language.  Ryan seems to be the definition of a "players' coach." "Hard Knocks" has been around for years, but the show is on its way to receiving unprecedented coverage from the media.  I've seen three seperate articles on espn.com today about information that was revealed in the show.  I'm guessing the fact that the Jets play in the country's top media market has something to do with it. One of the aforementioned articles dealt with Rex Ryan's mother.  Apparently, she didn't approve of her son's repeated use of the "f" word.  Ryan dropped at least a dozen f-bombs in the first episode.  I understand mom's position, but I hope Rex continues to spew away.  That's the sailor in me.

Finally, I met my nephew Henry for the first time on Thursday.  I've never been one to "ooh and ahh" over babies, but Henry is the exception.  My brother and his wife don't know it yet, but Henry is getting a drum set for Christmas this year. :)

Shawn

Iowa State, home of Cyclones and Floods

• Ames woke up in 1993 Wednesday morning. Maybe worse. It's hard to believe the video and pictures from Ames, a city under water, and without water. Those of us dealing with a damp basement now fully realized how fortunate we are compared to those in Ames, Four Mile Creek, Altoona, Colfax-Mingo and other flooded areas.
• Hilton Coliseum was, perhaps, the most surreal sight. It looked like a giant dark pool inside, and the court was floating in eight feet of water.
• When I talked to Iowa State head coach Fred Hoiberg, he was trapped at home. Hoiberg tried to reach Iowa State, but kept running into police road blocks set up to prevent people from driving into dangerous areas. Turn around, don't drown.
• ISU women's coach Bill Fennelly told me he choked up and fought back tears when he saw the court and offices at Hilton. Fennelly also realizes materials can be replaced, people can't.
• No football team in America worked harder than Iowa State Wednesday morning. Instead of practicing, the Cyclones sandbagged for hours. Everyone in Iowa, fans of all teams, cheer that effort.
• Channel 13's Shawn Terrell was supposed to spend the day at his desk working on RVTV plans. Instead, he spent it all in Ames doing a terrific job of reporting on the flooding. I think Shawn's glad he went. He says it's something you had to see with your own eyes to believe. I think that's what was hard for some people in non-flooded areas, it seemed like just another day. It wasn't.

Enough Rain Already, Hellboy Tames Tigers, Newton Double Down

• Another storm as I blog? Really?! These aren't just mild storms either. They're movie special f/x, wake you up out of a dead sleep, trash the entire neighborhood type storms. Enough! Uncle.
• Ed Wilson's off this week. He's building an ark.
• Just got a text from my good friend, Rod Bodholdt, in Ames. He says it's getting bad up there. Our thoughts are with all people dealing with the flooding. Hang in there.
• I-Cubs home game Wednesday should be nice and warm. Around 105 degrees on the heat index.  Think how the Famous Chicken felt Tuesday night. I hear he wears icepack underwear, but that might not be enough.
• Jeremy Hellickson is the real deal. As good as Hellboy was in his major league debut, he was even better in game two. (The other rookie pitching phenom, Steven Strasburg was rocked on the same night.) It was nice to see how proud all Jeremy's family and friends are in Des Moines. They're nice people.
• Jeremy's dad, Steve, tells me Jeremy's in the show for good now. If he's not, the Rays deserve to lose.
• Brandon Wegher missed another practice Tuesday. I think he'll be back with the Hawkeyes soon.
• Iowa is #6 in Sports Illustrated's first poll. That should help tamp down expectations.
• Did you see that Reds-Cardinals brawl? This is going to be a fun pennant race.
• The Iowa Speedway is a near lock to have two NASCAR Nationwide series races next year. That's a big deal for a track making all the right moves.
• I'm disappointed Friday Night Lights is over for another season. It's so good, it makes me want to buy DirecTV just so I don't have to wait as long to see the final season (which will be show later on NBC).
• Another great episode of Rescue Me. Emmy voters, stop ignoring Denis Leary.
• If you like U2 or Radiohead, I think you'll love Arcade Fire's new album, The Suburbs.
• Count me in for The Expendables. I love all those aging action stars. Well, most of them.
• Pirahna 3D? Do we need to see fish eat human flesh in 3D.
• I'm headed to KC this weekend to see the Royals & Royals. Damn Yankees.

Madden 2010 (yes 2010), Stanzi Cover Manzi, No Tweeting

• The weather early Monday was NUTS. I ignored the good advice of one of our producers, Lisa Felton, and drove home around 12:30 a.m.  High winds, horizontal rain, constant lightning, flash flooding... this one had it all. I was looking around for a flying cow.
• Nebraska fans, we're kidding. Don't tell.
• That didn't take long. Bryan Bulaga competing for starting spot on Packers O-line.
• Ricky Stanzi is on the regional cover of Sports Illustrated's Big Ten preview. Since only Iowa stores get this cover, it doesn't qualify for jinx consideration. The jinx is silly anyway.
• Boise State's football players are not allowed to tweet during the season. Some will see this as censorship, but when you're on a team, you follow rules. Kind of like when you're in your parents' house; their house, their rules. I wouldn't be surprised to see Kirk Ferentz go to the no tweeting rule, though I hope he doesn't.
• I wish DJK would join twitter. He's the best interview in the state right now. (By the way, my twitter name is now Murph_13.)
• If you're on twitter, I recommend following Zachlopedia. Zach Spears plays on the offensive line at Iowa State, and he was our intern at SoundOff and on the Murph & Andy Show. He's bright, funny, and unpredictable. Well, he is in person. He's just starting on twitter, so we'll see if he keeps it real.
• We're apparently ready for some football. The lackluster Bengals vs. Cowboys Hall of Fame game was the highest rated preseason clash in six years.
• Preseason games are the worst part of the NFL. They just don't matter to anyone except the coaches and fringe players. In 2008, the Lions went undefeated in the preseason. Regular season record: 0-16.
• As I type, it's thundering. You've got to be kidding.
• Greatest NFL player of the past 25 years? To me, it's Jerry Rice.
• Will Tiger Woods win another major? I think he will, and more than one, but he'll never be dominant the way he once was. He's past his prime, and lost his swagger. He'll get his game back, but never his aura of invincibility.
• It's time for Madden 2011, or as my kids call it, Madden 2010. "See kids, it's 2010, just like the year it is now! Plus, none of that annoying shrink wrap. It's ready to play!"
• There's plenty of passion in Indianola where the school board is voting whether Indianola leaves the CIML. Many in Indianola are tired of being the smallest school in the CIML. They'd like to join the Little Hawkeye conference where the Indians would be, by far, the largest school. The rub is that would make Indianola the bully, because the Indians are tired of being bullied.
• A lightning bolt just knocked out all power for 5 minutes. When will this end?
• Jeff Van Gundy is predicting the Heat will win more than 72 games, and could win more than 33 in a row, both records. Drug test Van Gundy stat.
• Loved Will Ferrell's The Other Guys. Absolutely ridiculous, but I laughed hard several times. That's worth 7 bucks.
• And now, two Pirates announcers who momentarily lose their minds, and all perspective: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=10740021&c_id=pit&topic_id=8877442

Little Leaguers, Spiderman, Kinnick Expansion

(Chris)

Last year, Urbandale made the little league World Series. This year, a team from Des Moines is threatening to do the same. The boys from Grandview Little League are 2-0 in Midwest regional pool play, in Indianapolis...and they won both games by 10 runs! They play again, Monday, against Missouri.

Jeremy Hellickson could start as early as Tuesday, for the Rays. A pair of Tampa starters are banged up, so the organization decided to scratch Hellickson's scheduled Sunday start in triple-A Durham.

Tony Stewart didn't make the trip for the US Cellular 250, but he won't miss the Knoxville Nationals. He'll be in Knoxville on Monday, and Tuesday.

If you weren't out driving around at midnight, Sunday, you're lucky. I'm not sure that I've ever driven anywhere in a worse rain storm. It took 30 minutes to get from downtown to 50th street in West Des Moines. I'm not sure when hydroplaning becomes floating, but I'm sure I was on the threshold. Hopefully Mother Nature is done throwing hissy fits for a while.

This guys nickname is 'Spiderman' ... and he's living up to it  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaxpAkOWNM0

When I got to work, Keith told me I looked too thin. A few hours later, a gracious co-worker ordered 3 pizza's for the newsroom. I proceeded to eat 8 pieces. Thanks, Keith.

Here's a question that I bet we're going to start hearing: Is Kinnick Stadium too small? With every ticket sold heading into 2010, it makes you think. Some Hawkeye fans will be on the outside looking in come game day...unless they want to pay at least 2x face value on a ticket. Kinnick holds 70,585 people, and it has the 6th largest stadium capacity in the Big ten. Sure, the Hawks could fill an 80,000 seat stadium, this year. But what about an average year? This year isn't the norm. I think Iowa could use an extra 5-10 thousand seats....but there are logistical problems. They would need to add an upper deck, and I don't see that happening in the near future.

Prior's Comeback, Hellickson to Bullpen, Tiger Will Roar

(Chris)

Mark Prior seemed to throw a towel more than he threw a baseball during his time in the big leagues, but he's having a tough time "throwing in the towel" on his career. The former Cubs phenom signed on with a team in the Independent League. He's been out of the majors for 4 years, but he's still only 29. There's time for a comeback, but I wouldn't bet on it.

A month ago, Iowa Cubs GM Sam Bernabe couldn't buy a break. His team was losing, and his fans were being kept away by Mother Nature. Now, the I-Cubs have the best record in the league, and the fans are flocking to Principal Park. Over 26,000 people saw Friday and Saturday night's games combined.

It seems as if Des Moines native Jeremy Hellickson is being prepped for a move to the bullpen. After a dazzling debut in a spot start for the Rays, Hellickson was sent back down to AAA Durham. Word is that he will be limited to 45 pitches per start in the minors. When Major League rosters expand, in September, he'll likely be called up to work out of the 'pen.

Another Des Moines Little League team is looking to make the trip to Williamsport. The kids from Grandview Little League beat Nebraska, 11-1, Saturday in Indianapolis. Grandview plays Kansas on Sunday night.

Is Tiger Woods done? No. He may be a shell of his former self, right now, but I'll bet the farm that he'll be back. He's the greatest golfer of our time, and he's in his prime. Once he gets his personal life in order, the golf world will return to order.

All Things Iowa

For the first time, every Iowa football game is sold out prior to the start of the season.  More than 59,000 season tickets have been sold.  That's impressive.  There is, however, a chance a few seats could become available later in the season.  Each opposing school is allotted 4000 tickets for each game, and if the opposing school returns any of those tickets, they will go on sale to the general public.  But those seats suck.  Plus, you'd be stuck with the opposing fans for the entire game.  Either way, scalpers will have a field day on Melrose this fall.

Iowa media day came and went, and we really don't know anything we didn't know on Monday.  Kirk Ferentz cleared the air at Big Ten Media days earlier in the week.  Still, Friday was one of the only times of the year that every player and coach is available for an interview.  After today, we won't hear anything from the true freshman, and Norm and Ken won't talk again until (presumably) before the bowl game.

Everyone always asks me how good the Hawks will be this year.  And my answer is always the same.  It depends which way the bounces go.  It's easy to forget, Iowa was a few plays away from being (record-wise) a mediocre football team in 2009.  Except for 2002, Kirk Ferentz hasn't really had a dominating team at Iowa.  But the Hawks had great records in '03, '04, '08, and '09 because the bounces went their way and they won most of the close games.  We'll find out soon what kind of karma Iowa has this season.  Kickoff is one month away.  Can't wait.

Shawn

Brawling at Graduation, Catch of the Century, A-Fraud

• The Big Ten's first football championship game will take place in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. That's no surprise. The home of the Colts is a nice place, though I still think of Big Ten football being outdoors in the December cold.
• Paul Rhoads is so fired up right now, I hope he makes it all the way to the first game. Less than a month to go. Hang in there, coach. Save some.
• A-Rod's 600th left me cold. I don't hate Alex Rodriguez---I don't know him---but I hate the way the cheaters forever ruined one of the best parts of baseball: meaningful numbers. A-Rod is a talented baseball player, but he'd be nowhere near 600 without all the steroids.
• A-Rod apologists, i.e. Yankee fans, need to stop emailing me how, "at least A-Rod confessed and apologized". He didn't come forward because his conscience got to him, he did it because he got caught.
• Iowa's Adrian Clayborn is now #5 on Mel Kiper's NFL draft list for next year. Clayborn lists Kiper #3 on his scary hairdo list.
• Parents in California brawled at a kindergarten graduation because of a Facebook post dissing the Lakers. This begs the question... why was there a kindergarten graduation?
• Remember when Mark Prior pitched for the Iowa Cubs. It was absolutely electric. Prior was cool too. He took his teammates out for dinner, and thanked all the fans in a Des Moines Register ad. Now at age 29, Prior signs with the Orange County Flyers. Who? The Orange County Flyers. Don't put Strasburg in the Hall of Fame yet.
• Joe Posnanski's Sports Illustrated cover story on Stan Musial was perfect. What a great read.
• Some roles should never be attempted because they were played perfectly the first time. Who had a worse idea, Adam Sandler attempting Paul Crewe in Longest Yard, or Steve Martin as Inspector Clouseau? Burt Reynolds and Peter Sellers, respectively, made sequels a bad idea.
• I can't wait to see "The Other Guys". Yes, I love Will Ferrell movies, but this one is actually getting good reviews.
• I leave you with the greatest baseball catch  I've ever seen:

 http://www.nesn.com/2010/08/hiroshima-carps-masato-akamatsu-makes-baseballs-catch-of-the-year.html?utm_source=Len+Berman+Sports+List&utm_campaign=0b71ee9800-LensTop5_0805108_5_2010&utm_medium=email

Don't Do It Kurt, Burt Reynolds' Prime, Football Friday Album

• Not again, Brett. Why am I surprised. Oh yeah, I'm not. Who knows if Brett Favre really is done, and if he is, whether it's his ankle, his age, or simply desire. If he's not done, why's he crying wolf again? Is it more money? A ploy to miss training camp? The need to have his ego stroked? I don't know, and I really don't care. I do know the NFL is more interesting with Favre in it, and hope he comes back. For the first time, I don't think he will.
• Et tu, Kurt? Dancing With The Stars? Please don't do it, Kurt. It's great for Shawn Johnson, maybe okay for Ochocinco, but Warner---he'd lose cool points on that hit cheesefest. Warner's made for television stardom, with his mouth, not feet.
• Terrific story by Andy Fales on how much a visit by Fred Hoiberg meant to a young cancer patient 16 years ago. The current coach and former patient reunited at the Coaches vs. Cancer Golf Classic in Ankeny. http://www.whotv.com/news/who-story-coaches-vs-cancer-080310,0,3471123.story
• Andy didn't just cover the 100 year anniversary of the Boys Scouts Jamboree. He looked back with pride.

It's belt canteen boy.

• Iowa and Iowa State moving to 9-game conference schedules won't kill the Iowa-Iowa State game, but it will take cooperation and motivation to keep it going. Both sides will have to work hard to sync-up schedules when they're playing 5 conference road games, because both schools want, and need, 7 home games a season. Neither will want to give that up.
• I'm watching the original Longest Yard as I write this. It's so much better than the sequel, it's not even debatable. Burt Reynolds vs. Adam Sandler as Paul Crew is worse than Peter Sellers vs. Steve Martin as Inspector Clouseau.
• Why would a man want Andy to sign his chest? I don't know, but I hope it's not for a tattoo.

I don't want to know how he dotted the "i"

• If anything, I overshare on this blog, I know that. Nature of the beast, I suppose. But if for some reason you want to read a recent interview, please visit http://thebigfootdiaries.blogspot.com/2010/07/five-questions-with-keith-murphy.html

• We shot the new Football Friday promo today. I'm embarrassed to report I wrenched my back while performing a solo. Really.

The Football Friday album cover

Hoover's Hellboy, Wing Dings, Seed Addiction

• Hellboy raised hell Monday in Tampa. Des Moines' Jeremy Hellickson made his Major League debut against the Twins, and Hellickson dominated. The Hoover alum picks up the win as the Rays beat the Twins, 4-2. Hellickson belongs in The Show, but he's headed back to Durham. The Rays have so much pitching, they can afford to wait longer on a guy who's ready RIGHT NOW.
• Hellickson's parents drove from Des Moines to Tampa. That's a haul that would give the Bandit pause. I talked to Steve Hellickson. He's bursting with pride---naturally---and said the drive was well worth it.
• Hellickson's friends and family packed the new Buffalo Wild Wings in Des Moines to watch on TV. I don't think any of them were part of that crowd ten days ago that camped out to try and win free wings for a year. No one should love wings that much.
• Cyclone star David Sims changed his plea to "guilty". If he stays out of trouble for 18 months, it'll be like it never happened. If he's smart, and I hope he is, he'll take zero chances.
• The job of a sales staff is to---duh---sell. The Miami Heat sold out season tickets, so the Heat fired the entire sales staff. Don't need a sales staff if there's nothing to sell, I guess. Thanks for taking your talents to South Beach, LeBron.
• A-Rod, please, go back to the 'roids for a week so I don't have to keep reading about you being stuck on 599.
• Alright, I'm into Mad Men. Can't wait to see who Don Draper sexually harasses next.
• I saw Sorcerer's Apprentice over the weekend. The kids liked it. I just tried to remember when Nicolas Cage made movies I enjoyed. "Put the bunny down".
• Had a lot of fun at the Iowa Speedway over the weekend, save for Friday's night drive through the fog of death. Saturday, we were invited to the owner's luxury box, and though we couldn't have been treated better, I'd rather watch any live sporting event from the stands. It's more real, it's more fun. The box is like watching the tube.
• I can't wait to see "The Other Guys". It looks like something I'll love, and Andy will think is stupid.
• High school football season starts two weeks from Friday. How is that possible.
• I'm addicted to David's ranch flavored sunflower seeds. I really have a problem. People are starting to talk.
• I like most of what I heard from Big Ten Media Days in Chicago. Jim Delany is the Godfather, so whatever he says is going to happen. Nine conference games intead of eight is good for fans, a championship game will make the Big Ten more relevant, though the regular season less relevant, and the Big Ten brand is strong enough to not change the name, even if it remains an oxymoron. The next big news item is division alignment. I'm still hoping for geography, but many Hawk fans want Penn State with Iowa. I get that, though I wonder what happens after JoePa and Ferentz leave.
• Expectations have never been higher for Hawkeye football. I can't help but think Iowa's bound to disappoint, but I hope I'm wrong. It's more fun for us when the local teams win, and win big. Everyone's happier.
• Nice effort, Cubs. Way to show all the visiting Iowa media a good time at Wrigley. Losing to the Brewers 18 to 1 could be the new low point.
• I need to go buy some seeds.