The excitement is palpable. One week until the start of the college football season. In Iowa, a good amount of the season involves waiting to see how bad the Hawkeyes choke. We know what the Cyclones will do. They will try way hard and play light years above their potential, and end up 6 – 6.

The Hawkeyes provide the real entertainment though. Not because of how good they will be, but how bad. The Hawks have several great tendencies that have always helped them to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Phil Steele’s 2014 strength of schedule rankings has the Hawks with the 70th weakest schedule in the nation. You’d think 9 – 3, my money is on 4 – 8. The opener next Saturday against the UNI Panthers should be a real indicator. I would just die if the win went to UNI. My guess is the UNI coach doesn’t make one million a year, let alone 4.

After watching the Hawks for 30 years, this is what I always see them do. During the first series of the year, it will look like their feet are in molasses, they have to be the slowest starting team in the history of college football. Every year. The running game will be spotty. The quarterback will complete just 3 passes over 10 yards (in the air), everything else will be for 5, 6 and 8 yards. On third and 8 he will throw for 7. On passes over the middle, the passes will be kicking dirt in front of the receiver. All other passes will be against the sideline just out of reach. The receiver chosen will be the one with 3 defenders around him. The tight ends will be wide open and completely ignored. The defense will have the other team at 3rd and 26, and give  up the first down. 2 students will die from alcohol related deaths. AD Gary Barta will extend Ferentz’s contract to 2030.