A Penguin in the Orchard

Talkin’ Hawks

No one would have expected it. In fact, the Hawkeyes were picked by most to finish somewhere in the middle of the Big 10. This was supposed to be another rebuilding year, albeit a better one than we’ve had the past few seasons. Finishing as predicted wouldn’t have made the fans or alumnus too happy, but we started the season, as always, optimistic that there would be at least a few bright spots to remember the season by.

By the latest poll, the Hawks are #6 in the country and sitting pretty atop the Big 10 conference. With Northwestern and Minnesota left on the schedule, things are looking pretty rosy in Iowa City. If Ohio State should lose one remaining game, or be invited to play for the BCS national championship, the Hawks will be headed to Pasadena and the Rose Bowl. No one would have expected it.

It’s pretty amazing, too, how football pervades the conversation in a university town. Everyone is talking. Local radio and TV are covering the Hawks almost daily. From convenience store clerks to the city manager, everyone has Hawkeye football in mind. People who wouldn’t normally mingle are glad to talk about this winning season. It’s a nice way to bring a community together, even if it will fade when the season has ended.