The Hawks will miss the Metrodome, or Kinnick North, and they gave the hefty dome a fitting sendoff with a 55-0 spanking of the Gophers. Shonn Greene did what he always does, gained over 100 yards (144) and two touchdowns. In doing so, he broke Tavian Banks single season record from 1997 with 1729 yards. Stanzi looked more comfortable than ever, going 15 for 28 for 255 yards and 3 TDs. The defense was amazing, allowing only 134 yards of offense and 7! rushing yards.

Now the Hawks wait. The only way the Hawks get a Jan 1 bowl is if Ohio St gets a BCS. That happens if USC loses to Notre Dame, or the Big 12 gets completely messed up with Texas losing to A&M, Sooners losing to Okla St and Missouri beating the South representative in the Big 12 Championship. The Big 12 has a history of ruining a good thing, but this is pretty far fetched. So it will probably be one of the Champ Sports, Alamo or Insight Bowls. They will be competing with Michigan St, Northwestern and Wisconsin for these spots.

UPDATE:

I forgot one of the most likely ways for Iowa to get to Jan 1. Oregon St could lose to Oregon this weekend. If that happens, Ohio St gets a BCS over Oregon St, and Iowa plays on Jan. 1. So root for the team with the ugly uniforms this weekend.

The Hawks got a close win against Purdue. The defense looked great, limiting the Boilermakers to 86 yards on the ground. Of course, the Hawks got only 72 yard through the air. The only thing on offense that worked was Shonn Greene who racked up 211 yards and 2 TDs.

The win improved the Hawks bowl standing. A win in Minnesota next weekend should lead to a January 1 bowl.