The Iowa Hawkeyes are gearing up for two significant competitions as they enter the holiday season, creating buzz among their supporters. The football team is set to face the Missouri Tigers (9-3, 5-3 SEC) at the TransPerfect Music City Bowl, with kickoff approaching quickly. On the basketball front, the women's team recently secured a thrilling victory over Northern Iowa.
Ahead of the Music City Bowl, Iowa (8-4, 6-3 Big Ten) has released its final depth chart. Of notable interest is junior quarterback Brendan Sullivan, who returns to the top of the depth chart after fully recovering from injury. Head coach Kirk Ferentz expressed optimism about Sullivan's health, stating, “He feels fully confident. The injury is in the history now, it's passed.” This development is pivotal for Iowa, especially after Sullivan had limited action since spraining his ankle during the November 8 matchup against UCLA.
“Midseason we were teetering a little bit,” admitted Ferentz, referring to the team's struggles earlier this season. “The guys came back, really rallied,” he added, reflecting on the team’s resilience. Sullivan's return is expected to bolster the Hawkeyes as they aim to finish the season on a strong note. With Kaleb Johnson opting to turn pro, the pressure now shifts to running backs Kamari Moulton and Jaziun Patterson, who have been productive throughout the season. Moulton, for one, has rushed for 377 yards and two touchdowns, providing considerable support as the Hawkeyes prepare to confront their SEC opponents.
The Hawkeyes have also extracted valuable lessons from the recent college football season; they earned this bowl invitation by winning four of their last five games. They now face Missouri, who will be without several key offensive players due to injuries and opt-outs. “Their defensive coordinator has been there since 1998, that's older than most of our team,” joked Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz, indicating respect for Iowa’s program, especially under Ferentz's long tenure.
Meanwhile, on the hardwood, the Iowa women’s basketball team achieved victory against Northern Iowa with a final score of 92-86, highlighting their offensive prowess. With standout performances from Lucy Olsen and Addison O’Grady, who combined for 39 points, the Hawkeyes showcased their potential to contend against tough rivals. Despite leading by 16 at halftime, the game was not without tension. Northern Iowa put up significant resistance by shooting 55% in the second half, closing the gap as the game neared its end.
Hawkeye fans will certainly recall the nail-biting fourth quarter, where Northern Iowa managed to pull within one possession of the lead. Olsen's strong free-throw performance—making 11 of 12 attempts—proved clutch and was instrumental for Iowa down the stretch. A and 3-pointer from Shateah Westering did momentarily spark hope for the Panthers, but Iowa held firm to secure the win. “It was great competing against them,” said Olsen, reflecting on the emotional win and the significance of overcoming the rivals.
Iowa’s victory not only adds to its impressive achievements this season but also marks the 12th time since 2000 the team has swept its in-state rivals. The women's team, now standing at 10-2, looks forward to its upcoming challenge against Purdue once the Big Ten action resumes.
These simultaneous successes highlight the resilience and determination of Iowa Hawkeyes athletics. With their iconic status built through consistent performances, both the football and basketball teams are set on not only maintaining high standards but also reaping rewards for their hard work. Ferentz’s legacy at Iowa has been one of stability and growth, and as both teams move forward, they carry the hopes of fans who have long supported the Black and Gold.
When the final whistle blows, the outcomes of these pivotal games and tournaments will be part of the storied tradition of Iowa Hawkeyes sports—a legacy steeped in competition, spirit, and the indefatigable drive to succeed.
