If at First You Don't Succeed

One nasty defeat gnawed away at Kirk Ferentz’s gut for a full year. When Iowa rolled through the Big Ten schedule in 2002 and won eight straight games without a loss, it was one of the top stories in college football. Ferentz, then in his fourth season as head coach of the Hawkeyes, figured his team would be competitive in the Big Ten, but critics saw them as a middle of the pack team. With mobile Brad Banks at quarterback and Fred Russell getting the job done at running back, the Hawkeyes had one of the most versatile attacks in the country and also brought a hard-hitting and ferocious defense as well. The Hawkeyes exceeded all expectations. Ferentz thought his team was well-prepared and ready for battle when the Hawkeyes went to Miami to play explosive USC in the Orange Bowl. The Trojans boasted QB Carson Palmer, lightning-quick RB Justin Fargas and freshman sensation Mike Williams