On this date, Oct. 23, 2004, the greatest football game in the history of the sport was played. The Iowa Hawkeyes traveled to Happy Valley to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions. This game had everything – kicking, defense and turnovers. One thing that did not come in bunches…points. Kirk Ferentz and Iowa defeated Joe Pa and Penn State, 6-4.
Iowa – Penn State Summary
The Hawkeyes got the game off to a ripping hot start as they went three-and-out and brought out the punt unit. That did not go as planned as the ensuing snap sailed past the kicker and out of the back of the end zone for a Nittany Lions safety.
Neither team scored until Iowa was able to pick apart the PSU defense for a 15-play drive that resulted in an unfathomable 59 yards. Kyle Schlicher banged home a 27-yard field goal and the Hawkeyes took a 3-2 lead going into the bottom of the fourth inning.
After a few more swaps in possession, Nittany Lion quarterback Zach Mills threw a crucial interception. Iowa’s Sean Considine returned the interception 50 yards and put the Hawks in great position to score a touchdown. But they didn’t. Another three-and-out, “Schlicher the Kicker” knocked home his second 27-yard field goal of the game.
A few punts and interceptions took this game into halftime. Iowa led 6-2.
Penn State had the ball to start the second half, after an exhilarating first 30 minutes. On their first possession, the Nittany Lions moved the chains one time but ended up punting it away.
Some more phenomenal offensive play resumed until there was 8:11 left in the fourth quarter. Pinned on their own one yard line, Iowa’s punter David Bradley opted to take a safety so there was no chance PSU could take the lead. The Hawkeyes lead narrowed to 6-4.
The Nittany Lions backup quarterback Michael Robinson, now in the game, threw an interception to Iowa’s Jovon Johnson on the very next play. Iowa proceeded to go on a nine play, nearly five minute drive before punting it away. Two plays into the Penn State drive, Robinson fumbled and sealed the win for the Hawkeyes, 6-4.
Appreciate Greatness
Games like these can not be forgotten. In total, there were two fumbles, five interceptions, 15 punts, one missed field goal, one blocked punt and two safeties. This is art.
Where were you Oct. 23, 2004?
This is an article by Luke “Big Takes” Maiers.