Nebraska-Iowa Preview with Joel Kraushaar, Host of the 12 Saturdays (Iowa) Podcast

T.J. Birkel

After finally getting the bowl monkey off their back, Nebraska will look to make it two in a row as they take on Iowa in the Thanksgiving weekend rivalry game. Vibes are sky high in Husker Nation after thoroughly dominating Wisconsin. The Huskers come into the game at 6-5, looking to improve their bowl standing. The Hawkeyes are 7-4, having won three out of their last four. Of the two teams’ mutual opponents, Iowa lost to Ohio State 35-7, beat Wisconsin 42-10, and lost to UCLA 20-17. Most betting lines currently have Iowa favored by around five points. 

I talked to Joel Kraushaar, host of 12 Saturdays Podcast, to get the Iowa perspective on the upcoming game. 

Interview with Joel Kraushaar, Host of the 12 Saturdays Podcast

Iowa comes into this game at 7-4. The way the schedule lined up, is it safe to say many Hawkeye fans felt the team could make a run at the conference title this year? What are the vibes like around the fan base right now? 

Fans, I believe, are generally disappointed. I also believe Iowa fans are frustrated by the current culture of College Football. There is a constant fear that if you aren't eligible for the College Football Playoff, that the roster is in jeopardy of early turnover. Iowa has some injuries in veteran players, and no rumors are starting to swirl that they aren't actual injuries and self preservation from starter Jermari Harris. It does appear that the team is rallying behind walk-on QB Jackson Stratton. 

Head Coach Kirk Ferentz is a stalwart in the Big Ten, having been at Iowa since 1999. He’s had an outstanding career, but Iowa has been especially good since 2015. What’s the current view of Coach Ferentz among Hawkeye fans? 

I think the younger fan base is fatigued. Gen Z doesn't understand delayed gratification very well. Kirk Ferentz took the helm my Senior year of High School, my entire adult life he's been the coach, most of my contemporaries I think understand what Iowa football is, which is a program that has over performed the recruiting footprint since 1980. The greatest players in the Ferentz era are arguably, Robert Gallery, Brad Banks, Dallas Clark, Bob Sanders, Marshall Yanda, and Tristan Wirfs. Throw in Chad Greenway and Jack Campbell, and there is only one 4-star recruit in that group (Wirfs). And Banks (Florida), Sanders (PA) and Greenway (South Dakota) are the only out of state products. Many Hawkeye fans don't understand how hard it is to develop talent, vs. acquiring it. Iowa can never be focused on simply the acquisition model, the money just is not there. 

Iowa’s lost multiple starting quarterbacks due to injury this season. What’s your assessment of current starter Jackson Stratton? 

I am encouraged. I didn't realize…

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