Norm Parker's Front Seven Nation Army
Norm Parker orchestrates a methodical Iowa defense that is quickly earning the reputation as one of the most physical in the nation.
The sheer defensive domination of the #5 ranked Nittany Lions helps that reputation greatly. Parker has always coached this type of defense.
Prior to joining the Hawkeye staff in 1999, Norm Parker coached 12 seasons at Michigan State (1983-94), five at Minnesota (1972-76) and three at Illinois (1977-79).
While at Michigan State, the Spartans won the 1987 Big Ten title. In 1988 they won the Rose Bowl by defeating USC, 20-17.
He has a long tenure as a coach in the Big Ten, and it has helped him gain a plethora of experience. That experience is key to Iowa's having won seven out of the last eight against Penn State.
Norm Parker knows how to build top tier defenses.
The one Kirk Ferentz and Parker are building this year might go beyond the ordinary top tier defense, though. It might be one for the history books.
So far this year, Iowa ranks eighth in scoring defense (11.5), 32nd in pass defense (171.5) and 33rd in total defense. Dating back to last year, Iowa’s defense has not allowed a rushing touchdown in 29 consecutive quarters.
Another interesting fact is that Iowa has scored 47 points following 13 opponent turnovers. Those nine interceptions, three forced fumbles and one blocked punt speak volumes, especially if you consider that Iowa's first four opponents this season have a combined record of 12-4.
All four losses are the result of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Aside from the Sash and Greenwood Traveling Interception Show, much of the Hawkeye defense was unknown to the nation until Saturday's game at Penn State.
Now, all of Norm Parker's front seven are household names in the state of Iowa. The band The White Stripes would call them a Seven Nation Army. Three of them are now on the NFL's most wanted list.
Weekly Hawkeye Flickr Pic: The Shakeoff
There is a lot of rich history associated with Hawkeye Football, some good and some bad. The shaking of keys during kickoffs is one of them. It is a widely over looked and highly under appreciated piece of tradition, but a vital one as it helps to tighten the bond that all Hawkeye fans have with each other. As the start of the fall football season approaches, this picture helps to remind Hawkey fans just how great home games are. Credit to Jon Fravel on Flickr for this photo.
Link to the photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jfravel/7586839/
Link to jfravel's photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26375062@N06/
4th of July Hawkeye Pic: Johnson County Courthouse
What better way to celebrate the 4th of July looking at a picture of a place that could very well take away your freedom (and has mine on one drunk occasion). The Johnson County Courthouse is a historic building in Iowa City, and jdunlevy does a great job of capturing its importance.
Link to the photo: http://flickr.com/photos/jdunlevy/3188832417/
Link to jdunlevy's photostream: http://flickr.com/photos/jdunlevy/
Weekly Hawkeye Flickr Pic: Coolest Dog Ever?
Hawkeye Pride isn't isolated to the human species. Animals of all kinds develop loyalty and devotion to the Iowa Hawkeyes, and this dog is a perfect example of that. This is not only the kind of dog that will sit with you on game day barking in favor of the Hawks, he will bring beer during the game because he knows...in heaven there is no beer.
Link to the photo: http://flickr.com/photos/bohdabinket/2535114066/
Link to bohdabinket's photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bohdabinket/
Weekly Hawkeye Flickr Pic: Congratulations
This picture shows the pride that comes with becoming an official Iowa Hawkeye. Congratulations on admission to The University of Iowa. Judging by this picture, you will make the Hawkeye Nation proud.
Link to the photo: http://flickr.com/photos/26375062@N06/3023543881/
Link to Mr Puma x's photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26375062@N06/
Weekly Hawkeye Flickr Pic: Beach in Iowa?
This picture of sandals at the beach would be ten times greater if this beach were actually in Iowa, but nevertheless it is still an awesome picture. It shows the true loyalty of a Hawkeye to wear those.
Link to the photo: http://flickr.com/photos/kmccort/3168295527/
Link to kmccort's photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kmccort/
Weekly Hawkeye Flickr Pic: Herky at Wrigley
Continuing the Herky theme and hoping to pass along a little good luck to the Cubbies, this week's Flickr Pic seems appropriate. The real question that comes to mind is...how many Old Styles where downed before this picture was taken? My guess...14.
Link to the photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hawksinchicago/1318007938/
Link to hawksinchicago's photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hawksinchicago/
Weekly Hawkeye Flickr Pic: Dancing Herky
Sometimes you love him, sometimes you want to beat the shit out of him, but regardless it is hard to deny the power of Herky. Nothing says your Saturday is going well more than seeing Herky dancing in the endzone after a touchdown. The costume might be a tad outdated, but the importance of Herky to the Iowa Hawkeyes will never fade.
Link to the photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34751157@N02/3230638997/
Link to hawkeye411's photostream: http://flickr.com/photos/34751157@N02/
Weekly Hawkeye Flickr Pic: Disco Ball Herky
Ever wonder what Herky would look like getting his groove on under a disco light? What, have you never taken LSD? This picture rom the heet_myser's photostream on Flickr helps to put Herky in a whole new light...literally and figuratively.
Link to the photo: http://flickr.com/photos/heet_myser/2928076300/
Link to heet_myser's photostream: http://flickr.com/photos/heet_myser/
