Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz says he has never believed in pre-season polls and says last week’s game at Iowa State is a prime example. Rated eighth nationally the Hawkeyes suffered a 23-3 beating at the hands of Iowa State and now look to bounce back at home with a matchup against UNI. Ferentz says it was evident coming into the season that they didn’t look like the 8th ranked team. He says it’s even more ridiculous now that the Hawkeyes are ranked three spots ahead of ISU after the Cyclones beat them by three touchdowns. UNI is 2-0 and rated 12th in the latest 1-AA top 25. He says UNI will come in very enthused, and are a well-coached, tough, aggressive football team. “They’re going to come in here to win the game, there’s no doubt in my mind about that. And after what they saw Saturday, I’m sure that’ll give them more encouragement and rightfully so.” Ferentz says the Iowa State game was frustrating not just because they lost but because the Hawkeyes “stunk”. He says loses tend to linger and that’s the way it is. He says if wins linger, then you probably have a problem with the way you think. Ferentz says it’s not losing that eats at you, it’s how you play. Ferentz says quarterback Drew Tate is expected to return to practice on Wednesday and will be ready to go on Saturday.
