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Kirk Ferentz jokes Iowa was ‘accused’ of having 3 rivals in new B1G schedule
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Kirk Ferentz still views Wisconsin as a rivalry game for Iowa, just in case anyone was wondering the head coach’s opinion on the matter.
During his Tuesday press conference, Ferentz was asked about the magnitude of the Heartland Trophy matchup with the Badgers. He had a little fun, noting it remains a trophy game for both programs.
However, Ferentz did wind up a bit confused on the lookout for the new B1G schedule. He originally referenced the Hawkeyes were “accused” of having three rivals but believed the program was limited to one moving forward.
“I think it’s a rivalry game, we got a trophy I do know that. As far as I know, that’s still there,” said Ferentz. “I’m losing track of the rivalry thing, I think we’re down to one moving forward. We were accused of having three. I think we actually have more than three.”
In reality, the Hawkeyes do have 3 protected annual matchups in the new B1G schedule. In addition to the Badgers, Iowa will still play Minnesota and Nebraska on an annual basis.
A reporter pointed that out to Ferentz, and he did apologize for getting things incorrect. He did reiterate though that some people were mad about Iowa’s rivalry games, but he noted the program simply submitted them to the league “like anybody could’ve.”
“Oh, I thought it just said one. I’m sorry,” said Ferentz. “Everybody was mad about that, I was like we didn’t do anything, we just submitted them like anybody could’ve.”
As for the magnitude of the Wisconsin game, Ferentz noted it’s a border battle and has always been a big game in his 34 years involved in the matchup. Being a conference game adds even more fuel to the matchup.
“I will say this: It’s a border game. When I got here in 1981 it was a big game back then. It’s always been that way, it’s been a pretty good series overall, at least my 34 years involved in it,” Ferentz explained. “That part is good. It’s a big game, we both have 1 loss right now. They’re a good team, we’re trying to become a good team… They all count in the end, but conference games are important.”
This time around, both teams are off to hot starts to the season. The B1G West lead is also up for grabs in Madison, so this should be a dramatic showdown.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.