Kirk Ferentz discusses conclusion of Iowa's season and outlook for 2021 following Music City Bowl cancellation
Another 2020 bowl game has been canceled.
On Sunday, TransPerfect Music City Bowl officials canceled the scheduled matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and Missouri Tigers. It was the 17th canceled bowl game this season.
The game was slated to take place in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 30 but Missouri canceled practice on Sunday after an increase in positive COVID-19 test, pausing all team activities until Jan. 2.
Iowa managed to play all eight games of the Big Ten’s regular-season before their Dec. 19 game against Michigan was canceled because of COVID-19 issues with the Wolverines. After an 0-2 start, the Hawkeyes won their final six games rising to No. 15 in the College Football Playoff rankings
Sunday afternoon, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz met with the media via a Zoom press conference and discussed the disappointment in not getting another game in, his team, and some thoughts on his future.
Some of his comments are below:
#Hawkeyes Kirk Ferentz opens his Zoom call by wishing everyone at #Missouri affected by COVID a speedy recovery. Adds it's disappointing not to "get to the finish line" after final two games canceled. "Obviously, the team wanted to finish this season."
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 27, 2020
Kirk Ferentz says the 2020 team will go down with the 2004 and 2008 teams as among his favorites as Iowa's coach.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 27, 2020
Ferentz says the Big Ten's antigen testing "gave us an upper hand" in getting through the eight-week regular season without interruption. Mentions that "bottom fell out" around league for Dec. 18-19 weekend and #Michigan's decision to pull out of game at Iowa.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 27, 2020
Ferentz says his COVID symptoms were relatively mild, still dealing with a loss of taste but certainly not as severe as many. Reiterates how serious it is. Says that if he got COVID celebrating in the locker room after the Wisconsin win, he can live with that.
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 27, 2020
Kirk Ferentz confirms his intent is to return in 2021. "I'm not quite ready to start stamp collecting or bird watching. … This is what I enjoy." #Hawkeyes
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 27, 2020
