The Daily Iowan Pregame - 11.24.2021

PREGAME The Daily Iowan

Friday, November 26 Iowa vs. Nebraska Memorial Stadium

STANDOUTS FROM THE START Freshmen Arland Bruce IV and Keagan Johnson have taken over Iowa’s WR room.

2 - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Iowa Starters

WITH IOWA LB JESTIN JACOBS Daily Iowan Sports Editor Austin Hanson talked to Jacobs at an Iowa football media availability session on Nov. 2.

WR TE LT LG C RG RT WR QB RB FB PK

6 84 79 64 65 77 56 89 8 15 38 10

Keagan Johnson Sam LaPorta Jack Plumb Kyler Schott Tyler Linderbaum Connor Colby Nick DeJong Nico Ragaini Alex Padilla Tyler Goodson Monte Pottebaum Caleb Shudak

6-1 6-4 6-7 6-2 6-3 6-6 6-6 6-0 6-1 5-10 6-1 5-8

197 249 296 294 290 298 292 191 197 199 246 178

FR. JR. JR. SR. JR. FR. SO. JR. SO. JR. JR. SR.

LE DT DT RE CASH MLB WLB LC SS FS RC P

92 99 85 97 4 31 44 27 26 28 27 9

John Waggoner Noah Shannon Logan Lee

6-5 6-0 6-5 6-4 6-1 6-5 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-4

266 289 277 267 205 243 229 185 211 204 185 231

JR. JR. SO. SR. JR. JR. JR. SO. JR. SR. SO. SO.

Zach VanValkenburg

Dane Belton Jack Campbell Seth Benson Jermari Harris

Kaevon Merriweather

Jack Koerner Jermari Harris Tory Taylor

Nebraska Starters

Grace Smith/The Daily Iowan Iowa linebacker Jestin Jacbos attempts to block a pass by Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters during a football game between Iowa and Illinois at Kinnick Stadium on Nov. 20. Jacobs, a redshirt sophomore, is Iowa’s starting strong-side linebacker.

The Daily Iowan: We’ve been wondering this for a couple weeks since you’re a pretty hard hitter. If I was standing 20 yards away from you, unpadded, and you ran at me fully padded and hit me, would I live?

DI: So, we’ve been compiling a bit of a playlist this season. We’re putting together a list of songs Hawkeye football players listen to when they’re sad. Do you have a particular song you like to listen to when you’re sad?

Jestin Jacobs: I’d say you’ve got a good chance to live.

You might be a little injured. You might be feeling it in the morning or something, but I think you’ll be alive.

Jacobs: I wouldn’t say I have a particular song I listen to when I’m sad. I do have a particular artist, though. I listen to Juice WRLD. When I’m feeling down a little bit, I listen to him.

DI: Is that an opportunity you’d be excited to have or would you have a little mercy on me?

STAFF

Jacobs: I would definitely have a little mercy. I don’t know if I can bring myself to just level somebody.

DI: Do you have a favorite restaurant here in town?

Jacobs: I kinda have little rotation. I go to Monica’s, Stella ... Read the full story at dailyiowan.com.

Publisher Jason Brummond

Managing Editors Rylee Wilson, Josie Fischels

Business Manager Debbie Plath

Executive Editor Caleb McCullough

Managing Digital Editor Kelsey Harrell

Advertising Director Juli Krause

Pregame Editor Robert Read

Photo Editors Jerod Ringwald, Grace Smith

Production Manager Heidi Owen

Football Reporters Austin Hanson, Chloe Peterson, Chris Werner

DITV Sports Director Destinee Cook

Front design by Robert Read Front photo by Jerod Ringwald

Questions or comments for the Pregame staff? E-mail Pregame Editor Robert Read at robert-read@uiowa.edu.

WR WR WR LT LG C RG RT TE QB RB PK

3 89 5 69 63 51 70 54 11 8 14 36

Samori Toure Oliver Martin Omar Manning Turner Corcoran Nouredin Nouili Cam Jurgens Matt Sichterman Bryce Benhart Austin Allen Logan Smothers Rahmir Johnson Chase Contreraz

6-3 6-1 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-3 6-4 6-9 6-9 6-2 5-10 6-1

190 200 225 300 315 290 310 330 255 195 185 180

SR. JR. JR. FR. SO. SO. JR. FR. JR. FR. FR. SO.

DT NT DT OLB ILB ILB OLB CB S S CB P

95 93 99 44 42 28 2 6 9 8 5 90

Benn Stille Damion Daniels Ty Robinson Garrett Nelson Nick Henrich Luke Reimer Caleb Tannor Quinton Newsome Marquel Dismuke Deontai Williams Cam Taylor-Britt William Przystup

6-5 6-3 6-0 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-4

290 325 190 245 225 225 225 185 210 205 197 250

SR. JR. FR. SO. FR. SO. JR. SO. SR. SR. JR. SO.

The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - 3

4 - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Beat NEB and hope MINN beats WISC. What could go wrong?

1

OHIO STATE

8

PURDUE

2

MICHIGAN

9

Illinois

The Buckeyes are the second-best team in the country.

Is this Jim Harbaugh’s best Michigan team?

Loves going up double-digits on Iowa, only to lose.

WISCONSIN

10 Nebraska

4

MICHIGAN STATE

11

Hope Mel Tucker signed his extension before getting smacked by the Buckeyes.

5

IOWA

6

PENN STATE

7

Is this the worst offense a 9-2 team has ever had?

How many jobs is James Franklin allowed to take?

MINNESOTA

Lots of Hawkeye fans donning Gopher gear this week.

The Huksers are 3-8 with a +70 point differential.

Maryland

Win or go home for Mike Locksley?

12 RUTGERS

Still much better than Indiana.

13 14

No. 17 IOWA @ NEBRASKA

PENN STATE @ No. 12 MICHIGAN STATE

Friday | 12:30 p.m.

Saturday | 2:30 p.m.

Line: IOWA -1.5 | O/U: 41.0

Line: EVEN | O/U: 51.5

Iowa needs this to stay alive in the West. Also, good for you if you bet on this before Martinez was ruled out.

This game could have a lot of bowl implcations, including whether or not MSU will have priority over Iowa.

N0. 2 OHIO STATE @ No. 6 MICHIGAN

NORTHWESTERN @ ILLINOIS

Saturday | 11 a.m.

Saturday | 2:30 p.m.

Line: OSU -8.0 | O/U: 63.5

Line: ILL -6.5 | O/U: 43.5

Jim Harbaugh called this a playoff game, but if that were the case, the Wolverines wouldn’t have made it this far.

Play this one at Wrigley Field, too.

MARYLAND @ RUTGERS

INDIANA @ PURDUE

Saturday | 11 a.m.

Saturday | 2:30 p.m.

Line: MD -1.0 | O/U: 53.0

Line: PUR -15.0 | O/U: 50.5

Winner goes bowling, loser goes home.

This is Indiana’s last chance at a Big Ten win this season. So much for competing in the East.

Savor David Bell while you can, Boilermakers.

3

Are we sure 17-year-old running backs are allowed?

ROBERT READ

robert-read@uiowa.edu

NORTHWESTERN

The Wildcats are winning the West next year, right? Is that how this works?

INDIANA

They will always have 2020.

No. 18 WISCONSIN @ MINNESOTA

Saturday | 3 p.m. |

Line: WISC -6.5 | O/U: 39.0

Worry about beating Nebraska first, Iowa fans. And then sweat this game out.

The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - 5

FREE LEGAL ADVICE

BY LICENSED ATTORNEYS FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS Including but not limited to:

Alcohol Tickets Criminal Law Landlord Issues Small Claims Actions 319.335.3276

G115 Iowa Memorial Union student-legal@uiowa.edu legal.studentlife.uiowa.edu

6 - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021

IOWA HAWKEYES vs. NEB

0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 21 22 23 25 25 26 27 27 28 29 29 30 31 32 32 33 34 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 40

Diante Vines Aaron Blom Nolan Donald Ryan Gersonde Deuce Hogan Cooper DeJean Tyrone Tracy, Jr. Dane Belton Leshon Williams Jestin Jacobs Joey Labas Keagan Johnson Reggie Bracy Spencer Petras Matt Hankins Alex Padilla Tory Taylor Arland Bruce IV Caleb Shudak AJ Lawson Jaxon Rexroth Joe Evans Henry Marchese Brody Brecht Dallas Craddieth Tyler Goodson Jamison Heinz Charlie Jones Brenden Deasfernandes Max White Austin Spiewak Alec Wick Gaven Cooke Max Cooper Deavin Hilson Thomas Hartlieb Ivory Kelly-Martin Terry Roberts Xavior Williams Kelby Telander Gavin Williams Kaevon Merriweather Jermari Harris Jack Johnson Jack Koerner Sebastian Castro Jackson Ritter Quinn Schulte Jack Campbell Eli Miller Johnny Plewa Riley Moss Zach Brand Jay Higgins Justice Sullivan Mike Timm Kyler Fisher Monte Pottebaum Eric Epenesa Turner Pallissard Josef Smith

WR K WR P QB DB WR DB RB LB QB WR DB QB DB QB P WR K DB DB DE DB WR DB RB DB WR DB RB LS WR DB WR RB DB RB DB DB LB RB DB DB WR DB DB WR DB LB LB FB DB RB LB LB LB DB FB LB FB LB

6-0 5-11 5-9 6-4 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-0 6-5 6-0 6-1 6-4 5-10 5-8 6-0 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-4 5-11 5-10 6-0 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-4 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-1 6-5 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-3

IOWA

193 190 194 197 212 203 201 205 205 236 194 197 206 233 185 197 231 193 178 192 193 248 199 205 205 199 205 188 189 187 237 180 189 191 192 195 200 180 192 208 211 211 185 193 204 204 214 201 243 212 235 194 198 227 233 233 225 246 189 245 221

#Fr #Fr Soph Sr #Fr Fr Jr Jr #Fr Soph Fr Fr Soph Jr Sr Soph Soph Fr Sr #Fr Fr Jr Sr Fr Jr Jr #Fr Sr #Fr Fr Sr Fr Fr Sr Fr Soph Sr Jr Sr Fr #Fr Jr Soph #Fr Sr Soph Soph Soph Jr Fr Soph Sr Fr Soph Fr Jr Soph Jr Fr Jr #Fr

Danbury, CT Oskaloosa, IA Morton, IL Milwaukee, WI Southlake, TX Odebolt, IA Indianapolis, IN Tampa, FL Chicago, IL Englewood, OH Brecksville, OH Bellevue, NE Mobile, AL San Rafael, CA Lewisville, TX Greenwood Village, CO Melbourne, Australia Olathe, KS Council Bluffs, IA Decatur, IL Cedar Rapids, IA Ames, IA Vernon Hills, IL Ankeny, IA St. Louis, MO Suwanee, GA Humboldt, IA Deerfield, IL Belleville, MI Cedar Rapids, IA Rolling Meadows, IL Iowa City, IA Kentfield, CA Waukesha, WI Des Moines, IA Madison, WI Plainfield, IL Erie, PA Burlington, IA North Liberty, IA Altoona, IA Belleville, MI Chicago, IL West Des Moines, IA Des Moines, IA Oak Lawn, IL Frankfort, IL Cedar Rapids, IA Cedar Falls, IA Sedalia, CO Franklin, WI Ankeny, IA Grimes, IA Indianapolis, IN Eden Prairie, MN Delafield, WI Farnhamville, IA Larchwood, IA Glen Carbon, IL Frankfort, IL Britt, IA

41 42 42 43 44 44 45 45 46 47 48 48 49 49 50 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 63 64 65 66 67 69 70 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 85 86 86 87 88 88 89 91 92 94 95 96 97 97 98 99

Jaden Harrell Denin Limouris Zach Twedt Karson Sharar Seth Benson Luke Elkin Deontae Craig Nick Phelps Logan Klemp Wyatt Wegener Max Llewellyn Bryce Schulte Ethan Hurkett Andrew Lentsch Zach Kluver Louie Stec Jeremiah Pittman Asher Fahey Michael Myslinski Matt Fagan Luke Empen Nick DeJong Clayton Thurm Taylor Fox Griffin Liddle Justin Britt Kyler Schott Tyler Linderbaum Jeremy Chaplin Gennings Dunker Tyler Endres Beau Stephens Cody Ince David Davidkov Josh Volk Tyler Elsbury Connor Colby Mason Richman Jack Plumb Brennan Sweeney Desmond Hutson Johnny Pascuzzi Jameson Witte Sam LaPorta Luke Lachey Logan Lee Jeff Bowie Tommy Kujawa Elijah Yelverton Isaiah Bruce Jackson Frericks Nico Ragaini Lukas Van Ness John Waggoner Yahya Black Logan Jones Lucas Amaya Liam Reardon Zach VanValkenburg Chris Reames Noah Shannon

LB TE/FB LB LB LB LS DL P LB LB DL TE DL TE LS DT DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DE WR TE DL TE TE DL DL TE TE DL TE WR DL DL DL DL K LS DL DL DL

6-2 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-5 6-6 6-6 6-4 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-6 6-6 6-7 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-6 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-2 6-6 6-0 6-5 6-5 6-5 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-4 6-7 6-0

231 227 229 201 229 200 263 205 234 212 232 245 261 227 199 264 303 281 278 287 289 292 281 290 267 302 294 290 268 291 295 300 282 286 308 301 298 296 296 243 208 224 265 249 248 277 268 236 248 281 229 191 264 266 287 282 207 218 267 270 289

Fr Fr Fr Fr Jr Fr #Fr Jr Jr #Fr Fr Sr #Fr Fr Soph Soph Fr #Fr Fr Jr Jr Soph Soph Soph Fr Soph Sr Jr Fr Fr Soph Fr Jr Fr #Fr #Fr Fr #Fr Jr Fr Soph Fr #Fr Jr #Fr Soph Fr Sr #Fr #Fr Soph Jr #Fr Jr #Fr #Fr Soph #Fr Sr Soph Jr

Urbandale, IA Glen Ellyn, IL Story City, IA Iowa Falls, IA Sioux Falls, SD Neenah, WI Fort Wayne, IN Kingsley, IA Jewell, IA Algona, IA Urbandale, IA Cedar Rapids, IA Cedar Rapids, IA West Des Moines, IA Ankeny, IA LaGrange Park, IL Palatine, IL Waukon, IA Jacksonville, FL Council Bluffs, IA Clinton, IA Pella, IA Williamsburg, IA Winthrop, IA Bettendorf, IA Indianapolis, IN Coggon, IA Solon, IA Waverly, IA Lena, IA Norwalk, IA Blue Springs, MO Luck, WI Glenview, IL Cedar Rapids, IA Byron, IL Cedar Rapids, IA Leawood, KS Green Bay, WI Waukon, IA Raytown, MO Olathe, KS O’Fallon, MO Highland, IL Columbus, OH Orion, IL West Branch, IA Greendale, WI Royse City, TX Lena, IL Cedar Falls, IA East Haven, CT Barrington, IL Des Moines, IA Marshall, MN Council Bluffs, IA Muskego, WI Chicago, IL Zeeland, MI Van Meter, IA Aurora, IL

The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - 7

BRASKA CORNHUSKERS

0 0 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 21 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 26 28 28 29 29 30 30 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 35 35 36 36 36 37 37 38 39 39 40 40 41 41 41

Jaquez Yant RB Pheldarius Payne LB Tyreke Johnson CB Adrian Martinez QB Caleb Tannor LB Samori Toure WR Will Honas LB Alante Brown WR Myles Farmer S Omar Manning WR Cam Taylor-Britt CB Quinton Newsome CB Latrell Neville WR Tamon Lynum CB Logan Smothers QB Deontai Williams S Spencer Arceneaux QB Marquel Dismuke S Heinrich Haarberg QB Jackson Hannah LB Austin Allen TE Braxton Clark CB Will Nixon WR Marques Buford Jr. DB Kamonte Grimes WR JoJo Domann LB Rahmir Johnson RB Mikai Gbayor LB Zavier Betts WR Malik Williams DB Jarrett Synek QB Nadab Joseph CB Zach Weinmaster RB Ty Hahn WR Jimari Butler LB Matt Masker QB Wynden Ho'ohuli LB Barron Miles Jr. WR Seth Malcom LB Marvin Scott III RB Noa Pola-Gates S Gabe Ervin Jr. RB Eteva Mauga-Clements LB Isaac Gifford S Thomas Fidone II TE Blaise Gunnerson LB Kelen Meyer K Koby Bretz DB Sevion Morrison RB Luke Reimer LB Cooper Jewett RB Ashton Hausmann DB Markese Stepp RB Randolph Kpai LB Chris Kolarevic LB Brody Belt WR Kaden Williams DB Javin Wright S Connor Culp K Beau Psencik RB Simon Otte LB Trevin Luben RB Derek Branch DB John Bullock OL Blake Closman DB Chase Contreraz PK Taveon Thompson WR Isaiah Harris RB Phalen Sanford CB Damian Jackson LB Matthew Schuster RB Garrett Hustedt LB Darius Moore DB Daniel Cerni P Elliott Brown WR Garrett Snodgrass LB Christian Lilienkamp DB

NEBRASKA 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-5 6-3 6-9 6-4 5-11 5-11 6-3 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-4 5-9 6-0 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-6 6-6 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-1 5-9 5-10 6-4 6-0 6-0 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-4 5-8 5-11 6-2 5-9 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-3 6-0

245 260 190 212 225 190 235 185 200 225 197 185 195 180 195 205 180 210 200 200 255 200 185 190 200 230 185 220 200 190 190 195 190 195 245 220 220 170 210 205 180 215 220 205 235 255 190 195 210 225 190 215 230 210 230 185 155 210 180 205 205 200 175 215 190 180 200 190 200 270 190 230 185 225 180 225 170

Fr Jr Jr Jr Jr Sr Sr Fr #Fr Fr Jr Soph Fr Fr Fr Sr Fr Sr Fr #Fr Jr Soph Fr Fr Fr Sr #Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Soph #Fr Fr Fr Soph Fr Fr Fr Fr #Fr Fr Jr Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Soph #Fr Fr Soph Fr Jr Soph Fr #Fr Sr Fr Soph Fr Fr #Fr Fr Soph Fr Fr Soph Jr Fr #Fr Jr Fr Fr #Fr Fr

Tallahassee, FL Suffolk, VA Jacksonville, FL Fresno, CA Stone Mountain, GA Portland, OR Wichita, KS Chicago, IL Atlanta, GA Lancaster, TX Montgomery, AL Suwanee, GA Fresno, TX Orlando, FL Muscle Shoals, AL Jacksonville, FL Mobile, AL Compton, CA Kearney, NE Nashville, TN Aurora, NE Orlando, FL Waco, TX DeSoto, TX Naples, FL Colorado Springs, CO Oradell, NJ Irvington, NJ Bellevue, NE Atlanta, GA Hastings, NE Miami, FL Loveland, CO Johnson, NE Mobile, AL Kearney, NE Mililani, HI Montreal, PQ Tabor, IA Daytona Beach, FL Gilbert, AZ Buford, GA Pleasant Hill, CA Lincoln, NE Council Bluffs, IA Carroll, IA Ord, NE Omaha, NE Fremont, NE Lincoln, NE Omaha, NE Roca, NE Indianapolis, IN Sioux Falls, SD Traverse City, MI Omaha, NE Omaha, NE Chandler, AZ Phoenix, AZ Houston, TX York, NE Wahoo, NE Lincoln, NE Omaha, NE Elkhorn, NE Missouri Valley, IA Lincoln, NE Omaha, NE Benkelman, NE Las Vegas, NV Cozad, NE Omaha, NE Tiffin, IA Canberra, Australia Omaha, NE York, NE Bellevue, NE

42 42 43 43 44 44 45 45 46 46 48 48 49 50 50 51 51 52 53 53 54 54 55 56 57 58 58 59 62 63 63 65 66 67 69 70 71 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 79 80 80 81 81 82 82 83 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 91 92 92 93 93 94 95 95 96 96 96 97 97 98 99

Nick Henrich AJ Collins Michael Booker III Mason Nieman Aiden Young Garrett Nelson Truitt Robinson Kyan Brumfield John Goodwin Grant Buda Evan Meyersick Lane McCallum Nate Boerkircher Sam Hoskinson Jailen Weaver Cam Jurgens Braden Klover Mosai Newsom Riley Moses Jake Archer Bryce Benhart Ryan Schommer Chris Walker Grant Tagge Ethan Piper Ian Boerkircher Chris Cassidy Henry Lutovsky Noah Stafursky Nouredin Nouili Ru'Quan Buckley Teddy Prochazka Ezra Miller Joey Mancino Turner Corcoran Matt Sichterman Keegan Menning Maddox Burton Nash Hutmacher Broc Bando Brant Banks Trent Hixson Beau Schaller Michael Lynn Alex Conn Shawn Hardy II Jacob Herbek James Carnie Nick Leader Chancellor Brewington Colton Feist Travis Vokolek Sam Shurtleff Alex Bullock Wyatt Liewer AJ Rollins Chris Hickman Levi Falck Oliver Martin William Przystup Jordon Riley Cameron Pieper Tate Wildeman Brendan Franke Damion Daniels Gabe Heins Cade Mueller Ben Stille Grant Detlefsen Marquis Black Tyler Crawford Camden Witucki Deontre Thomas Josh Jasek Casey Rogers Ty Robinson

LB DB DB S RB LB WR DB TE LB TE S TE OL DL OL LB DL OL LB OL LB DL LB OL OL LB OL OL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR DL TE LB WR DL TE OL WR WR TE TE WR WR P DL LS DL K DL LS LS DL P DL K LS DL K DL DL

6-3 5-10 6-1 6-1 5-9 6-3 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-5 6-2 6-4 6-0 6-8 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-9 6-5 6-6 6-1 6-3 6-6 6-1 6-6 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-9 6-6 6-3 6-6 6-4 6-5 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-7 6-4 6-2 6-6 6-6 6-3 6-5 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-6 6-3 6-2 6-4 6-6 6-6 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-6 6-3 6-6 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-5 6-3 6-3 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-5 6-6

225 170 195 195 175 245 190 185 255 205 185 215 220 245 320 290 230 285 305 215 330 260 290 205 305 280 215 330 330 315 290 305 315 300 300 310 335 285 325 315 305 320 265 295 300 190 265 230 210 185 280 260 220 190 195 230 215 205 200 250 310 260 280 215 325 185 220 290 210 315 175 225 285 175 295 305

#Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Soph Fr Jr #Fr Fr Fr Jr Fr Fr Fr Soph Fr #Fr #Fr Soph #Fr Soph Jr Fr #Fr Soph Soph Fr #Fr Soph Fr Fr #Fr Fr Fr Jr Fr Fr Fr Jr #Fr Jr Fr #Fr Fr Fr #Fr Fr #Fr Jr Soph Jr #Fr Fr Soph Fr #Fr Sr Soph Soph Jr Soph Soph Fr Jr #Fr Soph Sr #Fr Fr Fr Fr Jr Fr Soph #Fr

Omaha, NE Bennington, NE Grand Prairie, TX Waverly, NE Omaha, NE Scottsbluff, NE Gilbert, AZ San Antonio, TX Lincoln, NE Lincoln, NE Omaha, NE Norfolk, NE Aurora, NE Omaha, NE Antioch, CA Beatrice, NE Wymore, NE Waverly, IA Fairmont, NE Omaha, NE Lakeville, MN Norfolk, NE Lincoln, NE Omaha, NE Norfolk, NE Aurora, NE Lincoln, NE Crawfordsville, IA York, NE Frankfurt, Germany Wyoming, MI Elkhorn, NE Holstein, IA Holmdel, NJ Lawrence, KS Cincinnati, OH Fremont, NE Lincoln, NE Oacoma, SD Lincoln, NE Houston, TX Omaha, NE Waukee, IA Greenwood Village, CO Derby, KS Kingsland, GA Grand Island, NE Roca, NE Lincoln, NE Chandler, AZ Yutan, NE Springfield, MO Watkinsville, GA Omaha, NE O'Neill, NE Omaha, NE Omaha, NE Circle Pines, MN Coralville, IA Oviedo, FL New Bern, NC Lincoln, NE Parker, CO Gretna, NE Dallas, TX Kearney, NE Gretna, NE Ashland, NE Lincoln, NE McDonough, GA Broken Arrow, OK Grand Blanc, MI Mustang, OK Iowa City, IA Syracuse, NY Gilbert, AZ

8 - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Young WR room leading Iowa passing game Freshmen wide receivers Keagan Johnson and Arland Bruce IV have taken over the WR room in their first seasons as Hawkeyes.

Chris Werner Sports Reporter Iowa’s freshman receiver Keagan Johnson caught his first college pass and scored his first college touchdown all at once.

On the third play of the second quarter in Week 4, Johnson was on the receiving end of a 43-yard Spencer Petras pass down the left sideline at Kinnick Stadium. He celebrated with his teammates on the field, made his way back to the Iowa sideline, and immediately looked for one particular teammate: fellow freshman wideout and roommate Arland Bruce IV. The next week against Maryland, the same thing happened, except the roles were reversed. Bruce caught his first touchdown on eightyard pass and made sure Johnson was the first person he found after running off the field. After the Hawkeyes took down the Terrapins, Bruce told reporters the feeling was something he couldn’t put into words.

“As roommates, it’s crazy man, we went back-to-back weeks scoring touchdowns,” Bruce said postgame. “I can’t even explain how I’m feeling right now. Everything is crazy.”

Since the back-to-back touchdowns, Johnson and Bruce’s roles have only grown.

Each has worked his way from spring practice, where neither caught a single pass with the first-team offense, to a starting role. Johnson made his first start against Colorado State in Week 4. Bruce re-

corded his first-ever collegiate start against Illinois last week. Heading into the 2021 season, many thought this would be Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s breakout year. After former Hawkeyes Brandon Smith and Ihmir Smith-Marsette both left for the NFL, a large void needed to be filled in the Hawkeyes’ receiving game.

Tracy, entering his fourth season in the Iowa program, was the easy choice to step in.

But it just hasn’t clicked for the redshirt junior in 2021 as he has just 15 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown.

Instead, Johnson and Bruce burst onto the scene.

Although neither player recorded a reception until Week 3, when Bruce caught one pass against Kent State, the pair has accounted for nearly a quarter of the Hawkeyes’ catches and 30 percent of Iowa’s receiving yards since then. The two freshman wideouts complement each other both on and off the field.

Opposites attract Johnson, a 6-foot-1, 197-pounder from Bellevue, Nebraska, came to Iowa after being heavily recruited as a prototypical big-bodied receiver who could make contested catches deep down the field and take the top off the defense with his speed.

The three-star recruit, according to ESPN, and the third-best high school senior in his home state, chose the Hawkeyes over offers from North Dakota State, Kansas State, Iowa State, and his

Ayrton Breckenridge/The Daily Iowan Iowa wide receiver Keagan Johnson carries the ball during a football game between No. 19 Iowa and Minnesota at Kinnick Stadium on Nov. 13. Johnson scored one touchdown with two receptions and 34 yards. home Cornhuskers, among others.

During his senior season at Bellevue West, Johnson totaled 1,337 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns in just seven games. Against Colorado State after his touchdown catch, Johnson’s second career reception was good for 49 more yards.

Quarterback Alex Padilla said after the Northwestern game on Nov. 6 that Johnson

in a one-on-one matchup is something the Hawkeyes can take advantage of.

“Any time I have a one-oneone with Keagan, who’s obviously a great player, I’m very confident in him that he can make a play for our team.” Padilla said.

Johnson also proved he can use his strength and speed to seemingly create touchdowns out of nowhere. Early in the fourth quarter against Minne-

sota, Johnson caught a screen pass from Padilla near the line of scrimmage, faced two unblocked Gopher defenders, and simply refused to go down on a play that looked doomed.

Johnson somehow managed to stay on his feet to scamper 27 yards for what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown.

Conversely, Bruce, standing three inches shorter, had only two Power Five scholar-

ship offers coming out of high school: Iowa and Iowa State.

But Bruce, an all-purpose player in high school, was told he would only play running back at Iowa State. The mid-major programs that extended him a scholarship offer — Western Illinois and Tulsa — both said the same thing: He was too small to play receiver. Iowa was the only program that was willing to give him a chance to prove himself as a pass catcher.

The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - 9

“This was the only school that offered me for receiver,” Bruce told reporters on Oct. 26. “So I just like the fact that they gave me a chance at receiver. Every other school only saw me as a running back, and said that I was too short.”

That’s not to say Iowa hasn’t used him as a running back this season, too, because the Hawkeyes have tried to get Bruce the ball in space in as many ways as possible — especially utilizing the freshman quickness via jet sweep.

On those plays, Bruce motions from one side of the field and runs toward the quarterback as the ball is snapped. Then, still running, he takes the handoff from the quarterback, still running sideways and then tries to turn the corner around the other end of scrimmage.

At least that’s how the play is designed. Sometimes, however, Bruce decides to cut it inside and, according to senior wide receiver Charlie Jones, “Run through someone’s face.”

Bruce, described by his teammate Tyler Goodson as a “Little bowling ball,” who has, “All the tools in the box,” has made it a point to be a well-rounded weapon in his first college season.

“One of my main goals was to be used in as many ways as I could, like special teams, receiver, running back, whatever I can do,” Bruce said Nov. 9. “I work on all aspects of my game in the offseason so I think that’s just what I focus on.”

Bruce has six rushing attempts this season for 46 yards — averaging nearly eight yards a run. Two of those six attempts have ended over the goal line.

On the field Johnson brings game-changing speed and a

downfield threat while Bruce adds the versatile weapon who is always dangerous with the ball in his hands.

“He’s more of a deep threat and I feel like I can do... I can run the ball and I’m more of a short to medium, quicker guy,” Bruce said.

Off the field the two are roommates, and Bruce said they have the same goals and intentions: do whatever they can to help the team win.

Learning curve Last winter — both Bruce and Johnson enrolled and joined the Iowa football program a semester early in hopes of making an impact early — Bruce admitted he was pretty confused learning his third offense in three years.

Bruce transferred from his hometown Olathe North High school in Kansas to Ankeney before his senior year of high school. But he and Johnson have done all they can to learn the playbook and gain as much knowledge about the offense as fast as possible.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz said the receivers have shown, in practice and games, that they deserve to be where they are and committed to becoming the best players they can be.

“They’ve earned everybody’s confidence, just through their play. They practice the same way,” Ferentz said on Nov. 9. “Obviously we don’t tackle in practice like that. But they play, they’re focused. They’re beyond their years, focused and take practice really seriously.”

Both Bruce and Ferentz have referenced Johnson’s seemingly always serious demeanor. Saying that he smiles only on rare occasions.

Although Bruce and Johnson have been impressive in their first collegiate seasons, Bruce said he’ll never be satisfied.

“There’s always more that I can learn,” Bruce told the media on Oct. 26. “There’s always you can always be you can always improve.You can never be too great.”

Each half of the duo have seen a greater role in the offense since the calendar turned to November.

Chemistry with Padilla Fifteen of the duo’s 34 receptions have come in the last three games, and it’s no surprise that both players have seen an uptick in production during November. Alex Padilla, who began the season as the backup quarterback, has played the majority of the last three contests. Padilla came in in relief of Starter Spencer Petras against Northwestern on Nov. 6, and has started the past two games at home against Minnesota and Illinois.

Bruce and Johnson, like Padilla, began the season on the second-team offense.

During the spring practices before the schedule began, Bruce and Johnson practiced almost exclusively with the twos. Johnson was slated behind Tracy as a second-team wide receiver on the Week 1 two-deep depth-chart and Bruce wasn’t on it. Johnson and Bruce only started practicing with the first team and Petras at the beginning of fall camp.

But those practice reps with Padilla meant chemistry and connection for Johnson and Bruce with the now-starting quarterback.

“When we first got here, it was just mainly [third-string

Ayrton Breckenridge/The Daily Iowan Iowa wide receiver Arland Bruce IV dives into the end zone during a football game between No. 17 Iowa and Illinois at Kinnick Stadium on Nov. 20. The Hawkeyes defeated Illini 33-23 at the last Iowa home game of the season quarterback Deuce Hogan] and Alex [Padilla] throwing to Keagan and I,” Bruce told the media Nov. 9. “So that’s definitely helped us a ton. You know, getting reps with the quarterback who’s now starting. All through spring ball, he was the only one that was throwing to us, so it definitely helped a lot.”

After the win over Illinois on Nov. 20, Padilla told said he, Johnson and Bruce all “Know what each other is thinking.”

That cohesion and connection was on display between Padilla and Johnson against the Wildcats in Evanston.

On a second down and ten with 44 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Padilla dropped back, surveyed the field and heaved it down the

right sideline in Johnson’s direction.

His target was well-covered

by Northwestern cornerback Jordan Mosely, but at the last moment, Johnson vaulted into the air and caught a nearly-perfect back-shoulder pass from Padilla, one that could only be completed with numerous practice reps.

Bruce’s turn to make an impressive back shoulder-catch down the sideline, came two weeks later at home against the Illini.

On the final play of the first quarter, a critical third down and nine, Padilla looked right, faked a throw, quickly looked left and unloaded the ball with an Illini defensive lineman closing in for a sack.

Bruce, like Johnson, was well-covered on the play, but

Padilla placed the ball in a perfect spot and Bruce came down with a diving catch to keep the drive alive and move the ball into the red zone.

Whether it’s been the sheer athleticism and talent, a willingness to learn everyday, the strong connection with the starting quarterback, or a combination of all three, Johnson and Bruce are finding their way into the limelight early in their Hawkeye careers and don’t show signs of leaving it any time soon.

“It’s been awesome, man.

It’s a dream come true,” Bruce said. I mean, like, every kid that has [the NCAA football video game] as a kid, they play “Road to Glory,” that’s basically what I’m doing right now.”

christopher-werner@uiowa.edu

The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - 9

“This was the only school that offered me for receiver,” Bruce told reporters on Oct. 26. “So, I just like the fact that they gave me a chance at receiver. Every other school only saw me as a running back, and said that I was too short.”

That’s not to say Iowa hasn’t used him as a running back this season, too, because the Hawkeyes have tried to get Bruce the ball in space in as many ways as possible — especially utilizing the freshman’s quickness via jet sweep.

On those plays, Bruce motions from one side of the field and runs toward the quarterback as the ball is snapped. Then, he takes the handoff from the quarterback, still running sideways and then tries to turn the corner around the other end of scrimmage.

At least, that’s how the play is designed. Sometimes, however, Bruce decides to cut it inside and, according to senior wide receiver Charlie Jones, “Run through someone’s face.”

Bruce, described by his teammate Tyler Goodson as a “Little bowling ball,” who has, “All the tools in the box,” has made it a point to be a well-rounded weapon in his first college season.

“One of my main goals was to be used in as many ways as I could, like special teams, receiver, running back, whatever I can do,” Bruce said Nov. 9. “I work on all aspects of my game in the offseason so I think that’s just what I focus on.”

Bruce has six rushing attempts this season for 46 yards — averaging nearly eight yards a run. Two of those six attempts have ended over the goal line.

On the field, Johnson brings game-changing speed and a downfield threat while Bruce adds the versatile weapon who is always dangerous with the ball in his hands.

“He’s more of a deep threat and I feel like I can do... I can run the ball and I’m more of a short to medium, quicker guy,” Bruce said.

Off the field, the two are roommates, and Bruce said they have the same goals and intentions: Do whatever they can to help Iowa win.

Learning curve Last winter, both Bruce and Johnson enrolled and joined the Iowa football program a semester early in hopes of making an impact early.

Bruce admitted he was pretty confused learning his third offense in three years.

Bruce transferred from his hometown Olathe North High school in Kansas to Ankeny before his senior year of high school. But he and Johnson have done all they can to learn the playbook and gain as much knowledge about the offense as fast as possible.

Head coach Kirk Ferentz said the receivers have shown, in practice and games, that they deserve to be where they are and committed to becoming the best players they can be.

“They’ve earned everybody’s confidence, just through their play. They practice the same way,” Ferentz said on Nov. 9. “Obviously, we don’t tackle in practice like that. But they play, they’re focused. They’re beyond their years, focused, and take practice really seriously.”

Both Bruce and Ferentz have referenced Johnson’s seemingly always serious demeanor, saying that he smiles

only on rare occasions.

Although Bruce and Johnson have been impressive in their first collegiate seasons, Bruce said he’ll never be satisfied.

“There’s always more that I can learn,” Bruce told the media on Oct. 26. “... You can never be too great.”

Each half of the duo has seen a greater role in the offense since the calendar turned to November.

Chemistry with Padilla Fifteen of the duo’s 34 receptions have come in the last three games, and it’s no surprise that both players have seen an uptick in production during November. Padilla, who began the season as the backup quarterback, has played the majority of the last three contests. Padilla came in in relief of Starter Spencer Petras against Northwestern on Nov. 6, and has started the past two games at home against Minnesota and Illinois.

Bruce and Johnson, like Padilla, began the season on the second-team offense.

During the spring practices before the season began, Bruce and Johnson practiced almost exclusively with the second team. Johnson was slated behind Tracy as a second-team wide receiver on the Week 1 two-deep depth chart and Bruce wasn’t on it.

Johnson and Bruce only started practicing with the first team and Petras at the beginning of fall camp.

But those practice reps with Padilla meant chemistry and connection for Johnson and Bruce with the now-starting quarterback.

“When we first got here, it was just mainly [third-string quarterback Deuce Hogan]

Ayrton Breckenridge/The Daily Iowan Iowa wide receiver Arland Bruce IV dives into the end zone during a football game between No. 17 Iowa and Illinois at Kinnick Stadium on Nov. 20. and Alex [Padilla] throwing to Keagan and I,” Bruce told the media Nov. 9. “So, that’s definitely helped us a ton. You know, getting reps with the quarterback who’s now starting. All through spring ball, he was the only one that was throwing to us, so it definitely helped a lot.”

After the win over Illinois on Nov. 20, Padilla told said he, Johnson, and Bruce all “Know what each other is thinking.”

That cohesion and connection was on display between Padilla and Johnson against the Wildcats in Evanston.

On a second down and 10 with 44 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Padilla dropped back, surveyed the field, and heaved it down the right sideline in Johnson’s di-

rection.

His target was well-covered

by Northwestern cornerback Jordan Mosely, but at the last moment, Johnson vaulted into the air and caught a nearly perfect back-shoulder pass from Padilla, one that could only be completed with numerous practice reps.

Bruce’s turn to make an impressive back-shoulder catch down the sideline came two weeks later at Kinnick Stadium against the Illini.

On the final play of the first quarter, a critical third down and 9, Padilla looked right, faked a throw, quickly looked left and unloaded the ball with an Illini defensive lineman closing in for a sack.

Bruce, like Johnson, was well-covered on the play, but Padilla placed the ball in a

perfect spot and Bruce came down with a diving catch to keep the drive alive and move the pigskin into the red zone.

Whether it’s been the sheer athleticism and talent, a willingness to learn everyday, the strong connection with the starting quarterback, or a combination of all three, Johnson and Bruce are finding their way into the limelight early in their Hawkeye careers and don’t show signs of leaving it any time soon.

“It’s been awesome, man.

It’s a dream come true,” Bruce said. “I mean, like, every kid that has [the NCAA football video game] as a kid, they play ‘Road to Glory,’ that’s basically what I’m doing right now.”

christopher-werner@uiowa.edu

10 - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021

ROBERT READ

PREGAME EDITOR (33-22)

IOWA

VS.

There’s like a 90 percent chance Shudak kicks a game-winner.

VS.

Who hates Minnesota?

Iowa hates Minnesota.

VS.

I was in sixth grade the last time Michigan beat Ohio State in football.

VS.

Can the Cowboys make a late playoff push?

WISCONSIN OHIO STATE

OKLAHOMA ST

MISSISSIPPI ST VS.

Most entertaining coaching matchup of the year by far.

AUSTIN HANSON SPORTS EDITOR (37-18)

IOWA

Nebraska always finds a way to lose.

MINNESOTA

I will manifest a Big Ten West title for Iowa with this pick.

OHIO STATE

CHLOE PETERSON

ASST. SPORTS EDITOR (30-25)

IOWA

The classic battle of the backup quarterbacks.

WISCONSIN

With that, Iowa’s dreams are dashed forever.

OHIO STATE

CHRIS WERNER

FOOTBALL REPORTER (29-26)

IOWA

Iowa rooted for Nebraska last week.

Never again.

MINNESOTA

This seems like a Big Ten West thing.

OHIO STATE

DESTINEE COOK

JOHN BOHNENKAMP

DITV SPORTS DIRECTOR (31-24) SPORTS WRITING COACH (35-20)

IOWA

I’m not confident in this choice but I’m going with it.

WISCONSIN

I’m choosing Wisconsin but deep down I’m praying Minnesota.

OHIO STATE

IOWA

Hawkeyes love Black Friday games.

WISCONSIN

Badgers clinch the West.

OHIO STATE

Another top-10 blowout in the Big Ten East.

Remember when we thought Ohio State was bad? Good times.

C.J. Stroud put up so many yards in the first quarter against MSU.

Go Blue but there’s no way Michigan wins.

Buckeyes are a machine right now.

OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA ST

OKLAHOMA ST

OKLAHOMA ST

OKLAHOMA ST

The Sooners are still done, even if they win this one.

OLE MISS

I guess I’ll take the elder Mississippi here?

Yay, state rivalries!

I don’t know much about either team, but OU is disappointing.

OLE MISS

MISSISSIPPI ST

Yay, state rivalries (in Mississippi)!!

When in doubt, pick Mike Leach.

Bedlam woo.

OLE MISS

Cheers to Egg Bowl week.

Cowboys are the Bedlam winners.

MISSISSIPPI ST

Cowbells and the Egg Bowl make for a fun Thanksgiving.

JASON BRUMMOND PUBLISHER (38-17)

IOWA

Nebraska fires chain gang after the game to keep Frost.

WISCONSIN

I would love to be wrong here.

OHIO STATE

The Game may not be much of one.

OKLAHOMA ST

OK State’s loss to Iowa State gave me some pause.

OLE MISS

Iowa produces 11x more eggs than Mississippi.

The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021 - 11

Kid Captain Blake Burdorf overcomes near-impossible odds The final Kid Captain of the 2021 regular season was given a 10 percent chance to live before he was born.

Austin Hanson Sports Editor For the first five months of her pregnancy, Jamie Burdorf didn’t know she was carrying twins.

Doctors told Burdorf that baby A looked good, but baby B has some slight dilation around his kidneys 20 weeks into her pregnancy.

After her ultrasound, Burdorf was told to visit a specialist in Des Moines.

Burdorf characterized the day of her vist as one of her “crappiest days.”

The specialist gave this week’s Kid Captain Blake Burdorf a 10 percent chance of survival.

Jamie and her husband Aaron were given a list of intervention options, but some posed the risk of harming both the twins Jamie was carrying. So, the pair decided to wait it out.

Jamie birthed Blake and Bowen Burdorf in Des Moines after 37 weeks of pregnancy. About 24 hours after he was born, Blake was taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics via ambulance to be treated for kidney disease.

Blake was in the hospital for 70 days before he was released. Eventually, he had a dialysis catheter and feeding tube put in.

UIHC Clinical Professor of Pediatrics in Nephrology, dialysis, and transplan-

tation Dr. Jennifer Jetton said dialysis is essentially kidney replacement therapy. When the kidney can’t regulate the body’s electrolytes and waste products, dialysis is used to do so.

Blake started Peritoneal dialysis — an at-home form of the treatment— after he was discharged from the hospital. Jetton said the catheter is inserted into the baby’s belly, and then families are taught how to hook their baby up to their at-home dialysis machine.

Typically, Peritoneal dialysis treatment is administered overnight.

While the Burdorfs hooked Blake up for feeding and dialysis each night, they waited for him to get big enough for a kidney transplant.

After more than two years of feeding tubes and dialysis machines, Blake was finally ready for a kidney transplant, but the Burdorfs struggled to find a donor. Jamie wasn’t a blood type match for Blake, and Aaron’s blood pressure was too high for the procedure.

The Burdorfs also had to wait for a living donor.

Because Blake’s bladder was damaged in utero, he needed to have his bladder reconstructed and his kidney replaced at the same time. A procedure like that

requires a live donor.

Blake’s donor ultimately proved to be a complete stranger. Steph Stoll, a former Iowa City resident, responded to a Facebook post of Jamie’s, noting that she was interested in being Blake’s donor. Once all the paperwork was done and the transplant was approved by a transplant board, Blake was officially ready to receive a kidney from Stoll.

Blake was discharged from the hospital three weeks after his transplant.

Though, his stint at home wasn’t long. A week after he had been permitted to leave the hospital, Blake fell ill.

Lab tests he underwent in Des Moines showed that Blake’s white blood cell counts were high. The Burdorfs then took Blake to UIHC, where he was diagnosed with a major infection.

“Blake went septic,” Aaron said. “All of his internal organs were blowing up and swelling. His abdomen kind of looked like it had a basketball in it.

“The doctors and nurses were telling us things,” Aaron added. “We were just like, ‘Help, whatever you have to do. Quit asking us questions, you’re the doctors. Just do what you need to do.’”

Blake was connected to

Jerod Ringwald/The Daily Iowan Iowa kid captain Blake Burdorf waits for an autograph from head coach Kirk Ferentz during “Kid’s Day at Kinnick” inside Kinnick Stadium on Aug. 14. an Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machine. UIHC Assistant Director of Pediatrics in Nephrology, dialysis, and transplantation Dr. Lyndsay Harshman said ECMO machines basically bypass a person’s heart and lung function.

“You’re so sick, your body can’t function,” Harshman said. “So, the hospital has to do everything. ECMO is the last resort we have to take care of a patient who’s that acutely ill. Blake needed it.”

Blake was in a medically induced coma for a month.

Aaron said surgeons cut his son open from his breast bone to his pelvis, took everything out, washed him, cleaned him, and then put him on antibiotics.

Blake was hospitalized for nearly five months to fight off infections. He even had to rebuild the muscle mass in his legs and arms to do things as basic as walking because he was bedridden with the infections for so long.

Fast forward more than five years after his stay of more than 100 days in the hospital, and Blake is now

like any other 10-year-old.

He participates in baseball and wrestling. He also enjoys playing video games with his friends.

“The best part of my job is seeing these kids grow up, and thrive, and do all the things they want to do,” Harshman said. “They can play baseball. They can spend time with friends. They can be in school every day. The best part of my job is to see these kids just take off and absolutely develop and grow.”

austin-hanson@uiowa.edu

12 - The Daily Iowan - PREGAME - Iowa City, Iowa - Wednesday, November 24, 2021

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