The
Daily Iowan
PREGAME
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 | IOWA VS. MINNESOTA | HUNTINGTON BANK STADIUM
RESILIENCE IS KEY
Iowa defensive back TJ Hall has endured an up-and-down collegiate career.
The Daily Iowan
Publisher Jason Brummond jason.brummond@dailyiowan.com
Executive Editor
Jami Martin-Trainor jami.martin.trainor@dailyiowan.com
Pregame Editor
Matt McGowan matt.mcgowan@dailyiowan.com
Sports Editor
Colin Votzmeyer colin.votzmeyer@dailyiowan.com
Asst. Sports Editor
Brad Schultz brad.schultz@dailyiowan.com
Pregame Reporter Chris Meglio sports@dailyiowan.com
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The Daily Iowan (USPS 143-360), the student newspaper at the University of Iowa, is published by Student Publications, Inc., E131 Adler Journalism Building, Iowa City, Iowa 52242. Published in print weekly on Wednesdays during the academic year, Fridays of Hawkeye football game weekends (Pregame), and year-round on dailyiowan.com.
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5 things to watch
Matt McGowan Pregame Editor matt.mcgowan@dailyiowan.com
1. Passing game aggression
The Hawkeyes will have their hands full against a Gopher secondary that tops the Big Ten in interceptions with seven and sits in second in passing yards allowed per game. First-year safety Kerry Brown snagged two picks against Nevada last week, earning him Big Ten Fresh man of the Week honors. Brown is joined by seniors Ethan Robinson and Justin Walley at the cornerback spots. Running the ball has been a top priority for Iowa, as the Hawkeyes rank second in the Big Ten in rushing attempts this season. However, Iowa quarterback Cade McNa mara will have to throw the ball downfield to prevent Minnesota from stacking the box against the run game. It will be interesting to see how Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester balances between the run and pass against a secondary that can manufacture turnovers.
2. Run game success
team All-Big Ten honoree in left tackle Aireontae Ersery, the Gophers offensive line has been futile so far this season, ranking 99th in the nation in terms of sacks allowed. Five of the Gophers’ seven conceded sacks stemmed from their season-opening loss to North Carolina, and Iowa has just as talented a defensive front.
The Hawkeyes are averaging three sacks per contest and feature four linemen – Ethan Hurkett, Aaron Graves, Max Llewellyn, and Brian Allen – with at least two sacks. I expect this group to continue their production up north in the Twin Cities.
4. Punting performance
Kaleb Johnson has garnered plenty of attention this year as the nation’s leading rusher. However, the Hawkeye running back will be put to the test against Minnesota. The Gophers are coming off back-to-back shutouts and have shut down the Hawkeye ground game before. Last season, Iowa netted just 11 yards rushing as Johnson managed 18 over six carries. Minnesota linebacker Maverick Baranowski led his squad with five tackles in that game and sports a team-best at 17 tackles this season. Joined by fellow linebacker Jack Henderson and 6-foot-4, 290-pound defensive tackle Jalen Logan-Redding, Baranowski and the Gopher front won’t make things easy on the ground.
3. Defensive line havoc
Even though Minnesota boasts 2023 first
While Iowa punter Rhys Dakin has garnered much preseason hype as the heir apparent to Hawkeye legend Tory Taylor, Dakin’s Minnesota counterpart has put up similar numbers so far this season. Gopher punter Mark Crawford, who hails from Perth, Australia, averages 44.7 yards per boot and has landed two of his nine attempts inside the 20. Dakin, a fellow Australian, is averaging 42 yards per attempt, planting 38.9 percent of his punts inside the 20.
In a game where points will be at a premium, field position means everything, so how Dakin and Crawford perform will be indicative of their respective squads’ success on Saturday.
5. Big play prevention
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said what all Hawkeye fans were thinking in his postgame press conference following the Hawkeyes’ victory over Troy.
“We’re known for not giving up big plays,” he said. “We’re known for not doing that on special teams. All you can believe is what you see.”
Indeed, despite the Hawkeyes’ history of stout defensive play, the team has been plagued by long scoring plays from the opposition. While Iowa got away with this susceptibility against Troy, doing so will be more difficult in Big Ten competition. Communication in the secondary needs to be top-notch on Saturday.
OFFENSE
QB 12 Cade McNamara Sr 1 Brendan Sullivan Jr
RB 2 Kaleb Johnson Jr 28 Kamari Moulton #Fr
WR 15 Reece Vander Zee Fr 0 Jarriett Buie #Fr
WR 21 Kaden Wetjen Sr 3 Kaleb Brown Jr
WR 5 Jacob Gill Jr 8 Terrell Washington Jr. #Fr
TE 85 Luke Lachey Sr 87 Addison Ostrenga Jr
LT 78 Mason Richman Sr 71 Jack Dotzler Soph
LG 70 Beau Stephens Jr 64 Leighton Jones #Fr
C 65 Logan Jones Sr 58 Kade Pieper #Fr
RG 77 Connor Colby Sr 76 Tyler Elsbury Sr
RT 67 Gennings Dunker Jr 56 Nick Dejong Sr
PK 18 Drew Stevens Jr DEFENSE
LE 45 Deontae Craig Sr 48 Max Llewellyn Jr
LT 95 Aaron Graves Jr 57 Will Hubert Soph
RT 94 Yahya Black Sr 55 Jeremiah Pittman Jr
RE 49 Ethan Hurkett Sr 90 Brian Allen Soph
29 Sebastian Castro Sr 37 Kyler Fisher Sr
MLB 34 Jay Higgins Sr 41 Jaden Harrell Jr
WLB 10 Nick Jackson Sr 43 Karson Sharar Jr
CB 2 TJ Hall Jr 7 John Nestor Soph
SS 1 Xavier Nwankpa Jr 4 Koen Entringer Soph
FS 30 Quinn Schulte Sr 6 Zach Lutmer #Fr
CB 27 Jermari Harris Sr 8 Deshaun Lee Soph
P 9 Rhys Dakin Fr
OFFENSE
QB 16 Max Brosmer Sr 3 Drake Lindsey Fr
RB 1 Darius Taylor Soph 24 Marcus Major Sr
WRX 11 Elijah Spencer Sr 18 Donielle Hayes Fr
WRZ 0 Le’Meke Brockington Jr 15 Kenric Lanier II Fr
WRSL 9 Daniel Jackson Sr 4 Cristian Driver Soph
TE 86 Jameson Geers Jr 87 Nick Kallerup Sr
LT 69 Aireontae Ersery Sr 60 Phillip Daniels Fr
LG 75 Tyler Cooper Sr 78 Ashton Beers Soph
C 65 Greg Johnson Soph 56 Brett Carroll Fr
RG 77 Quinn Carroll Sr 59 Tony Nelson Soph
RT 71 Martes Lewis Sr 70 Aluma Nkele Jr
PK 99 Dragan Kesich Sr DEFENSE
DE 17 Jah Joyner Sr 0 Anthony Smith Soph
DT 91 Deven Eastern Jr 89 Nate Becker Jr
DT 97 Jalen Logan-Redding Sr 8 Darnell Jefferies Sr
DE 92 Danny Striggow Sr 1 Jaxon Howard #Fr
WLB 45 Cody Lindenberg Sr 44 Tyler Stolsky Soph
MLB 6 Maverick Baranowski Soph 9 Devon Williams Jr
NB 20 Jack Henderson Sr 24 Jai’Onte’ McMillan Sr
CB 5 Justin Walley Sr 4 Za’Quan Bryan #Fr
SS 16 Coleman Bryson Soph 12 Darius Green Jr
FS 7 Aidan Gousby Soph 14 Kerry Brown #Fr
CB 2 Ethan Robinson Sr 18 Rhyland Kelly Soph P 96 Mark Crawford Sr
CASH/ LEO
Graves
Baranowski
Brown
Dakin
Hall battles back to starting lineup
The third-year cornerback didn’t let a disappointing game during his first season stop him from achieving his goals.
Brad Schultz Assistant Sports Editor brad.schultz@dailyiowan.com
After standout defensive back Cooper DeJean went down with an injury in the first half of Iowa’s 2022 regular season finale against rival Nebraska, head coach Kirk Ferentz was desperate for options.
He chose true freshman TJ Hall. A young but talented player, Hall primarily played on special teams during the season.
The Cornhuskers quickly took advantage of DeJean’s absence, scoring two touchdowns on Hall’s side of the field on the way to a 24-17 upset victory at Kinnick Stadium.
But instead of letting the disappointment sting, Hall used it as preparation and as an important lesson for how he can improve his game down the road.
“I use it as motivation sometimes,” Hall said. “So whenever I’m slacking or don’t want to get out of bed, I’m like, ‘Come on, TJ. You can’t let that happen again.’”
Hall might have learned this way of thinking from his father, Terrence Hall.
“I tell him all the time, it’s not a loss — it’s a lesson,” Terrence told The Daily Iowan. “Just take the lesson and go for it.”
After a year of growing in the system and fine-tuning his game in 2023, Hall was named a starting cornerback ahead of this season alongside Jermari Harris. Now, the third-year player looks to continue his production on the vaunted Iowa defense.
“I’m just trying to be the best player I can be each and every single day,” Hall said.
California love
Hailing from Fresno, California, Hall is the oldest child of Monique and Terrence Hall, a former standout wide receiver at Western Illinois in the early 2000s.
TJ’s full name is Terrence Javaughn Hall Jr., but his mother didn’t want to confuse her husband and her son all the time. They began calling their son TJ when he was born, and the name stuck.
Due to his family’s athletic background, Hall quickly discovered a passion and talent for athletics His father remembered Hall’s
distinct devotion to sports from a young age.
“All the other kids were always focused on the pizza party or the snack after the game,” Terrence recalled. “I know he was thinking about that too, but he was always focused on winning and trying hard.”
Hall began playing football in third grade
he made steady progress.
“He had his growing pains, but he was still learning the game,” Terrence said.
Despite his passion and instincts in football, Hall’s first love was baseball, a sport he began playing around the time he started his football career.
“All the other kids were always focused on the pizza party or the snack after the game. I know he was thinking about that too, but he was always focused on winning and trying hard.”
Terrence Hall
TJ Hall’s Father
through a local Pop Warner league, bypassing flag football altogether, an uncommon path for young players.
The cornerback didn’t have much knowledge of the game of football as a youth, but he learned to play many offensive and defensive positions, including quarterback and linebacker. Absorbing knowledge while taking on tacklers was difficult for Hall to handle, but
Hall could bat from both sides of the plate, a rare skill in professional baseball, let alone for a third grader. He often played center field, idolizing MLB superstars Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Rickey Henderson. Hall flashed a smile when describing the various catches he made on the diamond.
“That’s where he had his success at an early age,” Terrence said. “We used to always play
catch, and he would just pick up the baseball bat and swing it.”
But football gradually took over as Hall’s primary sport. He continued to play baseball until high school, but he dropped the sport after his freshman season to focus on football. Even still, Hall continued to put his baseball skills to use on the football field.
“As far as ball skills, like center field, you have to track the ball,” Hall said. “I feel like playing multiple sports helps you with everything, with different types of movement, changing direction, ball skills. Sometimes I miss it, sometimes I don’t.”
Those skills would soon be put to the test as Hall prepared for high school.
Panther pride
Hall attended high school at San Joaquin Memorial High School in Fresno, a private Roman Catholic school located just north of downtown Fresno. The school has a rich history, with an alumni list that includes NBA players Robin and Brook Lopez and current U.S. congressman Jim Costa.
Hall played for the school’s football program from 2018-2021 under legendary head coach Anthony Goston, who served at the helm for two decades before retiring in 2023.
During his 20 seasons, Goston elevated a small Panthers program into a regional powerhouse, compiling 159 victories, three Central Section titles, and a trip to the Division-2A state championship game in 2018. His program has produced numerous college stars, including former Washington wideout Jalen McMillan and current Fresno State wide receiver Mac Dalena.
Hall began his high school career on the JV squad, but Goston and the rest of his coaching staff quickly recognized his talent and brought him up to the varsity team. Initially, he played wide receiver but soon began competing on both sides of the ball.
“He was young and wasn’t very big and was still trying to find himself, but I tell you what, his work ethic and his commitment and him working on his craft, he just got better and better,” Goston said.
Terrence wasn’t surprised by this statement, adding TJ had goals at a young age.
Ask Hall his favorite moment during his high school career, and he’ll pivot toward an
Cody Blissett | The Daily Iowan
Iowa cornerback TJ Hall attempts to tackle Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins during a CyHawk game between Iowa and Iowa State at Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 7.
TJ Hall
interception return for a touchdown on the first play of his junior season, a year that saw him grow into one of the leaders of the Panther team.
“He was playing corner for us, and no matter who we were playing or who we matched him up with, it was kind of like, ‘OK, he’s going to shut down that guy,’” Gaston said of Hall. “‘He’s gonna take away whoever their best guy is.’”
Hall became the focal point of the San Joaquin defense by his third season, and college recruiters began to take notice. Nearby Division I schools, including Oregon State, Washington, Arizona, and hometown Fresno State, were quick to offer.
Hall originally committed to Arizona in July 2021, but flipped his commitment to thenPac-12 rival Washington.
“I didn’t really have a lot of offers at the time, and then Washington came into the picture,” Hall said. “And then I decided, you know, they usually have a good defensive back corps. So I was like, ‘I think I want to go to Washington.’”
His commitment to Washington seemed set in stone for a few months, but Big Ten schools Iowa and Michigan swooped in with offers that October. Hall took an official visit to Iowa City on Oct. 9, 2021, where he witnessed the 23-20 Iowa victory over No. 4 Penn State. The raucous atmosphere at Kinnick Stadium impressed Hall and his family.
“That was the game where everybody rushed the field,” Hall said. “So that kind of blew my mind. And I really started paying attention to Iowa and realized the kind of secondary they had, the type of coach [Iowa defensive coordinator] Phil Parker is, and I had no choice but to come here.”
“We had gone to other games, UCLA and local stuff, but the fans and attendance weren’t the same,” Terrence added. “They didn’t have the same passion for the team. So when he saw that, that was another big moment.”
In addition to Iowa’s strong history on defense, Hall cited his family’s connection to Don Patterson, who coached Terrence at Western Illinois and was a former offensive coordinator under legendary Iowa head coach Hayden Fry.
“I was very familiar with the program,” Terrence said. “So, I told him that the defense was big-time. So that was huge.”
Tough debut
Hall began his freshman season at Iowa primarily on special teams behind standouts DeJean, Harris, and Riley Moss.
The Hawkeyes suffered an up-and-down 2022 season, but had a chance to clinch a weak Big Ten West division with a victory over 3-8 Nebraska in the regular-season finale at Kinnick Stadium.
It seemed like an easy task, but DeJean was injured on the first series of the game after taking a brutal hit from a Cornhusker blocker.
Ferentz and Parker turned to Hall, marking his first major playing time in a Hawkeye uniform.
Hall’s parents were in attendance that day, and his father recalled the experience.
“As parents, we didn’t really know what to expect,” Terrence said. “We were excited, looking forward to it.”
Nebraska immediately recognized DeJean’s absence and targeted Hall on the first play. The result was an 87-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Casey Thompson to wide receiver Trey Palmer, stunning the Hawkeye faithful.
“I was shocked, but I knew that they would test him because I’ve been around football,” Terrence said. “We went from really excited to not very excited.”
Two drives later, Hall was beaten by Palmer yet again on an 18-yard post route that gave the Cornhuskers a 17-0 lead, ending Hall’s day and Iowa’s division title hopes. Palmer celebrated by dancing in the back of the end zone while Hall looked on for a moment before quietly jogging off the field.
“It was definitely a crazy experience,” Hall said. “I wish it didn’t go the way it did, but, you know, everything happens for a reason, and I feel like it was just another stepping stone that I had to go through.”
Hall would have to wait over a year for his next chance to start, but once it came, he would take full advantage.
Resilience is key
Hall hoped to play a bigger role during his sophomore season in 2023, but a foot injury during practice sidelined him for the final eight games of the year.
Second-year cornerback John Nestor held a starting spot during the spring, but Hall earned the first-string role for this season after a solid fall camp.
“I feel like even going all the way back to spring ball, I felt like everything was starting to click in,” Hall said. “I felt like the game was starting to slow down for me.”
“I was happy for him because I knew he could do the work,” Terrence said. “ He was always putting in the work, but I knew he couldn’t work this summer and spring coming off an injury. I knew he was prepared for the opportunity.”
Hall’s first-career start came in the season opener against Illinois State on Aug. 31. He was targeted twice to begin the game, but held his ground as the Hawkeyes rolled to a 40-0 victory.
“Yeah, it was kind of crazy. I was thinking about that play all week,” Hall said.
“I just saw someone who’s just been waiting his turn,” fifth-year linebacker Nick Jackson added. “We’re all excited. We’re all proud of him.”
During media availability before Iowa’s game against Iowa State, Hall reflected on his unconventional path to becoming a starter.
“I would just say a lot of hard work and preparation by myself, away from the team,”
Hall said. “But it takes that extra preparation. So stuff like that just helped me get to the spot where I am.”
Iowa wideout Jacob Gill has been on the receiving end of Hall’s improvement, often lining up against him in practice.
A transfer from Northwestern, Gill is new to the team but took notice of Hall right away.
“TJ is a great player,” Gill said. “He’s a great competitor. He’s just keyed in to all the little details and things like that. It’s awesome. It makes me bet ter. Makes all the receivers better.”
Hall has collected four tackles and one fumble recovery in Iowa’s first three games. He nearly had his first career interception in the loss against the Iowa State on Sept. 7, but Cyclone wideout Jayden Higgins plucked the ball away for the touchdown.
“Higgins is a great receiver,” Terrence said. “I thought [TJ] was going to make a game-chang ing play. He was right there. Next time.”
Hall’s most recent contest against Troy saw shades of the 2022 Nebraska game. Hall was assigned to guard the Trojans’ leading receiver, Devonte Ross, and the wideout flew past him for two long touchdowns. Both scores came on a classic double-route, where Ross faked a quick slant to the inside of the field and then quickly sprinted up the sideline to catch an easy touchdown.
Despite the tough setback, Hall remains a starter and his teammates are confident he will bounce back as Big Ten play begins.
“I just told him to keep his head up and keep doing what you’re doing,” fifth-year safety Quinn Schulte said. “You can’t just hang your head on one play.”
Fifth-year linebacker Jay Higgins admitted that it’s difficult to sympathize with Hall’s struggles considering their differences in position. Higgins said that as a linebacker, he can’t guard a receiver 60 yards downfield, but added that ultimately Hall is still a teammate and deserves support.
“We know he’s a competitor,” Higgins said. “We know he’ll respond and we’re just excited to see what he does this week.”
As Hall’s junior season with the Hawkeyes continues, his family and friends continue to praise him for his character and work ethic on and off the field.
For them, Hall’s growth was inevitable.
“I’ve been so proud of him and everything he has accomplished so far,” Terrence said.
“He’s grinded and he’s worked, and he’s put himself in position, because of that work, to be a valuable member of that defense and that team,” Goston said. “As his former coach, I’m excited and proud that he’s doing a lot of the same things at a higher level. I couldn’t be more proud and happy for him.”
Grace Smith | The Daily Iowan Iowa defensive back TJ Hall puts the ball down near the end zone after a punt during a football game between Iowa and Western Michigan at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Sept. 16, 2023. The Hawkeyes defeated the Broncos, 41-10.
Gill
Higgins
Weekly Wager
PETE RUDEN College Football Editor, Action Network Daily Iowan alumnus
The Daily Iowan’s official bettor’s guide to Iowa football’s Week 4 matchup with Minnesota.
MATT MCGOWAN Pregame Editor
IOWA -2.5 IOWA -2.5
While the Golden Gophers rank top-40 in both passing success rate and rushing success rate, those stats are skewed due to a soft schedule. Now, the Gophers will take a huge step up in competition against an Iowa team that ranks 27th in defensive finishing drives.
Minnesota will finally take on a top-tier defense, and I don’t believe it can succeed. The Gophers rank 99th in the nation in terms of sacks allowed. Hawkeye defensive linemen Aaron Graves, Ethan Hurkett, and Co. should have a fun time up north in the Twin Cities.
UNDER 35.5 UNDER 35.5
It’s all about defense in this one as both teams rank top-35 in yards and points allowed this season. Plus, each team’s quarterback hasn’t moved the needle against FBS competition. The ball will stay on the ground as both squads will drain away the clock.
The Rajin’ Cajuns have two running backs averaging 6.5 yards per carry and are coming off a bye against a tired Tulane team.
This matchup is a romantic reminder of the Big Ten West. A lot of running the ball and not a lot of scoring. Minnesota hasn’t let up a point since August while Iowa has been dominant against the run. The weather may be warm, but no one will light up the scoreboard.
The Beavers know how to convert on third down and will play a Boilermaker squad thrown off by the time change.
Each week during the Iowa football season, Daily Iowan Pregame Editor Matt McGowan and Action Network College Football Editor
YTD: $179
Ruden’s 2024 record: 2-7
Pete Ruden will place three hypothetical bets of $100. The score of the contest will be kept in the piggy banks to the right and left with a winner to be declared at the end of the season.
YTD: $352
McGowan’s 2024 record: 4-5
On The Line
IOWA
The Hawks like to steal trophies on the road.
USC
The combined tuition costs of these schools is more than the U.S. debt.
TENNESSEE
I could live in the Sooner Schooner for a week no problem.
OKLAHOMA STATE
Does Mike Gundy now say, “I’m a senior citizen. I’m 57”?
ILLINOIS
Dick Butkus would destroy Will Compton.
ARIZONA STATE
Get Cam Skattebo on the all-time name team.
The Daily Iowan staff share their predictions and thoughts on this week’s upcoming games.
IOWA
But I think Minnesota will win.
USC Simpson College has the makings of a top-10 team.
TENNESSEE
It’s not going to be an Oklahoma Smokeshow (see next game).
OKLAHOMA STATE
Zach Bryan has some bangers but is overrated for sure.
NEBRASKA
How did these two teams get a number in front of their names?
TEXAS TECH
Shoutout Mac McClung.
IOWA
Hawkeyes get revenge after last season’s controversial finish.
USC
Michigan’s offense looks abysmal through three games.
TENNESSEE
Nico Iamaleava is in line for a huge McDonald’s bag after this year.
IOWA
Weak Gophers. IOWA Might have to slip the refs $20.
USC Michigan gave Sherrone Moore immunity because it sucks.
OKLAHOMA
Tennessee is a fraud.
USC Trojan horse infiltrates the Big House.
TENNESSEE
Quarterback Jackson Arnold can’t carry the Sooners this time.
IOWA
Floyd comes back, which is fine, because he’s a cool trophy.
MICHIGAN
I only approve of the Big Ten expansion just for matchups like this.
OKLAHOMA
I only approve of SEC expansion just for matchups like this.
IOWA
This won’t come down to a fair catch. Floyd returns to Iowa.
USC What a way for USC to open Big Ten play.
TENNESSEE
I still have nightmares about last year’s Citrus Bowl.
OKLAHOMA STATE Pokes up. UTAH Can’t think of anything for Utah, it’s just lame.
NEBRASKA
It hurts me to say this, but Nebraska might actually be good.
ARIZONA STATE
Still can’t believe this is a conference matchup.
NEBRASKA
Can’t root for the Illini, my cousin goes there.
TEXAS TECH
Never root against a Texas school in football.
OKLAHOMA STATE
Alan Bowman and Ollie Gordon II are a dynamic duo.
NEBRASKA
Illinois wakes up and falls out of the rankings.
TEXAS TECH Red Raiders keep their hat in the Big 12 race.
OKLAHOMA STATE
I only approve of Big 12 expansion because ... nah, I don’t care.
NEBRASKA
Such an early pivotal Big Ten West ... never mind.
TEXAS TECH
Big 12 expansion gave us this dog of a matchup.
UTAH
The Utes might be the team to beat in the congested Big 12.
NEBRASKA
The Huskers could be 7-0 before a clash with Ohio State.
TEXAS TECH
The next Patrick Mahomes probably isn’t on the Red Raiders roster.
One on One: Kaden Wetjen
The Daily Iowan Pregame reporter Chris Meglio spoke with the Hawkeye wide receiver and punt returner on Iowa football media day on Aug. 9.
Chris
Meglio Pregame Reporter sports @dailyiowan.com
The Daily Iowan: There’s been some discussions on you and your emergence as a prospect. What do you have to say to those who are expecting some value this year?
Kaden Wetjen: Well, hopefully I do something good this year. I had a little breakthrough last year, but [I’ll] hopefully try to explode this year and really play together — not just me but the offense as a whole. So hopefully we can explode.
What do you see from [offensive coordinator Tim Lester] that excites you most about the game plan that he’s putting together?
Oh, for sure. About him, I would say he loves throwing the ball deep as well. And he’s just — I love him as a guy, as a person. So all the motions and just the whole scheme that he brought, I think it’s going to be really good for our offense. And I think our personnel fit in well.
Have you played the NCAA College Football video game?
Yeah. I have gotten destroyed. I’ve gotten beaten every time. I think I’ve only won when I play with Oregon. But other than that, all my buddies even beat me, and it’s been rough so far
KID CAPTAIN
Aiden Washburn sees wishes come true
After eight years and four heart surgeries, Aiden’s dream of being a Kid Captain is coming true.
Mia Boulton Sports Reporter sports@dailyiowan.com
Through the Makea-Wish Foundation, 8-year-old Aiden Washburn wished for two things: a trip to Disneyland and to be an Iowa Hawkeye Kid Captain.
On Saturday, the latter will be fulfilled.
“It was something he said he wanted to do, but we didn’t get our hopes up because there are lots of applicants,”
Aiden’s mother Josie Washburn said. “When we got
that call, we were both very shocked and surprised.”
The last time Aiden and his family cheered on the Hawkeye football team in person was back in 2022 at the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee.
“He’s never been to a game at Kinnick [Stadium], though,” Josie said. “This year will be his first.”
Although he’s never experienced it from Kinnick, Aiden said the Wave is his favorite part about Iowa home games.
Josie agreed, mentioning the Wave tradition reminds
her of the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
“[The Wave] is a wonderful thing for these kids and families who are going through so much,” Josie said. “When you see 70,000 people waving up at you, it feels like they are a part of your village.”
Eight years ago, Josie and her husband Ryan experienced a village coming together when they learned of their yet-to-be-born son’s hypoplastic left heart syndrome diagnosis.
In the first three years of his life, Aiden underwent
#21 Kaden Wetjen
• Senior
Wide receiver • 5-foot-10 • Williamsburg, IA
If you were in the jungle and you could be any animal, what would you be? A jaguar, man. Stealth. I just pop out of nowhere and get you. I feel like that’d be my biggest fear.
What’s one food that you don’t like that everyone else seems to like? Oatmeal. I do not like oatmeal. Everybody else — they’ve got a bowl of oatmeal in the morning. I can’t even look at it or smell it, otherwise I’m going to puke. So I feel like that’s the main thing. I just remember throwing it up when I was younger
Carpet floors or wood floors in your home? Wood.
What’s the most important part of an outfit? Me personally, I like the shoes, man.
Best NFL player in the league right now? [Miami Dolphins wide receiver] Tyreek Hill. I kind of play my game as Tyreek Hill.
through,” Reinking said. “But we still expect Aiden to grow up and thrive and live the same sort of life that every other kid does.”
Aiden’s has come to love football, swimming, and golf. He has also earned the title of “the best big brother in the world” to his 2-year-old brother.
Josie said Aiden has taken his brother under his wing, teaching him how to play different sports and helping him learn his letters and numbers.
“It goes to show there is light at the end of the tunnel,” she added.
four heart surgeries . The first occurred within the first 24 hours of his birth. The procedures aimed to help the underdeveloped left side of his heart pump blood to his body correctly.
“The goal of these surgeries is to just reroute the blood in the body in the way that allows two chambers of the heart to do the job of all four,” said Benjamin Reinking, Aid-
en’s cardiologist at Iowa’s Stead Family Children’s hospital. “It works really well for kids for a period of time but there are some long-term issues that can develop.”
Reinking said Aiden has developed a few of those complications but is handling them through medication and treatments. Eventually, Aiden will need a heart transplant.
“It’s a lot for kids to go
Becoming a Kid Captain has been a dream come true for Aiden. His family has enjoyed the community aspect of the program, where Aiden can share his story and inspire others. Josie said people with Aiden’s diagnosis have reached out.
“We’ve been able to talk with them and might be meeting them in person soon.”
— rough start to the game.
Isabella Tisdale | The Daily Iowan
Aiden Washburn, 8, poses for a portrait with family members during Kids’ Day at Kinnick on Aug. 10, 2024.
Friday | 7 p.m. |
No. 24 Illinois (3-0, 0-0) No. 22 Nebraska (3-0, 0-0) Memorial Stadium Lincoln, NE
These squads played on a Friday night last year and many joked it was another high school game. As Michael Scott said, “How the turn tables.”
Line: Nebraska -7.5 O/U: 42.5
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
Marshall (1-1, 0-0) No. 3 Ohio State (2-0, 0-0)
Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH
Marco the Bison should clone himself. Then Marshall will truly become the Thundering Herd. Brutus the Buckeye wouldn’t stand a chance.
Line: Ohio State -39.5 O/U: 52.5
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
Charlotte (1-2, 0-0)
Indiana (3-0, 1-0)
Memorial Stadium Bloomington, IN
The Hoosiers gave UCLA a taste of Big Ten football last week. Head coach Curt Cignetti will run up the score again to inflate numbers.
Game Guide
Saturday | 11 a.m. |
Villanova (3-0, 1-0) Maryland (2-1, 0-1)
SECU Stadium College Park, MD
If there’s one thing Congress should agree on, it’s that Power Four schools should not play FCS teams after the first two weeks of the season.
Line: Maryland -17.5 O/U: 43.5
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. |
Kent State (0-3, 0-0) No. 10 Penn State (2-0, 0-0) Beaver Stadium University Park, PA
Shoutout to my Uncle Rolf, whose first name is Kent. He’s a smart guy who tracks space debris. No one with intelligence would watch this game.
Line: Penn State -49 O/U: 55.5
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. |
No. 11 USC (2-0, 0-0)
No. 18 Michigan (2-1, 0-0)
Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI
Unless Tom Brady gets back under center for the Wolverines, I have no interest in this game. Which fan base is more entitled? Now that’s a battle.
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. |
Rutgers (2-0, 0-0) Virginia Tech (2-1, 0-0)
Lane Stadium Blacksburg, VA
This game is rather intriguing for some reason. The Hokies have Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and Rutgers has “The Sopranos” opening theme.
Line: Virginia Tech -3.5 O/U: 44.5
Saturday | 6 p.m. |
Northwestern (2-1, 0-0) Washington (2-1, 0-0)
Husky Stadium Seattle, WA
Battle of the purples in this one. I’ve visited both campuses and each had their flaws – such as their respective football teams.
Line: Washington -10.5 O/U: 42.5
Saturday | 2:30 p.m. |
UCLA (1-1, 0-1) No. 16 LSU (2-1, 1-0) Tiger Stadium Baton Rouge, LA
Saturday | 6:30 p.m. |
Iowa (2-1, 0-0) Minnesota (2-1, 0-0)
Huntington Bank Stadium Minneapolis, MN
Saturday | 7
|
Michigan State (3-0, 1-0) Boston College (2-1, 1-0)
Alumni Stadium Chestnut Hill, MA
Glasses-wearing athletes, stand up. Boston College’s Thomas Castellanos should wear the specs on the field for some next-level swag.
Line: Boston College -6.5 O/U: 45.5
Saturday | 7:30 p.m. |
Purdue (1-1, 0-0) Oregon State (2-1, 0-0)
Reser Stadium Corvallis, OR
Hot take: Jackie Robinson would’ve beat Pete Maravich in one-on-one. Robinson was also great in football. The Bruins could use him on Saturday.
Line: LSU -23.5 O/U: 56.5
Will P.J. Fleck wear sunglasses at a night game? I’ll put my money on yes. He would beat Kirk Ferentz in a race, but not in the quiet game.
Line: Iowa -2.5 O/U: 35.5
What is this, a mediocre TV series about a DC superhero? No, it’s this game instead? What’s the difference?
Line: Oregon State -4.5 O/U: 50.5
Line: Indiana -28.5
O/U: 48.5
Line: USC -5.5 O/U: 44.5
Matt McGowan
WEEK FOUR
Power Rankings
1. Ohio State
It needs a bye week to prepare for Marshall? Come on.
Matt McGowan
2. Oregon
The Ducks are in flight now. Break out the neon, folks.
3. USC
Giving Reggie Bush his Heisman back had some good karma.
4. Penn State
Nittany Lions think they’re the Yankees, but they’re actually the Mets. No titles since 1986.
5. Nebraska
Run, hide, and log off social media. Big Red has finally arrived.
6. Illinois
I should’ve snuck into Memorial Stadium this summer to see how the Illini are this good.
7. Michigan
It’s nationally ranked somehow, but last year’s title is losing its shine.
8. Iowa
The Hawkeyes are averaging 32 points per game, but not many are happy.
9. Rutgers
Tony Soprano would be glad to know New Jersey football is back.
10. Indiana
Hoosiers still haven’t lost. My buddy Eric might finally go to a game.
11. Wisconsin
Well, it kept it close for about a quarter last week, then got torched by a 17-year-old.
12. Michigan State
Don’t go crazy after beating a school I didn’t know existed.
13. Maryland
It runs the DMV after last week’s win against Virginia. No, not that DMV. That place sucks.
14. Washington
The PAC-2 got its revenge last week, but then again, isn’t it all about money anyway?
15. Minnesota
Two decent cities. One mediocre football team.
16. Purdue
I can see the football field from the roof of my friend’s frat house. You can see all ten fans.
17. Northwestern
Thanks for beating Eastern Illinois. Panther alumnus Tony Romo will thankfully have one less thing to say.
18. UCLA
It’s just happy to be here, just like the Bruins’ head coach said.
