Kirk Ferentz preparing to send seniors off in style for Heroes Game
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz glances at the crowd during the fourth quarter against Wisconsin Saturday November 2, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
IOWA CITY, Ia. — Black Friday is approaching, and for the first time in the Heroes Rivalry Iowa and Nebraska will clash under the lights at Kinnick Stadium.
The game is going to be an emotional one for Coach Kirk Ferentz, considering he’ll be sending off 23 seniors, who’ll be playing their last contest in the venue. Notable senior Hawkeyes, including linebackers Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson, tight end Luke Lachey, offensive linemen Mason Richman and Logan Jones and defensive back Sebastian Castro will get to say their final farewell to the fans. Which is why Ferentz doesn’t want to disappoint them in the spotlight.
“Final game of the season is always special, a chance to recognize 23 outstanding individuals that have run the whole race, and run it well,” Ferentz said. “It’s not just a race, it’s a marathon if you consider the work these guys put in, playing through injury, disappointment, pretty much every one of the 23 have experienced that, so to persevere and finish out strong, earn their degrees, all those things that are real meaningful, it’s a really special group.”
Ferentz is currently putting together a game plan that he believes will be successful against the opposition. After all, the weather is going to be extremely cold, and that’ll likely limit what both offenses can do. Nebraska (6-5) will be coming into this rivalry with confidence. Not to mention the Huskers won their last trip to Iowa City.
It’s also going to be the first time since 2016 that both teams come into the matchup with winning records. Iowa (7-4) still has a chance to win at least nine games in three of the past four seasons, and that’s something Ferentz feel should be more than enough motivation for his seniors.
“Can’t say enough about these guys, they’ve all done a great job, some of the guys have been here the entire time, and a couple guys that transferred,” he said. “We have 10 of the 23 are walk-ons originally here, and some have gone on and earned scholarships, other guys haven’t, but they’ve stayed with the program, and done a great job.”
Despite freezing temperatures, the Hawkeye faithful is expected to be in full force to support the team, and Ferentz wouldn’t have it no other way. It’s no mystery that Iowa has won eight of the last nine meetings against Nebraska. However, Ferentz refuses to underestimate the Huskers, and the fact that they appear to be gaining traction on offense.
Last year’s game in Lincoln was a thriller, that came down to the final second, and the Hawkeyes were able to squeak out a victory. Ferentz understands that the Huskers want to return the favor. The road team has been victorious over the last three in this series. Nebraska could care less about Iowa’s seniors winning their final game at Kinnick Stadium. Coach Matt Rhule will be looking to keep the momentum going after a blowout win over Wisconsin, and is eager to earn his first victory against Iowa.
The 12th man will be a major factor, and Ferentz wants the crowd in it from start to finish. The players always feed off the crowd’s energy, which could potentially spell bad news for the Huskers. There’s no denying it’s all about hoisting the trophy once the smoke clears. So Ferentz is looking forward to his seniors putting together a memorable performance and cementing their legacies with the program, while Iowa fans make it a house of nails for Nebraska.
“It is not an official blackout, but we will be in black Friday night, and if the fans want to jump in there with us, we’d really appreciate that, I think it would be great and should be a great environment, but a little chilly, so bring your hot chocolate.”
