What Is 2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with an 9-4 record and a victory in the Outback Bowl against South Carolina, 31-10, on January 1, 2009.

Key Facts

Finished the season with a 9-4 overall record
Won the Outback Bowl 31-10 over South Carolina on January 1, 2009
Ranked 18th in the final AP Poll
Ricky Stanzi was the starting quarterback
Played in the Big Ten Conference under head coach Kirk Ferentz

Overview

The 2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Big Ten Conference, the team was led by head coach Kirk Ferentz and achieved a successful campaign both in conference play and postseason action.

Finishing with a 9-4 overall record, the Hawkeyes demonstrated resilience and strong defensive play throughout the season. Their performance culminated in a decisive victory in the Outback Bowl, marking a high point for the program after a rebuilding phase in prior years.

Outback Bowl Champions: The Hawkeyes defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 31-10 on January 1, 2009, in Tampa, Florida, showcasing dominant defense and efficient offense.
Final AP Ranking: Iowa finished the season ranked 18th in the final Associated Press Poll, reflecting their strong finish and bowl performance.
Quarterback Leadership:Ricky Stanzi emerged as the primary starting quarterback, throwing for 1,755 yards and 15 touchdowns despite missing parts of the season due to injury.
Defensive Strength: The team allowed only 17.4 points per game, ranking among the top defenses in the Big Ten and a key factor in their success.
Big Ten Record: Iowa posted a 5-3 conference record, defeating notable teams such as Wisconsin and Purdue while narrowly losing to Penn State and Michigan State.

Season Performance and Key Players

The 2008 season highlighted several breakout performances and pivotal moments that defined the Hawkeyes’ identity. Under Kirk Ferentz’s leadership, the team balanced a physical running game with disciplined defense.

Shonn Greene: The running back rushed for 1,850 yards and 16 touchdowns during the regular season, earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Defensive MVP: Safety Brad Jones recorded 102 tackles and 4 interceptions, anchoring a defense that forced 23 turnovers on the year.
Kicker Accuracy:Mike Meyer was not yet the starter; instead, Kyle Ricks and David Sherrod handled kicking duties, combining for a 78% field goal success rate.
Offensive Line: The Hawkeyes' offensive line, known for its toughness, paved the way for the nation’s third-best rushing attack at 242.6 yards per game.
Key Victory: A 17-10 win over #20 Wisconsin in November was pivotal, securing bowl eligibility and boosting national recognition.
Injury Challenges: Starting quarterback Ricky Stanzi missed three games due to injury, with Jamarko Simmons and James Vandenberg seeing action in relief.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2008 season compared favorably to recent Hawkeye teams in terms of wins, rankings, and bowl outcomes. Below is a performance comparison with the 2007 and 2009 seasons:

Season	Overall Record	Big Ten Record	Bowl Game	Final AP Rank
2007	6-6	3-5	No Bowl	Unranked
2008	9-4	5-3	Outback Bowl (W 31-10 vs. South Carolina)	18th
2009	11-2	7-1	Orange Bowl (L 24-14 vs. Georgia Tech)	6th
2006	6-6	3-5	Insight Bowl (W 27-24 vs. Texas)	Unranked
2005	7-6	4-4	Capital One Bowl (L 30-17 vs. LSU)	Unranked

The 2008 team marked a clear upward trajectory from the underwhelming 2007 season and laid the foundation for the even more successful 2009 campaign. Their Outback Bowl win was Iowa’s first New Year’s Day bowl victory since 1959, adding historical significance.

Why It Matters

The 2008 season was a turning point for Iowa football, restoring confidence in the program after two losing seasons and setting the stage for future success. It also reestablished Iowa as a consistent bowl contender in the Big Ten.

Program Momentum: The 9-win season revitalized fan support and recruiting, helping Iowa land higher-rated classes in subsequent years.
Shonn Greene’s Legacy: Greene’s performance in 2008 led to him winning the Doak Walker Award in 2009 and later being drafted into the NFL.
Coaching Stability: Kirk Ferentz’s job security improved significantly, allowing him to continue building a long-term culture in Iowa City.
Bowl Prestige: Winning the Outback Bowl elevated Iowa’s national profile and secured a prime-time television appearance on New Year’s Day.
Defensive Identity: The team reinforced Iowa’s reputation for developing tough, disciplined defenses that could compete with any Big Ten opponent.
Foundation for 2009: Many starters returned in 2009, enabling Iowa to achieve an 11-2 record and a top-10 national ranking.

The 2008 Iowa Hawkeyes football team is remembered as a resilient, disciplined squad that overcame mid-season adversity to achieve postseason glory and reignite a proud football tradition.