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870 highlight videos and 702 full game videos gathered from the internet about the past 7,067 Iowa Hawkeye football (since 1889), men's basketball (since 1901), women's basketball (since 1974), women's wrestling (since 2023) and men's wrestling (since 1910) games. We also have profiles for 1981 players and 143 coaches.


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9/12/1981 (1981-1982)

Kinnick Stadium [Iowa City, Iowa]

Iowa  vs  #7  Nebraska  Nebraska Iowa Hawkeyes Football vs #7 Nebraska on 9/12/1981 - HawkeyeRecap.com

W   10 - 7 


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Head Coach: Hayden Fry
Attendance: 60,160
Kickoff Temp: 67° F

Official Game Program

RECAP

What will likely be considered one of college football's major upsets of the year, Iowa survived a fast and furious finish to beat Nebraska 10-7, after losing 57-0 the previous year. It was Hayden Fry's first major upset at Iowa.

The Iowa defense forced 5 interceptions and held the Huskers to just 231 yards. They held Davenport-native and future NFL running back Roger Craig to 74 yards on 19 carries, one touchdown and two fumbles. Lou King caused havoc all over the field. He finished with 5 tackles, one late interception to seal the win and one partially blocked punt that setup Iowa's first and only TD.

Iowa scored first with a 2-yard touchdown leap from Eddie Phillips. Lon Olejniczak kicked a 35-yard field goal on the first play of the second quarter to push the lead to 10-0. Reggie Roby was also key to the victory, averaging 55.8 yards on five punts with a long of 62 yards. Olejniczak also had 4 catches for 34 yards to lead the team in receiving.

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SUMMARY

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HIGHLIGHTS


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PLAYER GAME QUOTES

Mark Bortz Because we know we're coming on. The coaches have it going and the defense has it going. Everyone felt more relaxed out there today. When we needed a turnover, we got it. Two years ago, it seemed we had Nebraska, but let the game get away. It would have killed us to have that happen again.
-- Mark Bortz
When asked about the difference between earlier games against Nebraska and today's upset win

COACH GAME QUOTES

Hayden Fry We've been blown out before, but we've always come back and won. If you stay in this game long enough, the worm will turn. The worm turned today.
-- Hayden Fry

Hayden Fry Let's not talk about the mustache. We've just whipped somebody's ass. We've worked our tails off and whipped a heck of a team.
-- Hayden Fry
When asked about growing a new mustache for this season

Hayden Fry I'm happy as hell, but keep in mind this is just one game. We've got to make sure and keep our heads screwed on tight. We can't be high school Harrys and start rejoicing. We can't be too high, but we're damn sure not going to be low.
-- Hayden Fry

DETAILED TEAM STATS

StatisticsIowaNebraska
Total First Downs1113
Rushing Attempts5249
Rushing Yards169153
Rushing TDs11
Yards per Rush3.33.1
Passes Completed78
Passes Attempts1118
Pass Completion %63.6%44.4%
Passing TDs00
Passing Yards2881
Passing Yards per Completion4.010.1
Passing Yards per Attempt2.54.5
Touchdowns11
Total Plays6367
% of Rushing Plays82.5%73.1%
% of Passing Plays17.5%26.9%
Total Offense197234
Yards per Play3.13.5
Lost Fumbles33
Interceptions02
Turnovers35
Penalties27
Penalty Yards1835
Yards per Penalty9.05.0
Possession Time30:0929:51

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Iowa Hawkeyes Football vs #7 Nebraska on 9/12/1981 - HawkeyeRecap.com - Summary of Iowa football and basketball games