TAMPA, Fla. — Iowa football fans are converging on Florida to support the Hawkeyes in their upcoming game against Vanderbilt. The matchup is set for Wednesday morning and promises to be a top-25 clash.
KWWL’s Mark Woodley is reporting live from Ybor City, near Tampa, where pre-game festivities are underway. The night before the game is filled with rallies and a parade, drawing enthusiastic crowds.
Earlier on Tuesday, Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea addressed the media. This was Ferentz’s first public appearance since the Iowa offensive line won the Joe Moore Award for best unit in the country. Ferentz acknowledged the challenge that comes with the award.
“The guys told me that historically the teams that win the award play crappy in their postseason game afterwards, so that’s a little bit of a challenge for us right now,” Ferentz said. “But hopefully we won’t let that affect us.”
The Hawkeye marching band has also been actively participating in events, performing at Clearwater Beach and Busch Gardens, and will join Tuesday night’s parade in Ybor City. They are expected to be well-prepared for the game, which kicks off at 11 a.m. Iowa time on Wednesday.