Every rose has its thorn
“Bringing home the roses. The Hawkeyes love the roses.” Those words and that song came to haunt Iowa football fans in 1982 when the Hawks stirred much emotion and anticipation, only to be shut out 28-0 by Washington in the Rose Bowl.
Along with “Hawkeye Hut-Hut” on the A-side of the vinyl 45 record, the Fabulous Fryers Band brought this song to Hawkeye Nation as celebratory tunes. Those were the days before MP3s, CDs or ways to transfer and share music. Eight-track tapes were the format of the era, and radio was still king. Times have changed, and so has college football.
We are enjoying the Hawkeye hype as much as anyone, and the Iowa nostalgia is fun to recall. Even Hawk fans who weren’t born when Pizza Hut first sponsored this promo record in 1981 are starting to learn the words.
Today’s undefeated Hawkeyes have been exciting to watch. A bit nerve-racking, yes, but Iowans are most certainly enjoying the black and gold. It’s a great time to be a Hawkeye.
But let’s be honest. This isn’t the 1981 team. That was only Hayden Fry’s third season, but their 8-4 mark seems pathetic compared to what today’s team has achieved so far. Even so, wins over Nebraska, UCLA and Michigan gave that team legitimacy. We love today’s Hawkeyes, but a one-point win over Northern Iowa and a three-point with over Arkansas State don’t leave us with much confidence in this team’s ability to match up with truly elite programs. There have been some impressive wins, yes, but the national press still isn’t giving Iowa much credibility. There’s still time.
Could the Hawks pull off wins in the final three games against Northwestern, Ohio State and Minnesota? It would be a great ride, and we hope this dream comes true. But let’s take it one week at a time. With Hawk fans growing more confident each week, the letdown could be disastrous. There are some great players on this team, but the wins will be harder to come by if the five-interception games continue.
So please, don’t jinx this team. We beg you not to throw roses or buy the 45 of the Fabulous Fryers just yet. (Starting bids are $10 on eBay.) Because as much as we love roses, those thorns have proven to be sharp. CV
