Iowa comeback spoils Alvarez’ final home game 20-10

By John Onan  |   Saturday, November 12, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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Early on it looked like a joyous home finale to the career of Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez, but the Iowa Hawkeyes spoiled the occasion and clinched bowl eligibility in the process, with a second half comeback in route to a 20-10 upset over the 19th ranked Badgers. Alvarez, who took the athletic director position at the school a couple years ago, is retiring from coaching at the end of the season.

The Wisconsin Badgers seemed to be in command with a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, but Iowa began to win the battle in the trenches, which allowed quarterback Drew Tate to come alive after the break with a pair of touchdown throws. After looking out of sorts against the Wisconsin defensive schemes, he finished 21-of-34 for 225 yards, with his lone interception coming early on.

His early turnover led to the Badgers only trip to the end zone, a 17-yard John Stocco throw to senior wide receiver Brandon Williams, who led Wisconsin with nine catches for 131 yards. Stocco was 21-of-38 for 255 yards, but struggled after the Hawkeyes stacked up against the run and forced him to try to make plays.

Running back Brian Calhoun, considered a Heisman contender, was held in check with only 18 yards on 15 attempts. Wisconsin could only muster 43 yards on the ground for the game. His Iowa counterpart Albert Young had more room to run, and it showed by his 124 yards on 26 carries, as the Iowa Hawkeyes outgained the Badgers 387 to 273 on the day.

The loss not only ruined Alvarez' home finale, but also their slim chances of winning a share of the Big Ten crown, as they fell to 8-3 and 5-3 in the conference. The Iowa victory halted a three-game losing streak and gives them needed momentum with Minnesota visiting next Saturday.
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