Great topic: Iowa-Penn State finale?

This is a question ESPN.com's Big Ten football big foot Adam Rittenberg brought up this week:

Should Iowa-Penn State wrap up the season?

I think this depends on how you feel about Iowa-Minnesota and the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy. Is that Iowa's main rival? Or is it Iowa State? Wisconsin? I won't throw Illinois in the mix because the Big Ten answers that question by dropping the Illini off Iowa's schedule every couple years.

I think there's merit to this. The fact that it came up on ESPN.com speaks volumes for Iowa football and coach Kirk Ferentz. The subtext here is why does a rivalry have to be defined by borders? The very question assumes that Iowa football is capable of trading punches with Penn State season in, season out.

Forget about borders and think about prestige, Iowa fans. That would be quite a leap.

But fellow Gazette Communications information gatherer Scott Dochterman and I have been talking all week about how Nebraska, if it becomes a member of the Big Ten, might not be the perfect rival and potential season finale for the Hawkeyes.

I still contend Badgers. Mostly because I could just stop in Dodgeville for Thanksgiving dinner with the in-laws. OK, not just that. I think Iowa and Wisconsin are on the same wavelength in a lot of ways.

Great topic from Adam Rittenberg, a sharp cookie who also happens to seem to love the Chicago Blackhawks, which makes him an even sharper cookie.

Anyway, Iowa's season finale should be . . .

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