Iowa fans praise McCaffrey, shocked by Rose Bowl blowout

It started with an 'OH MY GOSH' and ended with some 'it was terrible.'

It was that kind of day on social media and national television for the Iowa football team, playing in its first Rose Bowl game in 25 years and losing to Stanford, 45-16.

Even as the Hawkeyes fell behind, 38-0, however, there was more shock and disappointment than anger toward the team and coaches.

Are you serious? Is this real life?January 1, 2016

Are you serious? Is this real life?

— 12-0 Reg Season Tho (@TimWeideman)

Sometimes it's not your day. Today is not our day.January 1, 2016

Sometimes it's not your day. Today is not our day.

— Ryan Murphy (@mtxemurph)

Comedian Ron White had a little fun at Stanford's blazing start.

If this pace continues the final score is going to be 580 to zip. January 1, 2016

If this pace continues the final score is going to be 580 to zip. #RoseBowl

— Ron White (@Ron_White)

There were some unhappy Hawkeye fans, however. Many took shots at the Big 12 officiating crew early in the game.

Just another reason why I hate the Big 12. These refs for the Rose Bowl are garbage!!January 1, 2016

Just another reason why I hate the Big 12. These refs for the Rose Bowl are garbage!!

— Frash Face (@tyler_frasher)

Some weren't happy with Iowa's play calling or effort.

this game is on coaches! playing calling is ridiculous! Kirk deserves criticizem for this game plan and playJanuary 2, 2016

this game is on coaches! playing calling is ridiculous! Kirk deserves criticizem for this game plan and play

— A. J. Collins (@HawkeyeACE)

Most, however, put Iowa's 12-2 season in perspective and gave credit to Stanford do-it-all running back Christian McCaffrey, who scored the first time he touched the ball and set two Rose Bowl records.

Stanford was simply the better team today. That's all there is to say. But damn it's been a fun ride this year for Iowa football.January 2, 2016

Stanford was simply the better team today. That's all there is to say. But damn it's been a fun ride this year for Iowa football.

— BJ Hermsen (@bjhermsen12)

I refuse to quit on this team. After all they've done this season, no Hawkeye fan should quit on them and talk bad. There's 3 quarters leftJanuary 1, 2016

I refuse to quit on this team. After all they've done this season, no Hawkeye fan should quit on them and talk bad. There's 3 quarters left

— CJB Heisman™ (@CJBForHeisman)

McCaffrey was called 'a magic man' by veteran broadcaster Brent Mussburger, who called the game for ESPN and spent much of the afternoon praising the Cardinal sophomore.

Others shared that assessment.

Okay Iowa is getting whipped by the greatest football player ever. Good work trees.January 1, 2016

Okay Iowa is getting whipped by the greatest football player ever. Good work trees.

— Jonathan Rogers (@jon_rogers)

There were some strange moments that attracted attention, too.

Presidential candidate Carly Fiorina was criticized as a 'traitor to her alma mater' for a 'feeble effort to attract Iowa voters."

Love my alma mater, but rooting for a Hawkeyes win today. January 1, 2016

Love my alma mater, but rooting for a Hawkeyes win today. #RoseBowl

— Carly Fiorina (@CarlyFiorina)

And the Stanford band was booed by Hawkeye fans in the stadium and on Twitter for making fun of farmers with its halftime routine.

Take a stab at the farm thing, sure, but the January 2, 2016

Take a stab at the farm thing, sure, but the @Stanford band is a disgrace to band programs with no class and poor sportsmanship #RoseBowl

— Matt (@mhill0425)

l Comments: jr.ogden@thegazette.com