One man's call for 'Black Out'

I received this e-mail earlier today:

Blackout Michigan

On Saturday night the nation's eyes will be on Iowa City.

For the first time in nearly 40 years, storied rival Michigan will play in their all-white uniforms when freshman QB Tate Forcier makes his first visit to Kinnick Stadium.

Let's make sure the Wolverines stick out like a sore thumb amongst the 70,585 Hawkeye faithful wearing black and let's make sure when Forcier leaves Iowa City, he has no doubt in his mind which Big Ten stadium is the most hostile.

Beat Michigan! Wear Black!

Tim McLaughlin

President & Co-Founder | Hawks Nest

Chairman | Student Committee on Athletics

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Tim asked if I could do something to get the word out on "Black Out." I told him give it a shot.

He gave me this e-mail for any feedback:

studorg-scoa@uiowa.edu

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Here's what I think:

Yes, I understand the gold argument, that it stands out more at night. I agree with that. But after seeing what Penn State pulls off with its "White Out" and how it's powered by fans (60-year-old fat dudes) and students (frat boys and dorm rats hand in hand), it'd make some sense to see you all come to some sort of consensus.

Build a tradition. Don't wait for someone to build it for you. Don't let it be contrived and programmed. Go viral.

Will this make Kinnick a tougher place to play? No, I don't think you can make Kinnick any tougher. But it can add to the atmosphere.

Remember, you own it. (Of course, game day music could use a brush up. I think I heard Journey last week. That's not exactly "Kernkraft 400.")

Black out, gold out, do one or the other and do it with volume. Take control. You can't depend on the students, either. Student section last week was a third empty at game time. Don't wait for a cue from UI marketing.

The Knitting Lady from Carver-Hawkeye Arena is looking to relocate. The Knitting Lady told me this week that she's picked out a nice quiet spot in the student section at Kinnick. She says it's the perfect serene spot to spin yarn-and-beer-can hats to her heart's content.

The Knitting Lady, she's coming to Kinnick!

(OK, lame attempt at humor, but you get the point. Pull together on this.)