Game report: Iowa 38, Nebraska 17

Opening Salvo

One of the subplots for Friday's Iowa-Nebraska game concerned the head coaches. Iowa's Kirk Ferentz was on the verge of reversing fortunes from last season's 4-8 mark, and Nebraska's Bo Pelini was feeling heat despite the chance to keep his streak of nine-win seasons going.

After the Hawkeyes' 38-17 victory, Pelini, who also drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for questioning a pass interference call in the third quarter, was belligerent in his postgame news conference when asked if he made a case for keeping his job.

“I don't coach to make a case,” said Pelini, who is 49-21 in five seasons at Nebraska. “You guys have chosen to make a story of it all year. It's impacted our football team. It's hurt our football team. Let's call a spade a spade. If they want to fire me, go ahead. I don't apologize for anybody, myself or this staff. Our record since I've been here speaks for itself. This program's heading in a good direction.”

Meanwhile, Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta was praising his head football coach in the postgame news conference.

“He's the best coach for Iowa. He's proven that,” Barta said. “I'm so happy for him, our assistant coaches and our players.”

Game Ball

It would be hard to ignore Iowa's three senior linebackers for this one. Christian Kirksey (11), James Morris (10) and Anthony Hitchens (7) combined for 28 tackles, as well as two sacks and seven tackles for a loss. Morris had his fourth interception of the season and Hitchens recorded his first career pick.

If there was one moment that symbolized their day it was a late third-quarter play when all three blitzed Ron Kellogg III and forced him to fumble (Nebraska tackle Jeremiah Sirles recovered) and lose 11 yards. Two plays later, the Cornhuskers punted.

Trophy Game

Iowa was 3-1 in trophy games in 2013, defeating Iowa State (Cy-Hawk), Minnesota (Floyd of Rosedale) and Nebraska (Heroes) and losing to Wisconsin. Just as important as taking home the Heroes trophy was the victory over Nebraska. Iowa had lost both games to Nebraska since the Cornhuskers joined the Big Ten, it was Iowa's first win in the series since 1981 and the Hawkeyes had not won in Lincoln since 1943.

“We don't like them; they don't like us. This was big,” Iowa receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley said.

Ferentz was asked if Iowa-Nebraska finally can be called a rivalry.

“It is starting ... but it is still pretty lopsided,” said Ferentz, who's aware Nebraska still leads the series, 28-13-3. “But this was a good step forward for sure.”

Moving On Up

Iowa senior tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz made a nice grab on his 10-yard TD reception that opened Friday's scoring. Five of his six scoring catches this season have come on third down.

“It was the same play I scored on last week,” said Fiedorowicz, who has caught a pass in 30 consecutive games. “We thought that play would work and it's been working in practice. They gave us that same look and we went back to it. Jake (Rudock) threw a perfect ball.”

Up Next

Iowa awaits its bowl fate. Invitations will go out Dec. 8, but that will not stop the speculation. The Outback Bowl is getting a lot of traction (although it wanted Nebraska, which hasn't played in that Tampa, Fla., bowl). The Gator Bowl (Jacksonville) also remains in play and possibly the Buffalo Wild Wings (Phoenix, formerly Insight) Bowl).

“I certainly don't have an inside line because so much has to happen,” Barta said. “I've talked to all the bowls. They are very positive about the way we are finishing the season. Obviously, today is going to help. And they are very positive about our fan base. They know our fans travel well to bowls, so that is in our favor.”

For what it's worth, former Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, tweeted he wanted the Outback Bowl to extend an invitation to the Hawkeyes.