The Walkthrough -- Michigan

OK, hello.

Hope everyone enjoyed the armed forces posts. I enjoyed writing them, the little that I actually contributed.

I don't have the words to thank the men and women who protect our country. Trust me, I have a lot of words, like somnambulant.

Seriously, thank you one and all. Be safe.

-- The quarterbacks are out there. They're wearing shorts. It is chilly here. The wind is picking up, too. Doesn't like like 25 mph, though.

-- Five injured Hawkeyes will be available today, per Dolph. I'm guessing Nardo, Hitchens, Keenan, McCall and I'm not sure on the other one. I don't think it's Nolan MacMillan, but maybe.

-- C.J. Fiedorowicz is out there. He limped around in the fourth quarter and had to leave the game. He looks good to go. CJF is starting, I've heard. We'll see.

-- Tim Dwight on the radio. He's verrrrryyyyyyyyyyyyyyy enthusiastic. Flush last week, focus on basics and have fun. Believe, be positive.

-- This is happening:

In honor of Veterans Day, Iowa has an American flag Tiger Hawk on the right side of their helmets today. It recognizes the men and women in all branches of the military around the world who are serving or have served their country.

The left side of the helmet has no Tiger Hawk, in honor of those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Fantastic gesture.

-- The Outback and Capital One bowls are here.

-- CJF is starting at TE today.

-- Keenan Davis (ankle) is out there and looks fine. He had the ankle sprain against Indiana and sat out last week. They could've used him.

-- Hitchens is out there. Nardo out there.

-- Iowa about as healthy as it's been in a while.

-- Austin Blythe lined up as No. 2 center. Conor Boffeli was at guard. Jordan Walsh was at No. 3 guard.

-- Getting ready for the flyover. Remember, it's Fergus and his crew:

We will be flying our 4 ship over Kinnick this Saturday at 1,000 ft and 300 Knots or 345 MPH. As far as what we can see, the flight lead, Lt. Colonel Travis “Chicken” Acheson, will have an awesome view of Kinnick Stadium. Major Todd “Nips” Pierce, Major Jim “Azzman” Walters and myself will be flying close formation off of Chicken and will primarily be looking at one another's jets and may get a glimpse of the stadium.

As far as it being thrilling to watch, we are huge football fans and are honored to be able to represent the great state of Iowa and the United States. The University of Iowa and the 124th Fighter Squadron both bear the name “Hawkeyes” and it is special to us to hopefully bring a sense of pride for our fellow troops, veterans and the great people of Iowa by doing the flyby.

It will be my final flight, or “Fini” flight, after almost 8 years in the F-16. Being a huge Hawkeye fan, it is an awesome way to go!

– Capt. Chad Bortell