TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

FAST KNOCKOUT

ADVERTISEMENT

By JOEY JOHNSTON

jjohnston@tampatrib.com

Published: January 2, 2009

TAMPA - A few minutes after Thursday afternoon's Outback Bowl, Iowa junior running back Shonn Greene announced he was leaving for the NFL draft.

Poof! He was gone.

But Greene made his presence felt as the game's Most Valuable Player, rushing for 121 yards and three touchdowns in Iowa's 31-10 victory against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Raymond James Stadium.

An announced crowd of 55,117 was on hand.

Meanwhile, Steve Spurrier's South Carolina offense was a no-show.

Iowa's defense had plenty to do with that.

The Hawkeyes (9-4) finished with a flourish, winning six of their final seven games. South Carolina (7-6) will face a winter of discontent after getting shellacked 118-30 in its final three games.

"We had a chance to show the country what we're about and we stunk it up again," Gamecocks wide receiver Kenny McKinley said.

Iowa displayed its true identity, utilizing Greene's pile-driving running style and a gritty defense. Both were major factors in transforming the Hawkeyes from a seemingly fading 3-3 team to a New Year's Day bowl participant.

Especially the defense.

"South Carolina has a timing offense and the quarterback throws it to spots, letting the athletes make the plays," Iowa linebacker A.J. Edds said. "But we put pressure on that quarterback. That disrupted everything. He didn't look too comfortable."

It was supposed to be a memorable homecoming for South Carolina redshirt freshman quarterback Stephen Garcia, the former Jefferson High standout.

Instead, it quickly became forgettable.

Garcia threw three interceptions, lost a fumble and was benched at halftime. Before running its third play from scrimmage, South Carolina trailed 14-0.

From there, the Gamecocks degenerated into desperation, while Iowa maintained its status as the Big Ten's hottest team.

"I knew we'd win last week," Hawkeyes defensive tackle Mitch King said. "We knew if we prepared well, if we played well and mistake free, we had this game won."

It didn't require an exotic plan or an overachieving performance.

Iowa simply played like Iowa.

"It would probably take you about five minutes to scout us on both sides of the ball," Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz said. "That's the kind of team we are."

South Carolina, playing its third bowl game in Spurrier's four seasons, added to its array of question marks.

Garcia got the start in his hometown, but failed to solidify himself as the long-term solution at quarterback. The Gamecocks defense, ranked 12th nationally, surrendered touchdown drives of 64, 80 and 66 yards.

"We really struggled at times," Spurrier said. "Iowa was about what we expected. They took care of the ball, ran it, threw it. They're very solid. I like how Iowa played. They played like you're supposed to."

The Hawkeyes started fast. They finished strong. And Greene gave everyone a send-off to remember.

"Basically, my performance this season prompted the decision to enter the NFL," Greene said. "One-hundred yards every game, including this last game against an SEC team with a great defense. Really, I don't think there is a lot more I can do here."

"It's great closure to this season," Ferentz said. "It's one of the most enjoyable teams we've had. All of the little things added up and it gives you a chance to enjoy a moment like this."

Reporter Joey Johnston can be reached at (813) 259-7353.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT