The 2014 season is still painful for Nebraska supporters, particularly the circumstances surrounding the Cornhuskers’ late-November game against Iowa. Nebraska had great expectations for 2014 after finishing 9-4 and defeating Georgia in the Gator Bowl. With three ten-win seasons under his belt, Bo Pelini was about to begin his seventh season as head coach. In college football, sometimes a program’s off-field moments define it more than its on-field ones, even though everything appeared to be set up for another successful run.
Nebraska was 8-3 going into Kinnick Stadium against a 7-4 Iowa team that had been respectable but not outstanding. A victory would have improved the Cornhuskers’ chances of making the bowl. And they did. Nebraska prevailed 37–34 in a thrilling overtime thriller, demonstrating tenacity and fortitude against a formidable Hawkeye team. By all accounts, it ought to have been a game to celebrate—a valiant triumph to end a season filled with ups and downs.
However, the festivities vanished after just two days. Bo Pelini was fired by athletic director Shawn Eichorst, a decision that stunned the college football community. The logic was, at best, complicated. The famous remarks made by Eichorst regarding Iowa were that he needed “to evaluate where Iowa was” and that “ours was where it was, and their record was where it was.” Alright? —only served to intensify one of the fiercest rivalries in the Midwest. It was a gift wrapped in barely concealed contempt for Iowa supporters.
For years, the consequences of Pelini’s dismissal have been felt. In the immediate aftermath, Iowa appeared to rise from the ashes of Eichorst’s error, while Nebraska found it difficult to establish itself under new leadership. Iowa has amassed an incredible 97-40 overall record and an almost unbelievable 10-1 record against Nebraska since that crucial choice. In contrast, Nebraska’s record is a pitiful 1-10 against the Hawkeyes and only 56-74 overall. Due in part to the recollection of Eichorst’s remarks, the rivalry, which had always been competitive, drastically changed in Iowa’s favor.
When considering the course of both programs, it is difficult to avoid feeling a hint of irony. Once a formidable force with a rich past, Nebraska has had difficulty reclaiming its former splendor. Often the underdog in the Big Ten West, Iowa has prospered by routinely outperforming a team that used to rule the conference. Every victory over the Cornhuskers now has an additional edge for Iowa City supporters, serving as a reminder that one administrative error can have lasting effects for almost ten years.
Moments like these increase the emotional impact of rivalry games. College football is about more than just wins and losses; it’s about history, pride, and occasionally even vindication. For Iowa supporters, the team’s continued success against Nebraska is more than just a statistic; it’s a story of victory over perceived disrespect. Additionally, the pain of Eichorst’s choice is still fresh for Nebraska supporters, serving as a reminder that decisions made behind the scenes have an impact on football results in addition to skill on the field.
The shadow of 2014 remains as the Hawkeyes continue to rule and the Cornhuskers attempt to rebuild. The tale of Bo Pelini’s dismissal serves as a warning: rivalries in college football are never solely focused on the scoreboard. Respect, timing, and occasionally a single remark that can start a ten-year drama are all important. And with each Friday night victory, Iowa continues to find satisfaction in that tale.
