Iowa football: Is there a curse on Iowa Hawkeye quarterbacks?

Drew Tate will forever be loved by Hawkeye fans all over after his incredible last second touchdown pass in the Capital One Bowl back in 2004. The Hawkeyes would finish 8th that season in the final AP Poll and head into 2005 with high expectations. After all, Tate was only a sophomore when he led Iowa to a 10-2 record.

Drew Tate built off Iowa’s success in year two as the unquestioned starter posting career highs in yards, touchdowns, and QB rating. Unfortunately, the former four-star recruit couldn’t help Iowa match its previous years record despite his gaudy numbers.

With Tate going into his senior year and his third year as the starter for the Iowa football program, fans were excited. Would 2006 be the year that Drew Tate carried Iowa on his back to a BCS bowl?

Not to spoil it for you, but the answer was a resounding no. In fact, Tate had the worst statistical season of his three years starting at Iowa. He completed less than 60% of his passes and threw just five more touchdowns than interceptions.

The Iowa Hawkeyes didn’t fare much better. After starting out 5-1, the Hawks struggled down the stretch losing six of their next seven including the Alamo Bowl.

After school, Drew Tate spent nine years in the CFL before joining Coastal Carolina’s coaching staff.