Iowa Football. MVP Coker Explodes in Insight Bowl!

The Iowa football team headed to Arizona's Insight Bowl with rumors, disappointments and turmoil. Speculations ran toward Iowa not being able to overcome their setbacks to beat Missouri. The Mizzou team had come off of wins, while the Iowa Hawkeyes had a dismal 3 game losing streak to end their season. What no one counted on? A true freshman named Marcus Coker. Make that MVP Coker!

After news of Adam Robinson's suspension and the departures of Brandon Wegher and Jewel Hampton, the Iowa Hawkeyes were left with Marcus Coker for their RB. If this true freshman was nervous, he left it in the locker room. Marcus Coker showed up to play football and play he did.

With 219 yards running and 2 touchdowns, Coker was named MVP of the Insight Bowl with Iowa hanging on to a 27-24 lead to win. Coker made a 1 yard run TD and an awesome 62 yard run TD. He broke Shonn Greene's record of 194 yards in the 1959 Rose Bowl game. Coker had 219 yards in 33 carries. Before the game was over, the announcer told us that we were looking at the MVP of the Insight Bowl, Marcus Coker.

Coker hails from Beltsville, Maryland. He's 6' and 230 pounds. He played for DeMatha Catholic High School. Iowa got a commitment from Coker during his Junior year. After playing an exceptional Senior year, schools like Kansas State, Wake Forrest, Maryland and Minnesota sought after him. But Coker stayed with Iowa and fans are thrilled that he did.

Coker didn't play until the 4th game this year due to a broken collarbone. He found himself at the bottom of the list for RB. When he was thrown into the spotlight in the Insight Bowl, he brought his game with him.

Iowa had its hands full with Missouri. Blaine Gabbert, quarterback for Missouri, found himself breaking a bowl record with 434 passing yards. The Tigers seemed to move the ball past Iowa's defense with ease for 512 yards. But Coker kept Missouri hopping along with Micah Hyde who made an interception and 72 yard return.

Iowa football fans are breathing a sigh of relief this morning. They have a season of turmoil, ending in a bowl win and this year of football is in the rear view mirror. Now, the football chat turns to next year and their hopes and excitement over Marcus Coker, MVP of the Insight Bowl. There's a lot to look forward to next year with 25 seniors leaving. The Iowa football team may well be better than anyone had hoped.

chron.com