Father-Son Showdown: Iowa Vs. Maryland In The Ferentz Bowl

Iowa Hawkeye football coach Kirk Ferentz has faced off against some of his closest friends and peers before. Barry Alvarez, Bill Snyder, Bob Stoops, and many more. But on Saturday he'll do something he's never done before. Coach against his son.

The Des Moines Register reports that more than 12 months have passed since the decision was made that Brian Ferentz would not be back with the Hawkeyes after seven seasons as offensive coordinator. It has been 7 months since we learned that Brian would join Mike Locksley's Maryland coaching staff as a senior offensive analyst. Father and son will face each other for the first time when Iowa travels to Maryland. Kickoff on Saturday is set for 11 a.m. and the game can be seen on the Big Ten Network.

While the Ferentz Bowl will be a test for father and son, it will also be an interesting day for many current Hawkeye players. The Register reports that tight end Luke Lachey was recruited by Brian Ferentz. He recalls being "pretty upset" when it was announced that Ferentz was out as Iowa's offensive coordinator. Lachey called Brian "a really good person who cares about you, more than just a football player."

Another current Hawkeye who has fond memories of Brian Ferentz is star running back Kaleb Johnson. The Register reports that Johnson remembers Ferentz and Ladell Betts coming to one of his high school football games in Ohio. They offered the running back a scholarship. Johnson told the Register, "All the football stuff’s out the window. I really love coach Brian Ferentz."

Emotions will be running high on Saturday. The father wants to prove he still has it. The son wants to show Iowa fans he still belongs. Family reunions are never easy.

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