Here's a tribute to former Iowa QB Drew Tate, who lifted the Calgary Stampeders with a 68-yard TD during a CFL Divisional semifinal this week. Here he throwing the ball toward the end zone after having his helmet ripped off during the fourth quarter of Iowa's game against Michigan Saturday September 25, 2005 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Tate's face was cut on the play but he remained in the game. (Gazette file)

Realistic group that remains locked in the fight. Two games left in college for most of these guys. They want to go down fighting.

Also, LB Anthony Hitchens talks briefly about being benched last week.

Iowa QB James Vandenberg talks about the holes left in the offense with the injuries of OLs Brandon Scherff and Andrew Donnal and RB Mark Weisman. He also talks about close games and Iowa’s narrow margin of error.

Senior center James Ferentz knows who’s not there around him and how the injuries in the OL affected the Hawkeyes. Also, he talks about junior OL Conor Boffeli, who played his first real game last week. He also talks about RBs in the Iowa offense and how the OL needs to “give the backs an honest chance.” He talks about getting backs to the second level.

DL Steve Bigach explains Iowa’s close struggles: “If ifs and buts were candy and nuts, everyday would be Christmas. . . . Nobody remembers how close it was, they just remember if it’s a win or a loss.”

Iowa OL Conor Boffeli talks about his first steps as a starter last week. The fourth-year junior realized his biological football clock was ticking.

Iowa LB Anthony Hitchens said he wasn’t on the field last week because of a “coach’s decision.” He declined to elaborate.

Guard Austin Blythe talks about the injuries to OL and RB Mark Weisman. “We have to work on consistency.” He also talks about whether or not it matters who the running back is.

Iowa CB Mich Hyde talks about schemes and what Iowa’s defense likes to do — keep it simple so you can play fast.