This play from the Michigan game sums up Iowa football (VIDEO)

You’re probably guessing by now that I’m upset about another poor performance from the Iowa offense. This fact is beyond doubt. But I think most reasonable Iowa football fans saw this coming before the Big Ten Championship game against Michigan on Saturday night. An offense that has struggled all year to score points wasn’t suddenly going to hit its stride against the No. 2 team in the country…and it didn’t. The Hawkeyes were shut out 26-0. But that Iowa defense held Iowa to 10 points in the third quarter. And there was another play Saturday night that summed up why we love our Hawkeyes.

The play I’m going to show you was actually a huge play for Michigan. Iowa punter Tory Taylor was poised to turn the field over for the Hawkeyes and pin the Wolverines deep in their own territory during the second quarter of Saturday’s game. That is until Michigan’s punt returner Morgane Semaj splits two Iowa defenders and almost takes it to the house. But as you rewatch the game, watch which Iowa defender saves a touchdown.

Yes, Iowa defensive back Koen Entringer missed the tackle. But then he got up, got on his horse and ran over Morgan, pushing him out of bounds, short of the goal line. This game is the reason why, despite all the storylines and offensive woes, I still love Iowa football. Despite all the perceived problems, the players did not give up. They won’t give up. Do you make a mistake and miss a tackle? You better rush faster than anyone else in this field and catch up!

Despite the tough loss to Michigan, the Hawkeyes will go bowling on New Year’s Day in the Citrus Bowl against Tennessee. Iowa is already a 7.5-point underdog. Offensive woes will undoubtedly be the hot topic in the coming weeks. But give me the tenacity and effort that Iowa showed for most of Saturday, and I will always be proud to be a Hawkeye.

A look inside the new Iowa City hotel across from Kinnick Stadium