I mean, didn’t those people even know about the Iowa-Iowa State game?

After all, it’s our Game of the Century?

It was 11:40 a.m. today. Time for Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz to participate in the Big Ten coaches’ teleconference.

As usual, Ferentz was prompt. As usual, with the Hawkeyes’ game against Iowa State fast approaching, he fully expected a barrage of questions about Coach Dan McCarney, the Cyclones, The Streak, the game plan.

Didn’t happen.

A guy from Phoenix called. He wanted to ask Ferentz about the NFL rule that prohibits college freshmen and sophomores from signing professional contracts.

Obviously, that question had something to do with Ohio State’s Maurice Clarett.

That was Question One.

Question Two came from a guy in Champaign, Ill. He, too, asked an NFL-related question. He wondered if Ferentz thought the players who went from Iowa to the pros, and had success, helped the Hawkeye staff recruit high school talent.

Ferentz indicated it didn’t hurt.

Question Three came from a Chicago guy. He started asking what Ferentz thought about the 12-game season for collegiate teams.

Ferentz interrupted him with a laugh.

"Now we’re three-for-three (on questions), and nobody’s asked about the game. That’s just great. But it’s going to change in about 45 minutes."

There would be plenty of Iowa-Iowa State questions then about an 11:40 a.m. game Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames. More, obviously, than Ferentz probably cared to answer.

After Ferentz said he preferred a 12-game schedule, "but I don’t think that’s the prevailing feeling in our conference right now," the Chicago guy called back.

"Follow-up question," the moderator said.

"You seem to be begging for an Iowa State question," the Chicago guy said.

"Not really," Ferentz answered. "I’ve already had more than I care to answer, and I’ve got more coming. Let’s talk about something else."

The Chicago guy persisted.

"Iowa State has a little bit of a streak going," he said. "Has that increased the importance of the Iowa-Iowa State game statewide? When Iowa won 15 straight in the series, I’m sure people from outside Iowa didn’t pay much attention."

"I think the series was renewed in 1978, and I was here in 1981. 1982 and 1983, when Iowa State won all three years," Ferentz answered.

Ferentz was wrong twice. The series was resumed in 1977 after a 43-year lapse. Donnie Duncan’s Iowa State teams beat Iowa in 1980, 1981 and 1982. [In those years, Iowa Coach Hayden Fry and Hawkeye fans thought Duncan placed too much emphasis on the Iowa State games at the expense of poor finishes later in those seasons].

Ferentz coached Iowa’s offensive line from 1981-1989 under Fry. Iowa State finally beat Fry in 1998 and has won four straight over Ferentz’s teams.

"Obviously, Dan McCarney has done a fantastic job with the program at Iowa State," Ferentz said today. "They’ve gone to three straight bowls. We’ve been able to get back up on our feet a little bit, so I think you’re looking at two teams that hopefully will be bowl contenders year in and year out.

"I think the state of football in our state is in great shape now. We have two outstanding I-A programs, UNI has done a great job in I-AA and Division III football is excellent. So it’s a great reflection on the state of football in the state of Iowa despite having only 2.6 million people."

Asked if the rivalry is more fun now that interest is heightened, Ferentz said, "I think Dan would say it’s a lot of fun. He’s beaten us five straight, so they’re having a ball. But it is. Anytime you’re playing an intrastate rival, you’re hoping for a great environment. We’ve had that despite the outcome. The crowds have been great."

The Chicago guy asked if Ferentz’s players are approaching Saturday’s game with more urgency because Iowa has lost five in a row.

"Yes and no," he said. "Our guys have pride just like their guys. I’m sure it bothers our guys."

Iowa is a slight favorite in a game that will be televised by Fox Sports. But it seems the Hawkeyes have always been slight favorites in recent years. Before that, they were heavy favorites.