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Close Games the Norm for the Hawkeyes By Matt Weitzel U games, and four of its first six, were decided by three points or less, including two by one point and another in double overtime. niversity of Iowa football fans have been on the edge of their seats many times this season. Three of Iowa's first four UI head coach Kirk Ferentz knows that preparation in practice is paramount leading up to each game. "The most important thing outside of playing the game is what you do during the week, and I think so far at least, they have handled that pretty well, can we handle it again each week? And we're going to need to, because I have a feeling the rest of these games are going to be close. " Ferentz said. "Now, the challenge is, " Ferentz added that this team is built for playing close games. "If we are going to be any good, we have to get the job done in those games," Ferentz said. Senior strong safety Tom Donatell, who has two interceptions this season, says winning those close games gives a team confidence, but he and his teammates need to continue their concentration and focus in game preparation. "We need to continue to keep our composure when we are in tight situations," Donatell said. "I really think we are starting to strive on it and we're having fun out there when things get close. Winning is the ultimate goal and it doesn't matter how it happens. We don't care how many points we score or what the stats are, as long as we win as a team." Nail-bitters have occurred prior to this season; Iowa has had a number of close games the last four years. Entering the Penn State game last week, the Hawkeyes tied for first in the country with Minnesota, Ohio and Wyoming for the most comeback wins when trailing at any point in fourth period, since 2009. The Hawkeyes have posted comeback wins this season against Northern Illinois and Michigan State. Quarterback James Vandenberg believes that the game experience of being put in situations where a score is needed, or the defense needs to get a stop, is invaluable. "You can't simulate that in practice," said the senior co-captain. "It's something that you get from doing it multiple times. Most of our games have been pretty tight and I know experience will help us the rest of the season." Ferentz believes resiliency starts at the top with the team's leaders. "We have good guys on our team, and I believe we have good leadership, good job. The guys are all in; they really care about each other." Vandenberg shares Ferentz's outlook. " said Ferentz. "I think that our leaders have done a "Winning those close games speaks to the attitude of our team and the leaders on the team," said Vandenberg. "We are a very resilient group. We've been able to make plays down the stretch to win some close games, and we're going to need that as we continue playing these good teams in the Big Ten." If recent history is any indication, fans can expect another close game this weekend when the Hawkeyes travel to Evanston, Ill. Three of the last four meetings against the Wildcats have been decided by seven points or less. "Going into each game we know it's going to be a hard-fought game that will come down to the last minute, cornerback Micah Hyde said. "We will be ready." " UI senior 9