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Hawkeyes set for rare meaningless finale

Sports

November 21st, 2012 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — When the Big Ten paired conference newcomer Nebraska with Iowa for the final game of the season, the prevailing thought was that the border state schools would quickly become heated rivals. It’s hard to maintain much intensity when one team has nothing tangible left to play for.

The free falling Hawkeyes (4-7, 2-5 Big Ten) will play in a meaningless game for the first time in 12 years on Friday when they host the 17th-ranked Cornhuskers (9-2, 6-1). Nebraska can clinch a spot in the Big Ten title game with a win. All Iowa can do is walk away with a victory that wouldn’t ease the sting of perhaps its toughest season under 14-year coach Kirk Ferentz.