I'm back too. I've taken off two weeks from writing. I didn't check, but I'm pretty sure that's the longest break I have taken since I started this blog two and a half years ago. It was nice. On vacation I think I got online a total of 3 or 4 times and it was just to check my email. This past week I've been sleeping in a little and just catching up on reading all the good content that's out there in the Hawkeye blogosphere as everyone is gearing up for the season to start. I plan on catching up on writing about some of the things I missed, like the new recruits, over the next week or so. But after my two week hiatus I am more ready to just start talking about the upcoming season...which begins today.

Iowa Media Day kickoffs with a Kirk Ferentz presser today at 1:30 (I think you will be able to stream the presser live on Hawkeye All-Access. Then the media will be open to other coaches and non-true freshmen players from 2-4. The incoming freshmen just reported on Wednesday and the rest of the players yesterday, so there probably won't be too many changes from KF on the state of the program since the B1G Media Days last week. There should be plenty of good content from the players however.

So I'm back, football is back, the world is good.

After the amazing success of the Black and Gold Spirit Game last year against Penn State, it's no surprise that the striped theme will be making a reappearance on this year's schedule. The 3 color-themed games were announced yesterday.

Here are 3 games that require specific colored clothing this year.

• 09/17/2010 - Pitt: Be Bold, Wear Gold
• 10/15/2010 - Northwestern: Black & Gold Spirit Game
• 11/12/2010 - Michigan: Blackout

The same rules from last year apply for the stripes, so if you're in an even section wear gold--odd (or student section) wear black. If you need help figuring it out, here's the what to wear app I made for last year's game.

I like the choice of Northwestern for the Black & Gold. It's the only night game this year, and it should be early enough in the season so that it won't be unbearably cold to wear an appropriately colored shirt instead of a coat.

I leave for vacation on Thursday and I'll be away in Hawaii visiting family until the end of the month. Depending on the availability of wi-fi and my level of relaxation while lounging on the beach I may try to post once or twice, but certainly nothing regular. It has already been a somewhat slow summer for writing. The off-season brings a lack of news-worthy content, a lack of motivation, and a busier schedule. But, after this trip it'll be August and just weeks before the first game. There should be plenty to talk about with fall camp beginning and a chance to see the team at Kids Day (which I think will be the 13th...not sure yet). Expectations may be done this year, but I'm just as excited for the season to start.

Summer is a lot less cool when you're an adult. It seems to be the busiest time of the year...if only I could take 3 months off of work every year. Anyway, I'm behind on posting so here's a mishmash of stuff that I'm catching up on.

B1G Media Days are coming

The Kickoff Luncheon, part of Media Days, is on July 29 this year. The 3 lucky players getting to attend with Kirk Ferentz are Marvin McNutt, Tyler Nielsen, and Mike Daniels. The selections fall in line with what Ferentz usually does...pick the most deserving seniors. Prater might have been a good choice too, but he probably would have been bombarded with rhabdo questions.

The Media Days will undoubtedly be focused on Nebraska as the new shiny B1G member and OSU for less appealing reasons. Still, they do mark the beginning of football season and are often entertaining and informative to follow.

I wrote an article on Iowa's late 2011 commitment, Dean Tsopanides, for the local newspaper in Tsopanides' hometown. If you live in the Litchfield County, CT area then go pick up The Register Citizen today! If not, you can read the article online.

Commentary: Dean Tsopanides fits model for Iowa football program