What Is 1955 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

Overview

The 1955 Iowa Hawkeyes football team represented the University of Iowa during the 1955 NCAA University Division football season. Under the leadership of head coach Forest Evashevski, the team achieved a 5–3–1 overall record and captured the Big Ten Conference championship with a 4–2 conference record. This marked a significant turnaround for the program and set the stage for future success in the late 1950s.

The Hawkeyes' season culminated in a trip to the 1956 Rose Bowl, where they defeated the Oregon State Beavers 35–19. This victory was Iowa’s first Rose Bowl win since 1953 and solidified their status as a rising power in college football. The team was known for its balanced offense and strong defensive play, led by standout quarterback Ken Ploen.

• Head coach Forest Evashevski was in his third season at Iowa and implemented a modern passing attack that elevated the team's performance.
• The Hawkeyes finished first in the Big Ten Conference with a 4–2 league record, edging out rivals like Michigan State and Wisconsin.
• They earned a berth in the 1956 Rose Bowl on January 2, 1956, held in Pasadena, California, a prestigious honor for any Big Ten champion.
• Quarterback Ken Ploen was named the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player and also received the team’s MVP award for his leadership and dual-threat ability.
• The defense allowed only 12.6 points per game on average, ranking among the top units in the conference despite facing strong opponents.

Season Performance and Key Players

The 1955 season showcased Iowa’s growing prominence in college football, with standout performances on both sides of the ball. The team’s offense was led by Ploen, who passed for 877 yards and four touchdowns while also contributing significantly on the ground. The defense was anchored by future NFL players and disciplined tackling.

• Ken Ploen threw for 877 yards and rushed for 431, demonstrating rare versatility for a quarterback of that era.
• Defensive end Alex Karras, though a sophomore, began to emerge as a dominant force, recording multiple sacks and tackles for loss.
• The team’s running game was led by fullback Don Clark, who rushed for 318 yards and three touchdowns during the season.
• Iowa’s pass defense ranked among the best in the nation, allowing just 117.4 passing yards per game on average.
• The special teams unit contributed key field position advantages, with kicker Bob Hannam making 6 of 9 field goal attempts.
• The Hawkeyes’ turnover margin was +6 for the season, reflecting disciplined play and strong ball security under pressure.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1955 Iowa Hawkeyes with the previous season and their Rose Bowl opponent, Oregon State:

The table illustrates how Iowa improved defensively from 1954 while also increasing their scoring margin. Though Wisconsin had a better record, Iowa secured the Rose Bowl bid due to head-to-head results and conference tiebreaker rules. Oregon State, despite a strong season, was outplayed in the bowl game.

Why It Matters

The 1955 season was a turning point for Iowa football, marking the beginning of a golden era under Evashevski. The Rose Bowl victory brought national attention and laid the foundation for future success, including a national championship in 1958. This team helped redefine the program’s identity and expectations.

• The 1956 Rose Bowl win was Iowa’s first in over two decades, revitalizing fan interest and alumni support across the state.
• Coach Evashevski’s innovative offensive schemes influenced Big Ten football and inspired future coaching strategies.
• Players like Alex Karras went on to NFL stardom, enhancing Iowa’s reputation as a talent developer.
• The season demonstrated that Midwestern programs could compete nationally with proper coaching and player development.
• It marked the first time Iowa finished ranked in the final AP Poll since 1952, finishing at No. 8.
• The success of 1955 helped boost recruiting in subsequent years, attracting top regional and national prospects.

This pivotal season remains a cornerstone in Iowa football history, symbolizing resilience, innovation, and the rise of a football powerhouse.