Like the men that once originated the nickname, this year's Hoosiers are heading west for a "Gold Rush."
But unlike the Hoosiers of yesteryear, the 2006 variety is guaranteed to strike gold -- and plenty of it. The Hawkeyes and all their fans will be clad in their metallic-yellow getup for the program's first-ever "Gold Rush Game."
"We're hoping to have a little fun and give our fans a chance to be a little student-like," Iowa coach Steve Alford said in a statement. "Because, as you know, the Hawk's Nest does a pretty good job of being gold on game night."
Crowds and colored uniforms are the least of IU coach Mike Davis' worries as his No. 11 Hoosiers (12-3, 4-1) seek their first conference road win of the season. Davis said the Hawkeyes should be extra motivated after suffering a 30-point loss to Michigan State on Saturday. The last time Iowa (14-5, 3-2) lost before that, it responded with three straight victories, including an upset against No. 8 Illinois at home.
"I thought (Iowa) was one of the top two teams in our league before the season started," Davis said. "It's going to be a difficult task."