The 1899 Iowa Hawkeyes football team was an American football team that represented the State University of Iowa ("S.U.I."), now commonly known as the University of Iowa, as an independent during the 1899 college football season. In their second year under head coach Alden Knipe, the Hawkeyes compiled an 8–0–1 record, shut out eight of nine opponents, and outscored all opponents by a total of 221 to 5. The Hawkeyes concluded their season with a 58–0 victory over Illinois, the worst defeat suffered by an Illinois football team up to that time. Other highlights included a 5–5 tie with Chicago and a 30–0 victory over Nebraska. The 1899 defense still holds Iowa single-season records for fewest points allowed (five), fewest touchdowns allowed (one), and fewest points allowed per game (0.6).2022 Iowa Football Media Guide, p. 267.
Against Illinois, fullback John G. Griffith returned a punt 85 yards as Iowa won, 58–0, to cap its undefeated season. After the game, referee R. T. Hoagland of Princeton said, "The dodging run of Griffith down the field for a touchdown was the best piece of individual playing that I ever saw. The men (of the 1899 Hawkeyes) are all stars; they make the best team I ever saw."75 Years With The Fighting Hawkeyes, by Bert McCrane & Dick Lamb, Page 18 (ASIN: B0007E01F8)
Quarterback Clyde Williams was later inducted into the Iowa Letterwinners Club Hall of Fame.2022 Iowa Football Media Guide, p. 211. Tackle Moray Eby was the team captain.2022 Iowa Football Media Guide, p. 220.
The team played its home games at Iowa Field in Iowa City, Iowa.
Schedule
Players Mark Baker, center James Brockway, guard Emmett Burrier, guard Moray Eby, tackle and captain Billy Edson, halfback John G. Griffith, fullback Lloyd Howell, tackle Frank Meggers, fullback Ray Morton, halfback Joseph Warner, tackle Bert Watters, end Clyde Williams, quarterback Fred A. Williams, end 2022 Media Guide, pp. 250-258.
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