christensen had started the 2008 season as the starter, completing 17 out of 27 passes for 221 yards, two touchdowns with one interception in his first two starts. he eventually lost the job to sophomore ricky stanzi. christensen finished the year completing 36 out of 63 passes, for 369 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. the hawkeyes finished the year with nine wins and four losses, defeating the south carolina gamecocks 31-10 in the outback bowl.