the 2002 season would prove to be memorable for ferentz and the hawkeyes. the team finished the regular season with an 11–1 record; its only loss coming to iowa state. they shared the big ten conference championship with ohio state, as both teams finished 8–0 in conference play. quarterback brad banks won the davey o'brien award for best quarterback and finished second in the heisman trophy balloting to carson palmer of usc. tight end dallas clark was that season's john mackey award winner, and placekicker nate kaeding was the lou groza award winner. ferentz was named coach of the year by the associated press for his efforts. iowa received its first-ever bcs invitation, losing to usc in the 2003 orange bowl, 38–17.