ferentz had to deal with multiple injuries to the hawkeyes' running backs and the death of his father, john, during the 2004 season. nevertheless, the hawkeyes compiled a 9–2 regular season record, sharing the big ten conference championship with michigan after a 30–7 victory over wisconsin on november 20. for the second time in three seasons, ferentz was named the big ten conference coach of the year. on january 1, 2005, they defeated lsu, 30–25, after a thrilling 56-yard touchdown pass from drew tate to warren holloway as time expired in the capital one bowl. this gave ferentz his third straight ten-win season with the hawkeyes and another #8 national ranking.