It’s taken me a few days to comment, but at the same time I’m almost in a state of denial that Ed Thomas has left us.

I was here Wednesday working at the Courier when the first call came in that Ed had been shot. I didn’t  believe it. Moments later the phone at my desk rings, and it is a close friend who is in Aplington telling me it is true.

To say the least, I’ve been sad since that moment. His death is definitely a tragedy. I can’t say we were close friends, but I talk to and covered many of coach Thomas’ games. There is nothing I can write that hasn’t already been said about the man.

What I can say is when it is time to call Aplington-Parkersburg high school for help on Falcon athletics by instinct I will try and call Mr. Thomas although I know he will not be there. One thing I will always remember is one call to Ed and the answer and result was nearly instantaneous.

I guess, simply, is I … we’re going to miss him here at the Courier as will many people across the United States of the 1,000s his touched in all his days at A-P.

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Today’s game for Iowa against Illinois, couldn’t be bigger. A win really propels the Hawkeyes into their showdown with third-ranked Penn State next week and, I guess more importantly, it makes Iowa bowl-eligible.

It’s also a huge game for the Illini. I think they are going to be extremely fired up. Another loss really pushes their season to the brink .. I mean possibly not qualifying for a bowl game one year after making the Rose Bowl.

Prediction, If Shonn Greene gets 150, Iowa wins.

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Rumors have it starting right guard Seth Olsen, who had made 29 consecutive starts, was hurt in practice and was seen on crutches at the end of week. He was not on the field during pre-game warm-ups and when Iowa went 11-on-11, junior Andy Kuempel, the back-up at left tackle was at Olsen’s position.

Olsen’s absence could play a major factor in Iowa’s running game. He and starting left tackle Bryan Bulaga have clearly been Iowa’s top two offensive linemen.

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I’d be seriously surprised if Iowa running back Shonn Greene plays another season in the Black and Gold.

Greene will be 24 next  August which means his NFL clock is already ticking. He is in a similiar position as former Hawkeye tight end Dallas Clark, who left after his junior season. Clark also would’ve turned 24 during his senior season.

Barring injury Greene is on pace to rush for 1,644 yards this season, which would rank second to only Tavian Banks 1,691-yard performance in 1997. With Greene’s size, ability and speed it would be hard to believe he wouldn’t be an attractive option in the 2009 NFL draft for any NFL team. Right now, I’m guessing if the draft were this week, he’d go in the first three rounds, if not the first.

Greene goes against Indiana this week, and unless the Hoosiers load up to stop him, he’ll go over the 150-yard mark for the third consecutive game.

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