TAMPA, Fla. - Perhaps it's because the last couple of years have been mediocre at best. Perhaps it's because it happened in front of a crowd that was at least three-fourths black and gold. Perhaps it's because so many of the people involved won't be around much longer.

Whatever the reason, Kirk Ferentz figured the 31-10 victory his Iowa football team registered Thursday against South Carolina in the 23rd annual Outback Bowl was among the most special moments of his coaching career.

The Hawkeyes, cheered on by perhaps as many as 30,000 of their fans, capitalized on a slew of South Carolina mistakes, and Shonn Greene rushed for 121 yards in what turned out to be his final game. Greene announced immediately after the contest that he will leave Iowa to enter the NFL draft.

"This is a team I'll remember for a long time,'' Ferentz said, his voice choking with emotion.

The Hawkeyes built a 14-0 first-quarter lead and never were threatened after that. Their final record of 9-4 is their best since 2004.

"I told the team I can't remember one more enjoyable than this one,'' Ferentz added. "We've won some championships here, but this is a championship in a way.''

The coach wasn't the only one who got emotional in the postgame interview session. Senior defensive tackle Mitch King also had tears in his eyes.

"I can't say enough about the 15 seniors I'm going to be leaving with,'' he said. "It's been an honor to play with them.''