DES MOINES --- Iowa Gov. Chet Culver pledged to attend bowl games of both the Iowa and Iowa State football teams after being questioned about why he sent out a statement congratulating Iowa for its win on Saturday, but not Iowa State.

Both teams notched historic wins over the weekend. The University of Iowa beat Michigan State to earn its first ever 8-0 start. Iowa State defeated Nebraska on the road for the first time since 1977.

Culver only acknowledged Iowa's win Saturday by issuing an official statement congratulating the Hawkeyes.

"I'm a huge 'Clone fan," Culver insisted when asked about the omission. "I've put out a lot of statements when they've won earlier in the year, and no one picked those up. But the fact of the matter is, that was a huge win for Iowa State. I compliment Coach (Paul) Rhoads and the staff."

Culver stressed the historic nature of Iowa's win over Michigan State to take the Hawkeyes to 8-0 for the first time in the 120-year history of the football program.

"That is truly history in the making," Culver said.

Culver, an avid sports fan who played football at Virginia Tech, appeared eager to attend postseason bowl games for both teams, as well as for any postseason play for the University of Northern Iowa.

"When the 'Clones go to a bowl and Iowa goes, maybe to the national championship game, I will be there for both of them rooting them on," Culver said. "Same is true for UNI, who I expect will also be in the mix coming down the stretch."