Tournament of Roses - Rose Bowl Game

1957 Rose Bowl Game
1997 Inductee

Sporting a classic Midwestern crewcut, Ken Ploen led the Iowa Hawkeyes to a decisive 35–19 Rose Bowl Game victory over Oregon State in 1957. Ploen played quarterback in the Wing-T offense that was specifically implemented to take advantage of his running and passing skills.

Ploen drew first blood against the Beavers with a 49-yard dash to paydirt, starting the Hawkeyes’ scoring barrage. He completed 9 of 10 passes, ran for 59 yards and earned Player of the Game honors.

Ploen’s career included a Big Ten championship, a Big Ten MVP award and All-America honors. The versatile star went on to a Hall of Fame career in the Canadian Football league for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.