Sept. 22, 2003
IOWA OPENS BIG TEN PLAY
Iowa (4-0, 0-0) opens Big Ten Conference action Saturday at Michigan State (3-1, 0-0). Game time is 11:10 a.m. (CDT) in Spartan Stadium (72,027). The game is sold out. It marks the second consecutive season that Iowa opens conference play on the road after opening with an overtime win at Penn State last season.
ON THE TUBE
ESPN Plus will televise the contest to a regional audience that includes CBS2 Cedar Rapids, KDSM Des Moines, KMEG Sioux City, KYOU Ottumwa, Mediacom Mason City, KWQC Quad Cities and Cox Cable Council Bluffs. The game is also available on DIRECTV’s ESPN GamePlan package. Craig Coshun and Kelly Stouffer will call the action.
RADIO BROADCAST
Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, with color commentator Ed Podolak and sideline reporter Mark Allen. The Hawkeye Radio Network includes more than 40 stations throughout the state.
WIN STREAK
Coach Kirk Ferentz and Iowa have a 13-game regular season win streak, which is the third best in school history. Coach Alden Knipe’s Hawkeyes had a 14-game regular season win streak during the 1898-1900 seasons, while Coach Howard Jones guided Iowa to a 20-game winning streak during the 1920-23 seasons.
Iowa’s 40-21 victory at Iowa State extended its regular-season road winning streak to six games, dating back to a 2001 loss at Iowa State.
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Iowa has a 13-game regular season win streak, which is the third best in school history. Coach Alden Knipe’s Hawkeyes had a 14-game regular season win streak during the 1898-1900 seasons, while Coach Howard Jones guided Iowa to a 20-game winning streak during the 1920-23 seasons.
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BIG TEN WIN STREAK
Iowa has won 10 consecutive Big Ten games, the longest active streak in the conference. The Hawkeyes’ streak began when they won their final two conference games in 2001. Ohio State has won nine straight conference games.
Iowa’s 10-game conference winning streak is the second longest in school history. The Hawkeyes won 13 consecutive Big Ten games from 11/6/20 to 10/13/23.
IOWA CRACKS THE TOP 10
Iowa vaulted five spots for the second straight week and is ranked No. 9 in the most recent ESPN/USA Today poll, while it is ranked No. 13 in the Associated Press poll. Michigan State is among those receiving votes in both polls.
Three of Iowa’s Big Ten opponents are ranked in the ESPN/USA Today poll. Ohio State is ranked No. 4, followed by No. 10 Michigan and No. 20 Minnesota.
The last time Iowa has been ranked this high this early in the season was when it was ranked fifth in both major polls on Sept. 15, 1984.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,043 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 524-480-39 (.521). That includes a 330-191-16 (.629) record in home games, a 194-289-23 (.406) record in games away from Iowa City, a 253-323-25 (.442) mark in Big Ten games and a 212-158-15 (.570) record in Kinnick Stadium.
TICKETS AVAILABLE
Tickets are available for Iowa’s home finale against Minnesota. The Michigan, Penn State and Illinois games are soldout. Tickets ($40) can be purchased on-line by logging on to www.hawkeyesports.com or by calling 1-800-IA-HAWKS. Fans may also purchase tickets in person at the UI Ticket Office located in Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
GREENWAY EARNS BIG TEN HONOR
LB Chad Greenway was named co-Defensive Player of the Week along with MSU DB Eric Smith. Greenway led the Iowa defense to a dominating performance in a 21-2 victory over then-No. 16 Arizona State. Greenway matched a career-high with 17 tackles (11 solo). It marked the second consecutive game that the sophomore tallied 17 stops. Additionally, the native of Mt. Vernon, SD, ranks first in the Big Ten in tackles (12.8). This marks the first time Greenway has earned the weekly honor from the Big Ten.
Iowa has had at least one player named player of the week in three of its first four games.
PK Nate Kaeding was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week for his record-breaking performance at Iowa State on Sept. 15. Kaeding became Iowa’s career scoring leader after setting an Iowa school record for most kicking points in a game (16) at Iowa State. He kicked four PATs and also tied the school record for field goals in a game with four. Kaeding passed Ron Houghtlin as Iowa’s all-time scoring leader, who was Iowa’s all-time scoring leader since 1987.
It marked the fourth time in Kaeding’s career that he has earned the weekly honor from the Big Ten. He has earned the accolade once in each of his four years.
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Chad Greenway was named co-Defensive Player of the Week along with MSU DB Eric Smith. Greenway led the Iowa defense to a dominating performance in a 21-2 victory over then-No. 16 Arizona State. Greenway matched a career-high with 17 tackles (11 solo). It marked the second consecutive game that the sophomore tallied 17 stops. Additionally, the native of Mt. Vernon, SD, ranks first in the Big Ten in tackles (12.8). This marks the first time Greenway has earned the weekly honor from the Big Ten. Iowa has had at least one player named player of the week in three of its first four games.
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Junior punter David Bradley and sophomore defensive back Jovon Johnson were both honored by the Big Ten after their performances in Iowa’s 21-3 win over Miami (OH). It marked the first time either player earned the accolade.
Bradley punted five times against the RedHawks for a 48.4 average. He had one punt downed inside the 20-yard line and boomed a career-long 62-yarder in the second quarter.
Johnson was named Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week along with Ohio State defensive end Simon Fraser. Johnson led the Iowa secondary with two interceptions, the fifth and sixth of his career. Johnson returned his first interception 20 yards to the Iowa one-yard line, which led to Iowa’s second touchdown. He intercepted his second pass in the end zone to erase a potential Miami (OH) scoring drive. He also finished with five tackles and three pass break-ups.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 7-3 when playing on Sept. 27. The Hawkeyes defeated Cornell 6-0 in 1903, Bradley Tech 38-12 in 1930, Drake 25-8 in 1941, TCU 17-0 in 1958, Washington State 61-35 in 1969, UTEP 69-7 in 1986 and Illinois 38-10 in 1997. Iowa lost to Pittsburgh 26-14 in 1952, Penn State 30-10 in 1975 and Iowa State 10-7 in 1980.
MSU COACH JOHN L. SMITH
John L. Smith is in his first year as MSU’s head coach and 15th season as a college head coach. Smith holds a 3-1 (.750) record with the Spartans and a career mark of 113-61 (.649). Smith began his head-coaching career at Idaho. After six seasons with the Vandals (1989-94), Smith was named head coach at Utah State (1995-97). Smith then coached five seasons (1998-02) at Louisville before becoming MSU’s 23rd head coach last winter. His teams have won six conference championships (two Conference USA, two Big West and two Big Sky) and 11 of his 14 teams participated in post-season play. Smith was a three-year letterman as a quarterback and linebacker at Weber State (1969-71). Smith has not coached against Iowa or Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz.
THE SERIES
Iowa holds a slim 18-16-2 advantage in the series that began with a 21-7 Michigan State win in 1953. The Hawkeyes have won five of the last seven meetings with the Spartans, with the two losses coming at East Lansing. The series is tied 8-8-1 in games played at MSU. The Spartans slipped past the Hawkeyes 31-28 the last time Iowa visited Spartan Stadium in 2001. Kirk Ferentz recorded his first Big Ten victory as Iowa’s head coach when the Hawkeyes defeated MSU 21-16 in Iowa City in 2000.
IOWA, MSU NOTES
Iowa has not started a season with five straight victories since 1995.
Both Iowa and MSU will not play Northwestern this year or next.
Iowa has held two opponents without a touchdown for the first time since posting three shutouts in 1997.
Iowa LB Chad Greenway and MSU DB Eric Smith are this week’s Big Ten co-Defensive Players of the Week.
This Saturday’s game features two of the conference’s top kickoff returners. MSU’s DeAndra Cobb ranks first in the Big Ten with a 30.3 average on six attempts, while Iowa’s Ramon Ochoa has returned two kickoffs for a 36.0 average (Ochoa does not rank due to not having the minimum number of attempts).
MSU’s Matthias Askew ranks first in the Big Ten with five sacks, while Iowa’s Matt Roth ranks second with 3.5. Both are tied for the conference lead with six tackles for loss.
Both Iowa and MSU have strong rushing defenses. MSU ranks second in the Big Ten (41.2), while Iowa ranks fourth (94.0).
Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker was the defensive coordinator at Michigan State from 1990-94. He also served as the outside linebackers coach from 1983-89.
Phil Parker, Iowa’s defensive backs coach, earned all-Big Ten honors as a Michigan State defensive back from 1983-86 and he was a graduate assistant at MSU in 1987.
Iowa’s victory over MSU in 2000 was the first Big Ten Conference win for Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz.
Iowa’s roster includes two players from Michigan (TE Tony Jackson and RB Fred Russell). MSU does not have any players on its roster from the state of Iowa.
MSU WINS AT NOTRE DAME
Big plays helped lift the Spartans to their fourth straight win at Notre Dame Stadium, 22-16. The game was tied 6-6 at halftime after both place kickers converted a pair of field goals. MSU scored the first touchdown when RB Jaren Hayes scored on a 71-yard run in the third quarter. Notre Dame answered with a field goal late in the third quarter to trim the Spartan lead to four (13-9). Another MSU field goal followed by DE Greg Taplin’s 40-yard interception return for a touchdown broke the game open. Hayes finished with 109 yards on 19 carries and had two catches for 18 yards. QB Jeff Smoker completed 13-27 passes for 119 yards and two interceptions. MSU has won six of the last seven meetings against the Irish.
FINAL GAME NOTES
Iowa ended a three-game losing streak to Pac-10 teams and improved its overall record vs. the Pac-10 to 28-32-1. Iowa’s most recent win vs. the Pac-10, prior to ASU, was a 21-20 win over Arizona in Iowa City in 1998.
Iowa improved to 2-2 in night games at Kinnick Stadium, with the other win (24-0 over Northern Illinois) being the first victory for Kirk Ferentz at Iowa.
Iowa defeated a ranked opponent in Kinnick Stadium for the first time since a 27-12 win over 12th-ranked Northwestern on 11/11/00.
Iowa’s defense did not allow the opponent’s offense to score for the first time since a 51-0 win over Kent State in 2001. ASU was held without an offensive point for the first time since a 31-0 loss to Southern Cal in 1995. It also marked the first time ASU was held without a touchdown since a 23-3 loss to Wake Forest in the Aloha Bowl on Dec. 25, 1999.
Sophomore DB Jovon Johnson came up with his third interception of the season in the first quarter, and it marked the second theft that came in the end zone to stop a scoring threat. Johnson has seven career interceptions in 17 games.
QB Nathan Chandler threw his first career interception, at Iowa, in the third quarter. Chandler had thrown 67 passes (20 last season) before the interception. He later threw three scoring passes to account for all of Iowa’s touchdowns. The three scoring passes are the most for an Iowa QB since Brad Banks had four TD passes in an overtime win at Penn State last season.
Redshirt freshman Calvin Davis had his first receptions of the season. The Iowa City, native ended the game with three catches for 51 yards.
For the first time in four games this season, Iowa held the advantage in time of possession, having the ball for 33:20, compared to 26:40 for ASU.
Iowa was guilty of a season-high two turnovers, losing an interception and a fumble. Iowa had no interceptions and lost just two fumbles in the first three games of the season.
IOWA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Iowa’s Leadership Council for the 2003 season includes 13 players (five seniors, three juniors, three sophomores two redshirt freshmen and a true freshman). Permanent team captains are named at the conclusion of each season. The Leadership Council for this season includes seniors Robert Gallery, Bob Sanders, Nathan Chandler, Nate Kaeding and Jared Clauss, juniors Sean Considine, Jonathan Babineaux and Jermelle Lewis, sophomores Ed Hinkel, Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway, redshirt freshmen Jason Manson and Cy Phillips and true freshman Drew Tate.
LAST MEETING
After spotting MSU an early 7-0 lead, Iowa scored 44 unanswered points en route to a 44-16 victory.
MSU scored a touchdown on its opening drive on a two-yard run by RB Dawan Moss. Iowa responded with a 94-yard kickoff return for a score by Jermelle Lewis. Leading 10-7 after a 36-yard Nate Kaeding field goal, DB Derek Pagel intercepted MSU quarterback Jeff Smoker and returned the ball 62 yards for the touchdown.
The Hawkeyes added 10 more points in the second quarter on a 62-yard touchdown reception by WR C.J. Jones and a 43-yard field goal by Kaeding. Iowa took a commanding 27-7 lead into halftime.
Iowa put the Spartans away in the third quarter, scoring 17 more points on a RB Fred Russell nine-yard touchdown, a 28-yard Kaeding field goal and a 25-yard Jones touchdown reception. MSU scored nine points in the fourth quarter to give Iowa the 44-16 victory, its third-straight win over the Spartans in Kinnick Stadium.
QB Brad Banks completed 8-19 passes for 154 yards, threw for two touchdowns and rushed nine times for 36 yards. Russell led the Hawkeye running backs with 75 yards on 18 carries. Jones caught two passes, both for touchdowns (62 and 25 yards).
Defensively, the Hawkeyes forced five turnovers (three interceptions and two fumbles), recorded four sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Iowa’s defense held MSU to 55 yards rushing and 194 yards passing. DE Matt Roth collected three of the sacks and four of the tackles for loss, and he also had a forced fumble.
FAMILY AFFAIR
Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and his son, Brian, Ferentz are believed to be one of only five father-son duos in Division I this year. They join Lee Owens and his son Andy from Akron, Art Briles and his son Kendal from Houston, Tony Samuel and his son Travis from New Mexico State and Mike Bellotti and his son Luke from Oregon.
INJURY UPDATE
FB Champ Davis, WR Maurice Brown and OL David Walker were added to Iowa’s injury list prior to the game vs. ASU. WR Ed Hinkel sustained an injury during the ASU game and is out indefinitely. Brown is also out indefinitely, while Davis and Walker are questionable for this week’s game.
Brown is Iowa’s leading receiver with 14 receptions for 212 yards and three touchdowns. Davis rushed five times for 30 yards in two games. Walker started the first three games of the season at left guard before missing last week’s game.
SS Bob Sanders underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right foot Sept. 5, and his return is also questionable for this week. Sanders was troubled by the foot injury throughout the pre-season. The native of Erie, PA, was named to The Sporting News fourth all-America team last year and to the same publication’s 2003 pre-season all-America team. He has 283 career tackles, which ranks 14th on Iowa’s all-time tackle chart.
RB Albert Young broke a bone in his right leg in mid-August and will be sidelined for an indefinite period of time. The true freshman from Moorestown, NJ, was battling sophomore Marcus Schnoor for the back-up role behind senior Fred Russell. Young was named the New Jersey Offensive Player of the Year as a senior.
RB Jermelle Lewis had knee surgery near the end of spring practice. Lewis was a productive back for the Hawkeyes in 2002. Lewis played quality minutes, including one start against Wisconsin. Against Michigan, Lewis played most of the second half and finished the game as Iowa’s top rusher, accumulating 109 yards on 18 carries (6.1) and scoring two touchdowns.
Lewis accounted for 10 touchdowns in 2002, which tied for second on the team with WR C.J. Jones. The native of Bloomfield, CT, scored eight on the ground, one receiving and one on a kickoff return. Lewis ranked second on the team in rushing with 709 yards on 123 carries (5.8).
TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2003
Iowa has had five true freshmen see action this year, FB Champ Davis, WR James Townsend, RB A.J. Johnson, QB Eric McCollom and QB Drew Tate.
Davis has rushed for 30 yards on five attempts, 22 of which came against Buffalo. Davis also caught three passes for 33 yards against the Bulls.
Johnson has rushed 13 times for 36 yards, while Tate completed 4-7 passes for 37 yards and has 21 yards rushing on three carries.
McCollom and Townsend saw their first action in last week’s win over ASU. Townsend caught two passes for seven yards. McCollom played primarily as a wide receiver, but did have one rushing attempt from the quarterback position.
KAEDING: IOWA’S CAREER SCORING LEADER
PK Nate Kaeding is in his final season after becoming the first Hawkeye to ever win the 2002 Lou Groza Award, which is given to the nation’s top placekicker. After receiving numerous accolades last season, Kaeding entered his senior season on four pre-season all-America Teams (Sports Illustrated, Playboy, Athlon and The Sporting News).
Two weeks ago, Kaeding was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week for the fourth time in his career. He became Iowa’s career scoring leader after he set a school record for most kicking points in a game (16) at Iowa State. Kaeding kicked four PATs and also tied the school record for field goals in a game with four. Kaeding passed Ron Houghtlin as Iowa’s all-time scoring leader, who held the record since 1987. Kaeding currently has 294 career points.
For the season, Kaeding has converted all PAT attempts (15) and field goals (4). He ranks 10th in the Big Ten in scoring (6.8) and sixth in kicking points (6.8). Furthermore, 17 of his 22 kickoffs have gone for touchbacks (77.2%).
Kaeding has made 51-63 career field goal attempts, including 21-26 from outside 40 yards and 3-3 from outside 50 yards, and 141-143 PATs. Rob Houghtlin holds the Iowa record for career field goals (54), while Tom Nichol holds the school record for career PATs (142).
A year ago, he was selected as a first team all-America selection by The Sporting News, the Football Writers Association, ESPN.com and CNN-SI.com and a second team choice by the Associated Press. He was also named to the first team all-Big Ten coaches team, while earning second team laurels by the media. Kaeding was also a 2002 Verizon Academic all-America second team selection.
Kaeding made 57-58 PATs and 21-24 field goals to finish last season with 120 points. Kaeding’s 120 points are an Iowa single season scoring record and a Big Ten single season kick scoring record. He set an Iowa single season record for PATs made (57) and attempted (58). His only PAT miss and one of his three missed field goals were blocked.
The Coralville, IA, native had an overall consecutive field goal streak of 22 (19 in 2002) end after missing a 27-yard attempt vs. Wisconsin last year. Prior to that game, his last miss was in the first quarter of the 2001 Alamo Bowl win.
Kaeding has booted four field goals in a game three times during his career. He first accomplished the feat in a win at Penn State in 2000. He also kicked four field goals in Iowa’s Alamo Bowl win over Texas Tech in 2001 and at Iowa State this year.
Kaeding booted two or more field goals in seven of Iowa’s 13 games last year, including converting on three field goal attempts in one game twice (vs. MSU and at Miami, OH). Kaeding finished last season ranked 10th nationally in field goals made per game (1.62) and 15th in scoring (9.2).
NUMBER OF THE WEEK – 142
PK Nate Kaeding is two PATs from breaking Tom Nichol’s school record for career PATs. Kaeding has converted 141 PATs, while Nichol’s record stands at 142. Kaeding’s 141 PATs ranks 10th in the Big Ten in career PATs. Rich Spangler of OSU (1982-85) holds the conference record with 177.
GALLERY AMONG TOP LINEMEN
Senior offensive tackle Robert Gallery (6-7, 320) is a top candidate for the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award. He was a first team all-Big Ten selection last season and he is the only returning starter in Iowa’s offensive line. Gallery was also named to several pre-season all-America teams. He is a first team all-America selection by The Sporting News, Sports Illustrated and Playboy and a second team all-America pick by Athlon Sports. In addition to his talents on the field, Gallery has been a member of the academic all-Big Ten team in each of the last two years.
Gallery has started 35 consecutive games at tackle after moving from tight end his freshman year. His 35-game starting streak ties for 15th in the nation for offensive linemen and is tops in the Big Ten.
JOHNSON ENDS SCORING THREATS
DB Jovon Johnson has intercepted three passes this year, two in the end zone. Johnson collected two interceptions against Miami (OH) quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, one of which came in the end zone. Johnson intercepted his third pass of the season and seventh of his career, in the end zone, last week against ASU.
Johnson ranks first in the Big Ten in interceptions (0.75) and sixth in the nation. Additionally, he ranks sixth on the team in tackles (16) and first in pass break-ups (5). He has seven interceptions in 17 career games.
SANDERS ON THE SHELF
Senior DB Bob Sanders underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right foot on Sept. 5 and may return to the lineup this week. Sanders is a candidate for the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Year award and the Bronko Nagurski Defensive Player of the Year award. He was also named a pre-season first team all-American by The Sporting News and third team all-American by Athlon Sports.
Sanders was a first team all-Big Ten selection by both the media and coaches last season and was named as a fourth team all-America selection by The Sporting News. It marked the second straight year Sanders was honored as a first team all-Big Ten selection.
Sanders did not start in Iowa’s season-opener against Miami (OH) due to his foot injury, but did see significant minutes. The native of Erie, PA, collected seven tackles to increase his career tackle total to 283, which ranks 14th at Iowa.
LINEBACKERS STOP OPPOSITION
Linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge have collected double figure tackles in the last two games. Greenway recorded a career-high 17 tackles at Iowa State and duplicated his efforts in last week’s win over ASU. His performance earned him Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week laurels, the first of his career. Greenway is the Big Ten tackle leader (12.8).
Like Greenway, Hodge recorded a career-high 15 tackles at Iowa State. The native of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, also matched his career best total last week vs. ASU. Hodge ranks second in Big Ten tackles (10.5) and ranks second on the team in sacks (2) and TFL (5).
HODGES AND ROTH ON WATCH LISTS
Defensive ends Howard Hodges and Matt Roth were named to the pre-season watch list for the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award. Hodges was also named to the watch list for the Outland Trophy, which goes to college football’s top interior lineman and was named a pre-season third team all-American by Athlon Sports.
Last week, Hodges registered three tackles, including two for loss. He ranks 11th on the team in tackles (12), is tied for third in tackles for loss (4) and has collected one sack.The native of Copperas Cove, TX, earned first team all-Big Ten honors in 2002 when he recorded 62 tackles, including 11 tackles for loss and nine QB sacks.
Roth ranks first on the team in tackles for loss (6), sacks (4) and quarterback hurries (3) and sixth in tackles (16). Roth ranks second in the Big Ten in sacks per game (0.88), first in TFL (1.5). He has recorded at least one sack in 10 of Iowa’s last 11 games, dating back to last year. Last week, Roth collected five tackles, including one sack.
The native of Villa Park, IL, led the Hawkeyes in sacks (10) and ranked 11th in tackles (48) in 2002. His 10 QB sacks ranked second in the Big Ten in all games and ranked first in conference games only (9). Roth ended the season recording at least one sack in each of the last seven games.
STEEN HAS BIG GAME AGAINST ISU
Former Iowa walk-on Grant Steen had a big game at Iowa State, helping Iowa and his senior teammates collect their first victory over the Cyclones during their Hawkeye careers. In addition to collecting six tackles, Steen returned a fumble four yards and returned an interception 15 yards. The turnovers led to 10 Iowa points.
The Emmetsburg, IA, native ranks fourth on the team in tackles (17), is tied for first in fumble recoveries (1) and tied for third in interceptions (1). Steen collected three tackles and one pass break-up last week.
Steen is on the 2003 Butkus Award watch list, which is presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker. A two-year starter, Steen was a second team all-Big Ten selection last year after recording 57 tackles and three interceptions. Steen’s three interceptions all came in Iowa’s win at Indiana, which tied an NCAA record for most interceptions in one game by a linebacker.
SMITH STEPS IN AND DELIVERS
Senior DB Chris Smith scored the second touchdown of his career when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone at Iowa State. Smith, who has started the first four games in place of injured Bob Sanders, returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown in a win over Miami (OH) in 2001.
CONSIDINE LEADS SPECIAL TEAMS
Junior DB Sean Considine blocked two Iowa State punts, tying the Iowa school record for blocked kicks in a game. His first block was recovered for a Hawkeye touchdown and the second resulted in a field goal. Considine blocked punts last season in wins over Purdue and Utah State, and both were recovered for touchdowns. Iowa’s record for blocked kicks in a season is three and the record for career blocks is seven.
In addition to his special teams success, he is a leader defensively as well. The native of Byron, IL, is second on the team in interceptions (2) and ranks third in tackles (22). He scored his first career points when he returned a fumble 18 yards against Buffalo.
IOWA NOTES
Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz is 4-0 for the first time as Iowa’s head coach. He is 26-26 in 52 games at Iowa, including an 18-3 mark (.857) over the last 21 games.
Iowa has won 16 of its last 18 games in Kinnick Stadium dating back to the end of the 2000 season. Iowa’s two loses came against Iowa State (36-31 in 2002) and Michigan (32-26 in 2001).
Iowa ranks third in Big Ten rushing (212.0).
Iowa’s offensive line has been solid this season, yielding only five QB sacks, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten.
Miami (OH) scored a field goal on its opening possession of the game, which marked only the third time in the last 16 games that Iowa’s defense has surrendered any points on the opponents’ first drive. Buffalo, Iowa State and Arizona State failed to score on its respective opening possession.
Iowa failed to score on its opening possession for the second time in four games. Iowa did not score on its first possession in the season opening win over Miami (OH).
Iowa’s 56 points against Buffalo mark the first time it has scored 50 points or more since a 62-10 win over Northwestern (11-9-02).
Iowa’s home attendance average is 59,665, which includes one sell-out in three games. Iowa’s upcoming home games against Michigan (Oct.4), Penn State (Nov. 25) and Illinois (Nov. 1) are sold out.
IOWA STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 45 of its last 46 games. Iowa’s game at Miami, OH (9/7/02) is the only contest that the Hawkeyes didn’t start on offense during the streak. It snapped a streak of 30 consecutive contests of starting on offense. The streak dated back to Iowa’s contest at Northwestern in 1999, when the Hawkeyes won the toss and deferred. Iowa has started the game on offense in 46 of 52 games under Kirk Ferentz.
BROWN ON THE SHELF
Senior WR Maurice Brown led the Hawkeye receiving corps the first three games before being injured in Iowa’s win at Iowa State. Brown is out indefinitely.
Brown has 14 catches for 212 yards and three touchdowns. The native of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, had a 17-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter at Iowa State. Brown did not return to the game after making the touchdown reception, due to injury. He caught one touchdown pass in each of Iowa’s first three games.
He caught four passes for 82 yards and one score in Iowa’s win over Buffalo and seven passes for 78 yards and one TD in Iowa’s season opening win over Miami (OH). His 14 receptions ranks seventh in the Big Ten, while his 212 yards ranks ninth.
In his first full season as receiver, Brown established a new school record with 11 touchdown receptions. Brown finished with 966 receiving yards, which ranks fourth best in school history. The honorable mention all-Big Ten selection, also ranked fourth nationally with an average 20.1 yards per reception.
Brown’s career totals include 65 receptions for 1,223 yards. He ranks 21st in receiving yards and 24th in receptions on Iowa’s career receiving charts.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Four of Iowa’s 13 offensive plays of 20 yards or more have produced touchdowns. WR Maurice Brown caught a 28-yard pass for a touchdown against Miami (OH) and a 23-yard score vs. Buffalo, RB Marcus Schnoor scored on a 33-yard scoring run at Iowa State, while WR Ramon Ochoa caught a 40-yard pass for a touchdown vs. Arizona State.The Hawkeyes have also recorded big plays on special teams, including two long punt returns (70 and 21) and three kickoff returns (26, 27 and 38).
CHANDLER DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
Senior Nathan Chandler has begun the season 4-0 as Iowa’s starting quarterback. He has completed 42-67 passes for 468 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception. His pass efficiency rating of 157.8, ranks second in the Big Ten.
Last week, Chandler completed 15-23 passes for 154 yards, threw for three touchdowns and had one pass intercepted. He had thrown 67 passes (20 last season) before his first interception. The three scoring passes are the most for an Iowa QB since Brad Banks had four TD passes in an overtime win at Penn State last year.
Chandler directed the Iowa offense to its first victory over Iowa State in six tries in week three. Chandler completed 7-14 passes for 72 yards and one touchdown. He also rushed three times for 53 yards, including a career-long run of 42 yards in the second quarter.
Against Miami (OH), Chandler completed 12-19 for 129 yards, two touchdowns and 24 yards rushing. The native of Southlake, TX, was 6-6 for 37 yards on the Hawkeyes’ first scoring drive and 7-7 for 40 yards in the first quarter. The scoring drive ended with Chandler’s second career touchdown pass. Chandler threw the third touchdown of his career and the second of the game in the fourth quarter when he floated a 28-yard pass to Maurice Brown.
Chandler completed 8-11 passes for 113 yards and two touchdowns in Iowa’s victory over Buffalo. He engineered touchdown drives on Iowa’s first four possessions, before the coaching staff substituted Drew Tate late in the second quarter.
Chandler transferred to the University of Iowa after one season with Pasadena CC. Chandler saw action in five games last year. The native of Southlake, TX, completed 7-12 passes for 92 yards last year against Akron, which was his first game as a Hawkeye. Chandler threw his first touchdown pass, as a Hawkeye, in Iowa’s convincing victory over Northwestern. Chandler finished the game completing 2-2 passes for 33 yards. He combined with QB Brad Banks’ 10-10 for 197 yards to break the NCAA record for team passing percentage in a single game. The previous mark was 11-11.
HAWKEYES IN THE NFL
Iowa ranks fifth in the Big Ten with 19 former Hawkeyes on NFL rosters. Michigan (31) ranked first, followed by Ohio State (29), Penn State (28) and Wisconsin (20). Illinois is tied with the Hawkeyes with 19. Other national notable teams with former players in the NFL include USC (20), West Virginia (20), Washington (20), Texas (19), Michigan State (18), Oklahoma (16), Virginia Tech (16) and Pittsburgh (12).
In addition, former Hawkeyes RB Jeremy Allen (Saints) and OL Alonzo Cunningham (49ers) are on practice squads.
RUSSELL LEADS GROUND GAME
RB Fred Russell, who is a candidate for the Doak Walker Running Back of the Year Award, will attempt to become just the third running back in Iowa history to rush for over 1,000 yards in more than one season. Last year, Russell rushed 220 times for 1,264 yards and nine touchdowns, becoming the 10th Iowa running back to surpass 1,000 yards in a season. Only Sedrick Shaw (1994, 1995, 1996) and Ladell Betts (2000, 2001) have accomplished the feat in more than one season.
Russell has rushed 87 times for 494 yards and three touchdowns in the first four games. Last week, the native of Inkster, MI carried the ball 27 times for 154 yards. It marked the 10th time that he has rushed for over 100 yards in his career. Russell has rushed for one touchdown in three of Iowa’s four games.
Russell started the 2003 campaign on the right foot as he rushed 22 times for 167 yards and one touchdown against Miami (OH). Additionally, Russell tallied the longest (66) and second-longest (58) runs of his career. Against Buffalo, Russell tallied 98 yards on 12 carries in a half of play against Buffalo. Russell ranks third in conference rushing (123.5) and seventh in all-purpose yards (124.8).
His career totals include 318 attempts for 1,899 yards, which ranks 10th best among Iowa running backs. His 154 yards last week helped him move past Nick Bell and into 10th on Iowa’s career rushing chart. He is only 29 yards from moving past Levi Mitchell for ninth. Russell’s career 6.0 average ranks first among Iowa running backs (min. 300 attempts).
Russell was named to the first all-Big Ten coaches team last year, while he was a second team selection by the media. Russell ranked third in the Big Ten and 14th nationally in rushing (114.9) last year.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 38-12 in the first quarter. The Hawkeyes have also been dominant in both the second and third quarters, outscoring their opponents 52-0 and 34-0, respectively. Hawkeye opponents own a 21-14 advantage in the fourth quarter.
OCHOA SHINES
Senior Ramon Ochoa returned his first career punts in grand fashion against Buffalo. Ochoa returned three punts for 99 yards. He returned a punt 70 yards for his first career touchdown on his second attempt. The 70-yard scamper marked the 11th-longest punt return in school history. The native of Maywood, CA, recorded a 21-yard return on his first attempt and eight yards on his third.
Ochoa has returned eight punts for an average of 18.6, which is tops in the Big Ten and sixth nationally. He has returned two kickoffs for a 36.0 average.
Last week, Ochoa had the best game of his career at wide receiver. Ochoa caught four passes for 64 yards and two touchdowns in Iowa’s win over Arizona State. His 40-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter marked the longest catch of his career and his first scoring reception. His other touchdown was a three-yard reception in the third quarter.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa is averaging 6.4 yards on 113 first down plays, 5.4 yards on 81 second down plays and 4.5 yards on 48 third down plays. The Hawkeyes have not attempted a fourth down play this season.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 19 scoring drives have averaged 5.8 plays, 47.1 yards and 2:18 elapsed time. Nine of Iowa’s 19 scoring drives covered 50 yards or more. Iowa opponents have recorded only five scoring drives, averaging 11.4 plays, 68.2 yards and 4:39 elapsed time. Four of Iowa’s opponents’ five scoring drives have covered 75 yards or more.
IOWA IN THE REDZONE
The Hawkeyes have marched inside the red zone 17 times and scored 14 of those times (82.4%). Iowa has been perfect inside the red zone the last two games. Last week, the Hawkeyes scored two touchdowns on their only two trips inside the red zone. Iowa was also a perfect 5-5 at Iowa State, scoring two touchdowns and kicking three field goals.
Two of the Hawkeyes’ red zone failures came when they had a comfortable lead and let the clock expire – once against Miami (OH) and the other against Buffalo. QB Nathan Chandler fumbled inside the five-yard line against Miami (OH) in Iowa’s other scoring failure.
Hawkeye opponents have advanced inside the red zone only seven times and have scored three times (42.9%). Iowa stopped ASU’s only red zone scoring threat last week when DB Jovon Johnson intercepted a pass at the goal line. Buffalo and Iowa State each tallied touchdowns, while Miami (OH) kicked a field goal. Miami (OH) was 1-2, Buffalo was 1-1, while Iowa State was 1-3.
DEFENSE MAKES A STAND
The Hawkeye defense has not allowed a point in the second and third quarters this season.
After gaining 16 yards on the first play of the second quarter (its longest play from scrimmage in the game), ASU went five straight possessions without a first down.
Iowa’s defense has collected seven interceptions through four games. Last year, the Hawkeyes had only three picks through their first four contests.
Iowa’s defense has allowed only 33 points (8.2) in four games, which ranks first in the Big Ten and third in the nation. Iowa’s pass efficiency defense (95.8) ranks 16th. Two of the opponents’ four touchdowns have come against Iowa’s second team defense in the fourth quarter of two big wins.
DB Jovon Johnson leads the team with three interceptions this year. He collected his fifth and sixth career interception’s in Iowa’s season-opening win over Miami (OH). He recorded his seventh career theft in last week’s win over ASU. Two of Johnson’s three interceptions this year have come in the end zone.
Iowa collected four interceptions against Miami (OH) quarterback and Heisman hopeful Ben Roethlisberger. It marked the first time Iowa collected four interceptions in a single-game since a 62-0 victory over Indiana in 1997. Iowa also had four interceptions in a win over Northern Iowa that season. Roethlisberger had no interceptions in recent wins over Northwestern and Colorado State.
Iowa’s defense has collected 10 takeaways (7 interceptions and 3 fumbles), while Iowa’s offense has only turned the ball over four times. Iowa’s turnover margin (+6) ranks first in the Big Ten and 12th in the nation. Iowa’s 10 takeaways ranks third in the conference behind Michigan State (12) and Ohio State (11).
FS Sean Considine has collected two interceptions, two blocked punts and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
Iowa’s defense has yielded only five offensive plays of 20 yards or more. Iowa State recorded four of the five.
SPECIAL TEAMS SUCCESS
After a successful season last year, Iowa’s special team continues to shine in 2003. Iowa, in four games, has scored special teams and defensive touchdowns. At Iowa State, Sean Considine blocked two punts, both leading to points. Considine’s first punt block was recovered in the end zone by Chris Smith, while Kaeding kicked a field goal after the second blocked punt.Against Buffalo, Ramon Ochoa returned a punt 70 yards for a TD and Considine returned a fumble 18 yards for a score.
Iowa has returned four kickoffs for an average of 31.2, 13 punt returns for an average of 15.8. The Hawkeyes rank first in the Big Ten and 11th in the nation in punt returns, while it ranks second in the conference and seventh nationally in kickoff returns. Iowa’s kickoff coverage unit yields 19.1 yards per return, which ranks fifth in the Big Ten.
Iowa’s special teams were excellent in kickoff and punt returns and blocks in 2002. The Hawkeyes finished tops in the nation and Big Ten in kickoff returns (25.1). Iowa ranked third in the conference in punt returns (11.8).
Last year, Iowa’s special teams blocked four kicks (two punts, one field goal and one PAT attempt). All four blocks resulted in points for the Hawkeyes. Both blocked punts were recovered in the end zone, while the blocked field goal and PAT attempt were scooped up and returned for scores.
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 31 points off 10 turnovers (7 interceptions and three fumbles), plus an additional 10 points following two blocked punts at Iowa State.
The Hawkeyes scored 10 points after creating two turnovers at Iowa State. QB Nathan Chandler found WR Maurice Brown in the end zone for a 17-yard score after LB Grant Steen recovered a fumble and PK Nate Kaeding connected on a 19-yard field goal after Steen intercepted a pass.
Against Buffalo, DB Sean Considine scored his first career touchdown when he returned a fumble 18 yards for a score in the first quarter. Brown caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Chandler after Considine intercepted his second pass in as many weeks in the second quarter.
Iowa scored seven points off four Miami (OH) turnovers, all of which were interceptions. DB Jovon Johnson intercepted Miami (OH) quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on its own 21-yard line and returned the pick to the one-yard line, with RB Fred Russell scoring two plays later. The Hawkeyes’ other three interceptions came inside the opponents’ red zone. Chris Smith recorded his second career interception on Iowa’s own three-yard line. Considine collected his first career interception when he picked off Roethlisberger at the 19-yard line. Finally, Johnson recorded his sixth career interception, and second of the day, in the end zone in the fourth quarter.
Iowa has turned the ball over four times, once against Miami (OH) and Iowa State and twice vs. ASU. The RedHawks were unable to score, but the Cyclones converted an Iowa fumble into a touchdown. The Sun Devils did force a Hawkeye fumble that Iowa recovered in the end zone, which resulted in a safety.
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
For the second straight season and for the third time in four years, Iowa’s regular season schedule includes 12 games. Iowa will again play seven games in Kinnick Stadium, where it posted a 6-1 mark last season. Eight of Iowa’s 12 opponents posted a 5-3 record in post-season bowl games last season. The newest additions to the slate include Pac 10 power Arizona State in the non-conference and Ohio State and Illinois in the Big Ten. ASU is expected to contend for the Pac 10 title and visited Iowa City last week. Ohio State earned the national title last season with a win over Miami, FL in the Fiesta Bowl, while Illinois won the Big Ten title in 2001.
Iowa’s 2003 schedule includes seven home games: Miami (OH), Buffalo, Arizona State, Michigan, Penn State, Illinois and Minnesota. Road games are at Iowa State, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin. Iowa’s bye week is on Oct. 11 and does not have to play consecutive road games for the time since 1999.
The Hawkeyes do not play Indiana or Northwestern this year or in 2004. The last time Iowa did not play the Hoosiers was 1990, while 1970 was the last time the Wildcats were not on Iowa’s schedule.
Lester Erb HONORED
Iowa’s Lester Erb was named the American Football Monthly Division I Special Teams Coordinator of the Year. The winner is selected based on each team’s accomplishments on the field during the 2002 season. Erb is in his fourth season as the Hawkeyes’ wide receivers and special teams coach. Under Erb’s direction, Iowa’s special teams excelled in the kickoff, punting, place-kicking and kick blocks categories. Iowa topped the nation in kickoff returns (25.1 yard average) last year and finished third in Big Ten punt returns (11.8). Four opponent kicks were blocked and all turned into scores for the Hawkeyes.
RON AIKEN ON NCAA COMMITTEE
Iowa defensive line coach Ron Aiken is one of four Big Ten assistant coaches to be chosen to participate in the first NCAA Advanced Coaching Program, which is a component of the NCAA Coaches Academy. Aiken, along with Michigan assistant head coach John Campbell, Michigan State running backs coach/recruiting coordinator Reginald Mitchell and Illinois assistant coach Donald Thompson were among the 20 coaches selected to attend the Academy.
The Academy is designed to assist minority coaches in excelling in head coaching positions, to enhance and strengthen the skills that many ethnic minority coaches currently possess and to provide exposure and networking opportunities for these coaches. The program will be held Jan. 2-4 in Orlando, FL, and precedes the American Football Coaches Association convention.
HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 113 players includes 45 players from Iowa. The roster includes 13 players from Illinois, 12 from Texas, eight from Florida, five from New Jersey and California, four from Wisconsin and Minnesota, three from Connecticut, Pennsylvania, two from Arkansas, Michigan and South Carolina and one from Alabama, Kansas, Indiana, New York and South Dakota.
MORE THAN ONE
Fifteen high schools have contributed more than one player to the current Iowa football roster. The leaders are City High of Iowa City and West Des Moines Valley, with three. Twelve schools have two players on the roster.
THE NAME GAME
Iowa has two players named Chandler (brothers Nathan and Scott), Davis (Calvin and Champ, no relation), Gallery (brothers John and Robert), Johnson (A.J. and Jovon, no relation) and Lewis (George and Jermelle, no relation).
Mike is the most popular first name. There are five Mike’s (Elgin, Follett, Humpal, Jones, Klinkenborg) and a Michael (Emalfarb). There are three Matt’s (Melloy, Neubauer, Roth). There are three Brian’s (Ferentz, Kline, Meidlinger) and two Bryon’s (Mattison, Ryther). There are three Eric’s (McCollum, Rothwell, Zilisch) and an Erik (Jensen). There are three players named Chris (Brevi, Felder, Smith) and two named David (Bradley, Walker). Two Hawkeye players go by initials, including C.J. Barkema and A.J. Johnson.
THE HAWKEYES, SIZE WISE
Redshirt freshman DB Ma’Quan Dawkins is the lightest Hawkeye player at 153 pounds, while the shortest players, at 5-8, include RB Fred Russell, DB Bob Sanders and RB Marques Simmons. Both Russell and Sanders earned first team all-Big Ten honors and all-America recognition in 2002. OL Peter McMahon is the heaviest Hawkeye at 323 pounds, while nine Hawkeyes players are listed at over 300 pounds.
The tallest players are 6-8 sophomore offensive tackle C.J. Barkema and redshirt freshman offensive tackle Greg Dollmeyer. Barkema was an all-state basketball player as a prep while Dollmeyer was a member of Iowa’s 2002-03 basketball team.
The average Hawkeye player is 6-2 and weighs 233 pounds. That is two inches taller and three pounds lighter than the average Iowa player in 2002.
IOWA DEPTH CHART
Iowa’s depth chart includes 16 seniors, 10 juniors, 13 sophomores, nine redshirt freshmen and two true freshmen. These numbers do not include return specialists. Iowa’s two true freshmen include quarterback Drew Tate and wide receiver James Townsend.
HAWKEYES BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa returns 38 lettermen from 2002, including 18 on offense, 18 on defense and two specialists. The Hawkeyes return nine starters on offense and eight on defense, plus PK Nate Kaeding and P David Bradley. The letterman breakdown includes 10 three-year lettermen, 13 two-year lettermen and 15 one-year lettermen.
The total roster includes 113 players, including 21 seniors, 20 juniors, 24 sophomores, 20 redshirt freshmen and 28 true freshmen.
WATCHING FROM ABOVE
Iowa’s coaches in the press box during the season are Lester Erb (receivers and special teams), along with quality control assistant Jon McLaughlin and graduate assistant coaches Michael Ketchum and A.J. Blazek. That leaves Ken O’Keefe (offensive coordinator), Norm Parker (defensive coordinator), Phil Parker (defensive backs), Carl Jackson (running backs), Reese Morgan (offensive line), Darrell Wilson (linebackers), Ron Aiken (defensive line) and Eric Johnson (tight ends) on the sidelines.
ROSE BOWL EXPERIENCE
Four members of the Iowa coaching staff have coached or played in the Rose Bowl. Kirk Ferentz coached in two Rose Bowl games while on the Iowa staff and Carl Jackson coached in three Rose Bowl games as an Iowa assistant coach. Norm Parker and Phil Parker both coached in the Rose Bowl while on the staff at Michigan State.
EARLY GAMES ON TELEVISION
Iowa’s first seven games have been selected for television. Iowa’s game vs. Miami (OH) was televised to a national cable audience on ESPN2. Iowa’s contest vs. Buffalo was televised by ESPN Plus. The Hawkeyes’ last two games have been televised to a national cable audience. Iowa’s game at Iowa State was televised on Fox Sports Net, while its game vs. Arizona State was on ESPN2. Iowa’s conference opener at Michigan State this week will be televised to a regional audience on ESPN Plus. Big Ten games vs. Michigan at home and at Ohio State will be televised by ABC and will kickoff at 2:35 p.m. (CST).
A majority of Iowa’s Big Ten Conference games will likely be selected for television coverage.
IOWA STATS ON THE INTERNET
Statistics and play-by-play accounts of Iowa home football games are available live on the internet. The statistical program allows viewers to read the play-by-play action just moments after it takes place, and to view all individual and team statistics while the game is in progress.
The program can be accessed through www.hawkeyesports.com or www.hawkeyefootball.com, and then clicking on the Live stats link. This feature is available for home games and for away contests within the Big Ten Conference.
Kirk Ferentz RADIO SHOW
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz is featured on “Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz” each week. The 90-minute radio call-in show is hosted by Gary Dolphin, the play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The show airs each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. from Carlos O’Kelley’s in Iowa City.
AFTER THIS
Iowa returns home to host the Michigan Wolverines, Oct. 4 at 2:35 p.m. (ABC), on homecoming. Iowa’s bye week is Oct. 11.
