Iowa Returns Home to Host Michigan on Homecoming

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Sept. 29, 2003

IOWA RETURNS HOME
Iowa (4-1, 0-1) returns home to host Michigan (4-1, 1-0). Game time is 2:38 p.m. in Kinnick Stadium (70,397). The game is sold out.

ON THE TUBE
ABC will televise Saturday’s game to a regional audience. The game is also available on DIRECTV’s ESPN GamePlan package. Brad Nessler, Bob Griese and Lynn Swann 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.

IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa dropped 10 spots in both polls and is ranked No. 19 in the most recent ESPN/USA Today poll, while it is ranked No. 23 in the Associated Press poll. Michigan is ranked 11th in the ESPN/USA Today poll and ninth in the AP poll.

Four of Iowa’s Big Ten opponents are ranked in the ESPN/USA Today poll. Ohio State is ranked No. 3, followed by No. 11 Michigan, No. 16 Minnesota and No. 23 Purdue.

Iowa was ranked No. 9 in the ESPN/USA Today poll on Sept. 21, which marked Iowa’s highest ranking this early in the season since it was ranked fifth in both major polls on Sept. 15, 1984.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,044 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 524-481-39 (.521). That includes a 330-191-16 (.629) record in home games, a 194-290-23 (.405) record in games away from Iowa City, a 253-324-25 (.441) mark in Big Ten games and a 212-158-15 (.570) record in Kinnick Stadium.

HAWKEYE HOMECOMING
Iowa holds a 47-39-5 record in homecoming games. Iowa has won its last three homecoming games, including last year’s thrilling come-from-behind victory over Purdue (31-28). Iowa will play Michigan for the fourth time on homecoming. The Hawkeyes are 0-3 against the Wolverines on homecoming, with Michigan winning (26-12) the last meeting in 1989.

TICKETS AVAILABLE
Tickets are available for Iowa’s home finale against Minnesota ($40). This week’s contest vs. Michigan, along with games against Penn State and Illinois are sold out. Tickets 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.

WIN STREAKS SNAPPED
Iowa’s loss at Michigan State stopped a 13-game regular season winning streak, the third longest in school history. Iowa had also won 10 straight Big Ten Conference games, dating back to a 34-28 loss at Wisconsin on 11/3/01. The loss at Michigan State also snapped a six-game regular season road-winning streak.

ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 7-7-1 when playing on Oct. 4. The Hawkeyes defeated Iowa Teachers 63-5 in 1902 and 45-3 in 1913, Morningside 12-0 in 1910, Nebraska 18-0 in 1919, SE Oklahoma 43-0 in 1924, Arziona 31-19 in 1969 and Michigan State 24-21 in 1986. Iowa lost to Oklahoma A&M 6-0 in 1930, Michigan 6-0 in 1941, Illinois 35-12 in 1947, Indiana 20-13 in 1952, Southern Cal 27-16 in 1975, Arizona 5-3 in 1980 and Ohio State 23-7 in 1997. The Hawkeyes tied Air Force 13-13 in 1958.

MICHIGAN COACH LLOYD CARR
Lloyd Carr is in his ninth season as a college head coach, all at Michigan, and his record stands at 80-24 (.769). His Big Ten record is 50-15 (.769). Carr has led Michigan to a bowl game in each of his first eight seasons. He became the first Michigan coach to lead the Wolverines to four straight bowl victories (1998-2001), before losing to Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl (45-15) in 2002. Michigan won the Outback Bowl over Florida (38-30) last year. His Michigan teams have won three (1997, 1998 and 2000) Big Ten titles. The 1997 Wolverines earned the national title with a perfect 12-0 record as Carr was named National Coach of the Year.

Prior to becoming Michigan’s head coach, Carr was a Wolverine assistant for 15 seasons. He joined the staff as the defensive secondary coach, was the defensive coordinator for eight years and was the assistant head coach for five seasons. He was an assistant coach for two seasons at Eastern Michigan (1976-77) and two years at Illinois (1978-79) before joining the Michigan staff.

Carr is 4-1 vs. Iowa and 1-1 against Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz.

MICHIGAN DEFEATS INDIANA
Michigan defeated Indiana, 31-17, marking the Wolverines’ 22nd consecutive Big Ten Conference opening win. WR Steve Breaston scored two touchdowns, on a 69-yard punt return and a 20-yard touchdown reception, to lead the Michigan offense. QB John Navarre completed 15-24 passes for 161 yards and two touchdown passes, while RB Chris Perry topped the 100-yard rushing mark for the fourth time this season with 112 yards on 21 carries. DB Jeremy LeSueur returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown, while DL Pierre Woods and DB Marlin Jackson had eight tackles each to lead the defense.

IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
These are Iowa’s most recent wins vs. nationally ranked opponents:
At Home:
21-2 over 16th-ranked Arizona State, 9/20/03
On the Road:
34-9 over eighth-ranked Michigan, 10/26/02
Neutral:
38-18 over 20th-ranked Washington, Sun Bowl, 12/29/95

THE SERIES
Michigan holds a 37-9-4 advantage in the series that began with a 28-5 Iowa win in 1900. Michigan had won seven straight over Iowa before the Hawkeyes won in Ann Arbor last year (34-9) on its homecoming. The 25-point victory was the Wolverines’ worst homecoming loss since 1937. Michigan holds a 15-3-1 advantage in games played in Iowa City, having won the last five contests and earning a tie in the sixth. The last Iowa victory in Kinnick Stadium came in 1985 (12-10). The Wolverines defeated Iowa (32-26) in their last visit to Iowa City in 2001.

IOWA, MICHIGAN NOTES

• Iowa’s roster includes two players from Michigan (TE Tony Jackson and RB Fred Russell). There are no Iowans on Michigan’s roster.
• 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).
• This week’s game features two of the nation’s top punt returners and running backs. Michigan’s Steve Breaston is the nation’s leading punt returner (21.07), while Iowa’s Ramon Ochoa ranks 11th (16.15). Chris Perry of Michigan ranks fourth in the nation and first in the Big Ten in rushing (137.4), while Iowa’s Fred Russell ranks 10th nationally and second in the conference (123.2).
• Iowa ranks third in the nation in scoring defense (10.6), while Michigan ranks sixth (11.6).
• Michigan has not allowed a passing touchdown, while Iowa has only allowed two rushing touchdowns this year.
• Saturday’s game will mark Iowa’s seventh consecutive home game against Michigan that will be televised on ABC, dating back to 10/15/88.

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.

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.

FINAL GAME NOTES

• Iowa began the game on defense for just the second time in 47 games, and for the first time in 16 games, dating back to Miami (OH) in the second game of the 2002 season.
• Michigan State started the game with a touchdown for the third consecutive game against Iowa, dating back to Iowa’s 21-16 win in Iowa City in 2000.
• The early 14-point deficit is Iowa’s biggest of the season. Iowa trailed Miami (OH) by three points and Arizona State by two.
• PK Nate Kaeding tied Tom Nichol’s school record of 142 career PATs. The PAT coupled with a 23-yard field goal raised his career-best scoring total to 298 points.
• SS Bob Sanders returned to action after missing the last three games. WR Maurice Brown and OL David Walker missed their second straight game, while FB Champ Davis missed his third consecutive contest. WR Ed Hinkel did not play after leaving the Arizona State game early.
• RB Fred Russell moved into ninth place on Iowa’s career rushing chart. Russell rushed 23 times for 122 yards, improving his career totals to 341 carries for 2,021 yards. He has rushed for 100 yards or more in three games this season and 11 times in his career.
• TE Mike Follett’s touchdown reception in the second quarter was the first of his career. The sophomore played defense prior to this season.
• WR Scott Chandler became the sixth true freshman to play for Iowa this season. Three of the six rookies, Chandler, James Townsend and Eric McCollom, have played wide receiver.
• Michigan State’s field goal just before halftime marked the first points allowed by Iowa in the second quarter this year. Iowa, through five games, has not allowed any points in the third quarter.
• Iowa’s 10 penalties for 100 yards were season highs in both number and yards. The previous high was seven penalties for 51 yards at Iowa State.

IOWA STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa began last week’s game at Michigan State on defense for just the second time in 47 games, and the first in 16 games, dating back to Miami (OH) in the second game of the 2002 season. Iowa did win the toss, but deferred to the second half. Iowa has started the game on offense in 47 of 53 games under Kirk Ferentz.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK – 13
Iowa has had 13 different receivers with at least one catch this season. TE Mike Follett made his first two catches of the season last week, including one for a touchdown.

LAST MEETING
Iowa won its first game over Michigan since 1990 and handed the eighth-ranked Wolverines their worst home loss since 1967 with its 34-9 victory in Michigan Stadium. Also, the 25-point win snapped Michigan’s seven-game homecoming winning streak and is Michigan’s worst homecoming loss since 1937.

The Hawkeyes took a 10-6 halftime lead. Iowa scored the game’s first 10 points when WR C.J. Jones caught a 39-yard touchdown pass and PK Nate Kaeding converted on a 19-yard field goal in the first quarter. Michigan scored the only points of the second quarter when RB Chris Perry scored on a one-yard run with 1:13 left in the half. Perry’s score occurred two plays after Iowa punter David Bradley dropped the snap on Iowa’s one-yard line on a punt attempt.

After Michigan tallied a 40-yard field goal to open the third quarter, Iowa scored 24 unanswered points. Leading 10-9, Iowa regained momentum when it recovered a muffed punt on Michigan’s 16-yard line, a turnover caused by Bob Sanders and recovered by Scott Boleyn. Three plays later, Jones scored on a three-yard touchdown reception. RB Jermelle Lewis scored Iowa’s final two touchdowns on a five-yard run and a 23-yard reception before Kaeding finished the scoring with a 27-yard field goal.

Iowa posted 399 yards of total offense to Michigan’s 171. QB Brad Banks spearheaded Iowa’s offense, accounting for 275 yards of total offense. Banks completed 18-29 passes for 222 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed seven times for 53 yards. Lewis rushed for 109 yards on 18 carries to lead Iowa’s rushing attack. Jones caught a career-high eight passes for 81 yards, including touchdown receptions of 39 and three yards.

Iowa held the ball for a season-high 38:27 minutes, keeping its defense off the field. Defensively, LB Howard Hodges had six tackles. Three of his six tackles were for loss, including a game-high two sacks. DT Colin Cole collected six tackles, three for loss, while DB Bob Sanders tallied five tackles, one forced fumble and one pass deflection. Iowa held the Wolverines to 22 rushing yards on 20 attempts (0.9 avg.) and a season-low 149 passing yards.

INJURY UPDATE
FB Champ Davis, WR Maurice Brown and OL David Walker missed Iowa’s last two contests, while WR Ed Hinkel missed his first game last week. Davis, Hinkel and Walker are questionable for this week’s game. Brown is out indefinitely.

SS Bob Sanders, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right foot Sept. 5, returned last week after missing three games and recorded seven tackles (5 solo). 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 290 career tackles, which ranks 14th on Iowa’s all-time tackle chart.

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 the last two contests.

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).

KAEDING: IOWA’S CAREER SCORING LEADER
PK Nate Kaeding is in his final season after becoming the first Hawkeye to ever win the Lou Groza Award, which is given to the nation’s top place kicker last year. 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).

On Sept. 15, 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 298 career points.

For the season, Kaeding has converted all PAT attempts (16) and field goals (5). He ranks ninth in the Big Ten in scoring (6.2) and sixth in kicking points (6.2). Furthermore, 16 of his 22 kickoffs have gone for touchbacks (72.7%).

Kaeding has made 52-64 career field goal attempts, including 21-26 from outside 40 yards and 3-3 from outside 50 yards, and 142-144 PATs. Rob Houghtlin holds the Iowa record for career field goals (54), while Kaeding is tied with Tom Nichol for 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).

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 36 consecutive games at tackle after moving from tight end his freshman year. His 36-game starting streak ties for 15th in the nation for offensive linemen and is tops in the Big Ten.

In addition, ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has Gallery listed as his fourth overall prospect for next spring’s draft.

SANDERS RETURNS TO LINEUP
Senior SS Bob Sanders, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right foot on Sept. 5, returned last week after missing three games and recorded seven tackles (5 solo). 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, has collected 14 tackles in two games this season, which raises his career total to 290, which ranks 14th at Iowa. He is two tackles from topping Damien Robinson (1993-96) for 13th place.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Four of Iowa’s 15 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 three long punt (70, 24 and 21) and kickoff returns (26, 27 and 38).

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.

HAWKEYES IN THE NFL
Iowa ranks fourth in the Big Ten with 19 former Hawkeyes on NFL rosters. Michigan (32) ranks first, followed by Penn State (31) and Ohio State (30). Wisconsin is tied with the Hawkeyes with 20. Other national notable teams with former players in the NFL include USC (20), Washington (22), West Virginia (20), Texas (20), Michigan State (19), Oklahoma (18), Virginia Tech (18) and Pittsburgh (13).

In addition, former Hawkeyes RB Jeremy Allen (Saints), OL Alonzo Cunningham (49ers) and DT Colin Cole (Vikings) are on practice squads.

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 collected five tackles, including a career-high two sacks. He ranks 10th on the team in tackles (17), is tied for first in sacks (5) and is tied for second in tackles for loss (6). His five sacks ranks seventh nationally.

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 (7), is tied with Hodges for the team lead in sacks (5), is tied for first in quarterback hurries (3) and ranks ninth in tackles (18). Roth ranks third in the Big Ten and 21st in the nation in sacks per game (0.9) and TFL (1.4). He has recorded at least one sack in 11 of Iowa’s last 12 games, dating back to last year. Last week, Roth collected two 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.

BRADLEY ADDED TO WATCH LIST
Junior punter David Bradley has been added to the 2003 Ray Guy Award Watch List. The award, which honors the nation’s top collegiate punter, will be announced on Dec. 11, at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show.

Bradley has punted 24 times for a 40.8 average, including eight downed inside the 20-yard line. Bradley earned his first Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week award on Sept. 1. He punted five times against Miami (OH) for a 48.4 average. Bradley had one punt downed inside the 20-yard line and boomed a career-long 62-yarder in the second quarter.

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 five games in place of injured Bob Sanders, returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown in a win over Miami (OH) in 2001. Smith has eight tackles, one pass break-up and one interception this year.

TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2003
Iowa has had six true freshmen see action this year, WR Scott Chandler, 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 Iowa’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. Chandler played in his first game last week at Michigan State, but did not catch a pass.

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.

Last week, Steen collected a game-high 10 tackles (8 solo), which was one shy of a career high. He registered 11 tackles (9 solo) at Indiana in 2002.

The Emmetsburg, IA, native ranks third on the team in tackles (27), is tied for first in fumble recoveries (1) and tied for third in interceptions (1).

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.

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 fourth in tackles (23). He scored his first career points when he returned a fumble 18 yards against Buffalo.

LINEBACKERS STOP OPPOSITION
Linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge have collected double figure tackles in two of the last three games. Greenway recorded a career-high 17 tackles at Iowa State and duplicated his efforts vs. Arizona State. His performance earned him Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week laurels, the first of his career. Last week, Greenway registered eight tackles (7 solo). Greenway is the Big Ten tackle leader (11.8) and ranks 18th in the nation in solo tackles and 21st in total tackles.

Like Greenway, Hodge recorded a career-high 15 tackles at Iowa State. The native of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, also matched his career best total vs. Arizona State. Hodge collected seven tackles (6 solo) in last week’s loss at Michigan State. Hodge ranks fifth in Big Ten tackles (9.8) and ranks second on the team in TFL (6) and third in sacks (2).

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, against Arizona State.

Johnson ranks second in the Big Ten in interceptions (0.6) and 21st in the nation. Additionally, he ranks fifth on the team in tackles (21) and second in pass break-ups (5). He has seven interceptions in 17 career games.

IOWA NOTES

• Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz started the season 4-0 for the first time as Iowa’s head coach. He has posted an 18-4 (.818) mark over the last 22 games.
• Michigan State scored a touchdown on its opening possession of the game, which marked only the fourth time in the last 17 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 this year.
• Iowa failed to score on its opening possession for the third time in five games. Iowa did not score on its first possession vs. Miami (OH), Arizona State and Michigan State.
• 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.

CHANDLER DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
Senior Nathan Chandler has begun the season 4-1 as Iowa’s starting quarterback. He has completed 53-90 passes for 626 yards, eight touchdowns and only two interceptions. His pass efficiency rating of 145.87, ranks second in the Big Ten. Chandler has thrown at least one touchdown pass in every game this year.

Last week, Chandler threw for a career-high 158 yards on 11-23 passing. He threw one touchdown and had one pass intercepted.

Against Arizona State, Chandler completed 15-23 passes for 154 yards, threw for three touchdowns and had one interception. 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.

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 110 times for 616 yards and three touchdowns in five games. His 123.2 average ranks second in the Big Ten and 10th nationally.

Last week, the native of Inkster, MI, carried the ball 23 times for 122 yards. Russell has rushed for 100 yards or more in a game three times this year and 11 times in his career. He has accomplished the feat in back-to-back games as Russell rushed 27 times for 154 yards vs. Arizona State. Russell has rushed for one touchdown in three of Iowa’s five 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 341 attempts for 2,021 yards, which ranks ninth best among Iowa running backs. His 122 yards last week helped him move past Levi Mitchell and into ninth on Iowa’s career rushing chart. He is 113 yards from moving past Dennis Mosley for eighth. Russell’s career 5.9 average ties Tavian Banks for 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.

SPECIAL TEAMS SUCCESS
After a successful season last year, Iowa’s special team continues to shine in 2003. Iowa, in five 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 seven kickoffs for an average of 22.7, 18 punt returns for an average of 14.8. The Hawkeyes rank second in the Big Ten and 11th in the nation in punt returns, while it ranks fourth in the conference and 37th nationally in kickoff returns. Iowa’s kickoff coverage unit yields 17.3 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.

OCHOA FILLING THE VOID
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 13 punts for an average of 16.2, which ranks second in the Big Ten and 11th nationally. He has returned five kickoffs for a 21.2 average.

Against Arizona State, 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.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 38-26 in the first quarter. The Hawkeyes have also been dominant in both the second and third quarters, outscoring their opponents 59-3 and 37-0, respectively. Hawkeye opponents own a 24-14 advantage in the fourth quarter.

DEFENSE MAKES A STAND

• The Hawkeye defense has not allowed any points in third quarter this season and has yielded only one field goal in the second quarter, that by Michigan State following an Iowa turnover.
• Iowa’s rushing defense has held its last two opponents to under 50 yards rushing. Arizona State rushed for only 24 yards on 21 attempts (1.1 avg.), while Michigan State collected only 45 yards on 32 carries (1.4 avg.). Iowa’s rushing defense ranks fourth in the Big Ten and 15th in the nation.
• Iowa has collected 14 sacks, which ranks third in the Big Ten.
• After gaining 16 yards on the first play of the second quarter (its longest play from scrimmage in the game), Arizona State went five straight possessions without a first down.
• Iowa’s defense has collected seven interceptions through five games. Last year, the Hawkeyes had five picks through their first five contests.
• Iowa’s defense has allowed only 53 points (10.6) in five games, which ranks first in the Big Ten and fifth in the nation. Two of the opponents’ six 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 Iowa’s win over Arizona State. 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). Iowa’s turnover margin (+2) ranks fourth in the Big Ten. Iowa’s 10 takeaways ranks fourth in the conference behind Michigan State (16), Ohio State (12) and Indiana (12).
• 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.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa is averaging 5.8 yards on 137 first down plays, 5.4 yards on 101 second down plays and 4.5 yards on 63 third down plays. The Hawkeyes have only attempted two fourth down plays, which have resulted in -4 yards.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 21 scoring drives have averaged 6.2 plays, 50.0 yards and 2:27 elapsed time. Eleven of Iowa’s 21 scoring drives covered 50 yards or more. Iowa opponents have recorded nine scoring drives, averaging 9.9 plays, 55.3 yards and 3:51 elapsed time. Five of Iowa’s opponents’ nine scoring drives have covered 75 yards or more.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
The Hawkeyes have marched inside the red zone 19 times and scored 16 of those times (84.2%). Iowa has been perfect inside the red zone the last three games. Last week, Iowa scored a touchdown and a field goal at Michigan State. Against Arizona State, 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 11 times and have scored seven times (63.6%). Michigan State scored on all four possessions inside the red zone last week. Iowa stopped ASU’s only red zone scoring threat 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.

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.

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 eight times, including four last week at Michigan State. Prior to last week, Iowa State was the only team to score any points following an Iowa turnover, which it converted into a touchdown. Last week the Spartans scored 13 points (1 touchdown and 2 field goals) following the Hawkeye miscues.

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 Arizona State in the non-conference and Ohio State and Illinois in the Big Ten.

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.

BIG TEN WEEKLY HONORS
LB Chad Greenway was named co-Defensive Player of the Week along with MSU DB Eric Smith on Sept. 22. 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 marked the first time Greenway earned the weekly honor from the Big Ten.

Iowa has had at least one player named player of the week in three of its five 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.

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.

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.

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 17 seniors, 10 juniors, 13 sophomores, nine redshirt freshmen and three true freshmen. These numbers do not include return specialists. Iowa’s three true freshmen include quarterback Drew Tate, full back Champ Davis 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.

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.

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’Kelly’s in Iowa City.

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’ 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 last week was 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 and then clicking on the Gametracker link. This feature is available for all remaining games.

AFTER THIS
Iowa is idle next week before returning to action the following week (Oct. 18) at Ohio State. Game time is slated for 2:38 p.m. CDT (ABC).