Iowa Returns Home To Host Penn State

Oct. 20, 2003

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IOWA TO HOST PENN STATE
Iowa (5-2, 1-2) returns home to host Penn State (2-5, 0-3) Saturday. Game time is 11:11 a.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.

ILLINOIS GAME TIME SET
Kickoff is set for 11:10 a.m. (CDT) for Iowa’s game vs. Illinois on Nov. 1. The game will be televised to a regional audience on ESPN Plus.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,046 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 525-482-39 (.521). That includes a 331-191-16 (.630) record in home games, a 194-291-23 (.405) record in games away from Iowa City, a 254-325-25 (.441) mark in Big Ten games and a 213-158-15 (.571) record in Kinnick Stadium.

IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked 16th in both the ESPN/USA Today and Associated Press polls. The Hawkeyes have been ranked as high as ninth twice this year.

TICKETS AVAILABLE
Tickets are available for Iowa’s home finale against Minnesota ($40). Saturday’s game vs. Penn State and next week’s contest vs. 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.

ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 8-5 when playing on Oct. 25. The Hawkeyes defeated Northwestern 78-6 in 1913, 26-20 in 1958 and 27-20 in 1986, Minnesota 9-6 in 1919 and 13-0 in 1924, Ohio State 8-0 in 1952, Michigan State 19-18 in 1969 and Indiana 62-0 in 1997. Iowa lost to Purdue 7-6 in 1941, Notre Dame 21-0 in 1947 and Minnesota 31-7 in 1975 and 24-6 in 1980.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK – 5
Five of Iowa’s seven games have been played in front of sellout crowds. Three of Iowa’s remaining five games are already sold out, with the fourth (at Purdue) and fifth (vs. Minnesota) games approaching a sellout.

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.

PENN STATE COACH JOE PATERNO
Joe Paterno is in his 54th season on the Penn State football coaching staff, including 38 years as head coach. Paterno’s career record is 338-105-3 (.761) since taking over in 1966. He is currently tied with Florida State Head Coach Bobby Bowden as the all-time NCAA Division I-A career victory leader. Paterno’s teams have won 20 bowl games, won national titles in 1982 and 1986 and posted undefeated records in 1968, 1969, 1973, 1986 and 1994. His teams have won as many as 11 games in 12 seasons and he has been National Coach of the Year on four occasions. Penn State’s last game (at Purdue, 10/18) marked the 600th Paterno has coached in since joining the Nittany Lion staff in 1950.

Paterno is 10-6 vs. Iowa and 1-3 vs. Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz.

THE SERIES
Penn State holds a 10-7 advantage in the series that began with a 19-0 Iowa win in 1930. Penn State had won four straight over Iowa through 1995, but the Hawkeyes have since won four of the last five meetings, including the last three. Iowa is 2-7 vs. Penn State in games played at Iowa City. The Hawkeyes won the last contest in Kinnick Stadium (24-18) in 2001. Penn State and Iowa have split the eight meetings since the Nittany Lions joined the Big Ten.

PENN STATE IDLE LAST WEEK
The Nittany Lions were idle last week and enter Saturday’s game trying to snap a three-game losing streak. The Nittany Lions have dropped their first three conference games (Minnesota, Wisconsin and Purdue) for the second time in three years. Since joining the Big Ten Conference in 1993, Penn State has never started a Big Ten season 0-4. The Nittany Lions have lost four straight games in the same season only once since 1932. Penn State’s 2001 squad dropped its first four games, before winning five of its last seven contests.

IOWA, PENN STATE NOTES

• Iowa’s roster includes three players from Pennsylvania, Ed Hinkel, Jovon Johnson and Bob Sanders, all three from Erie and all are starters. Hinkel is a sophomore wide receiver, Johnson a sophomore defensive back and Sanders a senior defensive back. Hinkel and Sanders attended Cathedral Prep, while Johnson went to Mercyhurst Prep. There are no Iowans on Penn State’s roster.
• Both teams have been out-scored in the first quarter by their opponents this year. Hawkeye opponents own a 50-48 advantage, while Nittany Lion opponents have a 62-10 edge.
• Penn State has lost three consecutive games to Iowa and Minnesota, which is its second-longest active losing streak to Big Ten teams. Penn State has lost to Michigan six straight times, but will not play the Wolverines this year or next.
• Three of the conference’s leading tacklers will be featured in Saturday’s game. Iowa linebackers Abdul Hodge (11.1) and Chad Greenway (11.1) lead the Big Ten in tackles. Penn State linebacker Gino Capone ranks third (10.9). The three linebackers are the only players in the Big Ten to average double figures in tackles.
• Saturday’s home game will mark the third consecutive sellout in Kinnick Stadium this year.
• Iowa has only played two overtime games in its history and both have come against Penn State in State College. The Hawkeyes won both overtime contests. Iowa’s 26-23 double overtime victory at Penn State in 2000 was Iowa’s first-ever overtime game. Last year, the Nittany Lions rallied from a 35-13 fourth quarter deficit to send the game into overtime, only to fall to the Hawkeyes (42-35).
• Penn State ranks first in the nation in passing defense (121.0), while Iowa ranks eighth in rushing defense (78.7).
• Ferentz attended high school in Pittsburgh and was a graduate assistant at Pittsburgh.
• PSU assistant Ron Vanderlinden was the defensive coordinator at Northwestern in 1995 and 1996 when the Wildcats won consecutive Big Ten titles.

HAWKEYES IN THE NFL
Iowa is tied for fifth in the Big Ten with 20 former Hawkeyes on NFL rosters. Michigan (35) ranks first, followed by Penn State (33), Ohio State (31) and Illinois (21). Like the Hawkeyes, Wisconsin also has 20 former athletes in the NFL. Other national notable teams with former players in the NFL include Washington (21), Oklahoma (21), USC (20), Texas (19), West Virginia (18), Virginia Tech (18), Michigan State (17), Purdue (14) and Pittsburgh (13). In addition, former Hawkeyes RB Jeremy Allen is on the Saints’ practice squad.

LAST MEETING
Iowa let a 35-13 fourth quarter lead slip away, but rallied in overtime to defeat 12th-ranked Penn State 42-35. The Hawkeyes quickly jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first quarter and went into halftime with the momentum and a 26-7 lead after Nate Kaeding kicked a career-long 55-yard field goal as time expired. Iowa took a 35-13 lead into the fourth quarter, but a determined Nittany Lion team fought back to tie the game and send the contest into overtime for the second time in three years.

Iowa started the extra session on offense and scored when QB Brad Banks connected with WR C.J. Jones for a six-yard score on third-and-goal. Penn State would drive down to the Iowa five-yard line on its possession, but failed to convert on a fourth-down screen pass.

RB Fred Russell returned to the starting lineup and rushed 35 times for 142 yards and one touchdown. QB Brad Banks completed 18-30 passes for 261 yards and four touchdowns. WR C.J. Jones led Iowa with seven receptions for 46 yards and two touchdowns. WR Maurice Brown caught four passes for 100 yards and one score, while TE Dallas Clark recorded four receptions for 88 yards.

PK Nate Kaeding extended his streak of consecutive field goals to 13 as he connected on field goals of 47 and 55 yards in the first half.

Defensively, Iowa intercepted two passes, recovered one fumble and blocked and returned a PAT attempt. DBs Derek Pagel and Jovon Johnson both intercepted their second passes of the year, while DT Colin Cole recovered a Nittany Lion fumble in the first quarter. Pagel also blocked a Penn State PAT attempt and DB D.J. Johnson ran the block back 99 yards for two points. LB Fred Barr led Iowa with 13 tackles, while SS Bob Sanders and LB Grant Steen each collected nine.

IOWA STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 47 of its last 49 games. Iowa’s games at Miami, OH (9-7-02) and at Michigan State (9-27-03) are the only contests that the Hawkeyes didn’t start on offense. Iowa has started the game on offense in 49 of 55 games under Kirk Ferentz.

OHIO STATE 19, IOWA 10
A defensive battle that was decided by special teams saw No. 8 Ohio State defeat No. 9 Iowa, 19-10 at Ohio Stadium. The victory was the Buckeyes’ eighth straight over the Hawkeyes.

After Iowa failed to score on its opening possession, Ohio State converted a 53-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 advantage. The field goal would be the only points the Hawkeye defense would allow.

Unable to score on its next possession, Iowa punted to Ohio State’s Michael Jenkins, who ran the punt back 54 yards to give the Buckeyes a 10-0 edge six minutes into the contest. The Hawkeyes trimmed Ohio State’s lead to seven after a 36-yard Nate Kaeding field goal later in the first quarter.

After a scoreless second quarter, Ohio State’s special teams scored again in the third quarter when the Buckeyes blocked an Iowa punt and recovered the ball in the end zone to stretch the lead to 17-3. Iowa answered with its only touchdown of the game on a fake field goal from the five-yard line in the fourth quarter. Holder David Bradley pitched the ball to Kaeding, who ran to the right corner of the end zone and scored to trim the Buckeye lead to seven.

Down by seven and pinned deep in its own end late in the game, a shotgun snap over the head of Iowa QB Nathan Chandler sailed out of the end zone for a safety giving Ohio State a 19-10 advantage.

Chandler completed 14-27 passes for 153 yards and one interception. RB Fred Russell rushed 22 times for 42 yards, while WR Ramon Ochoa caught four passes for 86 yards, including a career-long 51-yard reception.

Iowa’s defense was solid. The Hawkeyes allowed only 56 yards rushing on 42 attempts (1.3 avg.) and 129 yards passing. Iowa collected four sacks and forced a fumble on its goal line to prevent Ohio State from scoring a critical touchdown. LB Abdul Hodge collected a career-high 16 tackles, including 1.5 TFL and forced the fumble on the goal line. LB Chad Greenway and SS Bob Sanders each registered 10 tackles, while DE Howard Hodges recorded four tackles, including a career-high three sacks.

FINAL OHIO STATE GAME NOTES

• The last time a team defeated Iowa without scoring an offensive touchdown was 1980, when the Hawkeyes lost, 5-3, to Arizona.
• RB Fred Russell was held under 100 yards rushing for the third time this season and the first time since Iowa’s game at Iowa State (9-13).
• Ohio State became the third Iowa opponent to score on its first possession. Miami (OH) also opened the game with a field goal, while Michigan State opened with a touchdown drive. Ohio State became Iowa’s fourth straight opponent to score first. Arizona State led 2-0 before Iowa won 21-2, Michigan State led 14-0 in a 20-10 win over Iowa and Michigan led 14-10 before Iowa rallied for a 30-27 win. Iowa has trailed by as many as 14 points in its last three consecutive games.
• Iowa’s offense failed to score on its opening possession for the fourth consecutive game and fifth time in seven games. Iowa began the win over Buffalo with a touchdown drive and opened the win at Iowa State with a field goal.
• The game vs. Ohio State marked the third time in seven games Iowa’s defense did not allow its opponent to score an offensive touchdown. Miami (OH) scored only a field goal and Arizona State scored only a safety.
• Mike Jones, a true freshman, started at left guard and became the seventh true freshman to play for Iowa this season. Iowa played only two true freshmen last season.
• RB Jermelle Lewis saw his first action of the season. Lewis, who had just two rushing attempts vs. Ohio State, returned after he underwent knee surgery after suffering an injury during spring practice.
• Ohio State’s touchdown on the blocked punt marked the first points allowed by Iowa in the third quarter this year. With the Buckeyes failing to score in the second quarter, Iowa has yielded just nine points in the second quarter through seven games.
• The game vs. Ohio State marked the fifth straight game Iowa has held its opponent to less than 75 yards rushing. Buffalo, in the second game of the year, is the only team to rush for over 100 yards against Iowa.

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.

INJURY UPDATE
DT Jonathon Babineaux and OL Brian Ferentz will miss the remainder of the season. Babineaux suffered a fracture in his right leg in Iowa’s game at Ohio State, while Ferentz will undergo surgery this week on a knee that has bothered him the last three weeks. WR Maurice Brown, who has missed Iowa’s last four contests, is questionable this weekend.

After missing two games, WR Ed Hinkel returned to the lineup last week at Ohio State. Hinkel collected two receptions for 24 yards against the Buckeyes.

RB Jermelle Lewis saw his first action in 2003 at Ohio State (Lewis had two rushing attempts for -4 yards against the Buckeyes). He underwent knee surgery after suffering an injury 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).

Brown is Iowa’s leading receiver with 14 receptions for 212 yards and three touchdowns.

RB Albert Young broke a bone in his right leg in mid-August and is still 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.

TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2003
Iowa has had seven true freshmen see action this year, WR Scott Chandler, FB Champ Davis, WR James Townsend, RB A.J. Johnson, OL Mike Jones, WR Eric McCollom and QB Drew Tate.

Jones played and started his first game at left guard last week at Ohio State.

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 14 times for 38 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 Arizona State. Townsend has caught three passes for 16 yards. McCollom has played primarily as a wide receiver, but did have one rushing attempt from the quarterback position. Chandler played in his first game at Michigan State and also saw action vs. Michigan, but did not catch a pass in either game.

Iowa had only two true freshmen play last season (DB Jovon Johnson and WR Clinton Solomon).

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.

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 313 career kick points and 319 career points.

Kaeding collected his first career touchdown last week at Ohio State when he scored a five-yard touchdown on a fake field goal in the fourth quarter.

For the season, Kaeding has converted all PAT attempts (20) and field goals (9). He ranks seventh in the Big Ten in scoring (7.6) and fourth in kicking points (6.7). He is the only Big Ten place kicker to have converted 100 percent of his field goals this year. Furthermore, 20 of his 33 kickoffs have gone for touchbacks (60.6%).

Kaeding has made 56-68 career field goal attempts, including 21-26 from outside 40 yards and 3-3 from outside 50 yards, and 146-148 PATs. Kaeding is the school record holder for career field goals (56) and PATs (145).

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 38 consecutive games at tackle after moving from tight end his freshman year. His 38-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 TOPS 300 CAREER TACKLES

Senior SS Bob Sanders collected 10 tackles (5 solo) last week at Ohio State to raise his career tackle total to 307, which ranks 13th at Iowa. He is seven tackles from topping Mike Wells (1990-93) for 12th place.

Sanders, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right foot Sept. 5, returned to Iowa’s lineup at Michigan State after missing three games and recorded seven tackles (5 solo). Sanders collected seven tackles (six solo) and had one pass break-up vs. Michigan in his first start of the season.

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 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 31 tackles in four games this season. He ranks fifth on the team in tackles.

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.

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 40 times for a 41.5 average, including nine downed inside the 20-yard line. Against Michigan, he punted nine times, recording a 44.2 average and downed one inside the 20. The nine punts mark the second-most punts in a game in his career. Bradley punted 11 times against Purdue in his freshman season in 2001.

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.

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 sixth in tackles (29). He scored his first career points when he returned a fumble 18 yards against Buffalo.

LINEBACKERS ARE BIG TEN LEADERS
Linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge have been a force in the middle of Iowa’s defense this season. Both are currently tied for first in the conference in tackles per game (11.1).

Hodge has collected double figure tackles in four of the last five games. Last week at Ohio State, Hodge was dominant. The native of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, collected a career and game-high 16 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, had one pass break-up and forced a fumble on Iowa’s goal line to stop an Ohio State scoring drive. Against Michigan, Hodge collected a game-high 13 tackles (3 solo), including one for loss. He registered 15 tackles at Iowa State and then matched his tackle total the next week vs. Arizona State. Along with leading the conference in tackles (11.1), Hodge ranks 10th in TFL (8).

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 at Ohio State, Greenway collected 10 tackles (5 solo), including 2.5 for loss. Along with leading the conference in tackles (11.1), he ranks fourth on the Hawkeyes in 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.

Hodges collected four tackles, including a career-high three sacks at Ohio State last week. At Michigan State, he registered five tackles, including a two sacks. He leads the Big Ten in sacks (8), ranks second on the Hawkeyes in TFL (10), fourth in QB hurries (2) and ninth in tackles (25).

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 fifth in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (10) and third in sacks (7), is tied for first on the Hawkeyes in quarterback hurries (3) and is tied with Hodges for ninth in tackles (25). He has recorded at least one sack in 12 of Iowa’s last 14 games, dating back to last year. Against Michigan, Roth collected five tackles, including two sacks.

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.

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 questionable for this Saturday’s game vs. Penn State.

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.

DAVIS CATCHING ON
Redshirt freshman WR Calvin Davis had his best game as a Hawkeye vs. Michigan. The Iowa City native had four receptions in the first half, including his first career touchdown, after having just four receptions in Iowa’s first five games. Davis, for the game, had 60 yards on seven receptions and also had a 23-yard kickoff return.

He caught two passes for 24 yards at Ohio State last week.

Davis ranks third on the team in receptions (13) and third in receiving yards (146). He caught his longest reception of the year (27) in Iowa’s win over Michigan.

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 (3) and 25th in the nation. Additionally, he ranks seventh on the team in tackles (26) and second in pass break-ups (5). He ranks third in the Big Ten in passes defended (10). He has seven interceptions in 19 career games.

IOWA NOTES

• Three of Iowa’s last four games have come against nationally ranked opponents. Iowa has defeated two ranked opponents at home this year. The Hawkeyes bounced then-No. 16 Arizona State (21-2) and then-No. 9 Michigan (30-27). Iowa lost at No. 8 Ohio State (19-10) and lost to Michigan State (20-10), who wasn’t ranked when Iowa played the Spartans, but are currently ranked 12th.
• Iowa has won 14 of its last 16 regular season games. The Hawkeyes’ loss at Michigan State on Sept. 27, stopped a 13-game regular season winning streak, the third longest in school history.
• Iowa has had two sellouts this year (Arizona State and Michigan). The Hawkeyes’ upcoming home games against Penn State and Illinois are also sold out. Iowa’s home attendance average is 62,348 in four games this year.
• Iowa has won 17 of its last 19 games in Kinnick Stadium dating back to the end of the 2000 season. Iowa’s two losses came against Iowa State (36-31 in 2002) and Michigan (32-26 in 2001).
• The Hawkeyes have trailed by as many as 14 points in its last three games, including starting games at Michigan State and vs. Michigan with a 14-point deficit.
• Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz started the season 4-0 for the first time as Iowa’s head coach. He has posted a 19-5 (.792) mark over the last 24 games.
• 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).

CHANDLER DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
Senior Nathan Chandler has completed 84-151 passes for 974 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. His pass efficiency rating of 128.6, rank sixth in the Big Ten and 53rd nationally. Chandler has thrown at least one touchdown pass in six of Iowa’s seven games. Last week’s game at Ohio State marked the first time this year he failed to toss a touchdown pass. His 11 touchdown passes rank fourth in the Big Ten.

In Iowa’s win over Michigan, Chandler collected career bests in completions (17), attempts (34) and passing yardage (195). He also threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in Iowa’s upset win over then-No. 9 Michigan.

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, is attempting 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 158 times for 768 yards and three touchdowns. His 109.7 average ranks second in the Big Ten and 12th nationally.

The native of Inkster, MI, has rushed for 100 yards or more in a game four times this year and 12 times in his career. He accomplished the feat in three consecutive games this year as Russell rushed 27 times for 154 yards vs. Arizona State, 23 times for 122 yards at Michigan State and 26 times for 110 yards vs. Michigan.

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 second in conference rushing (109.7) and sixth in all-purpose yards (110.7).

His career totals include 389 attempts for 2,173 yards, which ranks eighth best among Iowa running backs. He is only five yards from moving past Eddie Phillips for seventh. Russell’s career 5.6 average ranks second all-time behind Tavian Banks (5.9) 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 seven games, has scored two special teams and one defensive touchdown.

Last week at Ohio State, the Hawkeyes scored a touchdown on a fake field goal. Holder David Bradley pitched the ball to place kicker Nate Kaeding, who ran five yards to the right corner of the end zone and scored.

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 Michigan, DB Chris Smith blocked Iowa’s third punt of the season in the third quarter that led to a Kaeding field goal.

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 15 kickoffs for an average of 22.9, 25 punt returns for an average of 13.4. The Hawkeyes rank third in the Big Ten and 16th nationally in punt returns and second in the conference and 35th nationally in kickoff returns. Iowa’s kickoff coverage unit yields 17.3 yards per return, which ranks fifth in the Big Ten.

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.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 69-9 and 43-7 in the second and third quarters, respectively. Hawkeye opponents own a 50-48 advantage in the first quarter and a 33-28 edge in the fourth quarter.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa is averaging 5.1 yards on 196 first down plays, 4.7 yards on 144 second down plays and 4.7 yards on 98 third down plays. The Hawkeyes have only attempted two fourth down plays, which have resulted in -4 yards.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 29 scoring drives have averaged 6.6 plays, 46.8 yards and 2:37 elapsed time. Fifteen of Iowa’s 29 scoring drives covered 50 yards or more. Iowa had a season-high 14-play drive last week at Ohio State.

Iowa opponents have recorded 15 scoring drives, averaging 8.9 plays, 56.9 yards and 3:15 elapsed time. Six of Iowa’s opponents’ 15 scoring drives have covered 75 yards or more.

DEFENSE MAKES A STAND

• Ohio State’s touchdown on a blocked punt marked the first points allowed by Iowa in the third quarter this season. The Hawkeyes have yielded only three field goals in the second quarter.
• Iowa’s rushing defense has held its last five opponents to under 75 yards rushing. Iowa State rushed for 71 yards on 40 attempts (1.78 avg.). Arizona State was held to 24 yards on 21 attempts (1.1 avg.), Michigan State collected only 45 yards on 32 carries (1.4 avg.), Michigan recorded 74 yards on 33 attempts (2.2 avg.), while Ohio State collected 56 yards on 42 attempts (1.3 avg.). Iowa’s rushing defense ranks third in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation.
• Iowa has collected 21 sacks, which ranks fourth 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.
• After scoring on four of its first five possessions, Michigan failed to score on 11 of its last 12 possessions, which included a one play kneel down at the end of the half.
• Iowa’s defense has allowed only 98 points (14.1) in seven games, which is best in the Big Ten and seventh in the nation. Two of the opponents’ nine offensive 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 linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge lead the Big Ten in tackles (11.1), while DE Howard Hodges and Matt Roth rank first and third in the conference in sacks, respectively.
• 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.
• Iowa’s defense has collected 12 takeaways (8 interceptions and 4 fumbles). Iowa’s turnover margin (+0) ranks fifth in the Big Ten.
• FS Sean Considine has collected two interceptions, two blocked punts and returned a fumble for a touchdown.
• Iowa’s defense has yielded only 12 offensive plays of 20 yards or more in seven games. Michigan had six. The Hawkeyes held Ohio State to only one big play (34-yard passing play).

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 19 punts for an average of 13.9, which rank third in the Big Ten and 15th nationally. He has returned 12 kickoffs for a 22.2 average, which rank seventh in the conference.

Ochoa caught four passes for a team-best 86 yards, including a career-long 51-yard reception at Ohio State last week.

Against Michigan, Ochoa recorded 169 yards of total offense. Ochoa ran back three punts for 48 yards, three kickoffs for 85 yards and caught two passes for 36 yards, including a crucial 31-yard touchdown that gave Iowa a 10-point cushion (30-20) late in the fourth quarter.

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.

For the year, Ochoa has 14 receptions for 238 yards. He is tied with Maurice Brown and Fred Russell for the team led in touchdowns (3).

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Five of Iowa’s 21 offensive plays of 20 yards or more have produced touchdowns. WR Ramon Ochoa caught a 31-yard touchdown vs. Michigan. 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 five long punt (70, 43, 24, 21, 21) and seven kickoff returns (38, 37, 31, 31, 27, 26, 23).

Iowa’s defense has yielded 12 offensive plays of 20 yards or more, including only one running play over 20 yards (25 yards at Iowa State).

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
The Hawkeyes have marched inside the red zone 26 times and scored 23 of those times (88.5%). Iowa has been perfect inside the red zone the last five games. Iowa ranks third in the Big Ten in red zone offense.

Iowa converted a field goal and scored a touchdown on a fake field goal on its only two trips inside the red zone at Ohio State. Iowa was a perfect 5-5 vs. Michigan, scoring two touchdowns and three field goals. The Hawkeyes tallied a touchdown and a field goal at Michigan State. Against Arizona State, Iowa scored two touchdowns on its only two trips inside the red zone. The Hawkeyes were 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 16 times and have scored 10 times (66.5%). Ohio State failed to score any points on two possessions inside the red zone. A fumble on the goal line and a fumbled snap on a field goal attempt halted two potential scoring drives. Michigan was a perfect 3-3, scoring two touchdowns and converting a field goal. Michigan State scored on all four possessions inside the red zone. 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.

Iowa’s red zone defense ranks second in the conference.

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 was on Oct. 11 and does not 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.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 34 points off 11 turnovers (8 interceptions and four fumbles), plus an additional 13 points following three blocked punts (2 at Iowa State and 1 vs. Michigan).

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 12 times, including four at Michigan State and three at Ohio State. Iowa State and Michigan State are the only opponents to score any points following an Iowa turnover. The Cyclones scored a touchdown, while the Spartans tallied 13 points (1 touchdown and 2 field goals) following the Hawkeye miscues.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 18 seniors, 11 juniors, 14 sophomores, seven redshirt freshmen and two true freshmen. These numbers do not include return specialists. Iowa’s four true freshmen include quarterback Drew Tate, wide receiver James Townsend, offensive lineman Mike Jones and full back Champ Davis.

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.

GAMES ON TELEVISION
Iowa’s first eight 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 was televised to a regional audience on ESPN Plus. ABC televised the Hawkeyes’ last two games vs. Michigan and at Ohio State and will again this Saturday vs. Penn State. Iowa’s game vs. Illinois will be televised regionally on ESPN Plus.

The Hawkeyes’ remaining conference games will likely be selected for television coverage.

IOWA FOOTBALL REPLAY SHOW
The new Hawkeye television program makes its debut this season as it takes highlights from Iowa’s most recent game and packages it in a tight and exciting 60 minutes of college football action. Produced by the Iowa Athletic Department in partnership with Mediacom, the Iowa Football Replay Show will air on Mediacom’s “Connections” channel in select television markets across the 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.

AFTER THIS
Iowa remains at home when it hosts Illinois (11:10 a.m., ESPN Plus) on Nov. 1 in Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes return to the road to face nationally ranked Purdue (kickoff time still pending) on Nov. 8 in Ross-Ade Stadium.