Iowa to Host Illinois Saturday

Oct. 27, 2003

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IOWA TO HOST ILLINOIS
Iowa (6-2, 2-2) remains home for the second consecutive week to host Illinois (1-8, 0-5) Saturday. Game time is 11:10 a.m. in Kinnick Stadium (70,397). The game is sold out.

ON THE TUBE
ESPN Plus will televise the contest to a regional audience that includes CBS2 Cedar Rapids, KDSM Des Moines, KMEG Sioux City, KYOU Ottumwa, Mediacom Mason City, KWQC Quad Cities and Cox Cable Council Bluffs. The game is also available on DIRECTV’s ESPN GamePlan package. Wayne Larrivee, Randy Wright and Beth Mowins 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.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,047 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 526-482-39 (.521). That includes a 332-191-16 (.631) record in home games, a 194-291-23 (.405) record in games away from Iowa City, a 255-325-25 (.442) mark in Big Ten games and a 214-158-15 (.572) record in Kinnick Stadium.

TICKETS AVAILABLE
Tickets are available for Iowa’s home finale against Minnesota ($40). Saturday’s game vs. Illinois is 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.

PURDUE GAME TIME SET
Kickoff is set for 2:35 a.m. (CST) for Iowa’s game at Purdue on Nov. 8. The game will be televised to a national audience on ESPN.

IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked 13th in the Associated Press poll and 14th in the ESPN/USA Today poll. Illinois is not ranked. The Hawkeyes have been ranked as high as ninth in the two major polls twice this year.

The Big Ten leads all conferences with six teams ranked in the ESPN/USA Today poll in No. 7 Ohio State, No. 10 Michigan State, No. 12 Michigan, No. 14 Iowa, No. 17 Purdue, No. 19 Minnesota. The SEC ranks second with four ranked squads.

BLACK AND GOLD BLOWOUT
The men’s basketball team hosts its annual Black & Gold Blowout following the football game at 3 p.m. in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Admission is $5.

ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 8-5 when playing on Nov. 1. The Hawkeyes defeated Iowa State 12-6 in 1902, South Dakota 26-13 in 1919, Detroit 7-3 in 1930, Indiana 13-7 in 1941, Michigan 37-14 in 1958, Northwestern 24-21 in 1975, Wisconsin 22-13 in 1980 and Purdue 35-17 in 1997. Iowa lost to Illinois 36-0 in 1924, Purdue 21-0 in 1947, Minnesota 17-7 in 1952 and 35-8 in 1969 and Ohio State 31-10 in 1986.

ILLINOIS COACH RON TURNER
Ron Turner is in his eighth year as a collegiate coach and his seventh with Illinois. Turner’s career record is 39-50 (.438) and 32-46 (.410) with the Fighting Illini. Turner has coached Illinois to two bowl games (Micronpc.com and Sugar) during his tenure. In 2001, he was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year while guiding the Fighting Illini to a Big Ten Championship.

Prior to being named head coach at Illinois, Turner spent four seasons (1993-96) as the Chicago Bears’ offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach. Before his stint with the Bears, Turner was the head coach at San Jose State for one year (1992) where he guided the Spartans to a second place conference finish and a 7-3 record.

Turner is 2-2 vs. Iowa and 2-0 against Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz.

ILLINOIS FALLS TO MINNESOTA
Minnesota defeated Illinois, 36-10, on Illinois’ homecoming last Staurday. Illinois has lost seven straight games, including five consecutive Big Ten contests. The Fighting Illini’s defense allowed Minnesota to put up 575 yards of total offense. QB Dustin Ward, who replaced starting QB Chris Pazan, completed 17-32 passes for 221 yards in his second game of the year. Illinois’ only touchdown came on a four-yard pass from Ward to FB Carey Davis in the second quarter. The Fighting Illini recorded 339 yards of total offense. RB Pierre Thomas led Illinois’ rushing attack with 15 attempts for 70 yards. WR Kelvin Hayden caught three passes for 93 yards.

IOWA, ILLINOIS NOTES

• Iowa’s roster includes 13 players from Illinois, including two offensive (OL Mike Jones and Sam Aiello) and defensive (Matt Roth and Sean Considine) starters. Jones started his first game as a Hawkeye at Ohio State two weeks ago. There are no Iowans on Illinois’ roster.
• Illinois Head Coach Ron Turner has served as quarterbacks coach at Pittsburgh (1983-84). Iowa’s Head Coach Kirk Ferentz was a graduate assistant at Pittsburgh (1980).
• Iowa PK Nate Kaeding scored his first career touchdown on a five-yard run on a fake field goal attempt at Ohio State this year. The last time Iowa attempted a fake field goal, prior to Ohio State, was in Iowa’s 31-0 loss at Illinois (10-14-00). The Hawkeyes failed, which incidentally was also attempted from the five-yard line. Punter Jason Baker’s pass attempt to PK Nate Kaeding was incomplete.
• Saturday will mark the second time this year that Iowa will play two straight home games. The Hawkeyes also opened the season with two consecutive home games.

THE SERIES
Saturday marks the 64th meeting between the two schools with Illinois holding a 37-24-2 advantage in the series that began with a 58-0 Iowa victory in 1899. The Fighting Illini have won the last two meetings, including a 40-24 win in Iowa City in 1999. The Hawkeyes are 13-18-2 vs. Illinois in games played at Iowa City. Iowa won three straight over Illinois in 1996, 1997 and 1998, which included its last victory over the Fighting Illini in Iowa City (38-10) in 1997.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK – 7
The Big Ten Conference has already qualified seven teams for bowl games. Iowa became the seventh conference school to become bowl eligible with its win over Penn State last week. Michigan State, Michigan, Ohio State and Minnesota all have seven wins, while Purdue, Wisconsin and Iowa have six.

The Big Ten has seven bowl tie-ins this season – the Rose Bowl/Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game, Capital One, Outback, Alamo, Sun, Music City and Motor City Bowls.

LAST MEETING
After both teams missed scoring opportunities in the opening quarter, Illinois scored three touchdowns in the second en route to a 31-0 win in Champaign. The Iowa offense struggled in the first half, but drove to the Illinois five-yard line to start the third quarter. Iowa failed to convert after a fake field goal resulted in an incomplete pass, and the Illinois defense kept Iowa out of scoring range the remainder of the game.

Iowa was guilty of four turnovers, with three leading directly to Illinois touchdowns. The Iowa defense allowed just three points in the second half, as Illinois’ only touchdown after halftime came on an interception return.

RB Ladell Betts led Iowa’s rushing attack with 115 yards on 23 carries. QB Jon Beutjer completed 17-32 passes for 173 yards, but he also tossed his first two career interceptions. WR Kevin Kasper had six catches for 65 yards. DB Chris Smith, who started for the first time in his career, led the Iowa defense with 14 tackles. LB Roger Meyer added 11 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass break-up.

IOWA 26, PENN STATE 14
Iowa defeated Penn State, 26-14, for the fourth consecutive time on the strength of a strong running game and solid defense.

After yielding an 83-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter, Iowa would score the game’s next 26 points.

QB Nathan Chandler completed touchdown passes of two and four yards to WR Matt Melloy and Ramon Ochoa, respectively, in the second quarter to take a 12-7 lead into halftime. Iowa’s first PAT attempt was blocked. The Hawkeyes failed to score following their second touchdown on a fake PAT attempt.

LB Chad Greenway blocked a Penn State punt on the first possession of the second half that was recovered by LB Jermire Roberts and returned 26 yards for a touchdown. It marked Iowa’s fourth blocked punt this year. The Hawkeyes stretched their lead to 26-7 following a Chandler one-yard run in the third quarter. Penn State scored its only offensive touchdown late in the third quarter to trim Iowa’s lead to 26-14, but would get no closer. The Nittany Lion score came after recovering a fumble at the Iowa 24-yard line.

Chandler completed 13-26 passes for 174 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed seven times for 22 yards and one score. RB Fred Russell carried the ball a career-high 36 times for 148 yards. WR Ramon Ochoa caught five passes for 67 yards and one touchdown.

Iowa’s defense held Penn State to season lows in first downs (9), total plays (55) and yards total offense (176). In addition, the Nittany Lions rushed 28 times for 38 yards (1.4 avg.) and converted only 2-15 on third down. Greenway collected a game-high 11 tackles (9 solo), including one sack. DB Antwan Allan registered seven tackles (6 solo), while SS Bob Sanders recorded six tackles (4 solo), including one for loss and forced two fumbles. LB Abdul Hodge collected five solo tackles and recovered his first career fumble and returned it 47 yards.

FINAL PENN STATE GAME NOTES

• Iowa’s fourth consecutive wins over Penn State is the second-longest active winning streak against the Nittany Lions. Michigan has won six straight over Penn State.
• Penn State’s 24-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter marked the first offensive touchdown the Hawkeye defense allowed in six quarters. The last time Iowa’s defense had yielded an offensive touchdown was in the fourth quarter of Iowa’s 30-27 win vs. Michigan (10/4).
• FB Edgar Cervantes posted career highs in rushing attempts (7) and yards (42). He also caught two passes for 26 yards.
• PK Nate Kaeding’s PAT streak of 56 was snapped when Penn State blocked his first attempt in the second quarter. His last miss was at Penn State last year, which was also blocked. He has converted 148-151 PATs in his career.
• Penn State became Iowa’s sixth straight opponent to be held to less than 75 yards rushing. The Nittany Lions were held to 38 yards on 28 attempts.
• OL Mike Jones, a true freshman, started his second consecutive game at left guard.
• WR Warren Holloway caught his first pass of the season and second of his career on a key third down conversion in the second quarter. Holloway became the 14th Hawkeye receiver to catch at least one pass this year.
• Penn State became the fifth Iowa opponent failing to score on its opening possession. The only Hawkeye opponents to score on its opening possession were Ohio State (10/18), Michigan State (9/27) and Miami (OH) (8/30).
• Iowa’s offense failed to score on its first possession for the fifth consecutive game and sixth time in eight games.
• Iowa had scored 16 consecutive times in the red zone before QB Nathan Chandler’s first quarter interception was returned for a score. The last time Iowa failed to score in the red zone was when the Hawkeyes let the clock expire on their final possession in a 56-7 win vs. Buffalo (9/6).
• Penn State became Iowa’s fifth straight opponent to score first.

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, OL Brian Ferentz and DB Ma’Quan Dawkins underwent season-ending surgeries last week. Babineaux suffered a fracture in his right leg in Iowa’s game at Ohio State, while Ferentz and Dawkins have knee injures. Wide receivers Maurice Brown, Ed Hinkel and James Townsend are questionable this weekend. Brown has missed Iowa’s last five contests. Hinkel has missed three of Iowa’s last four games, including last week’s game vs. Penn State. Townsend was out of last week’s game with a foot injury.

OG David Walker returned to action after missing the last four games. He started the first three games of the year at left guard before sharing time with Mike Jones last weekend.

RB Jermelle Lewis saw his first action in 2003 at Ohio State (Lewis had two rushing attempts for -4 yards against the Buckeyes). He did not play last week vs. Penn State after re-straining his hamstring in practice last week. Lewis 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).

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.

IOWA’S DEFENSE RANKS HIGH NATIONALLY
The Hawkeye defense has allowed only 14.1 points per game, which ranks seventh nationally. Iowa’s rushing defense ranks fifth (73.6), while its total defense ranks ninth (281.2). Iowa’s rushing defense is on pace to break the school season record. The Hawkeyes’ 1981 team currently holds the school record (79.7).

IOWA STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 48 of its last 50 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 50 of 56 games under Kirk Ferentz.

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.

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 two games at left guard the last two weeks (at Ohio State and vs. Penn 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).

GOOD FIELD POSITION
Iowa has recorded 18 offensive possessions where it has started its drives on the opponents’ side of the field, including a season-high seven times at Iowa State in week three. The Hawkeyes have started at least one offensive possession on the opponents’ side of the field at least once in every game this year, except Iowa’s game at Michigan State in week five.

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 316 career kick points and 322 career points. His 316 points rank fourth all-time in kick scoring in the Big Ten Conference.

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

Kaeding missed his third career PAT following a Penn State block in the second quarter last week. He had converted 56 straight PATs before the block. Kaeding’s last miss was at Penn State last year, which was also blocked.

For the season, Kaeding has converted 9-9 field goals and 22-23 PATs. He ranks seventh in the Big Ten in scoring (6.9) and sixth in kicking points (6.1). He is the only Big Ten place kicker to have converted 100 percent of his field goals this year. Furthermore, 23 of his 35 kickoffs have gone for touchbacks (65.7%).

Kaeding has made 56-68 career field goal attempts, including 21-26 from outside 40 yards and 3-3 from outside 50 yards, and 148-151 PATs. Kaeding is the school record holder for career field goals (56) and PATs (148).

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 39 consecutive games at tackle after moving from tight end his freshman year. His 39-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.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Five of Iowa’s 26 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 posted five offensive plays of 20 yards or more vs. Penn State last week, including four passes and one long run.

The Hawkeyes have also recorded big plays on special teams, including five long punts (70, 43, 24, 21, 21) and seven kickoff returns (38, 37, 31, 31, 27, 26, 23).

Iowa’s defense has yielded 15 offensive plays of 20 yards or more, including only one running play over 20 yards (25 yards at Iowa State). Michigan recorded six of the 15 and Iowa held Ohio State to only one big play (34-yard passing play).

SANDERS TOPS 300 CAREER TACKLES
Senior SS Bob Sanders collected 10 tackles (5 solo) at Ohio State to top 300 career tackles. Sanders registered six tackles (4 solo) and forced two fumbles last week vs. Penn State. His career tackle total is 313, which ties for 12th at Iowa. He is one tackle from topping Mike Wells (1990-93) for sole possession of 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 37 tackles in five games this season. He ranks fifth on the team in tackles and sixth in the League in forced fumbles (2).

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.

LINEBACKERS ARE BIG TEN LEADERS
Linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge have been a force in the middle of Iowa’s defense this season. The duo is ranked one-two, respectively, in tackles in the conference and both have collected double figures in tackles in four of Iowa’s last six games.

Hodge recovered the first career fumble and returned the first quarter fumble 47 yards, the longest return by Iowa this year vs. Penn State. The native of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, also registered five solo tackles against the Nittany Lions.

At Ohio State, he 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 threat. 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. Hodge ranks second in the Big Ten in tackles (10.4).

Greenway collected a game-high 11 tackles (9 solo) vs. Penn State last week. He 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. 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 (7).

IOWA NOTES

• Iowa has won 15 of its last 17 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 three home sellouts this year (Arizona State, Michigan and Penn State). Saturday’s home game against Illinois is also sold out. Iowa’s home attendance average is 63,958 in five games this year.
• Iowa has won 18 of its last 20 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 three of their last four games, including starting games at Michigan State and vs. Michigan with a 14-point deficit. In addition, Iowa opponents have scored first in the last five games.
• Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz started the season 4-0 for the first time as Iowa’s head coach. He has posted a 20-5 (.800) mark over the last 25 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).
• Iowa has blocked four punts this year, all of which have resulted in points. Two of the four punts were recovered and returned for touchdowns (at Iowa State and vs. Penn State).

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 five tackles, including one sack vs. Penn State last week. He registered four tackles, including a career-high three sacks at Ohio State the previous week. At Michigan State, he registered five tackles, including two sacks. He leads the Big Ten in sacks (9), ranks first on the Hawkeyes in TFL (10) and eighth in tackles (30).

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 sixth in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (10) and fourth in sacks (7), is tied for first on the Hawkeyes in quarterback hurries (3) and is tied with Hodges for seventh in tackles (30). He has recorded at least one sack in 12 of Iowa’s last 15 games, dating back to last year. Against Penn State, Roth collected five tackles (3 solo).

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.

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 individual 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 (35). He scored his first career points when he returned a fumble 18 yards against Buffalo. He collected six tackles (4 solo) vs. Penn State last week.

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 has missed Iowa’s last five contests and is questionable for Saturday’s game vs. Illinois.

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 27 yards vs. Penn State last week.

Davis ranks second on the team in receptions (15) and third in receiving yards (173). He caught his longest reception of the year (27) in Iowa’s win over Michigan.

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 26 punts for an average of 12.1, which ranks fifthin the Big Ten and 22nd nationally. He has returned 12 kickoffs for a 22.2 average, which rank fifth in the conference.

Ochoa has led the Hawkeye receivers the last two weeks. Last week, Ochoa caught five passes for 67 yards and caught one touchdown and returned seven punts 50 yards (7.1 avg.). At Ohio State, Ochoa caught four passes for 86 yards, including a career-long 51-yard reception.

Against Michigan, Ochoa recorded 169 yards 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 ranks first on the team in receptions (19) and reception yards (305). He leads the team with four touchdowns.

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 43rd in the nation. Additionally, he ranks tenth on the team in tackles (26) and second in pass break-ups (8). He ranks third in the Big Ten in passes defended (11). He has seven interceptions in 20 career games.

CHANDLER DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
Senior Nathan Chandler has completed 97-177 passes for 1,148 yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions. His pass efficiency rating of 126.7, ranks sixth in the Big Ten and 55th nationally. Chandler has thrown at least one touchdown pass in seven of Iowa’s eight games. Iowa’s game at Ohio State marked the only time this year he failed to toss a touchdown pass. His 13 touchdown passes rank third in the league.

He has rushed the ball 54 times for 73 yards for three touchdowns. His three rushing touchdowns ties RB Fred Russell for the team-lead.

Last week vs. Penn State, Chandler completed 13-26 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed seven times for 22 yards.

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 194 times for 916 yards and three touchdowns. He is only 84 yards from 1,000 rushing yards this season. His 114.5 average ranks second in the Big Ten and 13th nationally.

Last week, Russell rushed a career-high 36 times for 148 yards against Penn State.

The native of Inkster, MI, has rushed for 100 yards or more in a game five times this year and 13 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 425 attempts for 2,321 yards and 13 touchdowns, which ranks sixth best for yardage among Iowa running backs. He is 236 yards from moving past Owen Gill (1982-85) for fifth. Russell’s career 5.5 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 eight games, has scored three special teams and one defensive touchdown.

Last week vs. Penn State, LB Jermire Roberts scored his second career touchdown when he returned a blocked punt 26 yards for a score.

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, 33 punt returns for an average of 12.5. The Hawkeyes rank fourth in the Big Ten and 23rd nationally in punt returns and second in the conference and 29th nationally in kickoff returns. Iowa’s kickoff coverage unit yields 16.1 yards per return on 19 attempts, which is tops 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.

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 47 times for a 41.0 average, including 11 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.

DEFENSE MAKES A STAND

• Iowa’s defense has allowed only three field goals (9 points) in the second quarter and two touchdowns (14 points) in the third quarter this year. Iowa owns an 81-9 advantage in the second quarter and 57-14 in the third quarter this year.
• Iowa’s rushing defense has held its last six 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.), Ohio State collected 56 yards on 42 attempts (1.3 avg.), while Penn State registered 38 yards on 28 carries (1.4 avg.). Iowa’s rushing defense ranks third in the Big Ten and fifth in the nation.
• Iowa’s rushing defense has allowed only one play of 20 yards or more this season. Iowa State’s quarterback scrambled for a 25-yard touchdown in week three.
• Iowa has collected 24 sacks, which ranks third in the Big Ten.
• Iowa held Penn State without a first down on its first four possessions. In addition, the Nittany Lions failed to convert on its first seven third down conversions and finished the game 2-15.
• 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 113 points (14.1) in eight games, which is second-best in the Big Ten and seventh in the nation. Two of the opponents’ ten 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 (11.1) and Abdul Hodge (10.4) rank one-two in the Big Ten in tackles, while DE Howard Hodges (9) and Matt Roth (7) rank first and fourth 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.
• FS Sean Considine has collected two interceptions, two blocked punts and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 81-9 and 57-14 in the second and third quarters, respectively. Hawkeye opponents own a 57-48 advantage in the first quarter and a 33-28 edge in the fourth quarter.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa is averaging 5.1 yards on 230 first down plays, 4.6 yards on 169 second down plays and 5.0 yards on 115 third down plays. The Hawkeyes have only attempted three fourth down plays, which have resulted in zero 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 at Ohio State.

Iowa opponents have recorded only 16 scoring drives, averaging 8.4 plays, 54.8 yards and 3:04 elapsed time. Six of Iowa’s opponents’ 15 scoring drives have covered 75 yards or more.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
The Hawkeyes have marched inside the red zone 31 times and scored 26 of those times (83.9%). Iowa had scored 16 consecutive times in the red zone before QB Nathan Chandler’s first quarter interception was returned for a score vs. Penn State last week. Previously, the last time Iowa failed to score in the red zone was when the Hawkeyes let the clock expire on their final possession in a 56-7 win vs. Buffalo (9/6). Against Penn State, Iowa was 3-5 on trips inside the red zone, with the other failure coming in the final moments of the game when the Hawkeyes let the clock expire.

Iowa converted a field goal and scored a touchdown on a fake field goal in 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%). Penn State became Iowa’s first opponent this year not to have an offensive possession reach the red zone. 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.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 40 points off 13 turnovers (8 interceptions and five fumbles), plus an additional 19 points following four blocked punts (2 at Iowa State, 1 vs. Michigan and 1 vs. Penn State).

WR Matt Melloy caught a two-yard touchdown pass from QB Nathan Chandler following a 47-yard fumble return by LB Abdul Hodge vs. Penn 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 15 times, including four at Michigan State and three times each at Ohio State and vs. Penn State. Iowa State, Michigan State and Penn State are the only opponents to score any points following an Iowa turnover. The Cyclones scored a touchdown, the Spartans tallied 13 points (1 touchdown and 2 field goals) and the Nittany Lions scored a touchdown 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 included 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 next. 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.

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.

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, 12 juniors, 13 sophomores, seven redshirt freshmen and three true freshmen. These numbers do not include return specialists. Iowa’s three true freshmen include quarterback Drew Tate, 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.

EARLY GAMES ON TELEVISION
Iowa’s first eight games were televised. Iowa’s game vs. Miami (OH) was shown 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 three games vs. Michigan, at Ohio State and vs. Penn State. Iowa’s game vs. Illinois this week will be televised regionally on ESPN Plus, while its contest at Purdue next week will be shown to a national cable audience on ESPN.

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.

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.

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 returns to the road to face No. 17/18 Purdue (2:35 p.m., CST) on Nov. 8 in Ross-Ade Stadium. The Hawkeyes host nationally ranked Minnesota (kickoff time still pending) in their home finale on Nov. 15 in Kinnick Stadium.