Hawkeyes Travel to Purdue

Nov. 3, 2003

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IOWA TRAVELS TO PURDUE
Iowa (7-2, 3-2) hits the road to face Purdue (7-2, 4-1) Saturday. Game time is 2:36 p.m. (CST) in Ross-Ade Stadium (66,295). A crowd of 60,000 is expected. Plenty of tickets remain on sale.

ON THE TUBE
ESPN will televise the game to a national cable audience. Mark Jones, Bob Davie and Holly Rowe 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. Congratulations to Mark Allen, who is the proud father of a baby boy, born last weekend.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,048 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 527-482-39 (.521). That includes a 333-191-16 (.631) record in home games, a 194-291-23 (.405) record in games away from Iowa City, a 256-325-25 (.443) mark in Big Ten games and a 215-158-15 (.573) record in Kinnick Stadium.

TICKETS AVAILABLE
Tickets are available for Iowa’s home finale against Minnesota ($40). 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.

HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE
Saturday’s contest at Purdue will mark the 39th consecutive game the Hawkeyes have been selected for television. The last Iowa contest that was not televised was its game at Illinois on Oct. 14, 2000.

IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked 10th in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls. Purdue is ranked 16th by the AP and 14th by ESPN/USA Today. The Hawkeyes have been ranked as high as ninth in the ESPN/USA Today poll twice this year. This year marks the first time in school history that Iowa has been ranked in the top 10 three times after falling out following a loss.

The Big Ten leads all conferences with six teams ranked in the ESPN/USA Today poll in No. 6 Ohio State, No. 8 Michigan, No. 10 Iowa, No. 14 Purdue, No. 15 Michigan State and No. 18 Minnesota. The SEC ranks second with five ranked squads. In addition, the Big Ten is the only conference with three schools ranked in the top ten.

HAWKEYE HUDDLE AT PURDUE
The National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association invite all fans to the “Hawkeye Huddle” from 12:30-2:30 p.m. (EST) prior to the Purdue game Saturday. The “Hawkeye Huddle” will be held at the University Inn – Conference Center & Suites, located at 3001 Northwestern Avenue in West Lafayette. The free reception features refreshments, snacks, Hawk Shop door prizes, Herky, and the Iowa cheerleaders.

IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
These are Iowa’s most recent wins vs. nationally ranked opponents:
At Home:
30-27 over ninth-ranked Michigan, 10/4/03
On the Road:
34-9 over eighth-ranked Michigan, 10/26/02
Neutral:
38-18 over 20th-ranked Washington, Sun Bowl, 12/29/95

ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 7-7 when playing on Nov. 8. The Hawkeyes defeated Indiana 60-0 in 1913 and 28-17 in 1969, Northwestern 14-7 in 1919, Butler 7-0 in 1924, Illinois 21-0 in 1941, Minnesota 28-6 in 1958 and Wisconsin 45-28 in 1975. Iowa lost to Michigan 107-0 in 1902, Marquette 7-0 in 1930, Wisconsin 46-14 in 1947 and 13-10 in 1997, Illinois 33-13 in 1952 and 20-16 in 1986 and Purdue 58-13 in 1980.

COACH Kirk Ferentz
The 2002 Associated Press Coach of the Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year, AFCA Regional Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year, Kirk Ferentz (pronounced FAIR-rintz, rhymes with parents), is in his fifth season as Iowa’s head football coach. He resurrected the Iowa program and led the 2002 Hawkeyes to an 11-2 record, a Big Ten title and an Orange Bowl berth.

Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 29-28 and an 18-19 mark in Big Ten games. He holds a 27-10 record in Iowa’s last 37 games. In almost eight seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 41-49. Taking over a program that won three games in 1998, Ferentz guided the 2001 Hawkeyes to a 7-5 overall record, including a win in the Alamo Bowl over Texas Tech. Iowa in 2001 was 4-4 in the Big Ten, earning a fourth place tie.

Ferentz and the Hawkeyes posted a 3-9 record in 2000, winning two of the final three games of the season while playing one of the strongest schedules in the nation.

Twenty of Iowa’s 57 games over the last four seasons have been decided by seven points or less and 20 of the 57 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time.

Ferentz joined the Iowa staff after serving as assistant head coach and offensive line coach of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He had been part of the Baltimore (Cleveland Browns prior to the move) staff for six years.

Ferentz was named head coach of the Maine Bears in 1990 and held that position for three years. Ferentz was a member of Hayden Fry’s Iowa staff for nine years as offensive line coach (1981-89). He coordinated Iowa’s running game during his coaching stint with the Hawkeyes. Iowa appeared in eight bowl games during the time Ferentz was an Iowa assistant, posting a 4-4 record. A pair of Rose Bowls (1982 & 1986), two Holiday Bowl appearances (1986 & 1987) and a pair of Peach Bowl visits (1982 & 1988), along with appearances in the Gator (1983) and Freedom Bowls (1984) highlighted his previous Iowa stay. Iowa’s record in those nine years was 73-33-4 and included two 10-win and two nine-win seasons.

Ferentz was born in Royal Oak, MI, and attended high school in Pittsburgh, PA. Kirk earned his bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Connecticut in 1978, where he was a football captain.

Ferentz is 1-1 vs. Purdue and Boilermaker Coach Joe Tiller.

PURDUE COACH JOE TILLER
Joe Tiller is in his seventh year as the head coach at Purdue and his 13th season as a head coach. Tiller’s career record stands at 92-60-1 (.605), including a 53-30 (.639) record at Purdue and a 39-30-1 record in six seasons at Wyoming. Tiller’s first Purdue team, in 1997, posted a 9-3 record. Purdue was 9-4 in 1998. The Boilermakers won a share of the 2000 Big Ten title, earning a spot in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1967. Purdue has earned a bowl invitation the last six seasons, including Sun Bowl visits the last two years. Purdue defeated Washington 34-24 in last year’s Sun Bowl.

Tiller is 2-2 vs. Iowa and 1-1 against Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz.

PURDUE DEFEATS NORTHWESTERN
WR John Standeford had four catches for 88 yards becoming the Big Ten’s all-time leader in receiving yards as Purdue defeated Northwestern 34-14. RB Jerod Void rushed for 87 yards and two touchdowns and QB Kyle Orton completed 14-24 for 212 yards and also ran for a touchdown. Purdue scored the game’s first 17 points and took advantage of four Northwestern fumbles en route to its seventh win of the season. Entering the game, Northwestern led the nation with the fewest fumbles lost, with two. Purdue improved its home record to 5-1 this year, with its only loss coming against Bowling Green (27-26) in the first game of the year.

FERENTZ CLIMBS ABOVE .500 AT IOWA
Last week’s 41-10 win over Illinois raised Coach Ferentz’s record at Iowa to 29-28 (.509), which marks the first time in his five-year coaching career at Iowa that his record is above .500. His record was 7-21 (.250) in his first 28 games with Iowa, and 22-7 (.759) in his most recent 29 games.

THE SERIES
Purdue holds a 43-29-3 advantage in the series that began with a 16-0 Iowa win in 1910. The Boilermakers hold a 25-13-1 advantage in West Lafayette. The two schools have split the last four meetings, with each team winning on its home field. Iowa’s last victory in Ross-Ade Stadium came in 1991 (31-21). Purdue has won the last two games in West Lafayette, 36-14 in 1998 and 23-14 in 2001. Iowa has won 12 of the last 16 contests, including last year’s game in Iowa City, 31-28.

HAWKEYE COACHES IN THE HALL OF FAME
Iowa is currently tied for second with the most coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame with five. Iowa’s inductees include Howard Jones, Dr. Eddie Anderson, Edward ‘Slip’ Madigan, Forest Evashevski and Hayden Fry. Nebraska boasts the most coaches in the Hall of Fame with six.

IOWA, PURDUE NOTES

• Saturday’s game features the Big Ten’s co-Defensive Players of the Week. Purdue DE Shaun Phillips and Iowa DE Matt Roth shared the honor this week. The duo rank one-two, respectively, in sacks per game in the Big Ten. Phillips averages 1.17 sacks per contest, while Roth averages 1.06 per game.
• Both Iowa and Purdue posted similar outcomes against Big Ten opponents. The Hawkeyes defeated Illinois (41-10) and Penn State (26-14). Purdue also recorded victories over Illinois (43-10) and Penn State (28-14). Iowa defeated Michigan (30-27) at home, while Purdue lost to the Wolverines (31-3) on the road.
• Both Iowa and Purdue have excellent defenses. The Hawkeyes rank fourth nationally in rushing defense (72.0), eighth in total defense (279.4) and fifth in scoring defense (13.7). The Boilermakers rank seventh in rushing defense (80.9), 10th in total defense (281.1) and 15th in scoring defense (16.2).
• Iowa Athletic Trainer Ed Crowley is a Purdue graduate who was a member of Purdue’s 1967 Rose Bowl team.
• Mark Hagen, Purdue’s defensive tackles coach, was an assistant coach at N. Illinois when Iowa defeated the Huskies (24-0) in 1999. Hagen previously was on the staff at Indiana.
• Purdue’s roster includes just one Iowa native, sophomore QB Kyle Orton from Altoona. Iowa’s roster includes just one player from Indiana, true freshman DE Bryan Mattison is from Mishawaka, IN.

FOUR PUNT BLOCKS IS A FIRST FOR IOWA
For what is believed to be the first time in school history, Iowa has blocked four opponent punts in a single season.

Sean Considine blocked two punts in the win at Iowa State, Chris Smith blocked a Michigan punt in Iowa’s 30-27 win over the Wolverines and Chad Greenway blocked a punt in the 26-14 win over Penn State. The first block at Iowa State and the block vs. Penn State were returned for Iowa touchdowns, while the Hawkeyes added a field goal following the second block at Iowa State and the block vs. Michigan.

The Hawkeyes blocked two punts, one field goal and one PAT attempt last season and last blocked three punts in 1991.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK – 11
Iowa has had 11 players record their first career touchdowns this year. Last week SS Bob Sanders and TE Tony Jackson became the 10th and 11th Hawkeyes to find the end zone. The list includes FB Aaron Mickens (vs. Miami, OH), DB Sean Considine (vs. Buffalo), A.J. Johnson (vs. Buffalo), QB Nathan Chandler (vs. Buffalo), TE Erik Jensen (vs. Arizona State), TE Mike Follett (at Michigan State), WR Calvin Davis (vs. Michigan), PK Nate Kaeding (at Ohio State) and WR Matt Melloy (vs. Penn State).

IOWA 41, ILLINOIS 10
Iowa started the game scoring a touchdown on a season-long 18-play, 77-yard drive that consumed 9:06. QB Nathan Chandler found TE Tony Jackson in the back of the end zone for a one-yard touchdown pass. It was the only scoring in the first quarter.

Iowa added 10 points in the second quarter for a 17-0 halftime advantage on a PK Nate Kaeding 23-yard field goal and a RB Fred Russell two-yard score.

Iowa doubled its scoring output in the third quarter with 17 more points. Kaeding converted a 24-yard field goal, SS Bob Sanders returned a fumble three yards for a touchdown and Russell scampered 14 yards for a score. Not only did Russell stretch the Hawkeyes’ lead to 34-0 on his last rushing attempt of the game, but he eclipsed 1,000 yards for the season. The native of Inkster, MI, became only the third Hawkeye running back to top 1,000 yards in a season more than once.

Illinois scored the game’s next 10 points in the fourth quarter before true freshman QB Drew Tate tossed a 13-yard touchdown pass, the first of his career, to WR Matt Melloy to complete the scoring.

Iowa totaled a season-high 505 yards of offense and out-rushed the Fighting Illini, 244-59.

Chandler completed 14-23 passes for a career-high 243 yards and one touchdown. Russell finished with 94 yards on 23 attempts. WR Calvin Davis collected career highs in receptions (5) and receiving yardage (109).

LB Abdul Hodge, SS Bob Sanders and DE Matt Roth led the Hawkeyes on defense. Hodge posted a team-high nine tackles (7 solo) and recovered a fumble. Sanders collected three tackles (2 solo), had one pass break-up, forced a fumble and returned a fumble three yards for his first career touchdown. Roth forced a fumble and collected six tackles (4 solo). He matched a career-high with three sacks. Roth’s efforts earned him his first Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week honors.

FINAL ILLINOIS GAME NOTES

• Iowa’s 18-play, 77-yard game-opening touchdown drive that consumed 9:06 marked its longest scoring drive since the Hawkeyes scored a touchdown a 19-play, 81-yard drive that consumed 9:28 against Michigan on 10/20/84.
• TE Tony Jackson and SS Bob Sanders each recorded their first career touchdowns. Jackson caught a one-yard touchdown pass and Sanders returned a fumble three yards.
• Iowa snapped a two-game losing streak to Illinois and its 31-point win is the largest margin of victory over Illinois since a 59-0 win in 1985. The Hawkeyes’ 41 points is their second-highest scoring output this year (Buffalo – 56).
• DT Jared Clauss and LB Grant Steen did not play. Prior to the game, Steen had started 33 straight games and played in all 45 games in his career. Clauss had started 21 consecutive games and 23 in his career. He had also played in all 45 games in his career.
• Due to penalties, Iowa gained 98 yards on the 77-yard game-opening drive that consumed 9:06. In addition, Iowa was 4-4 on third-down conversions in the drive.
• Iowa was the first to score for the first time since its game at Iowa State in week three.
• LB Abdul Hodge recovered his second fumble in as many weeks (he had a 47-yard return vs. Penn State). He also forced a fumble in the Hawkeyes’ loss at Ohio State.
• WR Maurice Brown (2 receptions, 31 yards) returned to action after missing five games. FB Champ Davis (1 attempt, 0 yards) returned after missing six games. WR Ed Hinkel (1 reception, 23 yards) missed two of the last three contests before returning.
• Iowa tallied a season-high 36:11 in time of possession. It marked the second consecutive game and fourth game this year that the Hawkeyes had the edge in time of possession.

INJURY UPDATE
DT Jonathon Babineaux, OL Brian Ferentz and DB Ma’Quan Dawkins underwent season-ending surgeries in late-October. Babineaux suffered a fracture in his right leg, while Ferentz and Dawkins have knee injures.

LB Grant Steen and DT Jared Clauss missed their first career games last week vs. Illinois. Prior to last week’s game, Steen and Clauss had played in 45 straight games. WR James Townsend missed Iowa’s last two games with a foot injury. Steen, Clauss and Townsend are questionable for Saturday.

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.

ROTH EARNS WEEKLY BIG TEN HONOR
DE Matt Roth was named co-Defensive Player of the Week along with Purdue DE Shaun Phillips. Roth forced his third fumble of the year and collected six tackles (4 solo). He also matched his career-high with three sacks. The fumble forced by Roth was recovered by SS Bob Sanders and returned three yards for a touchdown. The accolade is the first for Roth.

Iowa has had at least one player named Player of the Week in four of its nine games.

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.

LAST MEETING
Iowa rallied to defeat Purdue, 31-28 in Kinnick Stadium. Trailing 28-24 late in the fourth quarter, Iowa QB Brad Banks engineered an eight-play, 87-yard drive in the final two minutes to lift Iowa to the 31-28 victory.

TE Dallas Clark caught his second touchdown pass of the game on fourth down from the seven-yard line giving Iowa a 31-28 lead with 1:07 remaining. Purdue drove 54 yards to Iowa’s 25-yard line before DB Adolphus Shelton collected his first career interception to end the Boilermaker scoring threat.

Purdue led 14-3 in the closing minutes of the first half, but SS Bob Sanders blocked a 22-yard field goal attempt that DB Antwan Allen returned 85 yards for a touchdown to give Iowa momentum going into halftime.

Trailing 14-10, Iowa’s special teams delivered again as the Hawkeyes blocked Purdue’s first punt of the third quarter. DB Jermire Roberts recovered the ball in the end zone for the Iowa touchdown.

Leading 17-14 and pinned deep in its own end late in the third quarter, Clark caught an out pattern on third-and-seven, broke a tackle, and scampered 95 yards for a touchdown giving Iowa a 24-14 lead.

Banks completed 14-22 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns. RB Fred Russell rushed 22 times for 109 yards, while Clark caught three passes for 116 yards.

Defensively, LB Fred Barr recorded 10 tackles, while Allen and LB Abdul Hodge each recorded eight tackles. Sean Considine blocked his second punt of the season, both of which resulted in Iowa touchdowns.

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.

Last week vs. Illinois, Kaeding scored 11 points on five PATs and two field goals to increase his career kick points to 327 and 333 overall. His 327 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 this year. He had converted 56 straight PATs before the block. Kaeding’s previous miss was at Penn State last year. It was also blocked.

For the season, Kaeding has converted 11-11 field goals and 27-30 PATs. He ranks seventh in the Big Ten in scoring (7.3) 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, 27 of his 46 kickoffs have gone for touchbacks (58.7%).

Kaeding has made 58-70 career field goal attempts, including 21-26 from outside 40 yards and 3-3 from outside 50 yards, and 153-156 PATs. Kaeding is the school record holder for career field goals (58) and PATs (153).

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 last week named to the list of semi-finalists for 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 40 consecutive games at tackle after moving from tight end his freshman year. His 40-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.

DAVIS CATCHING ON
Redshirt freshman WR Calvin Davis had another impressive effort last week vs. Illinois. Davis posted career highs in receptions (5) and receiving yardage (109).

Against Michigan, Davis 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.

Davis is tied with Ramon Ochoa for the team lead in receptions (20) and ranks second in receiving yards (282). He caught his longest reception of the year (246) in Iowa’s win over Illinois.

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.

Tate has played in three games and has completed 6-9 passes for 55 yards and one touchdown, which was a 13-yard pass completion to WR Matt Melloy last week vs. Illinois. The native of Baytown, TX, has also rushed four times for 38 yards.

Jones played and started his first three games at left guard the last three weeks (at Ohio State, vs. Penn State and vs. Illinois).

Davis has rushed for 30 yards on six 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).

IOWA STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 49 of its last 51 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 51 of 57 games under Kirk Ferentz.

SANDERS TOPS 300 CAREER TACKLES
Senior SS Bob Sanders collected 10 tackles (5 solo) at Ohio State to top 300 career tackles. He recorded three tackles (2 solo) last week vs. Illinois to move past Mike Wells (1990-93) and into 12th place in career tackles at Iowa with 316. He is 15 tackles from moving past George Davis (1983-86) for 11th on Iowa’s career tackle chart.

In addition to collecting three tackles against Illinois, Sanders forced a fumble and recovered a fumble, which he returned three yards for his first career touchdown. The previous week vs. Penn State, Sanders forced two fumbles and registered six tackles (4 solo).

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.

GOOD FIELD POSITION
Iowa has recorded 20 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.

Last week, Iowa had a drive start on Illinois’ 32-yard line following a fumble recovery by LB Abdul Hodge in the second quarter and a possession begin on the Fighting Illini’s 44 yard-line after a punt in the third quarter.

BROWN RETURNS TO ACTION
Senior WR Maurice Brown has returned to action after missing Iowa’s last six games due to injury. In his return, Brown started and caught two passes for 31 yards.

For the season, Brown has 16 catches for 243 yards and three touchdowns. The native of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, had a 17-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter at Iowa State. Brown did not return to the game after making the touchdown reception, due to injury. He caught one touchdown pass in each of Iowa’s first three games.

He caught four passes for 82 yards and one score in Iowa’s win over Buffalo and seven passes for 78 yards and one TD in Iowa’s season opening win over Miami (OH). His 14 receptions ranks seventh in the Big Ten, while his 212 yards ranks ninth.

In his first full season as receiver, Brown established a new school record with 11 touchdown receptions. Brown finished with 966 receiving yards, which ranks fourth best in school history. The honorable mention all-Big Ten selection, also ranked fourth nationally with an average 20.1 yards per reception.

Brown’s career totals include 65 receptions for 1,223 yards. He ranks 21st in receiving yards and 24th in receptions on Iowa’s career receiving charts.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Five of Iowa’s 31 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 Ochoa caught a 40-yard pass for a touchdown vs. Arizona State.

The Hawkeyes posted five offensive plays of 20 yards or more each of the last two weeks (vs. Illinois and vs. Penn State).

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

Iowa’s defense has yielded 19 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. Iowa held Ohio State to only one big play (34-yard passing play).

IOWA’S DEFENSE RANKS HIGH NATIONALLY
The Hawkeye defense has allowed only 13.7 points per game, which ranks fifth nationally. Iowa’s rushing defense ranks fourth (72.0), while its total defense ranks eighth (279.4). Iowa’s rushing defense is on pace to break the school season record. The Hawkeyes’ 1981 team currently holds the school record (79.7).

LINEBACKERS ARE BIG TEN LEADERS
Linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge have been a force in the middle of Iowa’s defense this season. Greenway leads the Big Ten in tackles, while Hodge ranks fourth. Both have collected double figures in tackles in four of Iowa’s last seven games.

Last week vs. Illinois, Hodge collected a team-high nine tackles (7 solo) and recovered his second fumble in as many weeks.

Against Penn State, Hodge recovered the first career fumble and returned the first quarter fumble 47 yards, the longest return by Iowa this year. 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 eight tackles (2 solo), including one for loss and one pass break-up vs. Illinois last week. Against Penn State, he registered a game-high 11 tackles (9 solo). 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).

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 in week eight. 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 ranks fourth in the Big Ten in sacks (1.00), ranks second on the Hawkeyes in TFL (10) and ninth 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 second in the Big Ten in sacks (1.06) and fourth in tackles for loss (1.44), is tied for second on the Hawkeyes in quarterback hurries (3) and ranks sixth in tackles (36). He has recorded at least one sack in 13 of Iowa’s last 16 games, dating back to last year. Last week vs. Illinois, Roth forced a fumble that SS Bob Sanders returned for a three-yard touchdown and collected six tackles (4 solo). He matched his career high with three sacks. His efforts earned him his first Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week honor.

The native of Villa Park, IL, led the Hawkeyes in sacks (10) and ranked 11th in tackles (48) in 2002. His 10 QB sacks ranked second in the Big Ten in all games and ranked first in conference games only (9). Roth ended the season recording at least one sack in each of the last seven games.

BRADLEY ADDED TO WATCH LIST
Junior punter David Bradley is on 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 51 times for a 40.9 average, including 12 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.

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.

CHANDLER DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
Senior Nathan Chandler has completed 111-200 passes for 1,391 yards, 14 touchdowns and six interceptions. His 1,391 yards passing rank 20th for yardage in a single season at Iowa.

His pass efficiency rating of 131.0, ranks fourth in the Big Ten and 46th nationally. Chandler has thrown at least one touchdown pass in eight of Iowa’s nine games. Iowa’s game at Ohio State marked the only time this year he failed to toss a touchdown pass. Chandler’s 14 touchdown passes rank third in the league.

He has rushed the ball 57 times for 88 yards and three touchdowns. His three rushing touchdowns rank second behind RB Fred Russell for the team-lead.

Last week vs. Illinois, Chandler completed 14-23 passes for a career-high 243 yards and one touchdown.

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 vs. 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.

IOWA NOTES

• The Hawkeyes are 2-1 against ranked opponents this year. Iowa defeated then-No. 16 Arizona State (21-2) and then-No. 8 Michigan (30-27) in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes lost to then-No. 8 Ohio State (19-10) on the road.
• Iowa has rushed the ball at least 50 times the last two games. The Hawkeyes carried the ball a season-high 51 times vs. Penn State and 50 times vs. Illinois. In addition, Iowa posted 44 first downs in the last two games compared to 21 for Penn State and Illinois combined. Iowa won both contests.
• Iowa totaled a season-high 505 yards of offense vs. Illinois. The previous season best was 442 vs. Buffalo. The last time Iowa collected 500 yards or more of total offense was vs. Utah State (9/21/02), a span of 19 games.
• Iowa has won 16 of its last 18 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.
• The Hawkeyes have not suffered a loss by more than 10 points over a span of their last 36 regular season games, dating back to the 2000 season. Iowa is 26-10 over that span, with seven of the losses coming by six points or less.
• Iowa has had four home sellouts this year (Arizona State, Michigan, Penn State and Illinois). Iowa’s home attendance average is 65,031 in six games this year.
• Iowa has won 19 of its last 21 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).
• Iowa opponents have scored first in five of the last six games.
• Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz started the season 4-0 for the first time as Iowa’s head coach. He has posted a 22-7 (.759) mark over the last 29 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).

RUSSELL TOPS 1,000 YARDS
RB Fred Russell, who is a candidate for the Doak Walker Running Back of the Year Award, joined Sedrick Shaw (1994, 1995, 1996) and Ladell Betts (2000, 2001) as the only Iowa running backs to rush for over 1,000 yards in more than one season. On his last rushing attempt vs. Illinois, Russell scampered 14 yards for a touchdown, which also put him at 1,010 yards for the 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.

Last week, Russell finished the game with 94 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. It marked the third time in his career that he rushed for two touchdowns in a game (vs. Akron and at Indiana – both in 2002).

Russell has rushed 217 times for 1,010 yards and five touchdowns. His 112.2 average ranks second in the Big Ten and 13th nationally.

Russell led the Iowa offense in its victory over Penn State, rushing a career-high 36 times for 148 yards.

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 448 attempts for 2,415 yards and 15 touchdowns, which ranks sixth best for yardage among Iowa running backs. He is 142 yards from moving past Owen Gill (1982-85) for fifth. Russell’s career 5.4 average ranks third all-time behind Tavian Banks (5.9) and Nick Bell (5.6) 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.

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 seventh in tackles (35). He scored his first career points when he returned a fumble 18 yards against Buffalo.

He collected two solo tackles vs. Illinois last week.

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 third in the Big Ten in interceptions (3) and 59th in the nation. Additionally, he ranks eighth on the team in tackles (32) and second in pass break-ups (8). He ranks third in the Big Ten in passes defended (11). He has seven interceptions in 21 career games.

SPECIAL TEAMS SUCCESS
After a successful season last year, Iowa’s special team continues to shine in 2003. Iowa, in nine games, has scored three special team and two defensive touchdowns.

Last week, SS Bob Sanders scored his first career touchdown when he returned a fumble three yards for a touchdown.

Against 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 18 kickoffs for an average of 23.1, 36 punt returns for an average of 12.9. The Hawkeyes rank fourth in the Big Ten and 19th nationally in punt returns and second in the conference and 30th nationally in kickoff returns. Iowa’s kickoff coverage unit yields 16.1 yards per return on 23 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.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa is averaging 5.5 yards on 265 first down plays, 4.7 yards on 193 second down plays, 4.9 yards on 129 third down plays and 2.4 yards on five fourth down plays.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 38 scoring drives have averaged 7.1 plays, 50.3 yards and 2:54 elapsed time. Twenty of Iowa’s 38 scoring drives covered 50 yards or more, including five of its six drives last week vs. Illinois.

The Hawkeyes posted a season-high 18-play, 77-yard drive that amassed 9:06 on their first offensive possession against Illinois last week.

Iowa opponents have recorded only 18 scoring drives, averaging 8.2 plays, 56.3 yards and 2:56 elapsed time. Seven of Iowa’s opponents’ 17 scoring drives have covered 75 yards or more.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 91-9 and 74-14 in the second and third quarters, respectively. Hawkeye opponents own a 57-55 advantage in the first quarter and a 43-35 edge in the fourth quarter.

The Hawkeyes held Illinois scoreless through three quarters before Illinois scored 10 points in the fourth quarter last week.

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 29 punts for an average of 12.1, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten and 22nd nationally. He has returned 15 kickoffs for a 22.6 average, which rank fifth in the conference.

Ochoa has led the Hawkeye receivers two of the last three weeks. Against Penn State, 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 is tied with Calvin Davis of the team lead in receptions (20) and ranks first in reception yards (316). He leads the team with four touchdown receptions.

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.

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 91-9 advantage in the second quarter and 74-14 in the third quarter.
• Iowa’s rushing defense has held its last seven 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.), Penn State registered 38 yards on 28 carries (1.4 avg.), Illinois posted 59 yards on 26 attempts (2.3 avg.). Iowa’s rushing defense ranks second in the Big Ten and fourth 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 26 sacks, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten.
• The Hawkeyes have forced 13 fumbles this year, returning two for touchdowns (Considine – 18 yards vs. Buffalo and Sanders – 3 yards vs. Illinois).
• 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 123 points (13.7) in nine games, which is tops in the Big Ten and fifth in the nation. Three of the opponents’ 11 offensive touchdowns have come against Iowa’s second team defense in the fourth quarter of three big wins (Buffalo, Iowa State and Illinois).
• 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 (10.8) and Abdul Hodge (10.2) rank first and fourth in the Big Ten in tackles, respectively. DE Matt Roth (1.06) ranks second in the league and DE Howard Hodges (1.00) ranks fourth in sacks.
• 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 15 takeaways (8 interceptions and 7 fumbles).
• FS Sean Considine has collected two interceptions, two blocked punts and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 47 points off 15 turnovers (8 interceptions and 7 fumbles), plus an additional 19 points following four blocked punts (2 at Iowa State, 1 vs. Michigan and 1 vs. Penn State).

SS Bob Sanders scored his first career touchdown on a three-yard fumble return against Illinois.

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 16 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.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
The Hawkeyes have marched inside the red zone 37 times and scored 32 of those times (86.5%).

Iowa was a perfect 6-6 last week vs. Illinois. The Hawkeyes posted four touchdowns and two field goals against the Fighting Illini.

Iowa has scored on 25 of its last 27 trips inside the red zone, with its only two failures coming vs. Penn State. The Nittany Lions intercepted a QB Nathan Chandler pass on Iowa’s first red zone possession and 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 18 times and have scored 12 times (66.7%). Illinois was 2-2 last week, collecting a touchdown and a field goal. Penn State is Iowa’s only 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 Arizona State’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 (66.7%).

IOWA DEPTH CHART
Iowa’s depth chart includes 19 seniors, 12 juniors, 13 sophomores, six 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.

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 was 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.

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.

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 nine 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 three consecutive Hawkeye games (vs. Michigan, at Ohio State and vs. Penn State). Iowa’s game vs. Illinois was televised regionally on ESPN Plus, while this week’s contest at Purdue will be shown to a national cable audience on ESPN. The Hawkeyes’ game next week will also be televised to a national cable audience on ESPN2.

Iowa’s regular season finale at Wisconsin will also likely be selected for television coverage.

IOWA STATS ON THE INTERNET
Statistics and play-by-play accounts of Iowa home football games are available live on the internet. The statistical program allows viewers to read the play-by-play action just moments after it takes place, and to view all individual and team statistics while the game is in progress.

The program can be accessed through www.hawkeyesports.com and then clicking on the Gametracker link. This feature is available for all remaining games.

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.

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.

AFTER THIS
Iowa hosts nationally ranked Minnesota (11:05 a.m., ESPN2) in its home finale on Nov. 15 in Kinnick Stadium before playing its final regular season game at Wisconsin Nov. 22.