HawkeyesTo Meet Florida in Outback Bowl

Dec. 9, 2003

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IOWA TO PLAY IN OUTBACK BOWL
Iowa (9-3, 5-3) will meet Florida (8-4, 6-2) of the Southeastern Conference in the 2004 Outback Bowl. The game will be played Thursday, Jan. 1 at 10 a.m. (CST) in Raymond James Stadium (65,657).

ON THE TUBE
ESPN will televise the contest 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.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,051 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 529-483-39 (.522). That includes a 334-191-16 (.632) record in home games, a 195-292-23 (.405) record in games away from Iowa City, a 258-326-25 (.444) mark in Big Ten games and a 216-158-15 (.575) record in Kinnick Stadium.

IOWA’S BOWL HISTORY
Iowa will be playing in its third-straight bowl game after defeating Texas Tech (19-16) in the 2001 Alamo Bowl and losing to USC (38-17) in the 2003 Orange Bowl. In addition, Iowa will be playing in consecutive January bowl games for the first time in school history. The Outback Bowl will be Iowa’s seventh January bowl appearance.

The Hawkeyes hold a 9-8-1 (.528) all-time bowl record. The Hawkeyes have competed in the Rose (five times), Holiday (three), Alamo (three), Peach (two), Sun (two) and the Orange, Gator and Freedom Bowls once each.

IOWA IN THE OUTBACK ABOWL ND FLORIDA
Iowa has never played in the Outback Bowl or Raymond James Stadium. The Hawkeyes have played five games (0-5) in the state of Florida. USC defeated Iowa in the 2003 Orange Bowl. The Hawkeyes lost three games to Miami in Orange Bowl Stadium during the 1950, 1966 and 1990 regular seasons. Iowa’s only other game in the state of Florida was the 1983 Gator Bowl when the Hawkeyes dropped a 14-6 decision to Florida.

THE BIG TEN IN THE OUTBACK BOWL
The Big Ten Conference is 6-8 in the Outback Bowl. The first Big Ten appearance was Jan. 2, 1988, where Michigan defeated Alabama (28-24). Last year, Michigan defeated Florida in a shootout (38-30). Michigan (3-1) and Ohio State (0-4) have played in the Outback Bowl four times each, the most in the Big Ten. Penn State (2-0) and Wisconsin (1-1) have played in the bowl twice, while Illinois (0-1) and Purdue (0-1) have been there once.

IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked 12th in the ESPN/USA Today poll and 13th in the Associated Press and Bowl Championship Series polls. Florida is ranked 15th in the BCS poll and 17th in the two major polls. 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. Below is a list of Iowa in the rankings this season.

HAWKEYES EARN NATIONAL HONORS
Senior offensive tackle Robert Gallery was named to the Walter Camp, American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), The Sporting News and Football Writers of America’s (FWAA) first all-America team. Place kicker Nate Kaeding garnered all-American honors by the AFCA. Wide receiver Calvin Davis and offensive guard Mike Jones were named to the Rivals.com Freshman all-America team. Both were named to the group’s honorable mention unit. Jones was also named to The Sporting News third team Freshman all-America squad and Big Ten all-Freshman team. Linebacker Edmond Miles was also named to the Big Ten all-Freshman team by the publication.

HAWKEYES EARN BIG TEN ACCOLADES
Senior Robert Gallery was honored as the 2003 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Iowa landed eight players on this year’s coaches and media first and second all-Big Ten teams. Earning first team accolades by both the coaches and media are OL Robert Gallery, PK Nate Kaeding, DE Matt Roth and SS Bob Sanders. Gallery and Sanders were unanimous selections by the coaches, the only two in the selective group. LB Abdul Hodge was a first team honoree by the media and a second team pick by the coaches. Other Hawkeyes named to the second team by both the coaches and media are RB Fred Russell, DE Howard Hodges and LB Chad Greenway.

DT Jared Clauss and LB Grant Steen were honorable mention all-Big Ten choices by the coaches.

FINAL GAME FOR SENIORS
A total of 24 players will be taking part in a Hawkeye football game for the final time at Iowa’s bowl game: OL Sam Aiello, OL Kory Borchers, WR Maurice Brown, FB Edgar Cervantes, QB Nathan Chandler, DL Jared Clauss, DL Marshall Freeman, OL Robert Gallery, LB Jacob Gancarczyk, DL Jory Helms, DL Howard Hodges, TE Erik Jensen, PK Nate Kaeding, OL Brian Meidlinger, WR Ramon Ochoa, LB Tom Revak, LB Jermire Roberts, OL Eric Rothwell, RB Fred Russell, DB Bob Sanders, DB Chris Smith, LB Grant Steen, DL John Traynor and LB Kevin Worthy.

The bowl game will also be the final game for managers Jaime Hymer, Jay Buchholz, Dan Grady, Chris Idler and Andy Hayes and student trainers Katie Gordon, Tom Hove and Jesse Strand.

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

FLORIDA COACH RON ZOOK
Ron Zook is about to complete his second season as a college head coach, both at Florida. Zook has posted a record of 16-9 (.593) while guiding the Gators to consecutive Outback Bowl games. He has 26 years of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional level. Prior to being named Florida’s head coach, Zook coached for six years on three NFL franchises (New Orleans, Kansas City, Pittsburgh). Zook coached under longtime Florida Coach Steve Spurrier for five seasons before making the jump to the NFL. He was the Gators’ defensive coordinator for three years (1991-93) and the special teams coordinator for two seasons (1994-95), while also being named associate head coach in 1995. Prior to joining the Florida staff, he made coaching stops at Ohio State (1989-90), Virginia Tech (1987), Tennessee (1984-86), Kansas (1983), Cincinnati (1981-82) and Murray State (1978-80). Zook coached on five SEC Championship teams (four at Florida and one at Tennessee) and will be participating in his 15th bowl game on Jan. 1. He was a three-year letterwinner as a defensive back at Miami (OH). Zook has never coached against Iowa or Coach Kirk Ferentz as a head coach.

THE SERIES
This will be the second meeting between the two schools. Iowa lost to Florida (14-6) in the 1983 Gator Bowl.

Iowa is 2-2 all-time against SEC squads. In addition to its loss against Florida, Iowa defeated Arkansas (25-0, 1925), and split meetings with Tennessee (28-22, 1982 Peach Bowl and 22-23, 1987 Kickoff Classic).

LAST MEETING
Cold weather stalled a couple of high-powered offenses in the 39th annual Gator Bowl as Florida defeated Iowa 14-6. The wind chill at game time was 13 degrees below zero. The Hawkeyes and Gators combined for six interceptions, 19 penalties and only 7-31 third down conversions in a ragged contest. The play of the game took place with 1:08 left in the first half. Tom Nichol, attempting to punt out of his own end zone, misplayed a high snap and Florida’s Doug Drew covered it for a touchdown. Nichol scored the Hawkeyes’ only points on a pair of short field goals. Owen Gill led the Hawkeye offense with 83 yards rushing.

IOWA, FLORIDA NOTES

• Florida has played in the Outback Bowl once before. Michigan defeated the Gators (38-30) last year.
• Florida is 7-3 against teams from the Big Ten Conference (Illinois 2-0, Northwestern 2-0, Penn State 2-0, Iowa 1-0, Michigan 0-1, Indiana 0-1, Michigan State 0-1).
• Both Florida Coach Ron Zook and Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz coached on the professional level for six years. Zook coached for New Orleans, Kansas City and Pittsburgh, while Ferentz coached for Baltimore/Cleveland. Zook and Ferentz coached against each other for three years when Zook was with the Steelers. Pittsburgh defeated the Ravens all three years (1996-98).
• Iowa defensive coordinator, Norm Parker, coached at Vanderbilt of the SEC for four seasons (1995-98). Florida defeated Vanderbilt all four years Parker was with the Commodores. Parker was named the 1997 SEC Defensive Coordinator of the Year. Vanderbilt led the SEC and ranked ninth in the nation in total defense.
• Other Hawkeye coaches that coached against Florida while at Vanderbilt include defensive line coach Ron Aiken (1995-96) and recruiting coordinator and tight ends coach Eric Johnson (1996-98).
• Florida’s linebackers coach Bill Miller, served as the defensive coordinator at Michigan State for four years (1999-02) before joining the Gators. The Spartans were 2-2 against the Hawkeyes while Miller was on the Michigan State coaching staff. He also was the defensive backs coach for three years at Minnesota (1986-88) and was the secondary coach at Drake for two years (1981-82).
• Florida’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ed Zaunbrecher, coached with Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker at Michigan State for three years (1991-93). Parker coached Michigan State’s outside linebackers for 12 years (1983-94) and served as the defensive coordinator for five years. Zaubrecher was the quarterbacks coach for one season (1991) and was the linebackers coach for two (1992-93). He also coached at Purdue for three years (1977-79) where he was coached the offensive backs and receivers.

FLORIDA HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster includes eight players from the state of Florida, including three from the Tampa Bay area. DB Antwan Allen hails from Tampa, DB Chris Brevi is from Seffner and DB Marcus Paschal is from Largo. WR Maurice Brown, LB Abdul Hodge, LB George Lewis and OL David Walker are from Fort Lauderdale, while LB Edmond Miles is from Tallahassee. Brevi is a true freshman who is redshirting this season.

HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE
Iowa’s bowl game will mark the 42nd consecutive game the Hawkeyes have been selected for television. The last Iowa contest that was not televised was at Illinois on Oct. 14, 2000.

BIG TEN BOWL SEASON
A record eight members of the Big Ten Conference are going to bowl games. They include Iowa (Outback), Michigan (Rose), Ohio State (Fiesta), Purdue (Capital One), Michigan State (Alamo), Minnesota (Sun), Wisconsin (Music City) and Northwestern (Motor City). Iowa defeated Michigan (30-27), Wisconsin (27-21) and Minnesota (40-21), while losing to Ohio State (19-10), Purdue (26-14) and Michigan State (20-10). All three of Iowa’s losses were on the road. The Hawkeyes did not play Northwestern.

HAWKEYES EARN ACADEMIC HONORS
Seniors Kody Asmus, QB Nathan Chandler, DT Jared Clauss, DB Sean Considine, OL Robert Gallery, LB Jacob Gancarczyk, TE Erik Jensen and PK Nate Kaeding, junior LB Tom Revak, sophomores OL Brian Ferentz and WR Matt Melloy and redshirt freshman TE Ryan Majerus were named academic all-Big Ten. The academic honor is the third for Clauss, Considine, Gallery, Jensen and Kaeding.

HAWKEYES THIRD IN BOWL APPEARNACES
Iowa ranks third in the Big Ten in bowl appearances. Ohio State and Michigan have received a conference-best 35 bowl bids each, while the Hawkeyes will be heading to their 19th bowl game. Michigan State ranks fourth with 16. Penn State has gone to seven bowls while a member of the Big Ten Conference.

KAEDING AND CLAUSS EARN ACADEMIC HONOR
PK Nate Kaeding and DL Jared Clauss were named to the 2003 Verizon District VII first team Academic all-America squad. This marks the second consecutive year Kaeding has been selected to the first team. Clauss was named to the second team last season. Kaeding is a history major with a 3.48 GPA and Clauss is a communication studies major with a 3.53 GPA.

IOWA EXTENDS HOME WINNING STREAK
Iowa’s 40-22 win over Minnesota on Nov. 15 extended its home winning streak to 12. The 12-game home winning streak, dating back to 2002, is a new Kinnick Stadium record. Overall, Iowa’s longest home winning streak is 20 games, dating from Nov. 19, 1918 to Oct. 20, 1923. In Big Ten games only, Iowa’s current streak of nine straight wins is the best for the Hawkeyes in Kinnick Stadium. Overall, Iowa won 10 straight home conference games from Nov. 9, 1918 to Oct. 20, 1923. The current nine-game win streak in conference games began with a 42-24 win over Minnesota in 2001.

BIG TEN PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Iowa had at least one Big Ten Player of the Week five times this year.

PK Nate Kaeding earned the accolade twice this season and five times in his career. Kaeding scored 16 points both weeks he was honored (at Iowa State and vs. Minnesota). He became Iowa’s all-time scoring leader after he set a school record for most kicking points in a game (16) at Iowa State. Kaeding later matched career highs in points in a game (16), field goals in a game (4) and longest field goal (55) vs. Minnesota. The senior has kicked four field goals in a game twice this season and four times in his career.

SS Bob Sanders was named Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 17. Sanders collected a season-high 16 tackles (10 solo), including two tackles for loss and one sack and forced a career-high three fumbles, recovering one vs. Minnesota. In one of the turning points of the game, Sanders forced and recovered a Minnesota fumble on Iowa’s goal line in the second quarter, stopping a Golden Gopher scoring threat. The three-time first team all-Big Ten honoree earned the second weekly honor of his career and first since the 2001 campaign.

Punter David Bradley was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 1. Bradley punted five times against the RedHawks for a 48.4 average. He downed one punt inside the 20-yard line and boomed a career-long 62-yarder in the second quarter.

DB Jovon Johnson was named Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week after leading 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.

LB Chad Greenway was named co-Defensive Player of the Week after leading the Iowa defense to a dominating performance in a 21-2 victory over then-No. 16 Arizona State. Greenway matched a career-high with 17 tackles (11 solo). It marked the second consecutive game that the sophomore tallied 17 stops. Additionally, the native of Mt. Vernon, SD, ranks first in the Big Ten in tackles (12.8). This marks the first time Greenway earned the weekly honor from the Big Ten.

DE Matt Roth was named co-Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 3. Roth forced his third fumble of the year and collected six tackles (4 solo) vs. Illinois. He also matched his career-high with three sacks. The fumble forced by Roth was recovered by Sanders and returned three yards for a touchdown. The accolade is the first for Roth.

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.

KAEDING NAMED LOU GROZA FINALIST
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. He is one of three finalists for the 2003 Lou Groza Award. The other finalists are Trey DiCarlo (Oklahoma) and Jonathon Nichols (Mississippi).

Kaeding was named to the AFCA all-America squad. He also garnered first team all-Big Ten accolades by both the media and coaches and Verizon academic all-District first team honors for the second-consecutive season. 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).

Kaeding has 354 career kick points and 360 overall. His 354 points rank third all-time in kick scoring in the Big Ten Conference, one point shy of Purdue’s Travis Dorsch’s (1998-01) second place mark of 355.

In Iowa’s final regular season game at Wisconsin, Kaeding connected on a 50-yard field goal just before halftime, his second kick of 50 yards or more in as many weeks. He added a 28-yarder in the fourth quarter.

Against Minnesota, Kaeding tied career highs in points in a game (16), field goals in a game (4) and longest field goal (55). In addition, the 16 points and four field goals in a game tied his own school record and the 55-yard field goal ties as the third longest in school history. His efforts earned him co-Special Teams Player of the Week, marking the second time this season and fifth time in his career that he has earned the accolade from the Big Ten.

Kaeding has kicked four field goals in a game twice this year and four times in 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 was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week for the first time this year on Sept. 15. 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 four field goals. Kaeding passed Ron Houghtlin as Iowa’s all-time scoring leader, who held the record since 1987.

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 17-18 field goals and 36-37 PATs. He ranks seventh in the Big Ten in scoring (7.8), third in field goals made (1.42) and fourth in kicking points (7.2).

Kaeding has made 64-80 career field goal attempts, including 23-28 from outside 40 yards and a perfect 5-5 from outside 50 yards, and 163-165 PATs. Kaeding is the school record holder for career field goals (64) and PATs (163). The 64 career field goals rank fourth in Big Ten history. Wisconsin’s Todd Gregoire (1984-87) ranks third with 65. 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 the 2002 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.

GALLERY BIG TEN’S BEST LINEMAN
Senior offensive tackle Robert Gallery (6-7, 320), who is a finalist for the Outland Award, was named the 2003 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. Gallery becomes the ninth Iowa player to earn the prestigious honor. He was also named to the first team all-Big Ten team by both the media and coaches and was a unanimous choice by the coaches. In addition, Gallery was named to the FWAA all-America, AFCA, Walter Camp and The Sporting News all-America squads. He was a semi-finalist for the Lombardi Award.

He was a first team all-Big Ten selection last season and 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 43 consecutive games at tackle after moving from tight end his freshman year. His 43-game starting streak is tops in the Big Ten.

Gallery is the only Iowa player to be selected a team captain every week this year. He has also recorded three tackles this season following Iowa turnovers.

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

SANDERS BIG TEN’S BEST SAFETY
Senior SS Bob Sanders is only the ninth Hawkeye to earn first team all-Big Ten honors three-consecutive years. The last Iowa player to be a first team all-Big Ten selection three years was Jared DeVries (1996-98). Sanders was named to the first team by both the coaches and media and was a unanimous selection by the coaches.

Sanders collected 10 tackles (5 solo) at Ohio State to top 300 career tackles. Sanders was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in his career after collecting a season-high 16 tackles (10 solo), including two for loss and one sack, forcing a career-high three fumbles and recovering one vs. Minnesota.

Sanders ranks eighth in school history with 345 career tackles. He is only two tackles from moving past Dave Haight (1985-88) for seventh on Iowa’s career tackle chart. He has seven career interceptions.

Sanders finished the regular season with 30 tackles in Iowa’s final three games. In Iowa’s final regular season game at Wisconsin, Sanders was instrumental in preserving Iowa’s six-point lead down the stretch. He collected seven tackles (2 solo), including one for loss, recovered one fumble and intercepted his first pass of the season.

The native of Erie, PA, has collected 69 tackles in eight games this season. He ranks third on the team in tackles and leads the Big Ten in forced fumbles (6). All six forced fumbles have come in conference games.

Against Illinois, Sanders registered three tackles (2 solo), 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 was 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.

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. He was a first team pick by the coaches in 2001.

RAZOR SHARP
Senior WR Ramon Ochoa leads the Hawkeye receiving corps and punt and kickoff return units this season. Ochoa ranks first on the squad in receptions (33), receiving yards (472) and touchdown receptions (6).

On special teams, Ochoa has returned 36 punts for a school record 445 yards. His 12.4 return average ranks fourth in the Big Ten and 21st nationally. He has returned 18 kickoffs for 396 yards. His 22.0 average ranks fifth in the conference.

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.

In its last regular season game at Wisconsin, Ochoa scored Iowa’s first two touchdowns on an 18-yard scoring run on a reverse and a six-yard reception. The 18-yard scoring run was his first career rushing touchdown.

For the season, Ochoa has scored eight touchdowns, six receiving, one rushing and one on a punt return. He becomes the first Hawkeye player to post at least one rushing and receiving touchdown and a punt return for a score in a single season since Tim Dwight ran for three scores, caught four touchdowns and returned two punt returns in 1996.

Ochoa had his best game at wide receiver in Iowa’s win over Minnesota, posting career highs in receptions (8) and receiving yards (92). He also caught a six-yard touchdown, his fifth of the year and returned two punts for 56 yards (28.0). 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.

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 his first scoring reception. His other touchdown was a three-yard reception in the third quarter.

OCHOA BREAKS SCHOOL RECORD
WR Ramon Ochoa broke the school record for most punt return yardage in a single season. Ochoa’s 36 punt returns for 445 yards breaks WR Tim Dwight’s record of 440 (24 returns) set in 1996. In addition, his 36 punt returns is three shy of the record for most in a season (39) set by Peter Marciano in 1987.

BROWN CATCHES ON
Senior WR Maurice Brown has played in seven games this year after missing five contests due to injury. Brown ranks second on the team in receptions (27), receiving yards (411) and touchdown receptions (3).

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.

In his first game back from injury, Brown saw limited action and caught two passes for 31 yards vs. Illinois. At Purdue, Brown caught a career-high eight receptions and matched a career high with 129 receiving yards. He had a touchdown reception in the first half called back due to an Iowa penalty. Brown had at least 100 receiving yards for the first time this year and the sixth time in his career.

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).

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 78 receptions for 1,419 yards. He ranks 15th in receiving yards and 22nd in receptions on Iowa’s career receiving charts. He boasts 18.2 yards per catch on 78 receptions for his career, which ranks third-best at Iowa. Bill Schultz (1973-76) is Iowa’s leader with a 22.3 average on 57 catches, while Robert Smith (1983-86) ranks second with a 20.8 average on 69 catches.

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 (3) and ranks sixth in tackles (55). He scored his first career points when he returned a fumble 18 yards against Buffalo.

Considine had a great finish to the regular season. At Purdue, he collected a career-high six tackles (5 solo). He bested that performance with seven tackles (6 solo) vs. Minnesota and matched his career high with tackles (4 solo) in Iowa’s regular season finale at Wisconsin. In addition to collecting seven tackles against the Badgers, his 24-yard interception return was the turning point in the game. Considine returned the interception to the Wisconsin one-yard line late in the third quarter. RB Fred Russell scored on the next play to give Iowa a 24-21 lead. He also deflected Wisconsin QB John Stocco’s game-tying pass attempt in the end zone on the final play of the game.

HODGES AND ROTH LEAD DEFENSIVE LINE
Defensive ends Howard Hodges and Matt Roth have led Iowa’s defensive line this season. Both were named to the pre-season watch list for the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award and earned all-Big Ten accolades. Roth earned first team honors by both the coaches and media, while Hodges was a second team pick by both. 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 ranks fifth in the Big Ten and 22nd nationally in sacks (0.83), ranks second on the Hawkeyes in TFL (12) and seventh in total tackles (49).

He posted four tackles, including two for loss and one sack in Iowa’s regular season finale at Wisconsin. Hodges collected a career-high 12 tackles (11 solo) in Iowa’s victory over Minnesota. He collected five tackles, including one sack vs. Penn State. 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.

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 and 17th nationally in sacks (0.88) and fifth in tackles for loss (1.21), ranks second on the Hawkeyes in quarterback hurries (4) and eighth in tackles (47). He has recorded at least one sack in 14 of Iowa’s last 19 games.

Against 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.

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.

LINEBACKERS ARE BIG TEN LEADERS
Linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge have been a force in the middle of Iowa’s defense this season. Hodge and Greenway both earned all-Big Ten laurels. Hodge was a first team pick by the media and a second team honoree by the coaches, while Greenway earned second team accolades by both.

The duo of Hodge and Greenway rank one-two in the Big Ten in tackles, respectively. Both have collected double figures in tackles in seven of Iowa’s last 10 games, including the last three contests.

Hodge ranks first in the Big Ten and 24th nationally in tackles (11.1) and his 133 tackles tie for 10th in single season tackles at Iowa. He is six tackles from tying Jim Reilly (1988) and Dave Simms (1971) for third place. He ranks 25th in the nation in solo tackles (6.67). Nine of his 133 tackles are for loss, ranking fourth on the Hawkeyes.

Hodge recorded 30 tackles (16 solo) in Iowa’s final two games. He posted 14 tackles (7 solo) at Wisconsin and tied a career high with 16 tackles (9 solo) and had one pass break-up vs. Minnesota. At Purdue, Hodge registered a game-high 11 tackles (7 solo), including one for loss. Against Illinois, Hodge collected a team-high nine tackles (7 solo) and recovered his second fumble in as many weeks. Against Penn State, Hodge recovered his first career fumble and returned it 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.

Greenway ranks second in the league and 35th nationally in tackles (10.7), ranks third on the Hawkeyes in TFL (11) and pass break-ups (6). His 128 tackles rank 16th in single season tackles at Iowa.

Greenway posted 10 tackles at Purdue and vs. Minnesota and recorded 11 at Wisconsin. Four of his 10 were solo vs. Minnesota, including two for loss. He also had one pass break-up. Greenway collected seven solo tackles and three assists at Purdue, including one half for loss. He collected eight tackles (2 solo), including one for loss and one pass break-up vs. Illinois. 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.

FIRST CAREER TOUCHDOWNS
Iowa has had 11 players record their first career touchdowns this year. 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), WR Matt Melloy (vs. Penn State), SS Bob Sanders (Illinois) and TE Tony Jackson (Illinois).

JOHNSON ENDS SCORING THREATS
DB Jovon Johnson has intercepted five passes this year, two in the end zone. His five interceptions in 2003 are the most by an Iowa player since Damien Robinson had six thefts in 1996.

Johnson intercepted his fifth pass of the season and second in as many weeks in Iowa’s regular season finale at Wisconsin. The native of Erie, PA, returned the interception a team best 39 yards. It resulted in a second quarter touchdown.

Johnson returned his fourth interception of the year eight yards vs. Minnesota. It marked the second straight season that he has intercepted Minnesota QB Asad Abdul-Khaliq. He 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, in the end zone, against Arizona State.

Johnson ranks second in the Big Ten in interceptions (5) and 34th in the nation. Additionally, he ranks ninth on the team in tackles (38) and ranks first in pass break-ups (11). He ranks third in the Big Ten and 30th nationally in passes defended (16).

His nine interceptions in 24 career games ties for 11th in career interceptions at Iowa.

He was named Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week along with Ohio State defensive end Simon Fraser on Sept. 1. 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.

IOWA NOTES

• The Hawkeyes are 3-2 against ranked opponents this year. Iowa defeated then-No. 16 Arizona State (21-2), then-No. 8 Michigan (30-27) and then-No. 17 Minnesota (40-22) in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes lost to then-No. 8 Ohio State (19-10) and then-No. 14 Purdue (27-14) on the road.
• After winning 11 games in 2002, Iowa has won as many as nine games in consecutive seasons for the first time since winning nine games in 1986 and 10 contests in 1987.
• The Hawkeyes are the only team to beat Miami, OH this year (21-3) and one of only two squads (Oregon, 31-27) to beat Michigan (30-27). Since the week one 18-point defeat to the Hawkeyes, the RedHawks have won 12-straight games and have averaged 45.8 ppg. Miami’s (OH) scoring offense ranks fifth in the nation.
• Iowa out-scored its opponents 118-22 in the second quarter and 101-28 in the third quarter this year. In Iowa’s regular season finale at Wisconsin, the Badgers scored seven points in the second quarter. It marked the first time Iowa’s defense yielded a second quarter touchdown all season. Wisconsin scored the touchdown following an interception return to Iowa’s 36-yard line.
• After struggling with penalties and penalty yardage all season, Iowa finished the season strong by limiting the amount of mistakes in its final two games. The Hawkeyes collected only three penalties for five yards vs. Minnesota and three for 30 yards at Wisconsin.
• David Bradley posted a career long 75-yard punt in the second quarter vs. Minnesota. The 75-yard punt ties for the fifth-longest in school history. Nick Gallery had a 75-yard boot vs. Indiana (10/14/95).
• Iowa’s 18-play, 77-yard game-opening touchdown drive vs. Illinois, 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.
• Iowa ranks in the top three in the Big Ten in 12 categories.
• The Hawkeyes have won 19 of their 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).
• The Hawkeyes rushed the ball a season-high 51 times vs. Penn State.
• 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 18 of its last 21 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 posted five home sellouts this year (Arizona State, Michigan, Penn State, Illinois and Minnesota). Iowa’s home attendance average of 65,798 is its best since 1998 (68,330).
• Iowa opponents have scored first in six of the last nine games. The Hawkeyes scored on their opening possession in four of 12 contests, including touchdown drives vs. Buffalo and Illinois and field goals vs. Iowa State and Minnesota. Iowa won all four contests when it scored on its opening drive.
• Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz started the season 4-0 for the first time as Iowa’s head coach. He has posted a 23-8 (.742) mark over the last 31 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).
• Iowa finished fourth in the Big Ten and now has 45 first-division finishes in the conference, including four championships and seven additional finishes among the top three teams in the league.

CHANDLER DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
Senior Nathan Chandler has completed 152-282 passes for 1,870 yards, 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. His 1,870 yards passing rank 15th-best, while his 2,014 yards of total offense rank 14th-best in a single season at Iowa.

His pass efficiency rating of 122.4, ranks seventh in the Big Ten and 65th nationally. Chandler has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 11 of Iowa’s 12 games. Iowa’s game at Ohio State marked the only time this year he failed to toss a touchdown pass. Chandler’s 17 touchdown passes ties for third in the league. He has passed for over 200 yards in three of Iowa’s last four contests. He completed a season-long 51-yard pass to Ramon Ochoa at Ohio State.

He has rushed the ball 80 times for 137 yards and five touchdowns. His five rushing touchdowns rank second on the squad behind RB Fred Russell.

Against Minnesota, Chandler completed 17-28 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown, and he also scored on a two-yard run. He completed 14-23 passes for a career-high 243 yards and one touchdown vs. Illinois.

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.

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

Against Illinois, 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 30 kickoffs for an average of 22.6, 43 punt returns for an average of 13.0. Iowa is four punt returns from tying the school record of 47 returns set in 1987. The Hawkeyes rank third in the Big Ten and 18th nationally in punt returns and second in the conference and 31st nationally in kickoff returns. Iowa’s kickoff coverage unit yields 17.1 yards per return on 34 attempts, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten.

Last year, Iowa’s special teams blocked four kicks (two punts, one field goal and one PAT attempt). All four blocks resulted in points for the Hawkeyes. Both blocked punts were recovered in the end zone, while the blocked field goal and PAT attempt were scooped up and returned for scores.

IOWA STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 52 of its last 54 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 54 of 60 games under Kirk Ferentz.

RUSSELL JOINES ELITE GROUP
RB Fred Russell earned all-Big Ten accolades for the second-straight season. The senior earned second team honors by both the coaches and media.

Russell, who was 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 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.

In Iowa’s regular season finale, Russell carried the ball 18 times for 137 yards and one touchdown. Against Minnesota, Russell rushed eight times for 23 yards. He also had two kickoff returns for 78 yards, including a 46-yard opening kickoff return that is the longest for the Hawkeyes this year and is a career long.

Against the Fighting Illini, 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 261 times for 1,205 yards and six touchdowns. His 1,205 yards rank fifth on Iowa’s single season rushing chart. Russell ranks second in the league and 26th nationally in rushing (100.4) and seventh in the league in all-purpose yards (109.6). He is 59 yards from equaling his rushing total (1,264) of 2002.

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 six times this year and 14 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.

His career totals include 493 attempts for 2,610 yards and 16 touchdowns, which ranks fourth-best for yardage among Iowa running backs. Russell’s 5.3 career average ranks second all-time (min. 400 attempts) at Iowa. Tavian Banks ranks first with a 5.9 average.

Russell was named to the first all-Big Ten coaches team last year, while he was a second team selection by the media.

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 five games and has completed 6-10 passes for 55 yards and one touchdown, which was a 13-yard pass completion to WR Matt Melloy vs. Illinois. The native of Baytown, TX, has also rushed five times for 46 yards.

Jones played and started his first six games at left guard in Iowa’s last six games of the regular season. Jones was named to the Rivals.com Freshman all-American team. He was named to the group’s honorable mention unit. He also garnered third team Freshman all-America honors and was named to the Big Ten all-Freshman squad by The Sporting News.

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 before missing several games due to injury.

Johnson has rushed 18 times for 46 yards.

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 in four other games, but did not catch a pass.

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

LEWIS FINISHES STRONG
Junior RB Jermelle Lewis scored a 34-yard touchdown, his first rushing touchdown this season vs. Minnesota. Lewis finished the game as Iowa’s leading rusher (9 attempts, 63 yards). His first touchdown of the season came on an eight-yard reception at Purdue. He rushed seven times for 20 yards and caught one pass for eight yards at Wisconsin. For the season, Lewis has rushed 34 times for 196 yards. The native of Bloomfield, CT, missed Iowa’s first seven games recovering from off-season knee surgery.

DEFENSE MAKES A STAND

• Iowa had four players post double figure tackles the last two weeks of the regular season.
• Iowa’s rushing defense has yielded 1,148 yards (95.7) this season, which ranks third-best in school history.
• Iowa’s red zone defense ranks second in the Big Ten. Hawkeye opponents score on only 64.5 percent (20-31) of their possessions inside the 20. The Hawkeyes have forced and recovered two fumbles on the goal line this year (at Ohio State and vs. Minnesota).
• Iowa’s rushing defense has held seven of its last 10 opponents under 75 yards rushing. The Hawkeyes are the only team in the country to have held seven consecutive opponents under 75 yards rushing.
• Iowa’s rushing defense has allowed only four plays of 20 yards or more in 2003. Iowa State’s quarterback scrambled for a 25-yard touchdown in week three, Purdue running back Jerod Void had a 20-yard rush, Minnesota running back Thomas Tapeh had a 30-yard rush and Wisconsin running back Dwayne Smith recorded a 30-yard run.
• Iowa has collected 31 sacks, which ranks fourth in the Big Ten.
• Four different Hawkeyes earned Big Ten Weekly honors (Jovon Johnson, Bob Sanders, Matt Roth and Chad Greenway).
• The Hawkeyes have forced 21 fumbles this year, recovering 12. Iowa has returned two fumbles for touchdowns (Considine – 18 yards vs. Buffalo and Sanders – 3 yards vs. Illinois).
• The three interceptions vs. Wisconsin mark the first time since the opening game of the season that Iowa had more than one in a game. The Hawkeyes had four interceptions in the 21-3 opening win over Miami, OH and one interception in five other games.
• 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 193 points (16.1) in 12 games, which ranks third in the Big Ten and 11th in the nation. Five of the opponents’ 19 offensive touchdowns have come against Iowa’s second team defense in the fourth quarter of three big wins (Buffalo, Iowa State, Illinois and Minnesota).
• Iowa collected four interceptions against Miami (OH) quarterback 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. The highly-regarded Roethlisberger had only 10 interceptions in 13 games this season as Miami posted a 12-1 record.
• Iowa’s defense has collected 24 takeaways (12 interceptions and 12 fumbles), including nine (4 interceptions, 5 fumbles) the last two games.
• FS Sean Considine has collected three interceptions, two blocked punts and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

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.

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.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Six of Iowa’s 45 offensive plays of 20 yards or more have produced touchdowns. RB Jermelle Lewis scored his first rushing touchdown of the year when he scampered 34 yards vs. Minnesota. 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 or more offensive plays of 20 yards or more in four of their last five contests.

The Hawkeyes have also recorded big plays on special teams, including six long punt returns (70, 43, 41, 24, 21, 21) and 16 kickoff returns (46, 38, 37, 33, 32, 31, 31, 27, 26, 26, 26, 23, 23, 22, 21, 20).

Iowa’s defense has yielded 31 offensive plays of 20 yards or more, including only four running plays over 20 yards. Michigan and Minnesota both recorded six of the 31. Iowa held Ohio State to only one big play (34-yard passing play) and Purdue to two (20-yard rushing play and a 45-yard touchdown pass).

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 118-22 and 101-28 in the second and third quarters, respectively. Hawkeye opponents own an 84-65 advantage in the first quarter and a 59-52 edge in the fourth quarter.

The Hawkeye defense has allowed only one touchdown in the second quarter this year, which Wisconsin scored in the regular season finale.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa is averaging 5.4 yards on 345 first down plays, 4.7 yards on 254 second down plays, 5.0 yards on 173 third down plays and 2.7 yards on six fourth down plays.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 53 scoring drives have averaged 6.6 plays, 46.8 yards and 2:38 elapsed time. Twenty-six of Iowa’s 53 scoring drives covered 50 yards or more.

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

Iowa opponents have recorded 30 scoring drives, averaging 7.9 plays, 50.8 yards and 2:54 elapsed time. Eight of Iowa’s opponents’ 30 scoring drives have covered 75 yards or more.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
The Hawkeyes have marched inside the red zone 50 times and scored 44 times (88.0%). Iowa’s 88 percent scoring proficiency ranks second in the league.

Iowa has scored six touchdowns and four field goals its last 10 trips inside the 20. In Iowa’s last regular season game at Wisconsin, the Hawkeyes scored three touchdowns and one field goal. The Haweyes scored three touchdowns and three field goals vs. Minnesota the previous week. Iowa was also a perfect 6-6 vs. Illinois. The Hawkeyes posted four touchdowns and two field goals against the Fighting Illini.

Three of the Hawkeyes’ red zone failures came when they had a comfortable lead and let the clock expire – once each against Miami (OH), Buffalo and Penn State. 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 31 times and have scored 20 times (64.5%). Iowa’s red zone defense ranks second in the Big Ten.

Minnesota was 3-6, scoring two touchdowns and one field goal. Iowa forced three fumbles inside its own 20, including one at the goal line. Purdue was 2-3, collecting two touchdowns. 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.

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
For the second straight season and for the third time in four years, Iowa’s regular season schedule included 12 games. Iowa played seven games in Kinnick Stadium, where it posted a perfect 7-0 mark this season. Seven of Iowa’s 12 games were played against bowl eligible squads. Iowa recorded a 4-3 record against those teams, including victories over No. 4 Michigan (30-27), No. 16 Miami, OH (21-3) and No. 22 Minnesota (40-22).

Iowa’s 2003 home schedule included dates with Miami (OH), Buffalo, Arizona State, Michigan, Penn State, Illinois and Minnesota. Road games were at Iowa State, Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin. Iowa’s bye week was Oct. 11 and Iowa did not have to play consecutive road games for the time since 1999.

The Hawkeyes did not play Indiana (2-10) or Northwestern (6-6) this year. The last time Iowa did not play the Hoosiers was 1990, while 1970 was the last time the Wildcats were not on Iowa’s schedule.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 70 points off 24 turnovers (12 interceptions and 12 fumbles), plus an additional 19 points following four blocked punts (2 at Iowa State, 1 vs. Michigan and 1 vs. Penn State).

Iowa scored a season-high 17 points off turnovers following four Wisconsin miscues in its last regular season game. In fact, Iowa posted 23 points in its final two games after forcing nine turnovers. The previous week, Iowa scored six points after four Minnesota fumbles and one interception.

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 21 times, including four at Michigan State and three times each at Ohio State, vs. Penn State and at Wisconsin. Michigan State tallied 13 points off Hawkeye turnovers, while Wisconsin scored 14 points. Iowa State and Penn State scored seven points each, while Minnesota converted a field goal.

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 20 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.

HAWKEYES BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa returns 38 lettermen from 2002, including 18 on offense, 18 on defense and two specialists. The Hawkeyes return nine starters on offense and eight on defense, plus PK Nate Kaeding and P David Bradley. The letterman breakdown includes 10 three-year lettermen, 13 two-year lettermen and 15 one-year lettermen.

The total roster includes 113 players, including 21 seniors, 20 juniors, 24 sophomores, 20 redshirt freshmen and 28 true freshmen.

WATCHING FROM ABOVE
Iowa’s coaches in the press box during the season are Lester Erb (receivers and special teams), along with quality control assistant Jon McLaughlin and graduate assistant coaches Michael Ketchum and A.J. Blazek. That leaves Ken O’Keefe (offensive coordinator), Norm Parker (defensive coordinator), Phil Parker (defensive backs), Carl Jackson (running backs), Reese Morgan (offensive line), Darrell Wilson (linebackers), Ron Aiken (defensive line) and Eric Johnson (tight ends) on the sidelines.

ROSE BOWL EXPERIENCE
Four members of the Iowa coaching staff have coached or played in the Rose Bowl. Kirk Ferentz coached in two Rose Bowl games while on the Iowa staff and Carl Jackson coached in three Rose Bowl games as an Iowa assistant coach. Norm Parker and Phil Parker both coached in the Rose Bowl while on the staff at Michigan State.

GAMES ON TELEVISION
All 12 Iowa games were televised this year. The Hawkeyes were televised nationally on ESPN twice (at Purdue and vs. Minnesota), ESPN2 twice (vs. Arizona State and vs. Miami, OH) and Fox Sports Net (at Iowa State). Iowa games were shown regionally on ABC four times (vs. Michigan, at Ohio State, vs. Penn State and at Wisconsin) and on ESPN Plus twice (Buffalo and Illinois). Iowa’s game vs. Arizona State was a night game and the Hawkeyes played four mid-afternoon games (vs. Michigan, at Ohio State, at Purdue and at Wisconsin).

IOWA STATS ON THE INTERNET
Statistics and play-by-play accounts of Iowa’s bowl game will be 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.