Oct. 11, 2004
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IOWA RETURNS TO ACTION
Iowa (3-2, 1-1) returns to action this week, hosting Ohio State (3-2, 0-2) Saturday. Game time is 2:36 p.m. (CDT) in Kinnick Stadium (70,397). A sellout is expected.
ON THE TUBE
ABC will televise next week’s game to a regional audience. The game is also available on DIRECTV’s ESPN GamePlan package. Brad Nessler, Bob Griese and Lynn Swann will call the action.
RADIO BROADCAST
Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, with color commentator Ed Podolak and sideline reporter Rob Brooks. The Hawkeye Radio Network includes more than 40 stations throughout the state.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,057 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 533-485-39 (.523). That includes a 337-191-16 (.634) record in home games, a 196-294-23 (.404) record in games away from Iowa City, a 259-327-25 (.444) mark in Big Ten games and a 220-156-15 (.582) record in Kinnick Stadium.
IOWA LOOKS TO EXTEND STREAK
Iowa’s win over Michigan State extended its home winning streak to 15. The 15-game home winning streak, dating back to 2002, is a new Kinnick Stadium record. The active streak ranks fourth nationally among Division I-A schools. Boise State (22) ranks first, followed by Oklahoma (17) and USC (17). 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 10 straight home wins is the best for the Hawkeyes in Kinnick Stadium and ties its overall record. Iowa won 10 consecutive home conference games from Nov. 9, 1918 to Oct. 20, 1923. The current 10-game home win streak in league games began with a 42-24 win over Minnesota in 2001.
HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE
Saturday’s game vs. Ohio State will mark the 49th consecutive game the Hawkeyes have been selected for television. The last Iowa contest not televised was at Illinois on Oct. 14, 2000.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is winless in its last 12 games played on Oct. 16. Overall, Iowa is 2-11-1 on Oct. 16. The Hawkeyes defeated Northwestern 12-6 in 1897 and 9-6 in 1915. Iowa lost to Illinois 20-3 in 1920, 13-6 in 1926 and 49-3 in 1993, Wisconsin 13-6 in 1937, Purdue 20-13 in 1948, Ohio State 20-14 in 1954, Minnesota 14-3 in 1965 and 19-14 in 1971, Indiana 14-7 in 1976, Michigan 29-7 and Northwestern 23-21 in 1999. Iowa and Indiana tied 7-7 in 1943.
IOWA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Iowa’s Leadership Council for the 2004 season includes 13 players (five seniors, three juniors, two 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 Jonathan Babineaux, Sean Considine, Tony Jackson, Tyler Luebke and Pete McMahon, juniors Chad Greenway, Ed Hinkel and Abdul Hodge, sophomores Jason Manson and Mike Elgin, redshirt freshmen Bryan Mattison and Albert Young and true freshman Seth Olsen.
INSTANT REPLAY
Nine of Iowa’s 11 games this season will feature the Big Ten Conference’s experimental instant replay system. Hawkeye games vs. Iowa State and at Arizona State did not utilize the system. There were no replays in Iowa’s win over Kent State. One play was reviewed at Michigan and one vs. Michigan State. Both plays were upheld.
The NCAA Football Rules Committee granted the Big Ten the right to experiment with instant replay on a one-year basis for all televised games at league stadiums in 2004. All 44 conference games will utilize this system.
FAMILY AFFAIR
Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and his son, Brian, Ferentz are believed to be one of only four father-son duos in Division I this year. They join 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.
IOWA HEAD 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 sixth season as Iowa’s head football coach. He resurrected the Iowa program and led the 2003 Hawkeyes to a 10-3 record and a 37-17 Outback Bowl victory No. 17 Florida. Iowa has posted a 24-7 (.774) overall mark and 14-4 (.778) Big Ten record the last three seasons under Ferentz.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 35-31 (.530) and a 21-21 (.500) mark in Big Ten games. In eight seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 47-52 (.475).
Twenty-two of Iowa’s 66 games over the last six seasons have been decided by seven points or less and 24 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 first 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 0-3 against Ohio State and 0-2 vs. Buckeye Coach Jim Tressel (0-1 Iowa vs. OSU and 0-1 Maine vs. YSU).
OHIO STATE COACH JIM TRESSEL
Jim Tressel is in his fourth year as the head coach at Ohio State and his 19th season overall as a head coach. Tressel’s overall record stands at 171-65-2 (.723) and 36-8 (.818) with the Buckeyes. He has guided the Buckeyes to back-to-back Fiesta Bowl victories, including its thrilling 31-24 overtime win over Miami for the 2003 national championship. Last season, Ohio State went 11-2 and defeated Kansas State (35-28) in the 2004 Fiesta Bowl. The Buckeyes finished with a 7-5 mark in his first season as mentor, including a third place conference finish and an invitation to the 2002 Outback Bowl.
Prior to coaching the Buckeyes, Tressel coached 15 seasons at Youngstown State. Tressel guided the Penguins to four national titles and also appeared in two other championship games. He was named National Coach of the Year four times (1991, ’93, ’94 and ’97).
Tressel was a four-year letterwinner at quarterback (1971-74) and earned all-Conference honors as a senior at Baldwin Wallace College.
Tressel is 1-0 vs. Iowa and 2-0 against Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz (1-0 OSU vs. Iowa and 1-0 YSU vs. Maine).
OSU’S HOME WIN STREAK SNAPPED
Wisconsin snapped an 18-game Ohio State home winning streak with a 24-13 victory in Ohio Stadium last Saturday. Leading 14-13 at the half, the Badgers came out of the locker room and marched 72 yards and converted a field goal to stretch their lead to 17-13. Wisconsin added a touchdown in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach at 24-13. Ted Ginn Jr. scored Ohio State’s only touchdown on a 65-yard punt return in the first quarter to give the Buckeyes the early lead. PK Mike Nugent connected on field goals of 42 and 55 yards (tied career best) in the second quarter. The two field goals made gave Nugent the school career record (60).
IOWA, OHIO STATE NOTES
- Neither team scored an offensive touchdown in last year’s game in Columbus. The Hawkeyes’ touchdown was scored on a fake field goal, while Ohio State’s touchdowns were scored on a punt return and a recovery of a blocked punt in the end zone.
- Both team’s rushing defenses were solid in last year’s meeting as Iowa allowed only 56 yards on 42 rushes, while Ohio State yielded 66 yards on 40 carries.
- The Ohio State game will be Kirk Ferentz’s 100th game as a collegiate head coach.
- Iowa is 2-2 under Ferentz coming off a bye week.
- Ohio State PK Mike Nugent was named co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week, marking the third time this season the senior has earned the honor.
- Ohio State has not lost three consecutive games since the 1999 season when it lost its final three regular season games (at Michigan State, vs. Illinois and at Michigan).
- Jim Tressel and Kirk Ferentz first coached against each other in 1990 when Tressel was head coach at Youngstown State and Ferentz at Maine. Youngstown State defeated Maine 38-17 in its final game of the year for the Black Bears.
- Iowa LB Chad Greenway is three tackles from reaching 200 for his career. Abdul Hodge became the 53rd Hawkeye to eclipse the 200 tackle plateau at Arizona State in week three.
- This year marks the second consecutive season that Iowa has two weeks to prepare for Ohio State.
- Iowa is winless against Ohio State (0-6-1) in its last seven meetings in Iowa City.
- Iowa has two true freshmen from the state of Ohio on its roster: DB Bradley Fletcher (Youngstown) and LB Anton Narinsky (Chagrin Falls) – both are red-shirting. Ohio State does not have any Iowans on its roster.
THE SERIES
This marks the 59th meeting between the two schools with Ohio State holding a 42-13-3 advantage in the series that began with a 12-9 Iowa win in 1922. The Buckeyes have won the last eight games and 10 of the last 11. Ohio State won last year’s meeting 19-10 in Columbus. Ohio State holds a 15-5-2 edge in games played in Iowa City, going 6-0-1 the last seven contests in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa’s last victory over Ohio State was a 16-9 win in Columbus on 11/2/91 and its last win in Kinnick Stadium was a 20-14 triumph on 9/24/83.
INJURED RUNNING BACKS
Iowa lost running backs Marcus Schnoor and Albert Young to season-ending knee injuries in Iowa’s first two games. Three games later, the Hawkeyes lost Jermelle Lewis to a season-ending ACL injury.
Other Hawkeye running backs that have seen action this year include Marques Simmons (21 attempts, 98 yards and 2 touchdowns), Sam Brownlee (13 attempts, 35 yards) and Champ Davis (1 attempt, 2 yards). True freshman Damian Sims, who has not seen action this season, could be a factor.
OTHER INJURIES
DB Sean Considine (foot) and LB Mike Humpal (knee) are questionable for Saturday’s game, while TE Mike Follett (back) and DB Jonathan Zanders (collar bone) will miss the remainder of the season.
NEW STARTING QUARTERBACK
For the fifth consecutive season, Iowa started with a different starting quarterback from the previous year. Sophomore Drew Tate started all four games to start the 2004 season. Last year, Nathan Chandler started all 13 games, while in 2002 it was Brad Banks, preceded by Kyle McCann in 2001 and Scott Mullen in 2000.
IOWA 38, MICHIGAN STATE 16
Iowa collected a season-high 464 yards total offense en route to 38-16 victory over Michigan State on homecoming. The victory was Iowa’s fifth consecutive homecoming win, but more importantly, it snapped a two-game losing streak.
The Hawkeyes jumped on the Spartans early, posting two first quarter 80-yard touchdown drives. RB Jermelle Lewis scored the first touchdown on a season-long 47-yard run and WR Ed Hinkel caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from QB Drew Tate.
Iowa took a 17-6 advantage into the half and stretched its lead to 31-6 following touchdown runs by FB Tom Busch (3 yards) and RB Marques Simmons (one yard) in the third quarter. Both scores were their first collegiate points. Simmons would later score his second touchdown on a two-yard plunge in the final period.
Iowa was a perfect 5-5 in the red zone, scoring four touchdowns (three rushing and one passing) and a field goal.
Tate posted career highs in pass completions (25), attempts (36) and yardage (340). The sophomore became the first Iowa quarterback to throw for over 300 yards since Jon Beutjer threw for 380 yards at Indiana (9/30/00). In addition, Tate completed 10-straight passes in the third quarter, marking the third time this season that he has completed 10 or more consecutive passes in a game (10 vs. Kent State and 11 at Michigan).
Lewis came out of the game in the second quarter due to injury, but finished the game as Iowa’s leading rusher; three carries, 49 yards and one touchdown. WR Ed Hinkel tied a career high with seven receptions and posted a career high with 98 receiving yards. WR Clinton Solomon collected career highs in receptions (4) and receiving yards (105).
Defensively, Iowa had three players collect double figure tackles. DB Miguel Merrick had the first start of his career, replacing an injured Sean Considine, and responded with a career-high 14 tackles (10 solo), including one for loss. LB Abdul Hodge tallied 12 tackles (7 solo), while DB Marcus Paschal registered a career-high 10 tackles (7 solo).
FINAL GAME NOTES
- Iowa improved to 5-1 in conference home openers under Kirk Ferentz.
- The victory was Iowa’s fifth straight over Michigan State in Kinnick Stadium.
- WR James Townsend caught one pass for eight yards. The reception was his first of the season.
- Iowa’s 14 points in the first quarter is a season high for points scored in a period for the Hawkeyes. Iowa matched the 14 points in the fourth quarter.
- The Hawkeyes shutout Michigan State in the first quarter, marking the third time this season an Iowa opponent failed to score in the first quarter. The Hawkeye defense has allowed only 13 first quarter points in five games.
- WR Matt Melloy, OL Brian Ferentz and QB Jason Manson all returned from injury and saw game action.
- Iowa posted a season low in penalties. The Hawkeyes had four penalties for 20 yards.
- PK Kyle Schlicher scored eight points, converting all five PATs and one field goal.
- OL Ben Gates, OL Todd Plagman, TE Mike Follett and DB Sean Considine did not play due to injury.
- Michigan State RB DeAndra Cobb recorded a 37-yard rush in the third quarter, marking the first rushing play of 20 yards or more Iowa’s rushing defense has allowed this season.
- All four of Michigan State’s scoring drives were over 10 plays. The Spartans posted two scoring drives of 15 plays and also scoring drives of 14 and 12 plays.
- Instant replay was used for the first time in Kinnick Stadium. The call reviewed was upheld.
LAST MEETING
A defensive battle that was decided by special teams saw No. 8 Ohio State defeat No. 9 Iowa, 19-10 at Ohio Stadium. The victory was the Buckeyes’ eighth straight over the Hawkeyes.
After Iowa failed to score on its opening possession, Ohio State converted a 53-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 advantage. The field goal would be the only points the Hawkeye defense would allow.
Unable to score on its next possession, Iowa punted to Ohio State’s Michael Jenkins, who ran the punt back 54 yards to give the Buckeyes a 10-0 edge six minutes into the contest. The Hawkeyes trimmed Ohio State’s lead to seven after a 36-yard Nate Kaeding field goal later in the first quarter.
After a scoreless second quarter, Ohio State’s special teams scored again in the third quarter when the Buckeyes blocked an Iowa punt and recovered the ball in the end zone to stretch the lead to 17-3. Iowa answered with its only touchdown of the game on a fake field goal from the five-yard line in the fourth quarter. Holder David Bradley pitched the ball to Kaeding, who ran to the right corner of the end zone and scored to trim the Buckeye lead to seven.
Down by seven and pinned deep in its own end late in the game, a shotgun snap over the head of Iowa QB Nathan Chandler sailed out of the end zone for a safety, giving Ohio State a 19-10 advantage.
Chandler completed 14-27 passes for 153 yards and one interception. RB Fred Russell rushed 22 times for 42 yards, while WR Ramon Ochoa caught four passes for 86 yards, including a career-long 51-yard reception.
Iowa’s defense was solid. The Hawkeyes allowed only 56 yards rushing on 42 attempts (1.3 avg.) and 129 yards passing. Iowa collected four sacks and forced a fumble on its goal line to prevent Ohio State from scoring a critical touchdown in the second quarter. LB Abdul Hodge collected a career-high 16 tackles, including 1.5 TFL, and forced the fumble on the goal line. LB Chad Greenway and SS Bob Sanders each registered 10 tackles, while DE Howard Hodges recorded four tackles, including a career-high three sacks.
LEWIS LEADS IOWA’S RUSHING ATTACK
RB Jermelle Lewis is Iowa’s leading rusher after five games, but will miss the remainder of the 2004 season due to a season-ending knee injury. Lewis rushed 57 times for 200 yards. The senior had his best game of the season vs. Iowa State, rushing 30 times for 102 yards and also catching two passes for 44 yards. The 102 yards rushing marked the fifth time in his career that he eclipsed the century mark. Against Michigan State, Lewis had three carries for 49 yards, including a season-long 47-yard touchdown run on Iowa’s first offensive drive. The 47-yard rush was the second-longest carry of his career. He recorded a 75-yard run vs. Utah State (9/21/02). He also caught three passes for 45 yards vs. the Spartans. Lewis served a one-game suspension in Iowa’s season-opener.
Lewis is one of 50 student-athletes named to the 2004 Walter Camp Player of the Year Watch List. Last season, Lewis rushed 46 times for 241 yards, ran for one score and also caught one touchdown. He was the leading rusher in the Hawkeyes’ 2003 victory vs. Minnesota, rushing nine times for 63 yards. Lewis also rushed a season-high 12 times for 45 yards vs. Florida in the Outback Bowl. The native of Bloomfield, CT, missed Iowa’s first seven games recovering from off-season knee surgery. Lewis’ career numbers include 226 rushing attempts for 1,150 yards and 10 touchdowns and 16 receptions for 180 yards and two scores. Lewis is the 36th Iowa player to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing plateau and ranks 26th in career rushing. He is two yards from moving past Kevin Harmon (1984-87) into 25th place.
SPECIAL TEAMS RISE AGAIN
After blocking a single season school record five punts last season, Iowa has started on the right foot in 2004. LB Chad Greenway blocked a Kent State punt in the third quarter, which resulted in a field goal. Iowa is 5-0 in games that it blocked at least one punt dating back to last season.
DB Walner Belleus returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown at Arizona State. Previously, the last time an Iowa player returned a punt for a touchdown was Ramon Ochoa vs. Buffalo for 70 yards (9/6/03). Additionally, WR Ed Hinkel returned two punts for 60 total yards and two kickoffs for 51 total yards at Arizona State.
As a team, Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten and fifth nationally in punt returns (19.5).
HINKEL RETURNS TO FORM
WR Ed Hinkel has been Iowa’s top receiving threat. Hinkel has been a force in Iowa’s last two games. Against Michigan State, the junior tied a career high with seven receptions, posted a career high with 98 receiving yards and caught a 15-yard touchdown. His 43-yard reception in the third quarter was a career long. At Michigan, he collected seven receptions for 89 yards and caught a career-high two touchdowns. Hinkel posted team highs in receptions and receiving yards vs. Kent State (4-65) and Iowa State (4-61).
Hinkel leads Hawkeye receivers with 23 receptions for 317 yards and four touchdowns this season. He ranks sixth in the Big Ten and 62nd nationally in receptions (4.6) and seventh in the league in receiving yards (63.4).
Three of his five career receiving touchdowns have been highlight reel diving catches in the end zone (at Michigan, 2004; vs. Iowa State, 2004; at Penn State, 2002). Hinkel also returned a punt for a touchdown his freshman season. Hinkel ran back two punts for 60 yards and two kickoffs for 51 yards at Arizona State. He did not have any returns at Michigan. The junior ranks 13th nationally in punt return yardage (15.33).
Hinkel was hampered by injuries last season, missing four games and seeing limited action in other games. The native of Erie, PA, has 55 career receptions for 643 yards and five touchdowns.
IOWA NOTES
- The Hawkeyes have won 22 of their last 24 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 has won 21 of its last 26 regular season games.
- Iowa is 32-4 when leading at the half and 34-2 when leading after three quarters under Coach Ferentz. Furthermore, Iowa is 21-1 when leading at the half and 23-0 when leading after three quarters the last three years.
- Iowa rushed 28 times for -15 yards at Michigan. The last time an Iowa team rushed for negative yardage was in a 45-34 loss at Indiana (10/29/88); the Hawkeyes rushed 22 times for -1 yard.
- Iowa was held to 100 yards total offense in its loss at Arizona State. The last time a team held Iowa under 200 yards total offense was Penn State (176 yards, 10/25/03). Iowa won that game, 26-14.
- Iowa has 15 players who have recorded one or more receptions this season, while 12 different Hawkeyes have recorded one or more rushing attempts.
- OL Pete McMahon is the only Hawkeye to be named captain in each of the first five games.
- ? Iowa has had two interceptions returned for touchdowns (99 yards by Kent State and 25 yards by Michigan).
- Iowa ranks second nationally in punt return yardage (19.5). Ed Hinkel ranks 13th nationally in punt return yardage (15.33).
- TE Tony Jackson had no receptions in the first three games of the season. In fact, the native of Ypsilanti, MI, had only seven receptions his first three years combined. The senior put up career numbers against the Wolverines in his home state, collecting four receptions for 61 yards, including a 24-yard reception on the first play from scrimmage.
- Iowa’s game vs. Michigan State was its eighth straight home sellout dating back to last year. The eight consecutive sellouts at the current Kinnick Stadium capacity (70,397) is a school record. The previous record was five set in during the 1992 season.
- Iowa has scored points on four of its first five opening possessions. The Hawkeyes kicked a field goal vs. Kent State and scored touchdowns vs. Iowa State, at Michigan and vs. Michigan State. Iowa punted on its first possession at Arizona State.
- RB Albert Young and LB Chad Greenway scored their first collegiate points vs. Kent State. DB Walner Belleus scored his first points on an 83-yard punt return at Arizona State. FB Tom Busch and RM Marques Simmons tallied their first points on short touchdown runs vs. Michigan State.
- Iowa began the season ranked No. 12 in the ESPN/USA Today poll and No. 19 in the Associated Press poll. The ranking was its highest preseason ranking since 1985 when the Hawkeyes were ranked No. 3 by USA Today/CNN and No. 4 by the AP.
TATE DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
QB Drew Tate has come on strong in his last two starts, posting career numbers in consecutive games. In his last start vs. Michigan State, the sophomore completed 25-36 passes for 340 yards – all career highs. He also completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Ed Hinkel in the first quarter. The last time an Iowa quarterback threw for over 300 yards was Jon Beutjer (30-47, 380 yards) at Indiana on 9/30/00. In addition, Tate completed 10 straight passes in the third quarter, marking the third time this season that he has completed 10 or more consecutive passes in a game.
At Michigan, he completed 24-32 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns. He completed 11 consecutive passes to start the game vs. the Wolverines. Tate played only one half in the season opener vs. Kent State, completing 13-22 passes for 136 yards, including 10 straight completions in the second quarter. Tate played his first complete collegiate game vs. Iowa State and helped the Hawkeyes to their second straight win over the Cyclones. Tate completed 16-22 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown.
For the season, Tate has completed 86-131 passes for 1,010 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions. The sophomore has thrown at least one interception in each of Iowa’s five games. The native of Baytown, TX, ranks fourth in the conference and 28th nationally in pass efficiency (136.37) and fourth in the league in passing yardage (202.0).
ROTH BREAKS OUT
Senior DE Matt Roth is a pre-season candidate for the Rotary Lombardi Award, the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year and Bronko Nagurski Awards. Other pre-season honors for Roth include the Playboy magazine all-America team, second team all-America by Lindy’s and first team all-Big Ten by Athlon Sports.
Roth has busted out the last two games after posting eight tackles, including one for loss, the first three contests of the season. The defensive end exploded for seven tackles (all solo), including two for loss and one sack and also forced a fumble at Michigan. Against Michigan State, he tallied a season-high eight tackles (4 solo), including one for loss. The senior is sixth on the squad in tackles (23), tied for second in sacks (2), ranks first in QB hurries (2) and fourth in TFL (4).
Last season, Roth was a first team all-Big Ten honoree by both the media and coaches. He ranked second in the league and 13th nationally in sacks (0.88).
His 12 QB sacks in 2003 ties as the second best single-season Iowa total. Leroy Smith set the record in 1991 with 18. Roth’s 24 career sacks ranks third best, and trails Jared DeVries (42, 1995-98) and Mike Wells (33, 1990-93). Also, he sits in third place in tackles for loss (31) behind Jim Johnson (39, 1987-90), Wells (54, 1990-93) and DeVries (78, 1995-98).
LINEBACKERS ARE BIG TEN LEADERS
Iowa’s linebacking duo of Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge are on the 2004 Dick Butkus Award Watch List, which is given annually to the nation’s top college linebacker. They were also named to the preseason first all-Big Ten team by Athlon Sports. Hodge was also named second team all-America by The Sporting News, while Greenway was named honorable mention all-America by NationalChamps.net.
Hodge became the 53rd Hawkeye to record 200 tackles when he posted seven stops (6 solo) at Arizona State. His 222 career tackles tie Matt Bowen (1996-99) for 42nd at Iowa. Hodge equaled a season high with 12 tackles (7 solo) vs. Michigan State. The previous week at Michigan, he registered a game-high 10 tackles (7 solo) and recovered one fumble. He collected a game-high 12 tackles (8 solo) in Iowa’s win over Iowa State. The junior ranks second on the team and ninth in the conference in tackles (43). He has posted double digit tackle games 10 times in his career, including three times this season.
Hodge, who was named to the 2004 NationalChamps.net pre-season all-America second team, ranked first in the Big Ten and 27th nationally in tackles (10.8) last season. His 141 tackles rank second in single season tackles at Iowa. Andre Jackson (1972) is Iowa’s record holder with 171 tackles. Nine of his 141 tackles were for loss, ranking fourth on the Hawkeyes.
Greenway was honored by the Walter Camp Foundation and the Big Ten after his outstanding performance vs. Kent State. He led the Hawkeye defense, intercepting two passes and returning them 54 yards, including a 30-yarder for a touchdown. He also collected a team-best 10 tackles (6 solo, 4 assists), including two for loss and recorded one pass breakup as Iowa held the Golden Flashes to minus 13 yards rushing and just 110 total yards. On special teams, the native of Mt. Vernon, SD, blocked his second career punt, which resulted in a field goal.
Greenway has posted double figure tackles in all but one game this season and 12 times in his career. The junior collected a game and season-high 12 tackles (9 solo) at Arizona State. Greenway tallied eight stops (5 solo) vs. Michigan State. Against Michigan, Greenway registered a game-high 10 stops (8 solo), including a career-high two sacks. He tallied 10 tackles in the season-opener vs. Kent State and in week two vs. Iowa State.
The junior ranks first on the team, fourth in the league in tackles (50), third on the team in tackles for loss (5) and first on the team and tied for fourth in the Big Ten in interceptions (2). The native of Mt. Vernon, SD, has posted 197 career tackles.
BABINEAUX ANCHORS DEFENSIVE LINE
Senior Jonathan Babineaux has been one of the Big Ten’s top defensive linemen this season. The native of Port Arthur, TX, ranks third in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (9) and ninth in the conference in sacks (3). Babineaux ranks eighth in team tackles (18). His 18 tackles rank second to Tyler Luebke (26) among Iowa defensive linemen. Babineaux has 94 career tackles, including 19 for loss and 10 sacks. His nine TFL this season equals his single season high. He collected nine tackles for 41 yards lost his sophomore season.
DEFENSE MAKES A STAND
- The Hawkeyes held Kent State to minus 13 yards rushing. Iowa could have held the Golden Flashes to minus 30 yards if not for their punter scampering 17 yards following a blocked punt in the third quarter.
- Arizona State is the only Hawkeye opponent able to score on its opening drive.
- Kent State did not score any offensive points in week one. In fact, the Golden Flashes’ offense advanced past midfield only once.
- Michigan State punted after six of its first eight possessions and Iowa’s defense held the Spartans to two field goals in the other two possessions.
- Iowa’s defense held Iowa State to 2-16 on third-down conversions. The Cyclones did not convert a third-down until late in the third quarter.
- Iowa forced a Michigan fumble on its goal line to prevent the Wolverines from scoring. The last time the Hawkeyes forced a fumble on the goal line was at Ohio State (10/18/03).
- Iowa ranks third in the Big Ten and ninth nationally in rushing defense (85.2).
DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD SOLID
DBs Antwan Allen and Jovon Johnson and FS Sean Considine are looking for good results as part of Iowa’s defensive unit.
Johnson has 10 career interceptions, which ties for seventh in career picks at Iowa.
Johnson registered 17 tackles (16 solo) in Iowa’s first five games, including a season-high six tackles vs. Michigan State. The native of Erie, PA, also recorded two pass breakups in Iowa’s win over Iowa State. Considine has recorded 125 career tackles and three picks. The senior missed Iowa’s last game vs. Michigan State due to injury, but is hopeful to return vs. Ohio State.
Against Michigan, Considine recorded two tackles and then exited the game due to a foot injury and did not return. Against Arizona State, Considine recorded seven tackles (6 solo), including one for loss. Against Kent State, he posted four tackles and one pass breakup, while collected three stops vs. Iowa State.
Allen has 133 career tackles, five interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Allen tallied five stops (3 solo) vs. Michigan State and posted six solo tackles and his second career sack at Michigan the previous week. Against Arizona State, he posted four tackles and intercepted one pass. Allen collected three solo tackles, one pass breakup and forced one fumble vs. Kent State. Against Iowa State, he collected eight tackles (6 solo).
IOWA STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 58 of its last 60 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 60-of-66 games under Kirk Ferentz.
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
For the first time since the 2001 season, Iowa’s regular season schedule includes only 11 games. The Hawkeyes will play six home games in Kinnick Stadium, where they have posted a 15-1 record the last three seasons, including a perfect 7-0 mark last year. Six of Iowa’s 11 opponents posted seven wins or more and competed in bowl games last season. The newest addition to the slate includes Kent State from the Mid-American Conference. Other home games include Iowa State and Big Ten opponents Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin. All four home conference foes earned bowl bids last season. Iowa’s only non-conference road game was at Arizona State, while it travels to Michigan, Penn State, Illinois and Minnesota within the conference. For the second consecutive year, the Hawkeyes’ league schedule does not include Indiana or Northwestern.
EIGHT WERE WALK-ONS
Eight members of Iowa’s two-deep joined the program as walk-ons. That list includes offensive linemen Pete McMahon, Greg Dollmeyer and Jacob Bowers, defensive tackle Tyler Luebke, defensive backs Sean Considine and Chigozie Ejiasi, deep snapper Kody Asmus and safety Andrew Becker.
Considine and McMahon started all 12 games, while Luebke started the last two contests in 2003. Ejiasi played in every game last year.
THEY STARTED THEM ALL
Iowa had 10 players, four on offense and seven on defense, start all 12 games last year. That list included OL Robert Gallery, OL Pete McMahon, QB Nathan Chandler, RB Fred Russell, DE Howard Hodges, DE Matt Roth, LB Abdul Hodge, LB Chad Greenway, DB Jovon Johnson, DB Antwan Allen and FS Sean Considine.
Seven of those players (McMahon, Roth, Greenway, Hodge, Considine, Johnson and Allen) are on the 2004 roster. Allen has started all 28 games in his career.
HAWKEYES STAY HOT IN NFL DRAFT
For the second straight year, five Iowa players were selected in the NFL Draft. OT Robert Gallery was the second player selected, taken by the Oakland Raiders. DB Bob Sanders was a second round selection of Indianapolis and PK Nate Kaeding was selected in the third round by San Diego. DT Jared Clauss (Tennessee) and TE Erik Jensen (St. Louis) were both selected in the seventh round. Nine additional Iowa seniors signed NFL free agent contracts immediately following the 2004 Draft.
The five players selected in the 2004 draft matches the number taken in the 2003 draft (Dallas Clark, Eric Steinbach, Bruce Nelson, Derek Pagel, Ben Sobieski), giving the Iowa program its most draft selections in back-to-back drafts since the AFL/NFL merger. Iowa had never had more than nine players selected in back-to-back drafts. All five players made rosters. A total of 18 former Iowa players are in the NFL an additional five are either on practice squads or injured reserved.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 38-13 in the first quarter and 34-24 in the fourth period. Hawkeye opponents own a 46-23 edge in the second quarter and a slim 24-23 advantage in the third.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 4.5 yards on 141 first down plays, 4.0 yards on 105 second down plays, 6.8 yards on 72 third down plays and -0.5 yards on four fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 18 scoring drives average 6.8 plays, 50.3 yards and 2:47 elapsed time. Twelve of Iowa’s 18 scoring drives have covered 45 yards or more. In addition, Iowa has had eight drives amass eight plays or more, including a 14-play drive that consumed 6:08 that resulted in a Matt Melloy four-yard TD reception vs. Kent State. Against Michigan, Iowa posted drives covering 75, 79 and 80 yards. The Hawkeyes posted two 80-yard scoring drives in the first quarter vs. Michigan State.
Hawkeye opponents have recorded 17 scoring drives, averaging 7.4 plays, 51.1 yards and 3:01 elapsed time. Three of Michigan’s four offensive scoring drives were two plays or less, while Michigan State posted two 15-play scoring drives and one 14-play scoring drive.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
The Hawkeyes have marched inside the red zone 20 times and scored 15 of those times (75.0%). Iowa ranks seventh in the Big Ten.
Iowa has posted points on its last eight trips inside the red zone. The Hawkeyes were a perfect 5-5 vs. Michigan State, scoring four touchdowns (three passing and one rushing) and a field goal. The previous week at Michigan, Iowa was 3-3. WR Ed Hinkel caught two touchdowns and PK Kyle Schlicher converted a field goal. Iowa was a perfect 1-1 vs. Iowa State, scoring a touchdown. The Hawkeyes scored on six of nine drives that reached the red zone vs. Kent State, collecting two rushing TDs, two passing TDs and two field goals for 33 points. Iowa failed to score any points the other three times inside the red zone when QB Drew Tate was intercepted on the one yardline, PK Kyle Schlicher missed a field goal and the team failed to convert on a fourth down late in a game while trying to run out the clock. Iowa was 0-2 at Arizona State, trying to convert on fourth down late in the game, trailing 44-0.
Hawkeye opponents have advanced inside the red zone 19 times and have scored 13 of those time (68.4%). Iowa ranks second in the Big Ten.
Michigan State was 4-5, scoring three field goals, one rushing touchdown and failing to score on downs late in the contest. Michigan was 2-4, scoring on two rushing touchdowns. The Wolverines fumbled on the goal line and downed the ball to end the game on their other two red zone possessions. Arizona State was a perfect 7-7, scoring five touchdowns and two field goals. Prior to the Arizona State game, Iowa’s first two opponents were 0-3. Iowa State was 0-2 after reaching the red zone, missing two field goals. Kent State advanced inside the red zone only once and did not score after failing to convert on a fourth down.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa’s offense has produced 18 plays of 20 yards or more, with 14 of the 18 coming on pass plays. WR Clinton Solomon collected catches of 44 and 36 yards and WR Ed Hinkel recorded a 43-yard reception vs. Michigan State to led Iowa’s receiving corps. Hinkel also posted catches of 35 and 23 at Michigan. The Hawkeyes had a big day running back kickoff and punt returns at Arizona State. Hinkel had a 36-yard kickoff return and a 49-yard punt return, while DB Walner Belleus ran back an Arizona State punt 83 yards for a touchdown, which ties as the sixth longest punt return in Hawkeye history.
The Hawkeye defense has yielded 15 offensive plays of 20 yards or more, with all but one coming on pass plays. Iowa opponents have also recorded three big interceptions returns (99, 31 and 25 yards), including two for touchdowns.
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 28 points after obtaining eight turnovers (3 interceptions, 5 fumbles), plus an additional three points following a blocked punt in its victory over Kent State in week one. Iowa scored a touchdown two plays after recovering a Michigan State muffed punt on the two-yard line. The Hawkeyes did not collect a turnover vs. Iowa State.
Hawkeye opponents have scored 47 points following Iowa miscues. Each of Iowa’s first five opponents scored three points or more following Iowa mistakes. Michigan State scored three points after Iowa’s only turnover. Michigan scored 27 of its 30 points following Hawkeye turnovers. Kent State scored seven points on a 99-yard interception return. Iowa State converted an interception into three points, while Arizona State drove 13 yards for a touchdown following an interception.
HAWKEYES BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa returns 39 lettermen from 2003, including 20 on offense, 17 on defense and two specialists. The Hawkeyes return three starters on offense and seven on defense, plus punter David Bradley. The letterman breakdown includes nine three-year lettermen, 10 two-year lettermen and 20 one-year lettermen. The total roster includes 118 players, including 15 seniors, 24 juniors, 28 sophomores, 29 redshirt freshmen and 22 true freshmen.
HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 118 players includes 56 players from Iowa. The roster includes 12 players from Florida, 10 players from Texas, eight from Illinois, seven from New Jersey, three from Pennsylvania and Connecticut, two from Arkansas, California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and South Carolina and one from Indiana, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, and New York.
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 Ankeny, with four, while Oelwein has three.
THE NAME GAME
Iowa has two players named Davis (Calvin and Champ, no relation), 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 two Michael’s (Huisman, Sabers). There are three Matt’s (Kroul, Melloy, Roth). There are three Chris’s (Aldrich, Brevi, Felder). There are two players named Brian (Ferentz, Powers), Kyle (Kesselring, Schlicher) and Bryan (Mattison, Ryther). There are two Andy’s (Fenstermaker, Zeal) and two named David (Bradley, Walker). Two Hawkeye players go by initials, including C.J. Barkema and A.J. Johnson.
THE HAWKEYES, SIZE WISE
Sophomore DB Ma’Quan Dawkins is the lightest Hawkeye player at 164 pounds, while the shortest player, at 5-8, is RB Marques Simmons. OL Peter McMahon is the heaviest Hawkeye at 320 pounds. A total of six Hawkeye players are listed at over 300 pounds.
The tallest players are 6-8 junior offensive tackle C.J. Barkema and sophomore 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 231 pounds. That is the exact height and two pounds lighter than the average Iowa player in 2003.
WATCHING FROM ABOVE
Iowa’s coaches in the press box during the season are Norm Parker (defensive coordinator), 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), 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. Parker missed the first three games due to surgery and returned to the booth at Michigan.
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.
IOWA STATS ON THE INTERNET
Statistics and play-by-play accounts of all Iowa 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 or Live Stats link.
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.
HY-VEE CY-HAWK SERIES
Iowa leads the inaugural Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series 3-0 after its 17-10 football victory on Sept. 11 in Iowa City.
A point system will track each institution’s performance and will culminate in one institution winning the annual trophy for the Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series. Intercollegiate athletic teams from Iowa and Iowa State will square off in head-to-head competition nine different times during the 2004-05 academic year. The competition this year is in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, wrestling, women’s gymnastics, women’s soccer, softball and women’s swimming and diving. Additional points will be available for each school to secure based on successful performance in the classroom by its student-athletes. Listed below is the upcoming competition schedule:
Oct. 31, Soccer — 2 points
Dec. 1, W. Basketball — 2 points
Dec. 4, W. Swimming and Diving — 2 points
Dec. 5, Wrestling — 2 points
Dec. 10, M. Basketball — 2 points
Jan. 28, W. Gymnastics — 2 points
Feb. 19, W. Gymnastics — 2 points
Apr. 19, Softball — 2 points
2 points for an institution if the student-athlete graduation rate for all student-athletes is greater than the national average for all student-athletes.
IOWA FOOTBALL WITH Kirk Ferentz
The weekly television replay show, featuring Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz, is a 30-minute program, which includes Iowa football highlights and weekly features about the University of Iowa football program. Gary Dolphin, the radio play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes, hosts the show.
IOWA FOOTBALL REPLAY SHOW
The Hawkeye television program makes its return 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 throughout the week in select television markets across the state.
AFTER THIS
Iowa hits the road for its second two-game road trip of the season. Iowa opens its road trip at Penn State Oct. 23 (11:05 a.m., CDT, ESPN2) before traveling to Illinois Oct. 30 (kickoff time TBA).