Hawkeyes Back on the Road

Oct. 18, 2004

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IOWA BACK ON THE ROAD
Iowa (4-2, 2-1) returns to the road when it travels to Penn State (2-4, 0-3) Saturday on homecoming. Game time is 11:05 a.m. (CDT) in Beaver Stadium (107,282). A sellout is expected.

ON THE TUBE
ESPN2 will televise Saturday’s game to a national cable audience. Pam Ward, Mike Tomczak and Dave Ryan 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 1,058 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 534-485-39 (.523). That includes a 338-191-16 (.635) record in home games, a 196-294-23 (.404) record in games away from Iowa City, a 260-327-25 (.445) mark in Big Ten games and a 221-156-15 (.583) record in Kinnick Stadium.

IN THE RANKINGS
After a three-week hiatus Iowa is ranked again, checking in at No. 25 in the Associated Press poll. The Hawkeyes are receiving votes in the ESPN/USA Today poll. The Hawkeyes have been ranked as high as 12th three times this year. Below is a list of Iowa in the rankings this season.

Two Major Polls
Preseason: 12/19
Aug. 30: 13/19
Sept. 6: 12/16
Sept. 13: 12/16
Sept. 20: 24/RV
Sept. 27: RV/-
Oct. 4: RV/-
Oct. 11: -/-
Oct. 18: RV/25
ESPN-USA Today/Associated Press

HAWKEYE HUDDLE AT PENN STATE
The National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association invite all fans to the “Hawkeye Huddle” from 9-11 a.m. (EDT) prior to the Penn State game Saturday. The “Hawkeye Huddle” will be held at The Nittany Lion Inn, located at 200 West Park Avenue in State College. The free reception features refreshments, snacks, Hawk Shop door prizes, Herky, and the Iowa cheerleaders.

ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 3-11-1 when playing on Oct. 23. The Hawkeyes defeated Indiana 27-14 in 1954 and Minnesota 22-12 in 1976 and 21-16 in 1982. Iowa lost to P&S 14-0 in 1897, Minnesota 51-13 in 1915, Chicago 10-0 in 1920, Ohio State 23-6 in 1926, Michigan 7-6 in 1937, Purdue 28-7 in 1943, Notre Dame 27-12 in 1948, Northwestern 9-0 in 1965, Michigan State 34-3 in 1971 and 24-10 in 1993 and Indiana 38-31 in 1999. Iowa tied Nebraska 6-6 in 1909.

ILLINOIS GAME TIME SET
Kickoff is set for 11:10 a.m. for Iowa’s game at Illinois on Oct. 30. The game will be televised to a regional audience on ESPN Plus.

HAWKS EARN BIG TEN HONORS
QB Drew Tate and PK Kyle Schlicher were both honored by the Big Ten after their outstanding performances in Iowa’s 33-7 win over Ohio State.

Tate was named co-Offense Player of the Week along with Michigan State QB Drew Stanton. Tate led the Iowa offense with a career-high 355 yards total offense. The native of Baytown, TX, completed 26-39 passes for 331 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. He also rushed nine times for 24 yards, including a one-yard touchdown plunge. Tate became only the third Hawkeye quarterback to throw for 300 yards in consecutive games (Matt Sherman, 1995 and Chuck Hartlieb, 1987).

Schlicher was named co-Special Teams Player of the Week along with Michigan State PK Dave Rayner. The sophomore matched a career high with nine kicking points vs. the Buckeyes. He converted 3-4 PATs and 2-2 field goals (45 and 41). The 45-yard boot is a career-long. His final extra point attempt was blocked.

Tate and Schlicher join LB Chad Greenway as Iowa’s selections for Big Ten Player of the Week this season. Greenway was recognized after his efforts in Iowa’s victory over Kent State.

IOWA, PENN STATE NOTES

• Iowa’s roster includes three players from Pennsylvania, Ed Hinkel and Jovon Johnson, both hail from Erie and are starters, and DL Lucas Cox is from Springdale. Cox is redshirting this season. Hinkel is a junior wide receiver and Johnson a junior defensive back. Hinkel attended Cathedral Prep, Johnson went to Mercyhurst Prep, while Cox attended Springdale. There are no Iowans on Penn State’s roster.
• Penn State is the only opponent Iowa plays this season coming off a bye. This marks the second straight season the Nittany Lions have an extra week to prepare for the Hawkeyes.
• Iowa’s four-game winning streak over Penn State is Iowa’s longest active Big Ten winning streak.
• Iowa has only played two overtime games in its history and both have come against Penn State in State College. The Hawkeyes won both overtime contests. Iowa’s 26-23 double overtime victory at Penn State in 2000 was Iowa’s first-ever overtime game. Two years ago, the Nittany Lions rallied from a 35-13 fourth quarter deficit to send the game into overtime, only to fall to the Hawkeyes (42-35).
• Iowa WR Ed Hinkel (Erie, PA) caught his first career touchdown at Penn State in 2002.
• Ferentz attended high school in Pittsburgh and was a graduate assistant at Pittsburgh.
• PSU assistant Ron Vanderlinden was the defensive coordinator at Northwestern in 1995 and 1996 when the Wildcats won consecutive Big Ten titles.

IOWA 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 25-7 (.781) overall mark and 15-4 (.789) Big Ten record the last three seasons under Ferentz.

Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 36-31 (.537) and a 22-21 (.512) mark in Big Ten games. In eight seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 48-52 (.480).

Twenty-two of Iowa’s 67 games over the last six seasons have been decided by seven points or less (10-12) and 25 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 4-1 against Penn State and Nittany Lion Coach Joe Paterno.

PENN STATE COACH JOE PATERNO
Joe Paterno is in his 55th season on the Penn State football coaching staff, including 38 years as head coach. Paterno’s career record is 341-109-3 (.753) since taking over in 1966. He ranks second in all-time NCAA Division I-A career victories. Paterno’s teams have won 20 bowl games, won national titles in 1982 and 1986 and posted undefeated records in 1968, 1969, 1973, 1986 and 1994. His teams have won as many as 11 games in 12 seasons and he has been National Coach of the Year on four occasions.

Paterno is 10-7 vs. Iowa and 1-4 vs. Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz.

PENN STATE IDLE LAST WEEK
The Nittany Lions were idle last week and enter Saturday’s game trying to snap a three-game losing streak. The Nittany Lions have dropped their first three conference games (Wisconsin, Minnesota and Purdue) for the third time in four years. Since joining the Big Ten Conference in 1993, Penn State has started a Big Ten season 0-4 only once, which was last season.

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. An Iowa pass completion was changed to incomplete vs. Ohio State.

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.

IOWA HOME WINNING STREAK
Iowa’s win over Ohio State extended its home winning streak to 16. The 16-game home winning streak, dating back to 2002, is a Kinnick Stadium record. The active streak ranks fourth nationally among Division I-A schools. Boise State (22) ranks first, followed by USC (18) and Oklahoma (17). The Hawkeyes’ last loss in Kinnick Stadium came against Iowa State (36-31) on Sept. 14, 2002. 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 11 straight home wins is a school record. The current 11-game home win streak in league games began with a 42-24 win over Minnesota in 2001.

THE SERIES
Penn State holds a slim 10-8 advantage in the series that began with a 19-0 Iowa win in 1930. Penn State had won four straight over Iowa through 1995, but the Hawkeyes have since won five of the last six meetings, including the last four. Iowa is 5-3 vs. Penn State in games played at State College. The Hawkeyes have won the last three contests in Beaver Stadium. The Hawkeyes hold a slim 5-4 edge in the nine meetings since the Nittany Lions joined the Big Ten.

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.

LAST MEETING
Iowa defeated Penn State, 26-14 in 2003, for the fourth consecutive time on the strength of a strong running game and solid defense.

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

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

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

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

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

IOWA 33, OHIO STATE 7
Iowa snapped an eight-game losing streak to Ohio State with a 33-7 triumph in Kinnick Stadium. The 26-point victory is Iowa’s largest margin over Ohio State.

QB Drew Tate put up big numbers to help lead the Hawkeyes to victory. The sophomore completed 26-39 passes for 331 yards and three touchdowns. Tate also rushed nine times for 24 yards and scored on a one-yard plunge. The native of Baytown, TX, became only the third Iowa quarterback to post consecutive 300-yard passing games (Matt Sherman and Chuck Hartlieb). Tate’s efforts earned him a share of Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week.

Iowa tallied its first points on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Tate to WR Clinton Solomon in the first quarter. PK Kyle Schlicher booted a career-long 45-yard field goal in the second quarter to give Iowa a 10-0 halftime advantage.

Ohio State fumbled on its second play from scrimmage in the second half. Five plays later, Tate connected with TE Scott Chandler for an 8-yard touchdown. The Hawkeyes added their second third quarter touchdown on a Solomon 36-yard touchdown reception – his second of the game. Solomon posted career highs in receptions (7) and receiving yards (131).

Tate scored on a one-yard rush on the first play of the fourth quarter and Iowa scored its final points on a 41-yard field goal by Schlicher. Schlicher finished with nine points and was named Big Ten co-Special Teams Player of the Week.

After Iowa scored 33 unanswered points, Ohio State scored a touchdown with 2:19 left in the game.

Iowa’s defense recorded eight tackles for loss, collected three turnovers (1 interception, 2 fumbles) and allowed Ohio State’s offense to cross midfield only twice. LB Abdul Hodge collected a team-high 12 tackles (9 solo), including one for loss. DE Derreck Robinson registered a career-high nine tackles (6 solo), including one for loss. He also forced and recovered a fumble – both firsts. DE Matt Roth recorded five tackles (3 solo) and two sacks and forced a fumble.

FINAL GAME NOTES

• The victory halted a seven-game winless streak against the Buckeyes in Kinnick Stadium. Previously, the last time Iowa defeated Ohio State in Iowa City was Sept. 24, 1983 (20-14).
• Iowa handed Ohio State its worst defeat since a 46-20 decision to Illinois on Nov. 13, 1999.
• QB Drew Tate did not throw an interception for the first time this season. The sophomore completed passes to nine different receivers.
• Kirk Ferentz defeated Ohio State for the first time and has now beaten every Big Ten team at least once. Ferentz also coached in his 100th game as a collegiate head coach.
• True freshman Damian Sims played in his first collegiate game. Sims carried the ball nine times for 31 yards. He is the third true freshman to play for Iowa this season (DB Adam Shada and DB Charles Godfrey).
• DE Matt Roth recorded two QB sacks. The senior has five multiple sack games in his career.
• DB Marcus Paschal intercepted Ohio State QB Justin Zwick in the end zone in the second quarter, marking Iowa’s first pick since the second quarter of the Arizona State game (9/18) – an interception drought of 11 quarters. Paschal’s interception was the first of his career.
• Iowa’s average starting field position was its own 41-yard line, while Ohio State’s average starting field position was its own 21.
• Iowa’s defense held Ohio State to only 13 yards and one first down in the first quarter. The Buckeyes became Iowa’s fourth opponent not to score any first quarter points (Kent State, Michigan, Michigan State).
• Iowa sold out its ninth consecutive game in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa has played to sellouts in every game this year.

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. Last week, Marques Simmons sprained an ankle and is questionable for Saturday’s game at Penn State.

Other Hawkeye running backs that have seen action this year include Marques Simmons (25 attempts, 118 yards and 2 touchdowns), Sam Brownlee (23 attempts, 70 yards), Damian Sims (9 attempts, 31 yards) and Champ Davis (1 attempt, 2 yards).

RUNNING BACKS FALL AT HOME
Iowa has lost a running back to injury in each of its four home games this season. Marcus Schnoor injured a knee in the season opener vs. Kent State. Albert Young also injured a knee one week later vs. Iowa State. Like Schnoor and Young, Jermelle Lewis injured a knee vs. Michigan State. Last week vs. Ohio State, Marques Simmons sprained an ankle. Schnoor, Young and Lewis are lost for the year, while Simmons is doubtful for Saturday’s game at Penn State.

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.

IOWA NOTES

• The Hawkeyes have won 23 of their last 25 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 22 of its last 27 regular season games.
• Iowa is 33-4 when leading at the half and 35-2 when leading after three quarters under Coach Ferentz. Furthermore, Iowa is 22-1 when leading at the half and 24-0 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 17 players who have recorded one or more receptions this season, while 13 different Hawkeyes have recorded one or more rushing attempts.
• Iowa has had two interceptions returned for touchdowns (99 yards by Kent State and 25 yards by Michigan).
• Iowa ranks eighth nationally in punt return yardage (16.8). Walner Belleus ranks fifth nationally in punt return yardage (18.8), while Ed Hinkel ranks 13th (15.3).
• 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. Ohio State was its ninth straight home sellout dating back to last year. The nine 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 six 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 and vs. Ohio 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. TE Scott Chandler scored his first touchdown vs. Ohio 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.

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.

NEW STARTING QUARTERBACK
For the fifth consecutive season, Iowa started with a different starting quarterback from the previous year. Sophomore Drew Tate started all six 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.

SCHLICHER THE KICKER
PK Kyle Schlicher matched a career high with nine kicking points vs. Ohio State. He converted 3-4 PATs and 2-2 field goals (45 and 41). The 45-yard boot is a career-long. His final extra point attempt was blocked. The sophomore earned a share of the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week award for his efforts. Schlicher scored nine points vs. Kent State and eight vs. Michigan State.

The native of Ankeny, IA, has converted 7-9 field goals (5-5, 20-39 yards) and 16-19 PATs this year. Schlicher has missed two 44-yard field goal attempts (Kent State and Iowa State). He leads the team with 37 points.

TATE DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
QB Drew Tate has been on fire in his last three starts, posting career numbers. The native of Baytown, TX, ranks first in Big Ten passing (313.7) and pass efficiency (156.9) and ranks second in total offense (306.7). Tate ranks 19th nationally in overall pass efficiency (142.6) and 40th in total offense (219.7).

Tate completed 26-39 passes for 331 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in helping lead Iowa to its first win over Ohio State since 1991. He also rushed nine times for 24 yards, including a one-yard touchdown plunge. Tate became only the third Hawkeye quarterback to throw for 300 yards in consecutive games (Matt Sherman, 1995 and Chuck Hartlieb, 1987). Tate was rewarded for his efforts, being named the Big Ten’s co-Offense Player of the Week.

Against Michigan State, the sophomore completed 25-36 passes for 340 yards and one touchdown. 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.

In his first conference 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 112-170 passes for 1,341 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions.

Tate reached 1,000 yards passing in five games, marking the 12th time in Iowa history an Iowa quarterback threw for 1,000 yards in the first five games or less. Three quarterbacks reached 1,000 yards in the first four games: Scott Mullen (1999), Chuck Long (1983, 1985) and Gary Snook (1964). Tate completed 37-63 (59%) passes for 400 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions in Iowa’s three non-conference games. Tate has completed 75-107 (70%) passes for 941 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions in Iowa’s three league contests.

HINKEL RETURNS TO FORM
WR Ed Hinkel has been one of Iowa’s top receiving threats. Hinkel has been a force in Iowa’s last three games.

Hinkel caught six passes for 76 yards vs. Ohio State. 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 29 receptions and four touchdowns and ranks second in receiving yards (393) this season. He ranks sixth in the Big Ten and 53rd nationally in receptions (4.83) and seventh in the league in receiving yards (65.5).

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 15th nationally in punt return yardage (15.33). He did not return any punts last week vs. Ohio State.

Hinkel was hampered by injuries last season, missing four games and seeing limited action in other games. The native of Erie, PA, has 61 career receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns.

SOLOMON CATCHES ON
WR Clinton Solomon has posted back-to-back 100 yard receiving games. The junior caught four passes for 105 yards vs. Michigan State. Last week against Ohio State, Solomon caught seven passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns – all career highs. He caught touchdown passes of 11 and 36 yards, which are the second and third of his career and his first of the season.

The native of Ft. Worth, TX, ranks first on the team in receiving yards (401) and second in receptions (21).

BELLEUS LEADS RETURN GAME
Junior College transfer Walner Belleus leads the Hawkeyes in punt returns and ranks second in kickoff returns. Belleus has returned 10 punts for 188 yards, which is tops in the Big Ten and ranks fifth nationally. The junior returned an Arizona State punt 83 yards in week three. The native of Immokalee, FL, has returned five kickoffs for 86 yards.

IOWA STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 59 of its last 61 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 61-of-67 games under Kirk Ferentz.

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 three games after posting eight tackles, including one for loss, the first three contests of the season. The senior recorded five tackles (3 solo), two sacks, one QB hurry and forced a fumble vs. Ohio State. 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 (28), ranks first in sacks (4) and QB hurries (3) and third in TFL (6).

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 26 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 (34) 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 were 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 234 career tackles rank 32nd at Iowa. The junior matched a season high with 12 tackles in consecutive weeks (Ohio State and Michigan State). Against 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 seventh in the conference in tackles (55). He has posted double digit tackle games 11 times in his career, including four 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 four times this season and 12 times in his career. He became the 54th Hawkeye to collect 200 career tackles. His seven tackles (4 solo) vs. Ohio State helped him eclipse the 200 plateau. His 204 career tackles rank 50th at Iowa.

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, fifth in the league in tackles (57), fourth on the team in tackles for loss (5) and first in interceptions (2).

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 first in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (11). Babineaux ranks ninth in team tackles (24). His 24 tackles rank second to Tyler Luebke (30) among Iowa defensive linemen.

In Iowa’s last game vs. Ohio State, Babineaux matched a career high with six tackles (3 solo), including two for loss. The senior has registered six tackles in a game five times (vs. Akron in 2002, vs. Iowa State in 2002, vs. Wisconsin, at Iowa State in 2003 and vs. Iowa State in 2004). Babineaux has 100 career tackles, including 21 for loss and 10 sacks. His 11 TFL is a single-season high. His previous single-season high was nine for 41 yards lost his sophomore season.

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 19 tackles (18 solo) in Iowa’s first six 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 two games vs. Michigan State and Ohio State due to injury, but is hopeful to return at Penn 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 136 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).

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.
• Ohio State was only able to march past midfield twice. The drives resulted in an interception in the end zone and a touchdown late in the game against Iowa’s second-team defense. Iowa held the Buckeyes to 3-13 on third-down conversions.
• 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 second in the Big Ten and fifth nationally in rushing defense (75.5).

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 32 games in his career.

SEVEN WERE WALK-ONS
Seven 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, running back Sam Brownlee, deep snapper Kody Asmus and safety Andrew Becker.

McMahon started all 12 games, while Luebke started the last two contests in 2003.

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 32 games in his career.

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.

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 45-13 in the first quarter, 37-24 in the third and 43-31 in the fourth period. Hawkeye opponents own a 46-26 advantage in the third quarter.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 4.8 yards on 176 first down plays, 4.4 yards on 129 second down plays, 6.6 yards on 88 third down plays and -1.8 yards on five fourth down plays.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 24 scoring drives average 6.9 plays, 49.0 yards and 2:49 elapsed time. Fifteen of Iowa’s 24 scoring drives have covered 45 yards or more. In addition, Iowa has had 11 drives amass eight plays or more, including a 14-play drive, consuming 6:08 that resulted in a Matt Melloy four-yard TD reception vs. Kent State. The Hawkeyes drove 83 yards in 13 plays in 5:05 with the drive culminating on a Drew Tate one-yard touchdown plunge vs. Ohio State. Against Michigan, Iowa posted drives covering 75, 79 and 80 yards. The Hawkeyes registered two 80-yard scoring drives in the first quarter vs. Michigan State.

Hawkeye opponents have recorded 18 scoring drives, averaging 7.2 plays, 52.3 yards and 2:53 elapsed time. Ohio State’s lone scoring drive came late in the fourth quarter against Iowa’s second-team defense. 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.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa’s offense has produced 23 plays of 20 yards or more, with 18 of the 23 coming on pass plays. WR Clinton Solomon has produced some of Iowa’s longest receptions in consecutive games. The junior collected catches of 44 and 36 yards vs. Michigan State and 40, 36 and 22 yards vs. Ohio State. The 44-yard reception against the Spartans is a team season-best. True freshman Damian Sims scampered 21 yards vs. the Buckeyes to give Iowa its fifth run over 20 yards this season.

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 only 16 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.

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.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
The Hawkeyes have marched inside the red zone 24 times and scored 18 of those times (75.0%). Iowa ranks ninth in the Big Ten.

Iowa has posted points on 11 of its last 12 trips inside the red zone. The Hawkeyes were 3-4 last week scoring three touchdowns. Iowa failed to score late in the fourth quarter when it failed to convert a fourth down while trying to run out the clock. 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 20 times and have scored 13 of those time (65.0%). Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten.

Ohio State managed to advance into the red zone only once and Iowa intercepted a pass in the end zone to silence the Buckeye scoring threat. 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.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 38 points after obtaining 11 turnovers (4 interceptions, 7 fumbles), plus an additional three points following a blocked punt in its victory over Kent State in week one. The Hawkeyes converted three Ohio State turnovers into 10 points. 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. Ohio State became Iowa’s first opponent this season not to score following a turnover (Ohio State went three-and-out after an Iowa fumble). 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kirk Ferentz RADIO SHOW
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz is featured on “Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz” each week. The 90-minute radio call-in show is hosted by Gary Dolphin, the play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The show airs each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. from Carlos O’Kelly’s in Iowa City.

AFTER THIS
Iowa concludes its two-game road trip at Illinois Oct. 30 (11:10 a.m., ESPN Plus). The Hawkeyes return home to host Purdue Nov. 6 (kickoff time TBA).