Hawkeyes Remain on the Road

Oct. 25, 2004

Iowa vs. Illinois Live Game Coverage
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IOWA REMAINS ON THE ROAD
Iowa (5-2, 3-1) remains on the road when it travels to Illinois (2-6, 0-5) Saturday on homecoming. Game time is 11:10 a.m. in Memorial Stadium (69,249). Plenty of tickets remain on sale as a crowd of 45-50,000 is expected.

ON THE TUBE
ESPN Plus will televise the contest to a regional audience that includes KGAN Cedar Rapids, KDSM Des Moines, KMEG Sioux City, KYOU Ottumwa, KWQC Quad Cities and Cox Cable Omaha. The game is also available on DIRECTV’s ESPN GamePlan package. Wayne Larrivee, Randy Wright and Quint Kessenich 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 1,059 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 535-485-39 (.524). That includes a 338-191-16 (.635) record in home games, a 197-294-23 (.406) record in games away from Iowa City, a 261-327-25 (.446) mark in Big Ten games and a 221-156-15 (.583) record in Kinnick Stadium.

HAWKEYE HUDDLE AT ILLINOIS
The National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association invite all fans to the “Hawkeye Huddle” from 9-10:30 a.m. prior to the Illinois game Saturday. The “Hawkeye Huddle” will be held at The Chancellor Hotel & Convention Center, located at 1501 S. Neil Street in Champaign. The free reception features refreshments, snacks, Hawk Shop door prizes, Herky, and the Iowa cheerleaders.

PURDUE GAME TIME SET
Kickoff is set for 2:35 p.m. for Iowa’s game at Illinois on Nov. 6. The game will be televised to a national cable audience on ESPN.

ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 8-5 when playing on Oct. 30. The Hawkeyes defeated Coe 11-0 in 1902, Carroll 21-0 in 1926, Wisconsin 19-13 in 1948, 13-7 in 1954 and 20-16 in 1971, Northwestern 13-10 in 1976, Illinois 14-13 in 1982 and Purdue 26-17 in 1993. Iowa lost to Kansas 56-0 in 1897, Missouri 13-12 in 1909, Purdue 13-0 in 1937, Indiana 21-17 in 1965 and Ohio State 41-11 in 1999.

IN THE RANKINGS
Winners of three straight conference games, Iowa checks in at No. 23 in the Associated Press poll and No. 24 in the ESPN/USA Today poll. In addition, Iowa is ranked No. 23 in the second BCS poll.

The Hawkeyes have been ranked as high as 12th in the coaches poll three times this year. The Big Ten boasts five teams (Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Purdue and Wisconsin) ranked in both major polls, the most of any conference in the nation. The ACC, SEC and Big 12 each have four ranked teams.

Iowa’s final three league games are against ranked opponents (Purdue, Minnesota and Wisconsin). Below is a list of Iowa in the rankings this season.

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 over No. 17 Florida. Iowa has posted a 26-7 (.788) overall mark and 16-4 (.800) Big Ten record the last three seasons under Ferentz.

Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 37-31 (.544) and a 23-21 (.523) mark in Big Ten games. In eight seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 49-52 (.485).

Twenty-three of Iowa’s 68 games over the last six seasons have been decided by seven points or less (11-12) and 25 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (9-16).

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 1-2 vs. Illinois and Fighting Illini Coach Ron Turner.

ILLINOIS COACH RON TURNER
Ron Turner is in his ninth year as a collegiate coach and his eighth with Illinois. Turner’s career record is 41-59 (.410) and 34-55 (.382) with the Fighting Illini. Turner has coached Illinois to two bowl games (Micronpc.com and Sugar) during his tenure. In 2001, he was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year while guiding the Fighting Illini to a Big Ten Championship.

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

Turner is 2-3 vs. Iowa and 2-1 against Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz.

ILLINOIS STUMBLES AT MINNESOTA
Minnesota running back Marion Barber III ran for two touchdowns and threw for another, helping Minnesota to a 45-0 homecoming victory over Illinois. The loss was the Fighting Illini’s fifth straight. Illinois was held to 72 yards rushing and dropped its 13th straight Big Ten game. Redshirt freshman Brad Bower started at quarterback for Illinois, completing 14-20 passes for 131 yards. He also rushed nine times for a team-best 39 yards. QB Chris Pazan directed Illinois’ offense for the last two series of the second quarter, completing 5-9 passes for 28 yards and one interception. WR Kendrick Jones caught six passes for 34 yards.

IOWA, ILLINOIS NOTES

• Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz will be gunning for his 50th career head coaching victory Saturday. His career record stands at 49-52 (.485) in eight seasons (two years at Maine and six at Iowa).
• Iowa needs one more victory to become bowl eligible. The Hawkeyes have gone to three straight bowl games (Alamo Bowl in 2001, Orange Bowl in 2003 and Outback Bowl in 2004).
• Saturday’s game at Illinois is expected to be Iowa’s first non-sellout this year. The Hawkeyes’ first seven games have been sold out, including all four home contests.
• Iowa QB Drew Tate completed his first career touchdown pass last year against Illinois. The native of Baytown, TX, connected on a 13-yard pass to WR Matt Melloy.
• Illinois punter Steve Weatherford was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts in last week’s game at Minnesota. Weatherford averaged 46.5 yards on eight punts, including a 57-yarder. Five of his eight punts were downed inside the 20.
• Saturday will be Iowa’s second consecutive game as a homecoming opponent.
• Iowa TE Tony Jackson caught his only collegiate touchdown last year vs. Illinois. The native of Ypsilanti, MI, caught a one-yard pass from QB Nathan Chandler – Iowa’s first score of the game.
• Iowa ranks second in Big Ten red zone offense (86.7%), while Illinois ranks 10th (69.2%).
• Iowa’s rushing defense ranks fourth nationally (72.0), while Illinois ranks 104th (218.8).
• Illinois ranks second nationally in net punting (41.7). Punter Steve Weatherford ranks fourth in the nation (45.6).
• Iowa’s roster includes eight players from Illinois, including two offensive (OL Mike Jones and Warren Holloway) and defensive (Matt Roth and Sean Considine) starters. There are no Iowans on Illinois’ roster.
• Illinois Head Coach Ron Turner has served as quarterbacks coach at Pittsburgh (1983-84). Iowa’s Head Coach Kirk Ferentz was a graduate assistant at Pittsburgh (1980).
• Illinois Head Coach Ron Turner coached his 100th career game as head coach last week. Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz coached his 100th career game as head coach vs. Ohio State.
• Illinois Head Coach Ron Turner is the younger brother to Oakland Raider first-year Head Coach Norv Turner.

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. Instant Replay has been used five times in Iowa games. In four of the five, the call on the field was upheld. The only change came vs. Ohio State when an Iowa pass was changed from complete to incomplete. Both calls last week at Penn State were upheld as called on the field.

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.

THE SERIES
Saturday marks the 65th meeting between the two schools with Illinois holding a 37-25-2 lead. The series began with a 58-0 Iowa victory in 1899. The Hawkeyes have won four of the last six contests against the Fighting Illini, including last season’s 41-10 victory in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa is 11-19 vs. Illinois in games played at Champaign. Illinois defeated Iowa in the last game played in Memorial Stadium (31-0) on Oct. 14, 2000. The Hawkeyes have not been shutout since – a span of 50 games. Iowa’s last victory in Champaign (37-14) came on Sept. 26, 1998.

IOWA STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 60 of its last 62 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 62-of-68 games under Kirk Ferentz.

IOWA 6, PENN STATE 4
Iowa won a 6-4 defensive battle in Beaver Stadium, marking Iowa’s fifth straight win over Penn State and its fourth consecutive in State College. The victory marked the first time the Hawkeyes won a football game without scoring a touchdown since a 12-10 victory over Michigan on 10/19/85 in Kinnick Stadium.

Penn State scored its only points on two Iowa safeties. Iowa’s opening possession ended with a bad snap, which sailed over punter David Bradley and through the end zone. The Hawkeyes added a pair of 27-yard field goals by PK Kyle Schlicher in the first half, which was all the Hawkeyes needed. The Nittany Lions’ second safety came in the fourth quarter when Iowa was pinned on its own goal line. Iowa opted to take a safety and a free kick from the 20.

Iowa’s defense was the story as the unit collected five turnovers, four of which were interceptions by each starting member of the secondary. The Hawkeyes held Penn State to only six first downs and 51 yards rushing.

QB Drew Tate completed 14-31 passes for 126 yards. WR Clinton Solomon led the Iowa receivers for the third consecutive game, collecting five receptions for 46 yards. Sam Brownlee started his first collegiate game at running back and had 16 carries for 30 yards.

Linebackers Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway each registered 11 tackles. DE Matt Roth tallied four solo tackles, two sacks and forced his third fumble of the season. The senior has recorded two sacks in consecutive games. DB Sean Considine returned to action after missing two games to injury. He returned an interception 51 yards and posted a game-high three pass break-ups.

FINAL GAME NOTES

• Sophomore Sam Brownlee became the first Iowa walk-on to start at running back since Rick Bayless did it at Northwestern (11/7/87), in a 52-23 Iowa win.
• Punter David Bradley successfully ran for a first down on a fake field goal in the first quarter prior to Kyle Schlicher’s 27-yard field goal. The fake field goal was the first for Iowa since the Ohio State game last season, when PK Nate Kaeding ran for a touchdown in Iowa’s 19-10 loss.
• True freshman Damian Sims has one rushing attempt for four yards.
• The 33-yard punt return by Penn State in the first quarter is the longest allowed by Iowa this season and only the third return of 10 yards or more. Iowa allowed just 59 yards in punt returns through its first six games.
• Iowa posted four interceptions in a game for the first time since collecting four in a 21-3 win over Miami, OH in the opening game of the 2003 season. Those interceptions came against Miami’s Ben Roethlisberger, now an NFL rookie starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Sean Considine collected his first interception of the season in the second quarter, Marcus Paschal recorded his second of the season and second in as many weeks in the second quarter, Antwan Allen collected his second pick in the fourth quarter and Jovon Johnson recorded his first theft of the year in the final period.
• Sean Considine’s 51-yard interception return, which set up an Iowa field goal, was the Hawkeyes’ longest interception return this season and a career best for Considine.
• Iowa collected turnovers on three consecutive defensive plays in the fourth quarter (interception by Jovon Johnson, interception by Antwan Allen and a fumble recovery by Chad Greenway).
• Penn State became the first team to block an Iowa punt this season, taking over at the Iowa nine after a partial block. Penn State failed to score when a 25-yard field goal was wide right.
• Iowa’s first scoring drive was a season-best 15 plays that consumed 7:21.
• Iowa’s 6-4 victory marked its first-ever win by that score. The Hawkeyes lost 6-4 at Grinnell in 1891.
• The last Iowa game where neither team scored a touchdown was in a 5-3 loss to Arizona on 10/4/80.

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 (23) ranks first, followed by USC (19) and Oklahoma (18). 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Marques Simmons sprained an ankle vs. Ohio State and is out indefinitely. Other Hawkeye running backs that have seen action this year include Sam Brownlee (39 attempts, 100 yards), Damian Sims (10 attempts, 35 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. Marques Simmons sprained an ankle vs. Ohio State. Schnoor, Young and Lewis are lost for the year, while Simmons is out indefinitely.

OTHER INJURIES
TE Mike Follett (back), WR Calvin Davis (knee) and DB Jonathan Zanders (collar bone) will miss the remainder of the season.

SOLOMON CATCHES ON
WR Clinton Solomon posted 100 yard receiving games vs. Michigan State and Ohio State. The junior caught four passes for 105 yards vs. Michigan State. 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. Last week at Penn State, Solomon had a game-high five receptions for 46 yards. He has led Iowa in receiving yards the last three games.

The 6-3 native of Ft. Worth, TX, ranks first on the team in receiving yards (447) and second in receptions (26).

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 23 of its last 28 regular season games.
• Iowa is 34-4 when leading at the half and 36-2 when leading after three quarters under Coach Ferentz. Iowa is 23-1 when leading at the half and 25-0 when leading after three quarters the last three years.
• Iowa has had three true freshmen compete this season (RB Damian Sims, DB Charles Godfrey and DB Adam Shada). Both Godfrey and Shada have played in six games, while Sims has played in two.
• 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 has 17 players who have recorded one or more receptions this season, while 14 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 10th nationally in punt return yardage (15.8). Walner Belleus ranks sixth nationally in punt return yardage (18.3), while Ed Hinkel ranks 18th (14.1).
• 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 during the 1992 season.
• Iowa has scored points on four of its first seven 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, vs. Ohio State and at Penn 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 RB 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.

HINKEL RETURNS TO FORM
WR Ed Hinkel has been one of Iowa’s top receiving threats.

Hinkel had three receptions for 26 yards at Penn State. He 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 32 receptions and four touchdowns and ranks second in receiving yards (419) this season. He ranks sixth in the Big Ten and 63rd nationally in receptions (4.57) and eighth in the league in receiving yards (59.9).

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 returned three punts for 31 yards at Penn State. The junior ranks 15th 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 61 career receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns.

BELLEUS LEADS RETURN GAME
Junior College transfer Walner Belleus leads the Hawkeyes in punt returns and ranks second in kickoff returns. Belleus has returned 11 punts for 201 yards, which is tops in the Big Ten and ranks sixth 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.

TATE DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
QB Drew Tate ranks first in Big Ten pass efficiency (134.5), second in passing (266.8) and third in total offense (263.5). Tate ranks 41st nationally in overall pass efficiency (131.8) and 52nd in total offense (207.4).

Tate completed 14-31 passes for 126 yards at Penn State. He 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.

The Baytown, TX, native 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 126-201 passes for 1,467 yards, nine touchdowns and seven interceptions. He has thrown at least one interception in six of seven contests.

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 89-138 (64.5%) passes for 1,067 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions in Iowa’s four league contests.

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 in conference play after posting eight tackles, including one for loss, the first three contests of the season. Roth has collected two sacks in consecutive contests. The senior recorded four solo tackles (3 TFL), two sacks and one forced fumble at Penn State. Roth registered 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 fourth on the squad in tackles (32), ranks first in sacks (6) and QB hurries (3) and second in TFL (9).

Roth has posted 24 tackles (18 solo), eight TFL, five sacks and forced three fumbles in four conference games. He ranks first in conference sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles.

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 28 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 (37) 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 245 career tackles rank tie for 27th at Iowa with Jim Johnson (1987-90). Hodge had a game-high 11 tackles (7 solo) and one pass break-up at Penn State. 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 sixth in the conference in tackles 665). He has posted double digit tackle games 12 times in his career, including five 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 five times this season and 13 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 215 career tackles tie for 41st at Iowa with Shanty Burks (1973-77).

Greenway posted a game-high 11 tackles (6 solo) and recovered a fumble at Penn State. 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 (68), 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 (34) among Iowa defensive linemen.

Against 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 did not record any tackles at Penn State.

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 lead Iowa’s defensive backfield.

Johnson has 11 career interceptions, which ties for fifth in career picks at Iowa with Plez Atkins (1994-97) and Brad Quast (1986-89).

Johnson registered 20 tackles (18 solo) in Iowa’s first seven 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 four picks. The senior missed Iowa’s games vs. Michigan State and Ohio State due to injury, but returned last week at Penn State. The senior did not record any tackles, but did return an interception a career-best 51 yards. 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 138 career tackles, six 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.
• Arizona State scored 44 points in week three. Iowa has allowed 44 total points in its five victories.
• Kent State and Penn State did not score any offensive points. The Golden Flashes’ offense advanced past midfield only once, while Iowa’s defense collected a season-high five turnovers against the Nittany Lions, including one in the red zone.
• 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’s defense held Penn State scoreless twice after the Nittany Lions had first and goal. In the third quarter Penn State missed a 25-yard field goal and in the fourth quarter DB Antwan Allen came up with an interception.
• 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 fourth nationally in rushing defense (72.0). Michigan State (204) is the only opponent to rush for over 100 yards against Iowa’s rushing defense.
• Iowa’s first-team defense has not allowed a touchdown in two games (eight quarters). Michigan State was the last team to score a touchdown against Iowa’s first-team defense. The Spartans scored on a one-yard run by QB Drew Stanton in the fourth quarter. Ohio State scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter against Iowa’s second-team defense.

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. He connected on two 27-yard field goals at Penn State to account for Iowa’s only points.

The native of Ankeny, IA, has converted 9-11 field goals (7-7, 20-39 yards) and 16-19 PATs this year. Schlicher has missed two 44-yard field goal attempts (Kent State and Iowa State). Schlicher has made seven straight since missing a 44-yarder against the Cyclones. He leads the team with 43 points.

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 48-15 in the first quarter, 37-24 in the third and 43-33 in the fourth period. Hawkeye opponents own a 46-29 advantage in the second quarter.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 4.5 yards on 201 first down plays, 4.2 yards on 151 second down plays, 6.1 yards on 108 third down plays and -0.9 yards on seven fourth down plays.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 26 scoring drives average 7.1 plays, 47.5 yards and 2:58 elapsed time. Sixteen of Iowa’s 26 scoring drives have covered 45 yards or more. In addition, Iowa has had 12 drives amass eight plays or more, including a season-long 15-play drive that consumed 7:21 last week at Penn State. Iowa posted 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. Kent State and Penn State are two opponents that the Hawkeye defense did not allow any offensive points. 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.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
The Hawkeyes have marched inside the red zone 27 times and scored 20 of those times (74.1%). Three of Iowa’s failed scoring attempts came late in the game while running out the clock in big victories. Iowa missed a field goal and an interception in the red zone vs. Kent State in week one. Iowa ranks eighth in the Big Ten.

Iowa has posted points on 13 of its last 15 trips inside the red zone. Iowa was 2-3 last week at Penn State, converting two field goals. The Hawkeyes were 3-4 vs. Ohio State scoring three touchdowns. 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 was 0-2 at Arizona State, trying to convert fourth downs late in the game, trailing 44-0.

Hawkeye opponents have advanced inside the red zone 22 times and have scored 13 of those time (59.1%). Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten.

Penn State was 0-2 after having first and goal twice (missed 25-yard field goal and interception by Antwan Allen). 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.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa’s offense has produced 24 plays of 20 yards or more, with 19 of the 24 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. Iowa was only able to produce one offensive play of 20 yards or more at Penn State and that was a 20-yard reception by TE Scott Chandler. DB Sean Considine returned an interception 51 yards vs. the Nittany Lions.

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 17 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 41 points after obtaining 16 turnovers (8 interceptions, 8 fumbles), plus an additional three points following a blocked punt in its victory over Kent State in week one. Iowa was only able to score three points after five Penn State turnovers. 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. The Hawkeyes’ last two opponents (Ohio State and Penn State) failed to score 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Following is a schedule of times the show can be seen in different areas:

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.

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.

AFTER THIS
Iowa returns home to host Purdue Nov. 6 (2:35 p.m., ESPN) before traveling to Minnesota Nov. 13 (kickoff time TBA).