Iowa in Home Finale

Nov. 15, 2004

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IOWA IN HOME FINALE
Iowa (8-2, 6-1) will play its final regular season game of 2004 Saturday when it hosts Wisconsin (9-1, 6-1). Game time is 3:31 p.m. in Kinnick Stadium (70,397). The game is sold out.

ON THE TUBE
ESPN will televise the contest to a national cable audience. Mark Jones, Bob Davie and Holly Rowe will call the action.

RADIO BROADCAST
Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, with color commentator Ed Podolak and sideline reporter Rob Brooks. The Hawkeye Radio Network includes more than 40 stations throughout the state.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,062 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 538-485-39 (.525). That includes a 339-191-16 (.636) record in home games, a 199-294-23 (.408) record in games away from Iowa City, a 264-327-25 (.449) mark in Big Ten games and a 222-156-15 (.584) record in Kinnick Stadium.

HEARTLAND TROPHY
The Heartland Trophy will be awarded for the first time to Saturday’s winner. The trophy was designed and crafted by artist and former Iowa football player Frank Strub. The trophy, which is a bull mounted on a walnut base (native to both Wisconsin and Iowa), already has the scores of all previous games between the two schools inscribed on it. The Iowa-Wisconsin series has been the closest and most competitive of all Big Ten series. The teams have met 79 times and the Badgers lead the all-time series by a 39-38-2 margin. Iowa has won the last two meetings. The Heartland Trophy becomes the 16th Big Ten football traveling trophy.

ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 7-9 when playing on Nov. 20. The Hawkeyes defeated Grinnell 16-12 in 1897, Iowa State 14-10 in 1920, Nebraska 33-13 in 1937, Boston 34-14 in 1948, Michigan State 30-17 in 1976 and 24-18 in 1982 and Minnesota 21-3 in 1993. Iowa lost to Missouri 6-0 in 1902, Kansas 20-7 in 1909, Nebraska 52-7 in 1915 and 28-0 in 1937, Northwestern 13-6 in 1926, Notre Dame 34-18 in 1954, NC State 28-20 in 1965, Illinois 31-0 in 1971 and Minnesota 25-21 in 1999.

HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE
Saturday’s game vs. Wisconsin will mark the 39th consecutive game the Hawkeyes have been selected for television. The last Iowa contest not televised was vs. Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.

FINAL HOME GAME FOR SENIORS
This will be the final home game for 15 seniors: LS Kody Asmus, DL Jonathan Babineaux, OL Jacob Bowers, P David Bradley, DB Sean Considine, DB Chigozie Ejiasi, WR Warren Holloway, TE Tony Jackson, LB George Lewis, RB Jermelle Lewis, DL Tyler Luebke, OL Pete McMahon, FB Aaron Mickens, DL Derreck Robinson and DL Matt Roth.

SCHLICHER EARNS BIG TEN HONOR
Sophomore place kicker Kyle Schlicher was honored by the Big Ten as co-Special Teams Player of the Week after his performance in Iowa’s 29-27 victory at Minnesota. Schlicher shared the honor with Michigan PR/KR Steve Breaston. It’s the second time Schlicher has earned the honor this year.

Schlicher had a career-day as the native of Ankeny, IA, posted school records in field goals made in a game (5) and kicking points in a game (17). Schlicher converted field goals of 36, 22, 20, 38 and a career-long 49-yarder. The five field goals in a game tie for the second-most in a single game by a Big Ten kicker and marked the 16th time a Big Ten kicker has accomplished the feat. The conference record is seven set by Purdue’s E.C. Robertson set in 1900.

Other Iowa players who have garnered Big Ten Player of the Week accolades this season include: DT Jonathan Babineaux, QB Drew Tate and LB Chad Greenway. Greenway was recognized after his efforts in Iowa’s victory over Kent State. Tate and Schlicher were honored following the win over Ohio State.

DID YOU KNOW…
The 2003 Iowa Hawkeyes are the last team to defeat NFL rookie starting QB Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Hawkeyes defeated Miami, OH (21-3) in the season opener and intercepted Roethlisberger four times. Since that game, he has gone 20-0 (13 wins with Miami and seven with Pittsburgh).

IN THE RANKINGS
Winners of six straight conference games, Iowa is ranked 17th in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls. The Hawkeyes have been ranked as high as 12th three times this year. Wisconsin is ranked ninth in both polls after being ranked as high as fourth twice this season.

IOWA HOME WINNING STREAK
Iowa’s win over Purdue extended its home winning streak to 17. The 17-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 (24) ranks first, followed by USC (20) and Oklahoma (19). 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 12 straight home wins is also a school record. The current 12-game home win streak in league games began with a 42-24 win over Minnesota in 2001.

HAWKEYE STREAKS
The Hawkeyes became just the fifth Iowa team to go undefeated during the month of October (1984, 1985, 1990 and 2002). The 1985, 1990 and 2002 teams won Big Ten titles. Last year’s 10-3 team never won more than two consecutive league games. The Hawkeyes won consecutive league games twice during the 2003 season.

Iowa’s six-game winning streak ties for the eighth longest active streak in Division I-A. The 2004 Iowa Hawkeyes are only the third Iowa team to win six straight league games in the same year.

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 over No. 17 Florida. Iowa has posted a 29-7 (.806) overall mark and 19-4 (.826) Big Ten record the last three seasons under Ferentz.

Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 40-31 (.563) and a 26-21 (.553) mark in Big Ten games. In eight seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 52-52 (.500).

Twenty-five of Iowa’s 71 games over the last six seasons have been decided by seven points or less (13-12) and 24 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (9-15).

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 2-3 vs. Wisconsin and Badger Coach Barry Alvarez.

IOWA’S SENIOR CLASS HAS 36 VICTORIES
Iowa has recorded seven or more wins four straight years, which is a feat that has only been accomplished once before at Iowa. Iowa’s 1981-87 teams all recorded seven victories or more. The Hawkeyes won seven games in 2001, 11 in 2002, 10 in 2003 and have won eight in 2004.

The Hawkeyes have won 36 games over the last four years, a total that ties Iowa’s 1983-86 teams for the second-most over any four year span. The record of 37 was set from 1984-87. Iowa has won 23 conference games over the last four years, a total that ties Iowa’s 1980-83 teams for the third-most over any four year span. Iowa’s 1983-86 teams won 24, while the 1982-85 squads collected 25.

CLOSE CALLS
Iowa has won three games this year by two points (Minnesota 29-27, Purdue 23-21 and Penn State 6-4). The last time an Iowa team won three games by two points or less was 1987 (Arizona 15-14, Ohio State 29-27 and Wyoming 20-19).

IOWA, WISCONSIN NOTES

• The Iowa roster does not include any players from the state of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin roster includes just one Iowan, OL Jake Wood, who attended Pleasant Valley HS.
• Saturday features two of the conferences top sack threats. Wisconsin Erasmus James ranks first with seven in nine games. Iowa’s Matt Roth has sacked opposing quarterbacks seven times in 10 games.
• The last time Iowa defeated a top-ten ranked opponent was in a 30-27 victory over Michigan on Oct. 4, 2003 in Kinnick Stadium.
• Iowa ranks fifth in the nation in turnover margin (1.3), sixth in rushing defense (95.1) and 13th in total defense (299.4). Wisconsin ranks second nationally in pass efficiency defense (95.76), third in scoring defense (13.1), fifth in pass defense (155.7) and seventh in total defense (277.3).
• Iowa Strength Coach Chris Doyle was the assistant strength coach at Wisconsin from 1996-98. Doyle’s assistant at Iowa, James Dobson, earned his degree from Wisconsin and worked with the Badger football team for three seasons.
• John Chadima, Wisconsin’s director of football operations and an associate athletic director, is a native of Cedar Rapids, IA, and an Iowa graduate. Chadima was an Iowa football manager from 1983-87 and an administrative graduate assistant from 1987-89 before joining the staff at Wisconsin.

THE SERIES
Wisconsin holds a slim 39-38-2 advantage in the series that began with a 44-0 Badger victory in 1894. Iowa has won 19 of the last 25 meetings. The Hawkeyes won last year’s regular season finale (27-21) in Madison. Iowa holds a 22-14-1 advantage in games played in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes are 10-2-1 in the last 13 contests played in Kinnick Stadium.

IOWA RECEIVERS SET RECORD
Drew Tate helped the Hawkeyes set a school record in Iowa’s win over Purdue. For the season, Iowa has 19 different players that have caught at least one pass. RB Damian Sims completed an eight-yard swing pass to Tate. Tate became Iowa’s 19th player to post a reception. The previous record for the most receivers with at least one catch was 18 in 1988.

IOWA 29, MINNESOTA 27
Iowa scored on its first five possessions and did not record a turnover for the first time this season en route to a 29-27 triumph at Minnesota. The victory keeps Floyd of Rosedale in Iowa City a fourth consecutive year.

PK Kyle Schlicher had a career-day to help the Hawkeyes upend the Gophers. Schlicher posted school records in field goals made in a game (5) and kicking points in a game (17). The sophomore connected on field goals of 36, 22, 20, 38 and a career-long 49 yards. Schlicher was recognized as co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts. WR Clinton Solomon collected career highs in receptions (9) and receiving yards (157). QB Drew Tate completed 24-39 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions.

Iowa jumped out to a 16-3 advantage in the first half on the leg of three Schlicher field goals and a 41-yard touchdown pass completion from Tate to Solomon. Minnesota RB Laurence Maroney scampered 79 yards for a score to trim the Hawkeyes’ lead to 16-10 before Iowa WR James Townsend caught a 60-yard touchdown pass to give Iowa a 23-10 halftime advantage. The touchdown passes of 41 and 60 yards are the longest touchdown passing plays this season for the Hawkeyes.

Minnesota out-scored Iowa 10-3 in the third quarter to shave the Hawkeyes’ lead to 26-20. Schlicher converted his record-breaking fifth field goal with 9:11 remaining in the game to stretch the lead to 29-20. Maroney scored his second touchdown of the day with 4:40 left to cut the lead to 29-27. Following an Iowa punt, Minnesota drove 20 yards to the Iowa 34, before a potential game-winning 51-yard field goal sailed wide left with 28 seconds left.

Defensively, Iowa forced four turnovers (3 interceptions, 1 fumble), including three in the first half. Minnesota entered the game with just six turnovers in its first 10 games. DB Marcus Paschal had a career-high 12 tackles (7 solo) and a forced fumble. Three Hawkeyes (DB Sean Considine, LB Chad Greenway, LB Abdul Hodge) each collected eight tackles. In addition, Considine and Greenway each intercepted a pass.

FINAL GAME NOTES

• Minnesota won the coin toss and elected to receive. Iowa had started on offense the previous 16 contests prior to the Purdue game a week ago.
• Iowa’s 23 points in the first half equaled its season high for a half. The Hawkeyes also tallied 23 points in the first half vs. Kent State and 23 in the second half vs. Ohio State.
• Minnesota’s 73 yards passing is a season-low for an Iowa opponent. The previous low was 96 yards by Penn State.
• The Hawkeyes had three new players in its starting lineup, including center Ben Cronin and left tackle Ben Gates on offense and OLB Edmond Miles on defense. Cronin made his first career start, while Gates made his second career start (right guard at Michigan) and the second for Miles (Michigan State).
• QB Drew Tate has passed for over 300 yards in three games this season (at Minnesota and vs. Michigan State and Ohio State).
• DB Jovon Johnson had his second interception of the season in the second quarter. Johnson has 12 career thefts, moving into a fourth place tie on Iowa’s career list with Steve Wilson (1966-68).
• With three interceptions and one fumble, the Iowa defense has created 16 turnovers the last four games (4.0 avg.).
• WR James Townsend’s 60-yard touchdown reception was his first career touchdown.
• Three Iowa kickers ( Kyle Schlicher, Rob Houghtlin, Dave Holsclaw) have converted four field goals or more in a game vs. Minnesota.
• The attendance was 64,719, the fourth largest crowd in Minnesota history. Four of Minnesota’s top five crowds have been against Iowa.
• The victory was Iowa’s 199th away from Iowa City (199-294-23).

WISCONSIN FALLS AT MICHIGAN STATE
Wisconsin suffered its first loss of the season, dropping a 49-14 decision at Michigan State. RB Anthony Davis scored on a 45-yard touchdown run on the Badgers’ third offensive play. Michigan State responded with 14 straight points. Wisconsin tied the game on a nine-yard run by Matt Bernstein. The Spartans answered with a 30-yard pass from WR Aaron Alexander to RB Jason Teague off a reverse. The Badgers then failed to score on four tries from the one-yard line just before halftime. Michigan State out-scored Wisconsin 28-0 in the second half. Davis paced Wisconsin with 128 yards rushing and a touchdown. QB John Stocco completed 20-38 passes for 178 yards. The Badgers defense yielded 550 total yards, including 430 yards rushing.

ON THE SAME STAFF
Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz and Wisconsin’s Barry Alvarez served on the same Iowa coaching staff from 1981-86. Ferentz was Iowa’s offensive line coach from 1981-89 and Alvarez coached the Hawkeye linebackers from 1979-86.

WISCONSIN COACH BARRY ALVAREZ
Barry Alvarez is in his 15th year as a college head coach, all at Wisconsin. Alvarez has posted a career mark of 108-68-4 (.611). Alvarez is the winningest football coach in Wisconsin history and is in his first year as its Athletic Director. He is one of just two people (UAB’s Watson Brown) at the Division I level who serves as head football coach and athletic director.

Alvarez previously was an assistant coach at Notre Dame (1987-89) and Iowa (1979-86) and he also coached at Mason City HS (1976-78). He has guided the Badgers to victories in the 1994, 1999 and 2000 Rose Bowls, the 1995 Hall of Fame Bowl, the 1996 Copper Bowl, the 2000 Sun Bowl, the 2002 Alamo Bowl. Wisconsin also participated in the 1998 Outback Bowl and 2003 Music City Bowl. Alvarez was the Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year in 1993 and 1998.

Alvarez is 5-7 vs. Iowa and 3-2 vs. Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz.

COACH Kirk Ferentz VS. RANKED FOES
Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes are 9-15 against ranked opponents the last six seasons. The Hawkeyes are 7-4 vs. ranked opponents the last three years.

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 seven times in Iowa games. In five of the seven, the call on the field was upheld. The two changes came vs. Ohio State when an Iowa pass was changed from complete to incomplete and at Minnesota when a Gopher pass was changed from incomplete to complete.

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.

LAST MEETING
Trailing 21-7 in the second quarter, Iowa scored 20 unanswered points to earn a 27-21 victory over Wisconsin. The victory marked Iowa’s first conference road win last season and its first win in Madison since 1995.

The Hawkeyes used a 47-yard run by Fred Russell to set up the first score of the game, an 18-yard reverse by WR Ramon Ochoa. With Iowa leading 7-0, Wisconsin came up with three turnovers to take control, building a 21-7 advantage in the opening minutes of the second period. Iowa trimmed the Badger advantage to four (21-17) before the half, as Ochoa grabbed a six-yard scoring toss from QB Nathan Chandler and PK Nate Kaeding added a 50-yard field goal.

DB Sean Considine returned an interception 24 yards to the Wisconsin one-yard line late in the third quarter to set up Iowa’s next score. The Hawkeyes converted the Badger miscue into a RB Fred Russell touchdown on the next play. Kaeding added a 28-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to stretch Iowa’s lead to six (27-21).

The Badgers had an opportunity to win the game in the final seconds as they drove to the Iowa four-yard line. Considine broke up Wisconsin QB John Stocco’s fourth down pass into the end zone as time expired.

Russell carried the ball 18 times for 137 yards and one touchdown to lead Iowa’s rushing attack. WR Matt Melloy caught two passes for 27 yards, while Ochoa caught two passes for 15 yards and a score.

Defensively, Iowa had four players post double figure tackles. LB Abdul Hodge collected a game-high 14 tackles (7 solo) and LB Chad Greenway registered 11 tackles (6 solo). DT Tyler Luebke, in the first start of his career, posted a career-high 10 tackles (7 solo), including two for loss, and LB Grant Steen also had 10 tackles (6 solo) and forced one fumble. As a unit, Iowa forced four turnovers (3 interceptions, 1 fumble).

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.

SPECIAL TEAMS SUCCESS
Iowa’s special teams blocked two field goals and recovered a muffed punt vs. Purdue. Marcus Paschal blocked a 32-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter, which was Iowa’s first blocked field goal this season. Sean Considine blocked a 27-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter. He has blocked five career kicks (4 punts, 1 field goal). Considine is two blocks from tying Merton Hanks’ school record of seven.

Iowa has blocked kicks two of the last three contests (Illinois and Purdue). Miguel Merrick blocked an Illinois punt three weeks ago. The Hawkeyes also blocked a punt vs. Kent State in week one.

INJURED BACKS
Iowa lost running backs Marcus Schnoor and Albert Young to season-ending knee injuries in its first two games. Three games later, the Hawkeyes lost Jermelle Lewis to a season-ending ACL injury. Last week, Sam Brownlee was carted off the field after suffering an ankle injury. Brownlee is probable for this week’s game. Marques Simmons sprained an ankle vs. Ohio State and has missed the last four games. He hopes to return Saturday. Iowa also lost FB Champ Davis to a season-ending ACL and MCL injury at Illinois.

True freshman Damian Sims is Iowa’s only healthy running back. Sims has rushed 17 times for 45 yards.

FOOTBALL BANQUET
The Iowa football team will hold its annual banquet at the Iowa Memorial Union Dec. 11. The event is closed to the general public.

ELGIN, ASMUS, CONSIDINE EARN ACADEMIC HONOR
OL Mike Elgin, OL Kody Asmus and DB Sean Considine have been named to the District VII Academic All-America squad. Elgin is a mechanical engineering major with a 3.9 GPA and was named to the first team. Asmus is an education administration major with a 3.8 GPA and earned second team accolades. Considine is a marketing major with a 3.32 GPA and also earned second team laurels. This marks the first time each athlete has earned the academic honor.

Elgin’s name will now be placed on the national ballot.

HAWKEYES THIRD IN BOWL APPEARANCES
Iowa ranks third in the Big Ten in bowl appearances. Ohio State and Michigan have received a conference-best 35 bowl bids each, while the Hawkeyes have gone to 19 bowls. Michigan State ranks fourth with 16, while Wisconsin ranks fifth with 15.

RUNNING BACKS FALL AT HOME
Iowa lost a running back to injury in each of its first four home games. Marcus Schnoor injured a knee in the season opener vs. Kent State. Albert Young 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 hopes to make his return against the Badgers.

OTHER INJURIES
Iowa has lost 10 players for the season: TE Mike Follett (back), WR Calvin Davis (knee), DB Jonathan Zanders (collar bone), RB Champ Davis (knee), RB Jermelle Lewis (knee), Marcus Schnoor (knee), LB Mike Humpal (knee), OL David Walker (triceps), RB Albert Young (knee), DL Ettore Ewen (knee).

ALL HOME GAMES SOLD OUT
All six Iowa home games in 2004 are sellouts, marking the first time in history. Iowa will finish the season with a record home average attendance of 70,397. The Hawkeyes’ previous home average attendance record was 70,071 set in 1991.

Iowa has sold out 10 consecutive games, dating back to 2003, which is a school record.

IOWA NOTES

• The Hawkeyes have won 24 of their last 26 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 26 of its last 31 regular season games.
• Iowa has rushed for only 1,137 yards, which is an average of 74.8 per game – the lowest in school history. Iowa currently ranks 115th nationally. The second lowest rushing average by an Iowa team is the 1998 team. That team rushed for 1,470 yards, which is an average of 80.9.
• Iowa has collected 22 takeaways in seven league games, the most of any school. Penn State ranks second with 13.
• Wide receivers Clinton Solomon and Ed Hinkel are tied for 53rd nationally in receptions per game (4.8).
• The Hawkeyes clinched no worse than sole possession of third place in the Big Ten and have almost assured themselves of another Jan. 1 bowl. Iowa could join Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin as the only Big Ten schools to go to three straight January bowl games.
• Iowa has not lost a fumble in eight games this year, including the last three contests.
• Iowa is 36-4 when leading at the half and 39-2 when leading after three quarters under Coach Ferentz. In the last three years, Iowa is 25-1 when leading at the half and 28-0 when leading after three quarters.
• 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 nine games, while Sims has played in five.
• 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 19 players who have recorded one or more receptions this season, while 15 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 12th nationally and second in the Big Ten in punt return yardage (12.8). Walner Belleus ranks seventh nationally in punt return yardage (17.0), while Ed Hinkel ranks 25th (12.8).
• 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 has scored points on six of its 10 opening possessions. The Hawkeyes kicked a field goal vs. Kent State and at Minnesota and scored touchdowns vs. Iowa State, at Michigan, vs. Michigan State and Purdue. Iowa punted on its first possession at Arizona State, vs. Ohio State, at Penn State and at Illinois.
• Eight of Iowa’s 10 opponents failed to score on its opening drive. Illinois and Arizona State are the only opponents to score on its opening possession, as both scored touchdowns.
• 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, while WR James Townsend scored his first touchdown at Minnesota.
• 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.
• Iowa won its fifth straight game over Penn State and fourth consecutive in State College with its 6-4 victory on Oct. 16. The victory marked the first time the Hawkeyes won a football game without scoring a touchdown since a 12-10 victory over Michigan on Oct. 19, 1985 in Kinnick Stadium.

SOLOMON LEADS HAWKEYE RECEIVERS
WR Clinton Solomon has posted 100 yard receiving games three times this season (vs. Michigan State, Ohio State and at Minnesota). Last week against the Golden Gophers, Solomon registered career highs in receptions (9) and receiving yards (157). The junior caught four passes for 105 yards vs. Michigan State. Against Ohio State, Solomon caught seven passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns. He caught touchdown passes of 11 and 36 yards, which are the second and third of his career and his first of the season. At Penn State, Solomon had a game-high five receptions for 46 yards. Against Illinois, he caught five passes for 44 yards. He caught a team-high eight passes for 76 yards vs. Purdue. Solomon has led Iowa in receiving yards five of the last six games.

The 6-3 native of Ft. Worth, TX, ranks first on the squad in receiving yards (724) and is tied for first in receptions (48). Solomon boasts the second-best average yards per catch in the Big Ten at 15.1 (min. 40 receptions). Indiana’s Courtney Roby ranks first, averaging 15.3. In conference games, Solomon ranks third in receptions (6.0) and second in receiving yards (89.0).

TATE DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
QB Drew Tate ranks first in Big Ten passing (273.3) and total offense (268.0) and second in pass efficiency (136.4). Tate ranks 36th nationally in overall pass efficiency (132.9) and 43rd in total offense (277.4).

Tate completed 24-39 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions at Minnesota. Tate has thrown two touchdowns in four of the last five games (none at Penn State). Tate has 15 touchdown passes this season, a total that ties for eighth-best at Iowa in a season. He has passed for over 300 yards in three games (at Minnesota, vs. Michigan State and Ohio State).

Tate completed 24-45 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception in Iowa’s win over Purdue. The 45 pass attempts are a season high. He also caught his first career pass for eight yards. He completed 24-34 passes for 243 yards, two touchdowns and rushed for one touchdown at Illinois. 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. 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 198-319 passes for 2,313 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Tate has also rushed for two touchdowns. He has thrown at least one interception in eight of 10 contests. His passing total of 2,313 ranks eighth-best at Iowa for a single season.

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 161-256 (62.9%) passes for 1,913 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions in Iowa’s seven league contests.

HINKEL CATCHES ON
WR Ed Hinkel has been one of Iowa’s top receiving threats. He has caught 39 passes for 483 yards in seven league games, which ranks fourth.

Hinkel caught five passes for 48 yards at Minnesota. He caught six passes for 38 yards and one score vs. Purdue. Hinkel caught five passes for a career-high 108 yards (21.6 avg.) and two touchdowns at Illinois. He also returned three punts for 16 yards, giving him a team season-high 124 all-purpose yards. The junior had three receptions for 26 yards at Penn State. He caught six passes for 76 yards vs. Ohio State. Against Michigan State, he tied a career high with seven receptions, posted a then-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 ranks first on the team in receptions (48) and touchdowns (7) and ranks second in receiving yards (613) this season. He is tied for fifth in the Big Ten and ranks 53rd nationally in receptions (4.8) and eighth in the league and 73rd nationally in receiving yards (61.3). He has scored two touchdowns in a game twice this season (at Michigan and at Illinois) and ranks second on the team in scoring with 42 points. Hinkel has caught at least one touchdown two of the last three weeks (Illinois and Purdue).

Three of his eight 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 and had a 35-yard return at Minnesota. The junior ranks 25th nationally in punt return yardage (12.8).

Hinkel was hampered by injuries last season, missing four games and seeing limited action in other games. The native of Erie, PA, has 77 career receptions for 913 yards and eight touchdowns.

SCHLICHER THE KICKER
PK Kyle Schlicher had a career-day at Minnesota. Schlicher posted school records in field goals made in a game (5) and kicking points in a game (17). Nate Kaeding made four field goals in four different games, while Todd Romano, Rob Houghtlin and Dave Holsclaw each had four in one game. Kaeding had 16 kicking points twice. Schlicher converted field goals of 36, 22, 20, 38 and a career-long 49-yarder. The five field goals in a game tie for the second-most in a single game by a Big Ten kicker and marked the 16th time a Big Ten kicker has accomplished the feat. The conference record is seven set by Purdue’s E.C. Robertson set in 1900.

Schlicher has made two field goals or more in four of the last five games (Ohio State – 2; Penn State – 2; Purdue – 3; Minnesota – 5). He tallied 11 points in helping lift Iowa over Purdue. He converted 2-2 PATs and 3-6 field goals. The three field goals marked the first time in his career that he made three field goals in a single game. Schlicher matched a then-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 17-22 field goals (12-13, 20-39 yards) and 23-26 PATs this year. Schlicher made eight straight field goals before missing a 47-yarder in the third quarter vs. Purdue. He leads the team with 74 points and ranks second in the Big Ten and sixth nationally in field goals made per game (1.7).

BRADLEY FINISHING STRONG
Punter David Bradley has been coming on strong the past three weeks. Last week, Bradley punted four times for a 41.8 average, including a long punt of 52 yards. Two weeks ago vs. Purdue, he punted six times for a 41.0 average. Two of his six punts were downed inside the 20. Three weeks ago at Illinois, Bradley downed two punts inside the 10.

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.

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 (17.5). Babineaux ranks sixth in team tackles (41). His 41 tackles rank second to Tyler Luebke (50) among Iowa defensive linemen.

Babineaux had a career day vs. Purdue. He tallied five solo tackles, forced and recovered a fumble and collected a career-high three sacks. The three sacks for 18 yards loss is the best single-game performance by any Big Ten player this season. His efforts earned him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week laurels. Last week at Minnesota, he matched a career high with six tackles, including two for loss. All six tackles were solo stops, a single game career high.

Babineaux matched a career high with six stops (3 solo), including 1.5 for loss and forced and recovered a fumble at Illinois. Against Ohio State, he matched a career high with six tackles (3 solo), including two for loss. The senior has registered six tackles in a game six times (vs. Akron in 2002, vs. Iowa State in 2002, vs. Wisconsin, at Iowa State in 2003, vs. Iowa State in 2004, vs. Ohio State in 2004, at Illinois in 2004 and at Minnesota in 2004).

Babineaux has 117 career tackles, including 27.5 for loss and 13 sacks. His 17.5 TFL is a single-season high. His previous single-season high was nine his sophomore season.

ROTH BREAKS OUT
Senior DE Matt Roth was 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 collected two sacks in consecutive contests (vs. Ohio State and at Penn State). Roth registered three tackles at Minnesota. He recorded two tackles, one sack and two QB hurries vs. Purdue. The senior posted two tackles, including one for loss and two QB hurries, at Illinois. He 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 sixth on the squad in tackles (36), ranks first in sacks (7) and QB hurries (7) and second in TFL (11).

Roth has posted 31 tackles (22 solo), 10 TFL, six sacks and forced three fumbles in seven conference games. He ranks first in conference sacks and forced fumbles and third in tackles for loss.

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 29 career sacks ranks third best, and trails Jared DeVries (42, 1995-98) and Mike Wells (33, 1990-93). Also, he has 39 tackles for loss, which ties him for third place with Jim Johnson (1987-90). Wells (54, 1990-93) ranks second behind 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 269 career tackles rank 18th at Iowa. He tallied eight tackles (7 solo), including one for loss and recovered one fumble at Minnesota. He accounted for seven stops (6 solo) vs. Purdue. He tallied nine tackles (3 solo) and one pass break-up at Illinois. 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 (90). 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 six times this season and 14 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 241 career tackles rank 29th at Iowa.

Greenway tallied eight tackles (3 solo), including one for loss and intercepted a pass at Minnesota. He accounted for a team-high eight stops (5 solo), one TFL and one pass break-up vs. Purdue. Greenway tallied a game-high 10 tackles (6 solo) and one pass break-up at Illinois. He 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 (94), fourth on the team in tackles for loss (7) and second in interceptions (3).

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD SOLID
DBs Antwan Allen and Jovon Johnson and FS Sean Considine lead Iowa’s defensive backfield.

Johnson has 12 career interceptions, which ties for fourth at Iowa with Steve Wilson (1966-68). He collected his second theft of the year at Minnesota last week.

Johnson has registered 30 tackles (25 solo) in Iowa’s 10 games, including a season-high seven stops (5 solo) vs. Purdue. He accounted for 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 148 career tackles and five picks. The senior missed Iowa’s games vs. Michigan State and Ohio State due to injury, but returned at Penn State. The senior did not record any tackles, but did return an interception a career-best 51 yards. Last week at Minnesota, Considine recorded eight tackles (all solo), one shy of his career high (vs. Florida). Against Purdue, he accumulated a season-high eight tackles (5 solo), one pass break-up and a blocked field goal. Against Illinois, the senior tallied seven tackles. 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.

Considine has blocked five career kicks (4 punts, 1 field goal). He is two blocks from tying Merton Hanks’ school record of seven.

Allen has 153 career tackles, eight interceptions and three forced fumbles. He leads the team with four thefts this season, which is tops in the Big Ten and ranks 23rd in the nation.

Last week at Minnesota, Allen registered six tackles (4 solo). The junior collected his third interception in as many weeks vs. Purdue. He also posted five tackles (3 solo) and had one pass break-up against the Boilermakers. He collected thefts on the two-yard line against both Penn State and Illinois to stop scoring threats. Allen recorded four tackles (1 solo) and intercepted one pass at Illinois. The previous week, Allen recorded two tackles (1 solo), one interception and had two pass break-ups at Penn State. 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. The Tampa, FL, native 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

• Iowa ranks third in the Big Ten and 13th nationally in total defense (299.4).
• Iowa has five players who have recovered two fumbles this season (Abdul Hodge, Charles Godfrey, Derreck Robinson, Tyler Luebke and Jonathan Babineaux).
• Iowa’s defense has forced 16 turnovers the last four games (4.0 avg.).
• 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 and Illinois are the only Hawkeye opponents to score on their opening drive.
• 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 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’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 collected turnovers on three consecutive defensive plays in the fourth quarter at Penn State (interception by Jovon Johnson, interception by Antwan Allen and a fumble recovery by Chad Greenway).
• The Hawkeyes collected 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 2003. Those interceptions came against Miami’s Ben Roethlisberger, now an NFL rookie starter with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten and sixth nationally in rushing defense (95.1). Michigan State (204) and Minnesota (337) are the only opponent to rush for over 100 yards against Iowa’s defense.

IOWA STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 61 of its last 65 games. Iowa’s games at Minnesota (11/13/04), vs. Purdue (11/6/04), 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 63-of-71 games under Kirk Ferentz.

THEY STARTED THEM ALL
Iowa has had 15 players (6 offense, 9 defense) start all 10 games this year. That list includes WR Warren Holloway, WR Ed Hinkel, TE Tony Jackson, OL Mike Jones, OL Pete McMahon, QB Drew Tate, DE Derreck Robinson, DT Tyler Luebke, DT Jonathan Babineaux, DE Matt Roth, LB Abdul Hodge, LB Chad Greenway, DB Jovon Johnson, DB Antwan Allen and SS Marcus Paschal.

Allen has started all 36 games in his career.

HAWKEYES STAY HOT IN NFL DRAFT
For the second straight year, five Iowa players were selected in the NFL Draft. OT Robert Gallery was the second player selected, taken by the Oakland Raiders. DB Bob Sanders was a second round selection of Indianapolis and PK Nate Kaeding was selected in the third round by San Diego. DT Jared Clauss (Tennessee) and TE Erik Jensen (St. Louis) were both selected in the seventh round. Nine additional Iowa seniors signed NFL free agent contracts immediately following the 2004 Draft. The five players selected in the 2004 draft matches the number taken in the 2003 draft (Dallas Clark, Eric Steinbach, Bruce Nelson, Derek Pagel, Ben Sobieski), giving the Iowa program its most draft selections in back-to-back drafts since the AFL/NFL merger. Iowa had never had more than nine players selected in back-to-back drafts. All five players made rosters. A total of 18 former Iowa players are in the NFL an additional five are either on practice squads or injured reserved.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 4.5 yards on 291 first down plays, 4.2 yards on 225 second down plays, 5.9 yards on 160 third down plays and -0.5 yards on eight fourth down plays.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 41 scoring drives average 7.4 plays, 47.8 yards and 3:03 elapsed time. Twenty-three of Iowa’s 41 scoring drives have covered 45 yards or more. In addition, Iowa has had 20 drives amass eight plays or more, including a season-long 15-play drive that consumed 7:21 at Penn State. The Hawkeyes recorded a season-high seven scoring drives at Minnesota. Iowa’s last four scoring drives resulted in 10, 8, 10 and 11 plays. The Hawkeyes recorded their longest drive in terms of yardage vs. Purdue. Iowa marched 94 yards on 12 plays in 3:25 resulting in a 22-yard field goal. 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 28 scoring drives, averaging 7.7 plays, 56.9 yards and 2:54 elapsed time. Kent State and Penn State are two opponents that the Hawkeye defense did not allow any offensive points. Illinois posted an Iowa opponent season-long 17-play touchdown drive. 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 41 times and scored 33 of those times (80.5%). Three of Iowa’s failed scoring attempts came late in the game while running out the clock in big victories. Iowa ranks fifth in the Big Ten.

Iowa has posted points on 26 of its last 29 trips inside the red zone, including all five last week at Minnesota. All five red zone possessions resulted in field goals. The Hawkeyes were 5-6 vs. Purdue, scoring two passing touchdowns and three field goals. Iowa missed a field goal on its other trip inside the red zone. Iowa was a perfect 3-3 at Illinois, with all three trips resulting in touchdowns. Iowa was 2-3 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 31 times and have only scored 19 of those times (61.3%). Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten. Michigan State ranks second (69.7%).

Minnesota scored two field goals and a touchdown. Purdue was only able to score once in three tries inside the red zone. The Boilermakers scored a passing touchdown and had two field goals blocked. Illinois was 2-3, scoring two touchdowns and having a pass intercepted by Antwan Allen at the two-yard line. Penn State was 0-2 after having first and goal twice (missed 25-yard field goal and interception by 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 36 plays of 20 yards or more, with 30 of the 36 coming on pass plays. WR James Townsend caught a 60-yard touchdown pass from QB Drew Tate at Minnesota. The 60-yard pass in Iowa’s longest offensive play this season. WR Clinton Solomon had catches of 41 yards (TD), 34 yards and 20 yards against the Golden Gophers. TE Scott Chandler accounted for all three of Iowa’s big offensive plays vs. Purdue. Chandler caught passes for 28, 31 and 46 yards. The 46-yard reception against the Boilermakers is a team season-best. 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. 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 29 offensive plays of 20 yards or more, with all but five coming on pass plays. Prior to its last game, Iowa had only allowed on rushing play of 20 yards or more (Michigan State). Minnesota’s talented running backs garnered runs of 79, 22, 37 and 36 yards. Iowa opponents have also recorded three big interceptions returns (99, 31 and 25 yards), including two for touchdowns.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 70 points after obtaining 27 turnovers (14 interceptions, 13 fumbles), plus an additional five points following blocked punts. Iowa scored a field goal vs. Kent State and a safety at Illinois after the blocked punts. The Hawkeyes scored nine points following four Minnesota miscues last week. Iowa put up 13 points off turnovers vs. Purdue. Iowa scored a touchdown following a fumble on Illinois’ first second half possession. The Hawkeyes were only able to score three points after five Penn State turnovers. Iowa 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 five opponents (Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois, Purdue, Minnesota) failed to score any points off turnovers. 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.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 75-25 in the first quarter and 56-41 in the third. Hawkeye opponents own a 60-49 advantage in the second quarter and a slim 53-52 edge in the fourth period.

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.

HY-VEE CY-HAWK SERIES
Iowa leads the inaugural Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series 3-2. Iowa recorded a 17-10 football victory on Sept. 11 in Iowa City. Iowa State posted a 6-1 women’s soccer victory on Oct. 31 in Ames.

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:
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 — 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.