Dec. 8, 2004
Ferentz to ESPN: Sounds corny, but Iowa is home
Iowa and LSU: Side-by-side in final BCS list
UI, Ferentz ink contract extension
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IOWA TO PLAY IN CAPITAL ONE BOWL
Iowa (9-2, 7-1) will meet LSU (9-2, 6-2) of the Southeastern Conference in the ,b>2005 Capital One Bowl. The game will be played Saturday, Jan. 1 at noon (CST) in Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium (65,438). The Big Ten co-champions will be playing in a Florida bowl for the third straight year.
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. Out-of-state fans of the Hawkeyes will also have access to the game broadcast via the multimedia area of hawkeyesports.com, the official world wide web site of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
ON THE TUBE
ABC will televise the Capital One Bowl to a national audience. Gary Thorne, Ed Cunningham and Dr. Jerry Punch will call the action.
IOWA WINS A SHARE OF BIG TEN TITLE
Iowa has won a share of the Big Ten title two of the last three years. Overall, the Hawkeyes have won out-right or shared 11 conference titles. The 11 league titles ties Wisconsin for the fifth-most in Big Ten history.
Of the 11 Big Ten titles, seven have been shared. Iowa shared conference titles in 1900 (Minnesota), 1922 (Michigan), 1960 (Minnesota), 1981 (Ohio State), 1990 (Illinois, Michigan State and Michigan), 2002 (Ohio State) and 2004 (Michigan). Outright titles have been won in 1921, 1956, 1958 and 1985.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa’s next victory away from Iowa City will be its 200th. Iowa has played 1,063 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 539-485-39 (.525). That includes a 340-191-16 (.636) record in home games, a 199-294-23 (.408) record in games away from Iowa City, a 265-327-25 (.450) mark in Big Ten games and a 223-156-15 (.585) record in Kinnick Stadium.
IOWA’S BOWL HISTORY
Iowa will be playing in its fourth-straight bowl game. It started with Iowa defeating Texas Tech (19-16) in the 2001 Alamo Bowl, losing to USC (38-17) in the 2003 Orange Bowl and beating Florida (37-17) in the 2004 Outback Bowl. In addition, this will mark the first time in school history that Iowa will be playing in three consecutive January bowl games. The Capital One Bowl will be Iowa’s eighth January bowl appearance.
The Hawkeyes hold a 10-8-1 (.553) all-time bowl record. The Hawkeyes have competed in the Rose (five times), Holiday (three), Alamo (three), Peach (two), Sun (two) and the Orange, Outback, Gator and Freedom Bowls once.
IOWA IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Iowa has never played in the Capital One Bowl or Florida Citrus Stadium. The Hawkeyes have played six games (1-5) in the state of Florida. Iowa collected its first victory in the state when it defeated Florida in the 2004 Outback Bowl. USC defeated Iowa in the 2003 Orange Bowl. The Hawkeyes lost three games to Miami in Orange Bowl Stadium during the 1950, 1966 and 1990 regular seasons. Iowa’s only other game in the state of Florida was the 1983 Gator Bowl when the Hawkeyes lost to Florida.
THE BIG TEN IN THE CAPITAL ONE BOWL
The Big Ten Conference is 6-8 in the Capital One Bowl. The first Big Ten appearance was Dec. 28, 1985, when Ohio State defeated BYU (10-7). Last year, Georgia defeated Purdue in an overtime thriller (34-27). Ohio State (1-3) has played in the Capital One Bowl four times, the most in the Big Ten. Penn State (1-2 as a Big Ten institution) and Michigan (2-1) have played in the bowl three times, while Illinois (1-0), Purdue (0-1), Northwestern (0-1) and Michigan State (1-0) have been there once.
IOWA’S SENIOR CLASS HAS 37 VICTORIES
Iowa has recorded seven or more wins four straight years, a feat that has only been accomplished once before at Iowa. Iowa’s 1981-87 teams all recorded seven or more victories. The Hawkeyes won seven games in 2001, 11 in 2002, 10 in 2003 and nine in 2004.
The Hawkeyes have won 37 games over the last four years, a total that ties Iowa’s 1984-87 teams for the most over any four year span. Iowa has won 24 conference games over the last four years, a total that ties Iowa’s 1983-86 teams for the second-most over any four year span. Iowa’s 1982-85 squads collected 25.
HAWKEYES THE LAST THREE YEARS
Iowa’s Big Ten record the last three years (20-4) ties Michigan as the best record. Seven Big Ten teams had four losses or more in conference play this season alone.
Iowa’s 20 conference wins is a new school record for victories over a three-year span. The previous mark was 19 set twice (1981-83 and 1983-85). Additionally, Iowa’s 30 overall victories establish a new school record for wins over a three-year span. The previous record was 29 set by Iowa’s 1985-87 teams.
HAWKEYES PLAY TOUGH SCHEDULE
Six of Iowa’s 11 regular season opponents were ranked in the top 20 at one time during the season (Arizona State, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin).
HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE
Iowa’s bowl appearance will mark the 40th consecutive game the Hawkeyes have been selected for television. The last Iowa contest not televised was vs. Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.
FERENTZ NAMED BIG TEN COACH OF THE YEAR
For the second time in three years, Kirk Ferentz has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year. Ferentz was also recognized as the conference Coach of the Year following Iowa’s 2002 season when the Hawkeyes finished with an 11-2 overall record and an 8-0 mark in the Big Ten. The six-year head coach of the Hawkeyes was also named the 2002 Associated Press Coach of the Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year and AFCA Regional Coach of the Year.
FERENTZ FINALIST FOR COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD
The FWAA All-America Committee has arrived at a list of six finalists for the association’s Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. And Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz has made the list for the second time in three years. The other finalists are: UTEP’s Mike Price, Utah’s Urban Meyer, USC’s Pete Carroll, Auburn’s Tommy Tuberville and Cal’s Jeff Tedford. The six coaches’ names will appear on a ballot, which will go out to all FWAA members via e-mail in the next few days. FWAA members’ final vote will be revealed in late December or early January during a nationally televised football game.
FERENTZ ADDED TO WATCH LIST
Kirk Ferentz has been added to the 2004 Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award “Watch List”. Ferentz joins Tenneesse’s Phillip Fulmer, California’s Jeff Tedford, USC’s Pete Carroll, Georgia’s Mark Richt, Purdue’s Joe Tiller, Miami’s Larry Coker, Boise State’s Dan Hawkins, Utah’s Urban Meyer, Michigan’s Lloyd Carr, Texas’ Mark Brown and Auburn’s Tommy Tuberville on the “Watch List”. The recipient of the award will be announced during halftime of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on December 31.
COACH Kirk Ferentz VS. RANKED FOES
Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes are 10-15 against ranked opponents the last six seasons. The Hawkeyes are 8-4 vs. ranked opponents the last three years.
Norm Parker FINALIST FOR BROYLES AWARD
Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker has been named one of six finalists for the Broyles Award, which recognizes the nation’s top Division I assistant coach. The award will be presented at a banquet held Jan. 11, in Little Rock, AR.
Parker’s defensive unit ranks fifth in rushing defense (90.2), ninth in total defense (289.1) and 33rd in passing defense (198.9). Iowa’s defensive rushing average of 90.2 currently ranks third in Iowa’s record books for a single season.
COACH Kirk Ferentz
The 2002 Associated Press Coach of the Year, Walter Camp Coach of the Year, AFCA Regional Coach of the Year and two-time 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. Ferentz guided Iowa to two Big Ten titles in the last three years. He has been named one of six finalists for the 2004 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. Iowa has posted a 30-7 (.811) overall mark and a 20-4 (.833) Big Ten record the last three seasons under Ferentz.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 41-31 (.569) and a 27-21 (.563) mark in Big Ten games. In nine seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 53-52 (.505).
Twenty-five of Iowa’s 72 games over the last six seasons have been decided by seven points or less (13-12) and 25 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (10-15).
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 has never faced LSU and is 0-1 against Coach Nick Saban. The loss was a 49-3 road defeat when Saban coached at Michigan State in 1999.
LSU COACH NICK SABAN
Nick Saban is about to complete his fifth season as head coach at LSU and his 11th year as a collegiate head coach. Saban has posted a record of 48-15 (.762) coaching the Tigers and an 89-41-1 (.683) career mark. He guided the Tigers to bowl victories three of the last four years, including winning last year’s national championship over Oklahoma (21-14). LSU claimed a pair of SEC titles in 2001 and 2003 and won bowl games over Georgia Tech (2000 Peach Bowl), Illinois (2002 Sugar Bowl) and Oklahoma (2004 Sugar Bowl). Prior to coaching at LSU, Saban coached five seasons at Michigan State (1995-99). Saban guided the Spartans to three bowl appearances (1995 Independence, 1996 Sun and 1997 Aloha) and to a second place finish in the Big Ten and a top 10 ranking his final season in East Lansing (1999). Saban began his head coaching career at Toledo in 1990, mentoring the Rockets to a first place finish in the MAC. He also served as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns of the NFL from 1991-94. Saban and Ferentz coached on the same staff at Cleveland.
Saban is 1-2 against Iowa and 1-0 vs. Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz.
IOWA, LSU NOTES
LSU has played in the Capital One Bowl once before. The Tigers defeated Wake Forest (34-10) in 1979.LSU is 6-3-1 against teams from the Big Ten Conference (Wisconsin 2-0, Illinois 1-0, Michigan State 1-0, Indiana 2-1, Penn State 0-1 and Ohio State 0-1-1).LSU won four games by a combined 11 points, while Iowa won three games by a combined six points.Iowa’s .811 (30-7) winning percentage the last three seasons ranks eighth among Division I teams. LSU ranks ninth with a .789 (30-8) winning percentage.Iowa and LSU are among seven Division I football teams to play in three consecutive January bowl games (Iowa, LSU, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma and USC).The Tigers rank third nationally in total defense (249.9) and pass defense (145.4) and fifth in pass efficiency defense (98.5). The Hawkeyes rank fourth in turnover margin (1.27), sixth in rushing defense (90.2) and 10th in total defense (289.1).Both LSU Coach Nick Saban and Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz coached under Bill Belichick on the Cleveland Browns in the early 1990s. Saban served as the Browns’ defensive coordinator from 1991-94, while Ferentz was the team’s offensive line coach from 1993-98. Iowa defensive coordinator, Norm Parker, coached at Vanderbilt of the SEC for four seasons (1995-98). LSU defeated Vanderbilt two years (1996-97) while Parker was with the Commodores. Parker was named the 1997 SEC Defensive Coordinator of the Year. Vanderbilt led the SEC and ranked ninth in the nation in total defense.Other Hawkeye coaches who coached against LSU while at Vanderbilt include defensive line coach Ron Aiken (19996) and recruiting coordinator and tight ends coach Eric Johnson (1996-97).LSU Associate Head Coach and wide receivers coach Bobby Williams took over as head coach at Michigan State after Saban left for LSU. Williams served as head coach of the Spartans for three seasons (2000-02). Iowa posted a 2-1 record against Michigan State under Coach Williams (W, 21-16 in 2000; W, 44-16 in 2002; L 31-28 in 2001). The win over Michigan State in 2000 was Coach Ferentz’s first Big Ten victory.
THE SERIES
Iowa has never played LSU.
Iowa is 3-2 all-time against Southeastern Conference teams. Iowa has defeated Florida (37-17, 2004 Outback Bowl), Arkansas (25-0, 1925) and Tennessee (28-22, 1982 Peach Bowl). The Hawkeyes have dropped games to Florida (14-6, 1983 Gator Bowl) and Tennessee (23-22, 1987 Kickoff Classic).
HAWKEYES EARN BIG TEN ACCOLADES
Iowa landed six players on this year’s coaches and media first and second all-Big Ten teams. Earning first team accolades by both the coaches and media are DE Matt Roth and LB Chad Greenway. Roth was the only defensive unanimous selection by the coaches. QB Drew Tate and LB Abdul Hodge were first team honorees by the coaches and second team picks by the media. DL Jonathan Babineaux earned first team laurels from the media and was recognized on the second team by the coaches. WR Clinton Solomon was a second team honoree by the media.
DB Sean Considine, TE Tony Jackson, OL Pete McMahon, DB Antwan Allen, DB Jovon Johnson, OL Mike Jones, PK Kyle Schlicher, DT Tyler Luebke, WR Ed Hinkel and P David Bradley earned honorable mention recognition from the coaches and media.
HAWKEYES EARN ACADEMIC HONORS
Seniors LS Kody Asmus and DB Sean Considine, juniors OL C.J. Barkema, WR Matt Melloy and sophomores OL Mike Elgin and TE Ryan Majerus and redshirt freshmen LB Mike Humpal and DL Alex Willcox were named academic all-Big Ten. The academic honor is the third for Considine and the second for Majerus and Melloy.
FINAL GAME FOR SENIORS
A total of 15 players will be taking part in a Hawkeye football game for the final time at the Capital One Bowl: 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.
IN THE RANKINGS
Winners of seven straight games, Iowa is ranked 12th in the BCS, 11th in the Associated Press poll and 13th in the ESPN/USA Today poll. LSU is ranked 11th in the BCS, 12th in the AP and 11th in the coaches poll.Iowa (No. 12) is the highest ranked Big Ten team in the BCS (Michigan – 13). The Hawkeyes have been ranked as high as 12th in the two major polls four times this year.
FLORIDA HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster includes 12 players from the state of Florida. DB Antwan Allen and DL Ettore Ewen hail from Tampa, DB Chris Brevi is from Seffner and DB Marcus Paschal is from Largo. LB Abdul Hodge, LB George Lewis and OL David Walker are from Fort Lauderdale, while LB Edmond Miles is from Tallahassee. DB Walner Belleus hails from Immokalee, QB Junior Alexis is from Delray Beach, while RB Damian Sims hails from Boynton Beach. True freshman PK Griffin Karr, who is redshirting this season, is from Delray Beach.
BIG TEN BOWL SEASON
Six members of the Big Ten Conference are going to bowl games. They include Iowa (Capital One), Michigan (Rose), Ohio State (Alamo), Purdue (Sun), Minnesota (Music City) and Wisconsin (Outback). Iowa’s only conference loss this season was at Michigan (30-17).
IOWA HOME WINNING STREAK
Iowa’s win over Wisconsin extended its home winning streak to 18. The 18-game streak, dating back to 2002, is a Kinnick Stadium record. The active streak ranks fourth nationally among Division I-A schools. Boise State (25) ranks first, followed by USC (21) 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 13 straight home wins is also a school record. The current 13-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, 2002 and 2004 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 seven-game winning streak ties for the sixth longest active streak in Division I-A. The 2004 Iowa Hawkeyes are only the third Iowa team to win seven straight league games in the same year. Below is a list of those teams with the number of consecutive wins in parentheses:1991 (7): 10-1-1
2002 (8): 11-2, Big Ten title
2004 (7): TBD, Big Ten title
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).
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.
Other blocked kicks include Miguel Merrick blocking an Illinois punt and Chad Greenway blocking a Kent State punt.
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.
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. Sam Brownlee was carted off the field after suffering an ankle injury against Minnesota. Brownlee did play against Wisconsin. Marques Simmons sprained an ankle vs. Ohio State. He missed four games before returning vs. Wisconsin. Simmons saw limited action, collecting 41 yards on 13 attempts. Iowa also lost FB Champ Davis to a season-ending ACL and MCL injury at Illinois.
ELGIN, ASMUS AND 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 36 bowl bids each, while the Hawkeyes will be playing in its 20th bowl. Michigan State and Wisconsin rank fourth with 16.
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, but returned to action in Iowa’s win over Wisconsin.
Schnoor, Young and Lewis are lost for the year.
OTHER INJURIES
Iowa lost 10 players to season-ending injuries: 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 were sellouts, marking the first time in history. Iowa finished the season with a record home attendance average of 70,397. The Hawkeyes’ previous home average attendance record was 70,071 set in 1991.
Iowa has sold out 11 consecutive games, dating back to 2003, which is a school record.
IOWA NOTES
The Hawkeyes have won 25 of their last 27 games in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the end of the 2000 season. Iowa’s two losses came against Iowa State (36-31 in 2002) and Michigan (32-26 in 2001).The Hawkeyes won all three trophy games against rivals Iowa State (Cy-Hawk), Minnesota (Floyd of Rosedale) and Wisconsin (The Heartland Trophy).Iowa has won 27 of its last 32 regular season games.Iowa is a victory away from capturing its 200th win away from Iowa City (199-294-23).Iowa ranks fourth nationally in turnover margin (1.27).Iowa has rushed for only 824 yards, which is an average of 74.9 per game – the lowest in school history. Iowa currently ranks last nationally (117th). The second lowest rushing average by an Iowa team is the 1998 team. That team rushed for 890 yards, an average of 80.9.Iowa collected 26 takeaways during conference play, the most of any school. Penn State ranked second with 18.Iowa joins Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin as the only Big Ten schools to go to three straight January bowl games.Iowa did not lose a fumble in nine games this year, including the last four contests.This season marks the 11th time an Iowa team has posted at least nine wins in a season. Only five Iowa teams have collected 10 wins or more in a season (1985 – 10; 1987 – 10; 1991 – 10; 2002 – 11; 2003 – 10).Iowa is 37-4 when leading at the half and 40-2 when leading after three quarters under Coach Ferentz. In the last three years, Iowa is 26-1 when leading at the half and 29-0 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 10 games, while Sims has played in six.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 13th nationally and second in the Big Ten in punt return yardage (14.4). Ed Hinkel ranks 21st in punt return yardage (12.8).Iowa scored points on six of its 11 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 against Arizona State, Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois and Wisconsin.Nine of Iowa’s 11 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.
FAMILY AFFAIR
Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and his son, Brian, 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’S PASSING ATTACK
QB Drew Tate and the Iowa offensive passing attack have generated 2,594 yards this season. The 235.8 yards per game rank sixth-best in a single season at Iowa.
TATE DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
QB Drew Tate garnered first team all-Big Ten laurels from the coaches and earned second team recognition by the media. Tate becomes the first Iowa sophomore quarterback to make first team all-Big Ten since Chuck Long was honored in 1983. Tate was also recognized as the Big Ten Player of the Year by collegefootballnews.com.
Tate ranked first in Big Ten passing (262.4) and pass efficiency (137.1) and second in total offense (255.0). Tate ranks 35th nationally in overall pass efficiency (133.6) and 44th in total offense (221.6).
Tate completed 176-280 (62.9%) passes for 2,099 yards, 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions during conference play. The 15 touchdown passes tie for the second-most by a Big Ten quarterback.
For the season, Tate has completed 213-343 passes for 2,499 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Tate has also rushed for two touchdowns. He has thrown at least one interception in nine of 11 contests. His passing total of 2,499 ranks eighth-best at Iowa for a single season. Tate’s total offense of 2,438 ranks seventh for a single season at Iowa. In addition, he has thrown for 2,554 yards the last two years, which ranks 12th in career passing at Iowa.
Tate completed 15-24 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns in helping Iowa defeat Wisconsin and claim a share of the Big Ten title with Michigan. He completed 24-39 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions at Minnesota.
Tate has thrown for two touchdowns or more in five of the last six games (none at Penn State). Tate has 18 touchdown passes this season, a total that ties for fifth-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 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.
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).
HINKEL CATCHES ON
WR Ed Hinkel has been one of Iowa’s top receiving threats. Hinkel earned honorable mention all-Big Ten honors by the media. He caught 44 passes for 521 yards in eight league games, which ranked fourth in both categories. Hinkel is only 23 receiving yards from reaching 1,000 for his career. He has tallied 85 career receptions for 977 yards and eight touchdowns.
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).
The native of Erie, PA, ranks first on the team in touchdowns (7) and second on the team in receptions (53) and receiving yards (651) this season. His 651 yards receiving ranks 24th in a single season at Iowa.
Hinkel’s seven touchdowns tie for third for Big Ten receivers. He ranks fifth in the Big Ten and 51st nationally in receptions (4.82) and eighth in the league and 76th nationally in receiving yards (59.2). Hinkel 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.
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.
SOLOMON LEADS HAWKEYE RECEIVERS
WR Clinton Solomon earned second team all-Big Ten accolades by the media and was named honorable mention by the coaches. Solomon has posted 100-yard receiving games four times this season (Michigan State, Ohio State, Minnesota, Wisconsin).
Solomon posted game highs in receptions (6) and receiving yards (100) vs. Wisconsin. Against Minnesota, 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 (11 and 36 yards). 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 six of the last seven games.
The 6-3 native of Ft. Worth, TX, ranks first on the squad in receiving yards (824) and receptions (54). He ranks 40th in the nation in receiving yards (74.9) and 49th in receptions (4.91). Forty-eight of his 54 receptions came in Big Ten action. His 824 yards receiving ranks 10th-best in a single season at Iowa. Solomon boasts the best average yards per catch in the Big Ten at 15.3 (min. 35 receptions). In conference games, Solomon ranked third in receptions (6.0) and second in receiving yards (90.4). His 15.1 average yards per catch in conference play ranks first (min. 35 receptions).
SCHLICHER THE KICKER
PK Kyle Schlicher earned honorable mention all-Big Ten honors by the media. 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). His efforts earned him Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week accolades. 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 in 1900.
Schlicher has made two field goals or more in five of the last six games (Ohio State – 2; Penn State – 2; Purdue – 3; Minnesota – 5; Wisconsin – 3). The native of Ankeny, IA, has converted 20-25 field goals (15-16, 20-39 yards) and 26-29 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 86 points and ranks second in the Big Ten and fourth nationally in field goals made per game (1.82). The 86 points tie for ninth in single season scoring at Iowa.
Schlicher converted all three field goal attempts (31, 21 and 34 yards) in helping Iowa defeat Wisconsin to claim a share of the Big Ten title. 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.
IOWA’S RUSHING DEFENSE
Iowa has limited its opponents to 992 yards rushing in 11 games. The 90.2 yards per game average ranks third-best in a single season at Iowa. For the season, Iowa held six opponents (Kent State, Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois, Purdue and Wisconsin) under 60 yards rushing.
Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker’s rushing defense has ranked in the top five in Iowa’s history books the last three years. Iowa’s 2002 team ranks second (81.9 in 13 games) and the 2003 team ranks fourth (92.7 in 13 games).
ROTH BREAKS OUT
Senior DE Matt Roth earned first team all-Big Ten laurels by both the media and coaches. Roth was the only defensive player to be a unanimous coaches selection. He was also named to the all-Big Ten Team by collefootballnews.com. 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.
The senior is seventh on the squad in tackles (45), first in sacks (8) and QB hurries (8) and second in TFL (14). Roth is tied with Jonathan Babineaux for 20th in the nation in sacks. Roth posted 37 tackles (26 solo), 13 TFL, seven sacks and forced three fumbles in conference action. He ranked first in conference sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles.
Roth 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). The senior accounted for six tackles (4 solo), including three for loss and one sack vs. Wisconsin. 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.
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 30 career sacks ranks third best, and trails Jared DeVries (42, 1995-98) and Mike Wells (33, 1990-93). Also, he has 42 tackles for loss, which ranks third at Iowa. 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 first team all-Big Ten. Greenway was recognized by both the media and coaches, while Hodge was a first team honoree by the coaches and a second team choice by the media. Greenway was also named to the all-Big Ten Team by collefootballnews.com. The duo, were also named to the preseason first all-Big Ten team by Athlon Sports. Hodge was also named second team all-America by The Sporting News, while Greenway was named honorable mention all-America by NationalChamps.net.
Hodge became the 53rd Hawkeye to record 200 tackles when he posted seven stops (6 solo) at Arizona State. His 280 career tackles rank 15th at Iowa. Hodge accounted for a team-high 11 tackles (7 solo) vs. Wisconsin. 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 seventh in the conference in tackles (101). He has posted double digit tackle games 13 times in his career, including six times this season. Hodge ranks 11th nationally in solo tackles (6.27).
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 seven times this season and 15 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 251 career tackles rank 28th at Iowa.
The junior accounted for 10 tackles (6 solo), one sack and forced one fumble vs. Wisconsin. 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, sixth in the league in tackles (104), fourth on the team in tackles for loss (7) and tied for third in interceptions (3). Greenway ranks 18th in the nation in solo tackles (5.82).
BABINEAUX ANCHORS DEFENSIVE LINE
Senior Jonathan Babineaux earned first team all-Big Ten recognition from the media and second team laurels by the coaches. He was also named to the all-Big Ten Team by collefootballnews.com.
Babineaux has been one of the Big Ten’s top defensive linemen this season. The native of Port Arthur, TX, ranks third in the nation and first in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (20.5). Babineaux is also tied with Matt Roth for the team lead in sacks (8). The duo tie for 20th in the nation in sacks. Babineaux is tied for fifth in team tackles (48), which rank second to Tyler Luebke (55) among Iowa defensive linemen.
Babineaux was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week twice this season. He was recognized after Iowa home wins over Wisconsin and Purdue.
In Iowa’s last game vs. Wisconsin, Babineaux collected a career-high seven tackles (4 solo), including three for loss and two sacks. He also returned a fumble a team-season-long 39 yards. Two games earlier, he tallied five solo tackles, forced and recovered a fumble and collected a career-high three sacks vs. Purdue. The three sacks for 18 yards loss is the best single-game performance by any Big Ten player this season.
Babineaux accounted for six stops (3 solo), including 1.5 for loss and forced and recovered a fumble at Illinois. Against Ohio State, he recorded six tackles (3 solo), including two for loss. The senior registered six tackles or more seven times in his career.
Babineaux has 124 career tackles, including 30.5 for loss and 15 sacks. His 20.5 TFL this year is a personal single-season high. His previous single-season high was nine his sophomore season.
DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD SOLID
DBs Antwan Allen and Jovon Johnson and FS Sean Considine lead Iowa’s defensive backfield. All three earned honorable mention all-Big Ten recognition.
Johnson has 13 career interceptions, which ranks fourth at Iowa. He intercepted the opposing quarterback each of the last two games of the regular season. Johnson recorded his second pick of the season at Minnesota and his third vs. Wisconsin. The junior also equaled a career high with seven tackles (6 solo) and one sack vs. the Badgers.
Johnson has registered 37 tackles (25 solo) in Iowa’s 11 games, including a career-high seven stops (5 solo) vs. Purdue. He accounted for six tackles vs. Michigan State.
Considine, a three-time academic all-Big Ten honoree, has recorded 151 career tackles and six 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. Against 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 155 career tackles, eight interceptions and three forced fumbles. He leads the team with four thefts this season, which is tops in the Big Ten.
Against 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 second in the Big Ten and 10th nationally in total defense (289.1).Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten and sixth nationally in rushing defense (90.2). Michigan State (204) and Minnesota (337) are the only opponents to rush for over 100 yards against Iowa’s defense.Iowa has five players who have recovered two fumbles or more this season (Abdul Hodge, Charles Godfrey, Derreck Robinson, Tyler Luebke and Jonathan Babineaux). Luebke and Babineaux have each recovered a team-leading three.Iowa’s defense has forced 20 turnovers the last five 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. The minus 13 yards rushing, ranks eighth-best in a game by an Iowa defense.
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 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 (vs. Penn State) 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 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 STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 62 of its last 66 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 the Hawkeyes didn’t start on offense. Iowa has started the game on offense in 64-of-72 games under Kirk Ferentz.
BRADLEY FINISHING STRONG
Punter David Bradley earned honorable mention all-Big Ten honors by the coaches. Bradley came on strong the last four games. Bradley averaged 44.7 yards on three punts, including a 55-yarder in Iowa’s regular season finale vs. Wisconsin. He punted four times for a 41.8 average, including a long punt of 52 yards at Minnesota. Against Purdue, he punted six times for a 41.0 average. Two of his six punts were downed inside the 20. At Illinois, Bradley had two punts downed inside the 10.
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 37 games in his career.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 82-25 in the first quarter, 66-41 in the third and 58-53 in the fourth. Hawkeye opponents own a 67-56 advantage in the second quarter.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 4.4 yards on 315 first down plays, 4.1 yards on 246 second down plays, 6.0 yards on 176 third down plays and 0.0 yards on 10 fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 47 scoring drives average 7.2 plays, 45.9 yards and 3:02 elapsed time. Twenty-five of Iowa’s 47 scoring drives have covered 45 yards or more. In addition, Iowa has had 22 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 at Minnesota 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 29 scoring drives, averaging 7.8 plays, 56.4 yards and 2:58 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 47 times and scored 38 of those times (80.9%). Four of Iowa’s failed scoring attempts came late in the game while running out the clock in big victories. Iowa ranks third in Big Ten red zone efficiency.
Iowa has posted points on 16 of its last 18 trips inside the red zone. The Hawkeyes scored two touchdowns and three field goals vs. Wisconsin and five field goals at Minnesota. 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 32 times and have only scored 20 of those times (62.5%). Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten. Michigan State ranks second (71.8%).
Wisconsin was only able to march inside Iowa’s red zone once, which resulted in a rushing touchdown. Minnesota scored two field goals and a touchdown. Purdue was only able to score once in three tries. 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 37 plays of 20 yards or more, with 31 of the 37 coming on pass plays. WR James Townsend caught a 60-yard touchdown pass from QB Drew Tate at Minnesota. The 60-yard pass is Iowa’s longest offensive play this season. WR Clinton Solomon posted catches of 41 yards (TD), 34 yards and 20 yards against the Golden Gophers and a 51-yard touchdown catch vs. Wisconsin. TE Scott Chandler accounted for all three of Iowa’s big offensive plays vs. Purdue. Chandler caught passes for 28, 31 and 46 yards. 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 road game at Minnesota, Iowa had only allowed one 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 83 points after obtaining 31 turnovers (16 interceptions, 15 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 55 of their 83 points off turnovers the last six games of the regular season. Iowa tallied 13 points after obtaining four Wisconsin turnovers. Iowa scored nine points following four Minnesota miscues. 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 six opponents (Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois, Purdue, Minnesota, Wisconsin) 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.
INSTANT REPLAY
Nine of Iowa’s 11 regular season games featured 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 was used seven times in Iowa games. In five of the eight, 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 utilized this system.
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.
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. Norm 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 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”. The 90-minute radio call-in show is hosted by Gary Dolphin, the play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The final show of 2004 will air Wednesday, December 15, at 7 p.m. from Carlos O’Kelly’s in Iowa City.