Hawkeyes Find a Way!

Jan. 13, 2005

IOWA CITY –

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HAWKEYES FIND A WAY!!!

Just when you think Iowa football has reached the top step, it surprises just about everyone and takes another couple steps up the ladder. To say Iowa is not among the elite of college football would be naïve now. And, it would be fair to say that Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz is among the best, if not the best, college football coach in America.

So, exactly what’s been happening in the world of Iowa football the last three years. Two Big Ten championships in the last three years. Appearances in three straight New Year’s Day (or later) bowl games. Three straight finishes among the nation’s top ten. Three straight seasons of 10 or more wins. Eighteen straight home wins. Two straight bowl wins over highly regarded foes from the Southeastern Conference (Florida & LSU). A 31-7 record the last three seasons. And, Iowa will carry a streak of eight straight wins into the 2005 season, the fourth longest active streak in the nation.

Moreover, Ferentz has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year two of the last three years and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2004. Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker was a finalist for the Frank Broyles Award as Assistant Coach of the Year.

Individually, defensive end Matt Roth was a second team all-American. Joining Roth as first team all-Big Ten performers were linebackers Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge, defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and quarterback Drew Tate.

In the face of much adversity and virtually no running attack, 2004 will be a year that will be talked about and remembered for a very long time.

IOWA WINS 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.

Seven of Iowa’s titles have been shared. The Hawkeyes 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.

HAWKEYES IN ALL-STAR GAMES

DL Jonathan Babineaux, DB Sean Considine, and DE Matt Roth have been invited to play in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, on Jan. 29. TE Tony Jackson will play in the Hula Bowl in Wailuku, HI on Jan. 22. OL Pete McMahon and DE Derreck Robinson are invited to the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 15 in San Francisco, CA, while P David Bradley will play in The Villages Gridiron Classic in Orlando, FL, on Jan. 15.

HAWKEYE HISTORY

Iowa has played 1,064 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 540-485-39 (.526). That includes a 340-191-16 (.636) record in home games, a 200-294-23 (.409) 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 IN BOWL GAMES

Iowa is 11-8-1 in bowl games. Iowa, Penn State (23-12-2) and Purdue (7-6) are the only Big Ten teams who have a winning percentage in bowl games.

IOWA’S SENIOR CLASS HAS 38 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 10 in 2004.

The Hawkeyes have won 38 games over the last four years, a total that is a school record for the most over any four-year span. Iowa 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 for the best record. Seven Big Ten teams had four losses or more in conference play in 2004 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 31 overall victories established a new school record for wins over a three-year span. The previous record was 29 set by Iowa’s 1985-87 teams.

IOWA RANKS HIGH IN WINNING PERCENTAGE

Iowa is tied for 10th in the nation (Miami) in winning percentage (.800, 20-5) over the last two years. Over the last three years, Iowa ranks eighth (.816, 31-7) and over the last four years, the Hawkeyes rank ninth (.760, 38-12). Iowa’s 10-2 record, in 2004, marked the first time since 1991 the Hawkeyes boasted the best record in the Big Ten after the bowl season.

DID YOU KNOW…

Iowa’s 30-25 victory over LSU marked the second time in history the Hawkeyes knocked off a defending national champion. Iowa also defeated defending national champion Penn State (42-34) at State College in 1983. Additionally, Iowa tied defending national champion Notre Dame (14-14) at Iowa City in 1950.

HAWKEYES PLAY TOUGH SCHEDULE

Seven of Iowa’s 12 opponents were ranked in the top 20 at one time during the season (Arizona State, LSU, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin).

HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE

Iowa’s bowl game marked 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 was named Big Ten Coach of the Year. Ferentz was also recognized as the conference Coach of the Year following the 2002 season when the Hawkeyes finished with an 11-2 overall record and an 8-0 mark in the Big Ten. Ferentz was also one of six finalists for the 2004 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award.

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.

COACH Kirk Ferentz VS. RANKED FOES

Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes are 11-15 against ranked opponents the last six seasons. The Hawkeyes are 9-4 vs. ranked opponents the last three years.

Norm Parker FINALIST FOR BROYLES AWARD

Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker was one of six finalists for the Broyles Award, which recognizes the nation’s top Division I assistant coach.

Parker’s defensive unit ranked fifth in rushing defense (92.5), 11th in total defense (293.8) and 39th in passing defense (201.3). Iowa’s defensive rushing average of 92.5 ranks third in Iowa’s record books for a single season.

FERENTZ JOINS ELITE COMPANY

Kirk Ferentz has guided Iowa to 10 or more wins three straight seasons, a feat accomplished by only six other Big Ten mentors. Ferentz joins Michigan’s Lloyd Carr (1997-99), Bo Schembechler (1971-74, 1976-78) and Fielding Yost (1901-05), Minnesota’s Henry Williams (1903-05), Ohio State’s John Cooper (1995-98) and Woody Hayes (1973-75).

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), concluded his sixth season as Iowa’s head football coach. Ferentz guided Iowa to Big Ten titles twice in the last three years and back-to-back New Year’s Day bowl victories (2004 Outback Bowl and 2005 Capital One Bowl). He was one of six finalists for the 2004 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award. Iowa has posted a 31-7 (.816) overall mark and a 20-4 (.833) Big Ten record the last three seasons.

Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 42-31 (.575) and a 27-21 (.563) mark in Big Ten games. In nine seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 54-52 (.509).

Twenty-six of Iowa’s 73 games over the last six seasons have been decided by seven points or less (14-12) and 26 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (11-15).

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.

IOWA RANKS AMONG NATION’S BEST

Iowa is tied with USC and Virginia Tech with the best football student-athlete graduation rate (58%) among Division I bowl schools. The Institute of Diversity and Ethics in Sports at the University of Central Florida released the results of its annual six-year graduation rates.

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 played in their 20th bowl. Michigan State and Wisconsin rank fourth with 16.

HAWKEYES EARN BIG TEN ACCOLADES

Iowa landed six players on the coaches and media first and second all-Big Ten teams. Earning first team accolades by both the coaches and media were 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.

ELGIN, ASMUS AND CONSIDINE EARN ACADEMIC HONOR

OL Mike Elgin, OL Kody Asmus and DB Sean Considine were 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.

IN THE RANKINGS

Iowa finished the season ranked eighth in both major polls and the FWAA/Grantland Rice Super 16 poll for the third consecutive season. The Hawkeyes’ final ranking was the highest of the year. The string of eights equals the most consecutive appearances in the top 10 ever by Iowa. The Hawkeyes finished third in 1956, sixth in 1957 and second in 1958. It is also the 11th top 10 finish in school history.

Iowa is the highest ranked Big Ten team in the final rankings for the first time since 1958. The Hawkeyes join national champion Southern Cal, Oklahoma and Georgia as the only schools in the nation to have finished in the top 10 in each of the last three seasons.

Two Major Polls
Preseason           12/19
Aug. 23             13/19
Sept. 6             12/16
Sept. 13            12/16
Sept. 20            24/RV
Sept. 27            RV/-
Oct. 4              RV/-
Oct. 11             -/-
Oct. 18             RV/25
Oct. 25             24/23
Nov. 1              20/20
Nov. 8              19/19
Nov. 15             17/17
Nov. 22             14/12
Nov. 29             14/12
Dec. 5              13/12
Jan. 5              8/8
ESPN-USA Today/Associated Press

BCS
Oct. 18             NR
Oct. 25             23
Nov. 1              21
Nov. 8              20
Nov. 15             18
Nov. 22             11
Nov. 29             13
Dec. 5              12

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.

Moreover, Iowa did not trail once in its six home games in 2004. The last time the Hawkeyes trailed in Kinnick Stadium was 6-3 in their last regular season game vs. Minnesota on Nov. 15, 2003. Iowa downed the Gophers 40-22.

HAWKEYE STREAKS

The 2004 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. The 2003 team (10-3) never won more than two consecutive league games. The Hawkeyes won consecutive league games twice during the 2003 season.

Iowa’s eight-game winning streak is the fourth longest active streak in Division I-A (USC – 22; Utah – 16; Auburn – 15). 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): 10-2, Big Ten title

CLOSE CALLS

Iowa won three games 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 four punts and two field goals, including two punts in the Capital One Bowl vs. LSU. The four blocked punts are one shy of the Iowa single season record set in 2003.

Miguel Merrick and Ryan Majerus blocked punts vs. the Tigers in the bowl game. Sean Considine returned Merrick’s block seven yards for a touchdown to give the Hawkeyes a 14-6 advantage late in the first half. Merrick also blocked a punt at Illinois, while Chad Greenway blocked a punt vs. Kent State in the season opener.

The Hawkeyes blocked two field goals and recovered a muffed punt vs. Purdue. Marcus Paschal blocked a 32-yard field goal attempt in the first quarter. Considine blocked a 27-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter. He blocked five kicks in his career (4 punts, 1 field goal) and finished two blocks from tying Merton Hanks’ school record (7).

RECORDS SET

QB Drew Tate helped the Hawkeyes set a school record in Iowa’s win over Purdue. For the season, Iowa had 19 different players catch 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.

DL Jonathan Babineaux’s 25 tackles for loss in 2004 established a new school record. The previous record was 22 set by Jared DeVries (1996) and Leroy Smith (1991).

Iowa also set a school record for the fewest number of fumbles lost in 2004. The Hawkeyes fumbled 17 times, but only lost five. The previous record was six fumbles lost in 1963.

INJURED BACKS

Iowa lost running backs Marcus Schnoor (Kent State) and Albert Young (Iowa State) to season-ending knee injuries in its first two games. Three games later, the Hawkeyes lost Jermelle Lewis (Michigan State) 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.

OTHER INJURIES

Iowa lost 11 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), RB Marcus Schnoor (knee), LB Mike Humpal (knee), OL David Walker (triceps), RB Albert Young (knee), DL Ettore Ewen (knee) and DB Marcus Paschal (knee).

ALL HOME GAMES SOLD OUT

All six Iowa home games in 2004 were sellouts, marking the first time in history at this capacity. 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. The 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 ranked sixth nationally in turnover margin (1.08).

• Marques Simmons scored a four-yard touchdown vs. LSU in the Capital One Bowl. The touchdown marked the first rushing touchdown by a running back in seven games. Simmons rushed for two touchdowns vs. Michigan State (Oct. 2).

• ABC’s broadcast of the Capital One Bowl was Iowa’s first-ever football game televised in HDTV.

• RB Sam Brownlee was Iowa’s leading rusher in 2004, carrying the ball 94 times for 227 yards. Iowa has not had its rushing leader finish with that few yards since Jerry Niles led the Hawkeyes with 176 yards on 51 attempts in 1938.

• Iowa rushed for only 871 yards, which is an average of 72.6 per game – the lowest in school history. Individually, 62 Division I rushers rushed for more yardage the Iowa’s team total. Iowa ranked second to last nationally (116th). The second lowest rushing average by an Iowa team was 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 10 games, including the last five contests.

• L2004 marked the 11th time an Iowa team posted at least nine wins in a season. Only six Iowa teams collected 10 wins or more in a season (1985 – 10; 1987 – 10; 1991 – 10; 2002 – 11; 2003 – 10; 2004 – 10).

• Iowa is 38-4 when leading at the half and 41-2 when leading after three quarters under Coach Ferentz. In the last three years, Iowa is 27-1 when leading at the half and 30-0 when leading after three quarters.

• Iowa had three true freshmen compete (RB Damian Sims, DB Charles Godfrey and DB Adam Shada). Both Godfrey and Shada played in 11 games, while Sims played in seven.

• 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 had 19 players record one or more receptions, while 15 different Hawkeyes recorded one or more rushing attempts.

• Iowa had two interceptions returned for touchdowns (99 yards by Kent State and 25 yards by Michigan).

• Iowa ranked 15th nationally and second in the Big Ten in punt return yardage (13.71). Ed Hinkel ranked 27th in punt return yardage (11.82).

• Iowa scored points on seven of its 12 opening possessions. The Hawkeyes kicked a field goal vs. Kent State and at Minnesota and scored touchdowns vs. Iowa State, Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue and LSU. Iowa punted on its first possession against Arizona State, Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois and Wisconsin.

• Ten of Iowa’s 12 opponents failed to score on their opening drive. Illinois and Arizona State were the only opponents to score on their opening possession, as both scored touchdowns.

• Only six yards separate wide receivers Ed Hinkel (1,070) and Clinton Solomon (1,064) in career receiving yardage. Both will be seniors in 2005.

• 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. Senior Warren Holloway caught his first career scoring reception on a 56-yard pass from QB Drew Tate on the final play of the Capital One Bowl to win the game for the Hawkeyes.

• 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, were believed to be one of only four father-son duos in Division I in 2004. 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 generated 2,881 yards. The 240.1 yards per game rank fifth-best in a single season at Iowa.

TATE: CAPITAL ONE BOWL MVP

QB Drew Tate capped off a tremendous sophomore campaign with one of the best passes in Hawkeye history. Tate’s 56-yard pass completion to WR Warren Holloway on the final play of the 2005 Capital One Bowl lifted Iowa to a 30-25 victory over defending national champions and 11th-ranked LSU.

The sophomore completed 20-32 passes for 287 yards and two scores and was named the Capital One Bowl MVP in helping lift Iowa over LSU.

The sophomore gun-slinger garnered first team all-Big Ten laurels from the coaches and second team recognition by the media. Tate became 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 (225.8). Tate ranked 23rd nationally in passing average (232.2), 38th in overall pass efficiency (134.7) and 42nd 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 completed 233-375 passes for 2,786 yards, 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Tate also rushed for two touchdowns. The 233 pass completions and 375 attempts are the third-highest single season total in school history. His passing total of 2,786 ranks fifth-best at Iowa for a single season. The 20 touchdown passes rank fourth-best in a single season. Tate’s total offense of 2,710 ranks sixth for a single season. In addition, he has thrown for 2,841 yards the last two years to rank 10th in career passing.

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 threw two touchdowns or more in six of the last seven games (none at Penn State). He 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 were 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 and 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-Offensive 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 in 2004 he 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 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 was one of Iowa’s top receiving threats in 2004. 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 has tallied 95 career receptions for 1,070 yards and eight touchdowns.

The junior had a career and game-high 10 catches for 93 yards vs. LSU in the Capital One Bowl. The 93 yards receiving helped him eclipse 1,000 career receiving yards.

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 then-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, ranked first on the team in touchdowns (7) and receptions (63) and second in receiving yards (744) in 2004. His 63 receptions ties for the third highest single season total in Iowa history, while his seven touchdowns rank eighth best in a single season. His 744 yards receiving ranks 16th in a single season at Iowa. Hinkel’s seven touchdowns tie for third among Big Ten receivers. He ranked third in the Big Ten and 39th nationally in receptions (5.25) and seventh in the league and 72nd nationally in receiving yards (62.0). Hinkel scored two touchdowns in a game twice (at Michigan and at Illinois) and ranked second on the team in scoring with 42 points.

Hinkel has 95 career receptions for 1,070 yards and eight scores. The 1,070 yards rank 26th in career receiving at Iowa. His 95 career receptions ranks 12th best in school history.

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 ranked 27th nationally in punt return average (11.82).

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 posted 100-yard receiving games four times in 2004 (Michigan State, Ohio State, Minnesota, Wisconsin).

Solomon caught four passes for 81 yards vs. LSU in the bowl game, including a 57-yard touchdown reception on the first drive of the game. Solomon ranked second on the team in touchdowns (6).

He 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 led Iowa in receiving yards in six of the last seven regular season games.

The 6-3 native of Ft. Worth, TX, ranked first on the squad in receiving yards (905) and second in receptions (58). He ranked 40th in the nation in receiving yards (75.4) and 51st in receptions (4.833). Forty-eight of his 58 receptions came in Big Ten action. His 905 yards receiving ranks seventh-best in a single season at Iowa. Solomon boasted the best average yards per catch in the Big Ten at 15.6 (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 ranked first (min. 35 receptions).

Solomon caught 72 career receptions for 1,064 yards and seven touchdowns. The 1,064 yards rank 28th in career receiving at Iowa.

SCHLICHER THE KICKER

PK Kyle Schlicher earned honorable mention all-Big Ten honors by the media. Schlicher had a career-day at Minnesota. He 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 made two field goals or more in five of the last six regular season games (Ohio State – 2; Penn State – 2; Purdue – 3; Minnesota – 5; Wisconsin – 3).

The native of Ankeny, IA, converted 21-26 field goals (15-16, 20-39 yards) and 29-32 PATs in 2004. The 21 field goals tie Iowa’s single-season record. His 80.8 percent conversion rate was second best in the Big Ten, and best by a non-senior. Schlicher made eight straight field goals before missing a 47-yarder in the third quarter vs. Purdue. He led the team with 92 points and ranked third in the Big Ten and seventh nationally in field goals made per game (1.75). The 92 points tie Sedrick Shaw (1995) for seventh in single season scoring at Iowa.

Schlicher made all three PAT attempts and a 19-yard field goal vs. LSU in the Capital One Bowl. He 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). 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 limited its opponents to 1,110 yards rushing. The 92.5 yards per game average ranks third-best in a single season at Iowa. The record is 956 yards (79.7) set during the 1981 season. 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 second team Associated Press and Walter Camp all-America accolades. He also won 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 collegefootballnews.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 ranked seventh on the squad in tackles (49), second in sacks (8) and TFL (15) and first QB hurries (8). Roth tied for 28th in the nation in sacks and 32nd in forced fumbles (.27). 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. He amassed four tackles (three solo), including one for loss vs. LSU. 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, trailing only Jared DeVries (42, 1995-98) and Mike Wells (33, 1990-93). Also, he recorded 43 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 collegefootballnews.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 295 career tackles rank 14th at Iowa. Hodge amassed a season and game-high 15 tackles (10 solo) in Iowa’s bowl victory over LSU. He also collected his first three sacks of the season vs. the Tigers. 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 amassed 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 ranked second on the team and seventh in the conference in tackles (101). He has posted double digit tackle games 14 times in his career, including seven times in 2004. Hodge ranked ninth nationally in solo tackles (6.58) and 30th in total stops (9.67).

Hodge, who was named to the 2004 NationalChamps.net pre-season all-America second team, posted 116 tackles in 2004, which ranks 26th in a single season at Iowa. Hodge has been Iowa’s single season tackle leader in 2003 and 2004.

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 posted double figure tackles seven times in 2004 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 260 career tackles rank 23rd at Iowa.

The junior amassed nine stops (seven solo), including one for loss vs. LSU. He 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.

He ranked second on the team and seventh in the league in tackles (113), fourth on the team in tackles for loss (8) and tied for third in interceptions (3). Greenway ranked 18th in the nation in solo tackles (5.92). His 113 tackles ranks 34th in a single season at Iowa.

BABINEAUX ANCHORED 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 collegefootballnews.com.

Babineaux totaled 131 career tackles, including 35 for loss and 18 sacks. His 25 TFL this year establishes a personal single-season high and a school record. The previous record was 22 set by Jared DeVries (1996) and Leroy Smith (1991). His previous single-season high was nine his sophomore season.

Babineaux was one of the nation’s top defensive linemen this season. The native of Port Arthur, TX, ranked second in the nation and first in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (25). He also ranked 32nd nationally in forced fumbles (.27).

Babineaux averaged 6.3 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks in Iowa’s final four contests.

The senior had one of the best game’s of his career in his finale vs. LSU in the bowl game. Babineaux equaled a career high with seven tackles (5 solo), including 4.5 for loss, forced a fumble and collected 2.5 sacks. He was recognized for his efforts in being named Iowa’s Defensive MVP in the Capital One Bowl.

Babineaux was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week twice in 2004. He was recognized after Iowa home wins over Wisconsin and Purdue.

Against 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 in 2004.

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 eight times in his career.

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD SOLID

DBs Antwan Allen and Jovon Johnson and FS Sean Considine led Iowa’s defensive backfield in 2004. All three earned honorable mention all-Big Ten recognition.

Johnson has 14 career interceptions, which ties for third at Iowa with Damien Robinson. The record is 18, shared by Nile Kinnick (1937-39) and Devon Mitchell (1982-85). He intercepted a pass four times in 2004, including one in each of the last three games. The four thefts tied for first in the conference with five others.

Johnson registered 41 tackles (34 solo) in Iowa’s 12 games, including a career-high seven stops (5 solo) vs. Purdue. He accounted for six tackles vs. Michigan State. The junior also equaled a career high with seven tackles (6 solo) and one sack vs. the Badgers.

Considine, a three-time academic all-Big Ten honoree, recorded 155 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. Considine amassed four tackles and one pass break-up and returned a blocked punt seven yards for a touchdown vs. LSU. 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 blocked five career kicks (4 punts, 1 field goal); two shy of Merton Hanks’ school record (7).

Allen has 161 career tackles, eight interceptions and three forced fumbles. He shared the team-lead with Johnson with four thefts this season, which was tops in the Big Ten. His eight career picks tie for 16th with six other players at Iowa.

Against LSU, Allen amassed six tackles (five solo). 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).

Iowa Career Interception Leaders
Name               No-Yards  Avg.      TDs    Year
1.Devon Mitchell   18-202    11.2      0      1982-85
Nile Kinnick       18-91     5.0       0      1937-39
3.Damien Robinson  14-196    14.0      0      1993-96
Jovon Johnson      14-165    11.8      0      2002-pre.="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/pre%3E%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDEFENSE%20MAKES%20A%20STAND%3C/strong%3E%3C/p%3E%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%3Cul%20class="noindent">            

Iowa ranked third in the Big Ten and 11th nationally in total defense (293.8).

• Iowa ranked first in the Big Ten and fifth nationally in rushing defense (92.5). Michigan State (204), Minnesota (337) and LSU (118) were the only opponents to rush for over 100 yards against Iowa’s defense.

• Iowa had five players recover two fumbles or more this season (Abdul Hodge, Charles Godfrey, Derreck Robinson, Tyler Luebke and Jonathan Babineaux). Luebke and Babineaux each recovered a team-leading three.

• Iowa’s defense forced 20 turnovers the last five regular season 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 were 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, an NFL 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 63 of its last 67 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 65-of-73 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 five games. Bradley averaged 49.2 yards on six punts, including booting a season-long 56-yarder vs. LSU. The 49.2 average was his season best in a single game. He averaged 44.7 yards on three punts, including a 55-yarder 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 had 15 players (6 offense, 9 defense) start all 12 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. Eight of the 15 players return in 2005.

Allen has started all 38 games in his career.

IOWA BY QUARTERS

Iowa outscored its opponents 89-25 in the first quarter, 69-41 in the third and 71-66 in the fourth. Hawkeye opponents owned a 79-63 advantage in the second quarter.

ON THE AVERAGE

Iowa averaged 4.3 yards on 342 first down plays, 4.4 yards on 267 second down plays, 6.1 yards on 189 third down plays and 0.0 yards on 10 fourth down plays.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES

Iowa’s 51 scoring drives averaged 7.3 plays, 47.7 yards and 2:59 elapsed time. Twenty-nine of Iowa’s 51 scoring drives covered 45 yards or more. In addition, Iowa had 24 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. All four Iowa scoring drives vs. LSU in the Capital One Bowl consisted of 60 yards or more (60, 69, 71 and 72). 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 recorded 39 scoring drives, averaging 7.7 plays, 55.5 yards and 2:54 elapsed time. Kent State and Penn State were 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. Three of LSU’s five scoring drives in the Capital One Bowl consumed 69 yards or more (69, 74 and 74).

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE

The Hawkeyes marched inside the red zone 49 times and scored 40 (22 TDs, 18 FGs) of those times (81.6%). Four of Iowa’s failed scoring attempts came late in the game while running out the clock in big victories. Iowa ranked third in Big Ten red zone efficiency.

Iowa posted points on 18 of its last 20 trips inside the red zone. Iowa scored a touchdown and a field goal on its two red zone opportunities vs. LSU in the bowl game. 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 advanced inside the red zone 34 times and scored only 22 of those times (64.7%). Iowa ranked first in the Big Ten.

Like Iowa, LSU scored a touchdown and a field goal on its two red zone opportunities in the bowl game. 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 fourth down.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES

Iowa’s offense produced 41 plays of 20 yards or more, with 35 of the 41 coming on pass plays. WR Warren Holloway caught one of the biggest and most exciting plays in Hawkeye history when he came down with a 56-yard touchdown reception as time expired to lift the Hawkeyes to a 30-25 victory over LSU in the Capital One Bowl. The touchdown was the first of his career. In addition to Holloway’s huge catch, WR Clinton Solomon caught a 57-yard touchdown vs. the Tigers. TE Scott Chandler caught passes of 20 and 21 yards.

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. Solomon posted catches of 41 yards (TD), 34 yards and 20 yards against the Golden Gophers and a 51-yard touchdown catch vs. Wisconsin. Chandler accounted for all three of Iowa’s big offensive plays vs. Purdue. Chandler caught passes for 28, 31 and 46 yards. 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 yielded 32 offensive plays of 20 yards or more, with all but six coming on pass plays. Prior to its 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. LSU running back Alley Broussard scampered 74 yards for a touchdown, but that was the Tigers’ only long rushing play of the bowl game. Iowa opponents also recorded four big interception returns (99, 31, 27 and 25 yards), including two for touchdowns.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS

Iowa scored 86 points after obtaining 32 turnovers (17 interceptions, 15 fumbles), plus an additional 12 points following blocked punts. Iowa scored a field goal vs. Kent State, a safety at Illinois and a touchdown vs. LSU after the blocked punts.

The Hawkeyes scored 58 of their 86 points off turnovers the last seven games of the 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 scored 50 points following Iowa miscues. The Hawkeyes’ last six regular season opponents (Ohio State, Penn State, Illinois, Purdue, Minnesota, Wisconsin) failed to score any points off turnovers. LSU managed to score one field goal following two interceptions. 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 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 utilized this system.

IOWA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

Iowa’s Leadership Council for the 2004 season included 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 included 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 included 56 players from Iowa. The roster included 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.

IOWA DEPTH CHART

Iowa’s Capital One Bowl depth chart included 11 seniors, 15 juniors, 10 sophomores, nine redshirt freshmen and three true freshmen. These numbers do not include return specialists. Iowa’s three true freshmen included running back Damian Sims and defensive backs Adam Shada and Charles Godfrey.

GAMES ON TELEVISION

All 12 Iowa games were televised in 2004. The Hawkeyes were televised nationally on ESPN three times (vs. Purdue, at Minnesota at vs. Wisconsin), ESPN2 once (at Penn State) and ABC once (vs. LSU). Iowa games were shown regionally on ABC twice (at Michigan and vs. Ohio State) and on ESPN Plus five times (vs. Kent State, vs. Iowa State, at Arizona State, vs. Michigan State and at Illinois). The Hawkeyes’ game at Arizona State was a night game and Iowa played four mid-afternoon contests (at Michigan, vs. Ohio State, vs. Purdue and vs. Wisconsin).

2005 IOWA SCHEDULE

The Hawkeyes’ 2005 schedule includes two games against in-state rivals. Iowa opens its season at home against Ball State (Sept. 3). The Hawkeyes travel to Ames to face Iowa State the following week (Sept. 10), before closing their non-conference slate at home vs. Northern Iowa (Sept. 17). Iowa will host Illinois (Oct. 1), Indiana (Oct. 15), Michigan (Oct. 22) and Minnesota (Nov. 19) during conference play and travel to Ohio State (Sept. 24), Purdue (Oct. 8), Northwestern (Nov. 5) and Wisconsin (Nov. 12). The Hawkeyes are idle on Oct. 29. Penn State and Michigan State are off Iowa’s schedule in 2005 and 2006.