Iowa Hosts Illinois on Homecoming

Sept. 26, 2005

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IOWA RETURNS HOME
Iowa (2-2, 0-1) returns home Saturday to host Illinois (2-2, 0-1) in its annual homecoming game. Game time is 11:10 a.m. in Kinnick Stadium (70,585). A sellout is expected. Iowa is 5-1 in Big Ten Conference home openers under Kirk Ferentz.

ON THE TUBE
ESPN Plus will televise the contest to a regional audience that includes KGAN Cedar Rapids, KDSM Des Moines, KXLT Mason City, KYOU Ottumwa, KWQC Quad Cities, Cable One Sioux City and Cox Cable Omaha. The game is also available on ESPN’s GamePlan pay-per-view and online services. Wayne Larrivee, Kelly Stouffer and Anne Marie Anderson will call the action.

RADIO BROADCAST
Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, with color commentator Ed Podolak and sideline reporter Rob Brooks. The Hawkeye Radio Network includes more than 40 stations throughout the state. Saturday’s game can also be heard on XM Satellite Radio, Channel 198.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,068 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 543-487-39 (.527). That includes a 342-191-16 (.638) record in home games, a 200-296-23 (.408) record in games away from Iowa City, a 265-328-25 (.449) mark in Big Ten games and a 225-156-15 (.587) record in Kinnick Stadium.

HAWKEYE HOMECOMING
Iowa holds a 49-39-5 record in homecoming games. Iowa has won its last five homecoming games, including last year’s win over Michigan State (38-16). Iowa will play Illinois for the 12th time on homecoming. The Hawkeyes are 4-5-2 (.455) against the Fighting Illini on homecoming, with Illinois winning (49-3) the last meeting in 1993.

IOWA LOOKS TO ESTABLISH SCHOOL RECORD
Iowa’s win over Northern Iowa extended its home winning streak to 20. The 20-game streak, dating back to 2002, tied a school record and is a Kinnick Stadium record. Iowa’s win over Northern Iowa tied the school record that was previously set, Nov. 19, 1918 to Oct. 20, 1923.

The active streak ranks third nationally among Division I-A schools. Boise State (26) ranks first and USC (22) second. The Hawkeyes’ last loss in Kinnick Stadium came against Iowa State (36-31) on Sept. 14, 2002. 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 2003 regular season finale vs. Minnesota (Nov. 15, 2003). Iowa won that game 40-22. The Hawkeyes have maintained a lead or been tied in their last 35 quarters in Kinnick Stadium.

IOWA CITY: BEST IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL
The Sporting News ranked Iowa City as the best college football city in America in its August publication. The Hawkeyes’ success, tradition, history, fans and the city’s atmosphere on game days were all considered in naming Iowa City No. 1.

IOWA MAKES LIST
The University of Iowa football program has been ranked the 36th “Greatest College Football Program of All Time” according to Street & Smith.

The publication profiles its top 50 football programs. Each ranked football program received at least two pages in the book that features a history of the program and key figures, as well as photos of highlights and stars.

Iowa boasts 19 consensus all-Americans, including 1939 Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick. The Hawkeyes have appeared in 20 bowl games and have won outright or shared 11 Big Ten titles, including two conference titles in the last three years.

ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 6-5-2 in games played on Oct. 1. The Hawkeyes defeated Cornell 88-0 in 1904, Knox 52-14 in 1921, Monmouth 32-6 in 1927, Purdue 21-7 in 1949 and Northwestern 42-0 in 1960. Iowa lost to Iowa State 16-8 in 1894, Wisconsin 37-14 in 1955 and 7-0 in 1966, UCLA 34-16 in 1977 and Illinois 33-0 in 1983. The Hawkeyes tied Knox 0-0 in 1898 and Michigan State 10-10 in 1988.

THE SERIES
Saturday marks the 66th meeting between the two schools with Illinois holding a 37-26-2 lead. The series began with a 58-0 Iowa victory in 1899. The Hawkeyes have won five of the last seven contests against the Fighting Illini, including last season’s 23-13 victory in Champaign. Iowa is 14-18-2 vs. Illinois in games played in Iowa City. Iowa defeated Illinois in the last game between the two teams in Kinnick Stadium (41-10) on Nov. 1, 2003.

IOWA, ILLINOIS NOTES

  • Iowa will be gunning for a school-record 21st straight home victory Saturday. Coincidentally, Illinois snapped the Hawkeyes’ 20-game winning streak with a 9-6 triumph on Oct. 20, 1923.
  • Saturday will be the first game on the new Kinnick Stadium turf, which was installed over the last couple weeks. Iowa boasted a home record of 37-15 (.712) on the old turf, which the Hawkeyes played on since 1997.
  • Illinois is the last team to shut out the Hawkeyes. The Fighting Illini blanked Iowa 31-0 on Oct. 14, 2000 in Champaign. The Hawkeyes have not been shutout in 59 contests.
  • Saturday’s game vs. Illinois is Kirk Ferentz’s 50th Big Ten game (27-22) as Iowa’s head coach.
  • Iowa’s roster includes nine players from Illinois, six of which are true freshmen (QB Jake Christensen, OL Kyle Calloway, DL Ryan Bain, OL Dace Richardson, OL Dan Doering and TE Tony Moeaki). Illinois’ roster does not include any Iowans.
  • QB Drew Tate completed his first career touchdown pass against Illinois as a true freshman. The native of Baytown, TX, connected on a 13-yard pass to WR Matt Melloy.
  • Iowa redshirt freshman OL Wesley Aeschliman will celebrate his 20th birthday Saturday.
  • Illinois ranks first in Big Ten red zone offense (100.0%), while Iowa ranks second (92.3%).
  • Iowa ranks first in Big Ten punting (41.7), kickoff coverage (62.5), field goals (1.000) and least penalty yardage (19.2).
  • Iowa ranks 10th in Big Ten turnover margin (-2), while Illinois ranks 11th (-5).

HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE
Saturday’s game will mark the 45th consecutive game the Hawkeyes have been selected for television. The last Iowa contest not televised was against Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.

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 seventh 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 33-9 (.786) overall mark and a 20-5 (.800) Big Ten record the last four seasons.

Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 44-33 (.571) and a 27-22 (.551) mark in Big Ten games. In ten seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 56-54 (.509).

Twenty-six of Iowa’s 77 games over the last seven seasons have been decided by seven points or less (14-12) and 27 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (11-16).

Ferentz joined the Iowa staff after serving as assistant head coach and offensive line coach of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He had been part of the Baltimore (Cleveland Browns prior to the move) staff for six years.

Ferentz was named head coach of the Maine Bears in 1990 and held that position for three years. Ferentz was a member of Hayden Fry’s Iowa staff for nine years as offensive line coach (1981-89). He coordinated Iowa’s running game during his first coaching stint with the Hawkeyes. Iowa appeared in eight bowl games during the time Ferentz was an Iowa assistant, posting a 4-4 record. A pair of Rose Bowls (1982 & 1986), two Holiday Bowl appearances (1986 & 1987) and a pair of Peach Bowl visits (1982 & 1988), along with appearances in the Gator (1983) and Freedom Bowls (1984) highlighted his previous Iowa stay. Iowa’s record in those nine years was 73-33-4 and included two 10-win and two nine-win seasons.

Ferentz was born in Royal Oak, MI, and attended high school in Pittsburgh, PA. Kirk earned his bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Connecticut in 1978, where he was a football captain.

Ferentz is 2-2 against Illinois and 1-0 vs. Fighting Illini Coach Ron Zook.

ILLINOIS COACH RON ZOOK
Ron Zook is in his first season as the head football coach at Illinois and his fourth year overall. Prior to being named the Fighting Illini’s 22nd head football coach, Zook coached three seasons at Florida. His overall record stands at 25-16 (.610) and 2-2 (.500) at Illinois. While coaching the Gators, he led Florida to three consecutive bowl appearances and a share of the 2003 SEC East Division title. Zook has 28 years of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional levels. Prior to being named Florida’s head coach, he coached for six years with three NFL franchises (New Orleans, Kansas City, Pittsburgh). Zook coached under longtime Florida Coach Steve Spurrier for five seasons before making the jump to the NFL. Prior to joining the Florida staff, he made coaching stops at Ohio State (1989-90), Virginia Tech (1987), Tennessee (1984-86), Kansas (1983), Cincinnati (1981-82) and Murray State (1978-80). Zook coached on five SEC Championship teams (four at Florida and one at Tennessee). He was a three-year letterwinner as a defensive back at Miami (OH).

Zook is 0-1 against Iowa and Coach Kirk Ferentz. Iowa defeated Florida (37-17) in the 2004 Outback Bowl.

ILLINOIS FALLS TO MICHIGAN STATE
Michigan State QB Drew Stanton established a school record with five touchdown passes and the Spartans scored on six-of-eight first-half possessions en route to a 61-14 victory over Illinois in Champaign. Michigan State, the nation’s third-ranked offense, rolled up 705 total yards against the Fighting Illini. Illinois advanced inside the red zone only twice, with both trips resulting in touchdown passes. Illinois QB Tim Brasic completed 16-30 passes for 148 yards and was the team’s leading rusher with 56 yards. The Fighting Illini totaled 254 yards of offense.

LAST MEETING
Iowa won its fourth consecutive game and became bowl eligible for the fourth straight season with a 23-13 win over Illinois in Memorial Stadium. The victory was also Coach Ferentz’s 50th career win as college head coach.

It was a windy day with gusts up to 40 mph. All 36 points were scored with the wind.

The first half was a defensive struggle with both team’s offense only able to score a touchdown apiece. Illinois scored first on an eight-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Iowa scored on a 19-yard pass from QB Drew Tate to WR Ed Hinkel in the second quarter.

With the score 7-7 at the half, Iowa broke the game open in the third quarter, scoring 16 unanswered points. DT Jonathan Babineaux caused and recovered an Illinois fumbled on the first possession of the second half and Iowa took advantage, scoring a touchdown on another 19-yard pass completion to Hinkel.

Iowa’s special teams came up big on Illinois’ next possession. Miguel Merrick blocked his first career punt, with the result being a safety after the ball rolled out of the end zone. The Hawkeyes received the free kick and scored their second touchdown of the quarter on Tate’s five-yard run. Iowa dominated the time of possession in the third quarter (10:23-4:37). Iowa led 23-7 until the Illini scored in the final minute of the game.

Tate completed 24-34 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed nine times for six yards and one touchdown. Hinkel caught five passes for a career-best 108 yards and two scores. RB Sam Brownlee started his second career game and carried the ball 19 times for 50 yards, both career-highs.

Defensively, LB Chad Greenway collected a game-high 10 tackles (6 solo). LB Abdul Hodge posted nine tackles (3 solo) and Babineaux registered six tackles (3 solo), including 1.5 for loss, along with the forced and recovered fumble.

OHIO STATE 31, IOWA 6
Iowa lost its fifth consecutive game at Ohio State with a 31-6 setback in Ohio Stadium.

The Hawkeye offense was unable to generate any offense as the Ohio State defense forced Iowa to punt on its first seven possessions. Iowa was only able to score on two PK Kyle Schlicher field goals of 52 and 37 yards in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. The 52-yarder is a career long for Schlicher.

Ohio State scored touchdowns on two of its first three possessions to grab an early 14-0 advantage. The Buckeyes lead 17-0 at the half and added touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters to put the game out of reach.

Ohio State had 530 yards total offense, including 314 yards rushing, and maintained possession for 39:23. Iowa’s offense generated only 137 yards total offense, including -9 yards rushing. The Hawkeyes were only able to convert 1-of-12 third downs.

QB Drew Tate completed 22-39 passes for 146 yards. RB Albert Young rushed 10 times for 25 yards. WR Ed Hinkel caught a team-high six passes for 47 yards – all in the second half.

Highlighting the Iowa special teams was punter Andy Fenstermaker, who punted seven times, resulting in a 43.4 average, including downing three punts inside the 20. Ohio State had just two returns for no yards.

The Hawkeye defense was able to force five Ohio State fumbles, but only recovered two. The two fumbles recovered were both inside the five-yard line to stop scoring threats. LB Chad Greenway collected a game-high 14 tackles (8 solo). LB Abdul Hodge tallied nine stops (4 solo) and also forced a fumble. DE Kenny Iwebema recorded six tackles (4 solo), including one sack and forced a fumble.

FINAL OHIO STATE GAME NOTES

  • The attendance of 105,225 is the largest crowd to attend an Iowa game at Ohio State and the 13th largest crowd ever for an Iowa football game.
  • Sophomore DB Charles Godfrey and redshirt freshman DT Mitch King both started for the first time in their career. Both collected six tackles.
  • Iowa had five true freshmen see action for the fourth straight contest: RB Shonn Greene, TE Tony Moeaki, OL Dace Richardson, DT Ryan Bain and DL Alex Kanellis.
  • Iowa did not score on its opening possession (punt) for the second time in four games. Iowa opened with touchdowns vs. Ball State and Northern Iowa and lost a fumble at Iowa State.
  • Ohio State scored a touchdown on its first drive of the contest, becoming the first of Iowa’s four opponents to score on their first possession.
  • Instant replay was used once in the game, changing an Iowa fumble to an incomplete pass in the fourth quarter.
  • PK Kyle Schlicher attempted his first field goal over 50 yards and converted the career-long 52-yarder. His previous career long was 49 yards at Minnesota last season. Schlicher this season is 4-4 on field goals and 14-14 on PATs.
  • Nine of Iowa’s 12 drives consumed 2:00 or less, while five of Ohio State’s 12 drives consumed 4:00 or more.

INSTANT REPLAY
All 11 Iowa games this season will feature the instant replay system. The replay system was not utilized in Iowa’s home games vs. Ball State and Northern Iowa, but was used twice at Iowa State and once at Ohio State. The officials upheld the call on the field for an Iowa fumble and used replay for a clock adjustment at Iowa State. The officials changed an Iowa fumble to an incomplete pass in the fourth period at Ohio State.

Instant Replay was utilized seven times in Iowa games in 2004. 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. Hawkeye games vs. Iowa State and at Arizona State did not utilize the system.

TATE DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
For the first time in six years, Iowa returns its starting quarterback from the previous year. The Hawkeyes had a different starting quarterback the last five years (Drew Tate – 2004; Nathan Chandler – 2003; Brad Banks – 2002; Kyle McCann – 2001; Scott Mullen – 2000).

Tate, a native of Baytown, TX, was named the Big Ten Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and ranked as the “Best Player in the Big Ten” by cnnsi.com. The junior is on the Walter Camp, Davey O’Brien and Maxwell Award Watch Lists for 2005.

Tate played a little over one quarter in the Ball State and Iowa State games and three quarters in the Northern Iowa contest. He completed 9-10 passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns vs. Ball State. Tate completed 5-11 passes for 57 yards and one interception before leaving the Iowa State game with a concussion following a tackle. He returned against Northern Iowa, completing 15-18 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed three times for 33 yards. Tate completed 22-39 passes for 146 yards at Ohio State.

He completed a combined 24-28 (.857) passes for 346 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in Iowa’s two victories, while he completed 27-50 (.540) passes for 203 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in the two defeats.

Tate completed 233-375 passes for 2,786 yards, 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2004. 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.

Tate garnered first team all-Big Ten laurels from the coaches and second team recognition by the media in 2004. He 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 www.collegefootballnews.com. Tate ranked first in Big Ten passing yards (262.4) and pass efficiency (137.1) and second in total offense (225.8). He ranked 23rd nationally in passing average (232.2) and 38th in overall pass efficiency (134.7).

He has completed 290-464 passes for 3,390 yards and 25 touchdowns in his career, which ranks seventh in school history. Tate is 349 yards from passing Gary Snook for sixth (3,737) on the career chart. He has tossed two touchdowns or more in 10 career games, including seven of his last nine games played dating back to last season.

YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Sophomore Albert Young started his first career game at Iowa State and collected a career-high 140 yards on 18 carries. Against Northern Iowa, he registered 97 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. Young totaled 25 yards on 10 carries at Ohio State. He leads the team in rushing (80.8). Young netted 61 yards and one touchdown on only five attempts before getting injured in 2004.

Other running backs with game experience include Marcus Schnoor, Sam Brownlee, Shonn Greene and Marques Simmons. Brownlee rushed six times for 24 yards and two touchdowns vs. Ball State. Brownlee played in nine games in 2004 and led the Hawkeyes with 227 yards. Schnoor registered 14 yards and one touchdown on six carries vs. Ball State. Schnoor rushed 29 times for 163 yards in 2003. He started Iowa’s season opener in 2004 before being injured in the first half. Greene, who is a true freshman, saw his first collegiate action vs. Ball State, collecting a game-high 116 yards and one score on 18 carries. He recorded 45 yards on 15 attempts vs. Northern Iowa. Simmons saw his first action of 2005 vs. Northern Iowa but did not have any stats. Simmons ranked third on the team with 194 yards and three touchdowns last season.

Iowa produced back-to-back 100-yard rushers (Greene and Young) in the first two games for the first time since RB Fred Russell rushed for 150 yards vs. Florida and 138 at Wisconsin in the last two games of the 2003 season. Young was three yards from reaching 100 yards vs. Northern Iowa and giving Iowa a 100-yard rusher three straight games.

STARTERS RETURNING
Iowa returns six starters on offense and five on defense, in addition to PK Kyle Schlicher. The returning starters on offense include guard Mike Elgin, offensive tackle Mike Jones and center Brian Ferentz, receiver Ed Hinkel, running back Sam Brownlee and quarterback Drew Tate. The defensive starters returning include linebackers Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway, backs Jovon Johnson and Antwan Allen and safety Marcus Paschal.

WALK-ON
Iowa’s depth chart includes six walk-ons, one on offense, three on defense and three on special teams. The one on offense is RB Marcus Schnoor. The three on defense are DT Nate Roos, LB Zach Gabelmann and SS Devan Moylan. Both punters, Andy Fenstermaker and John Gallery, and long snapper Daniel Olszta, are walk-ons.

RETURNING WITH HONORS
Iowa returns nine players who earned all-Big Ten and/or national honors a year ago. The list includes linebackers Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway, who were first team all-Big Ten. Quarterback Drew Tate was also a first team selection, while wide receiver Clinton Solomon was named to the second team. DB Antwan Allen, DB Jovon Johnson, WR Ed Hinkel, PK Kyle Schlicher and OL Mike Jones were honorable mention all-Big Ten. In addition, Tate, Greenway and Schlicher each received Big Ten Player of the Week recognition at least once last season. Tate was also named Big Ten Player of the Year by www.collegefootballnews.com and was the Capital One Bowl Most Valuable Player.

SCHLICHER THE KICKER
PK Kyle Schlicher returns for his junior year after a successful sophomore season. The native of Ankeny, IA, is listed on the Lou Groza Collegiate Place Kicker Award Watch List. He was also named preseason second team all-America by rivals.com and first team all-conference by Athlon.

Schlicher is a perfect 4-4 on field goal attempts and 14-14 on PATs this season. He connected on all eight PAT attempts vs. Ball State and converted his only field goal attempt (44 yards) at Iowa State. The eight PATs were one shy of the school record. Schlicher made all six PAT attempts and a 23-yard field goal vs. Northern Iowa. He booted a 37-yard field goal and a career-long 52-yarder at Ohio State. His previous best was a 49-yarder at Minnesota last season. Schlicher’s 26 points this season rank first on the team and 17th in the Big Ten. Schlicher has 121 career points, which ranks 17th in Iowa career scoring. He is six points from passing George Rice (126) for 16th.

Schlicher is 25-30 in career field goal attempts, including 5-9 from beyond 40 yards, and 46-49 on PATs.

Last season, Schlicher earned honorable mention all-Big Ten honors by the media after converting 21-26 field goals (15-16, 20-39 yards) and 29-32 PATs. 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. 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. He has made two field goals or more in five career contests.

FENSTERMAKER HAS BIG GAME
After splitting the punting duties with senior John Gallery the first three games, junior Andy Fenstermaker punted all seven times at Ohio State. The seven punts resulted in a 43.4 average, including a long of 48 yards, and downed three inside the 20. Fenstermaker punted three times, resulting in a 44.3 average, including a career-long 51-yarder at Iowa State. Against Northern Iowa, he punted twice averaging 39.5 yards and both punts were downed inside the 20.

Fenstermaker ranks second in Big Ten punting (43.3).

POCKET ACES
Iowa’s linebacking duo of Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge are listed on the Lott Trophy, Dick Butkus Award and Chuck Bednarik Award Watch Lists. Greenway is also on the Walter Camp Watch List.

The duo have garnered numerous preseason accolades. Greenway was named preseason Playboy and ESPN.com all-America, first team all-America by The Sporting News, rivals.com, nationalchamps.net and Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook. The Sporting News ranked Greenway the No. 2 outside linebacker in the nation. Hodge earned second team all-America honors by Athlon and rivals.com and third team laurels by collegesportsreport.com and nationalchamps.net.

Greenway and Hodge, both seniors, were a force in the middle of Iowa’s defense in 2004. Both players earned first team all-Big Ten recognition. The duo were also named to the preseason first all-Big Ten team by Athlon. Hodge was also named second team all-America by The Sporting News, while Greenway was named honorable mention all-America by NationalChamps.net.

The native of Fort Lauderdale, FL, ranks 12th in career tackles at Iowa (331) and is only four tackles from passing Bobby Diaco (1992-95) for 11th. He tallied two tackles and recovered one fumble in limited action vs. Ball State. Hodge collected 13 tackles (10 solo), including one for loss at Iowa State. He registered 12 tackles (6 solo) and recovered his sixth career fumble and second of the season vs. Northern Iowa. Hodge posted nine tackles (4 solo) and forced a fumble at Ohio State. He is tied for first in Big Ten fumbles recovered (2).

Hodge ranked first on the team and seventh in the conference in tackles (116) in 2004, which ranks 26th in a single season at Iowa. He has posted double digit tackle games 16 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 was Iowa’s single season tackle leader in 2003 and 2004.

Greenway posted double figure tackles 18 times in his career, including three times in 2005. His 309 career tackles rank 15th at Iowa. Greenway is only five tackles from surpassing Mike Wells (1990-93) for 14th on the career tackles chart. Greenway posted a game and career-high 20 stops (12 solo) vs. Northern Iowa. The 20-tackle performance earned him Big Ten Player of the Week honors for the third time in his career. He collected two tackles, including one for loss in limited action vs. Ball State. He recorded 13 tackles (5 solo) at Iowa State and a game-high 14 stops (8 solo) at Ohio State.

Greenway 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) in 2004. His 113 tackles last year ranks 34th in a single season at Iowa.

Greenway ranks first in Big Ten tackles (49), while Hodge ranks sixth (36).

Iowa Career Tackle LeadersName                      Total Solo    Assists Years1.  Larry Station 492 308 184 1982-852.  Andre Jackson   465 275 190 1972-753.  Brad Quast  435 234 201 1986-894.  Fred Barr          376    217 159 1999-025.  Tom Rusk             361    247 114 1975-786.  Matt Hughes 354 206 148 1995-987.  Bob Sanders 348 235 113 2000-038.  Dave Haight 346 213 133 1985-889.  Aaron Kampman 342 209 133 1998-0110. Melvin Foster   337 155 182 1987-9011. Bobby Diaco 334 175 159 1992-9512.  Abdul Hodge 331 212 119 2002-05="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/strong%3E13.%20George%20Davis%20%20%20%20330%20216%20114%201983-8614.%20%3Cahref="http: hawkeyesports.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/wells_mike00.html"="">Mike Wells   313 185 128 1990-9315.  Chad Greenway 309 184 125 2002-05="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/strong%3E%3C/ahref="http:>="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>="https://hawkeyesports.com/http:%3E%3C/ahref="http:>

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD
DB Antwan Allen started 38 consecutive games before serving a one-game suspension vs. Ball State. Allen returned to the starting lineup at Iowa State, recording six tackles. He totaled seven stops (6 solo) at Ohio State. He has 140 career tackles and four interceptions. DB Jovon Johnson has started every game the last three years (29) and has 31 career starts. Johnson’s 15 career interceptions ranks third at Iowa, trailing only Devon Mitchell (18) and Nile Kinnick (18) for first. He returned his 15th career interception 18 yards for a touchdown vs. Northern Iowa. The duo of Allen and Johnson had 95 tackles between them last season. Each had four interceptions in 2004 to lead the team in that category. They have 317 career tackles between them. Johnson returned his first career punt vs. Ball State 90 yards for a touchdown, the fourth-longest in school history. He registered four tackles and two pass break-ups at Iowa State and four tackles and recovered a fumble at Ohio State.

Junior Marcus Paschal recorded 10 tackles at Iowa State, marking the third time in his career he has reached double figure tackles. His career high is 12 tackles (at Minnesota, 2004). Paschal recorded only one tackle before leaving the Northern Iowa game due to injury. He registered four tackles and returned a fumble a team-season-long 38 yards at Ohio State. Paschal started all 12 contests last season. Junior Miguel Merrick tallied six tackles at Iowa State. He did not start at Ohio State, but tallied five stops, including one for loss. Last year, Merrick filled in well when starting FS Sean Considine was injured and made some big plays on special teams, including two blocked punts. Sophomore Charles Godfrey saw action with the first group during the spring due to Paschal’s injury in the Capital One Bowl. Godfrey played in 11 games and tallied 10 tackles. He started his first career game at Ohio State, recording six solo tackles. Godfrey tallied four solo stops vs. Ball State, two at Iowa State and five total tackles vs. Northern Iowa. DB Adam Shada has recorded one of Iowa’s two interceptions this season when he returned a pick nine yards at Iowa State.

HAWKEYES HAVE EXPERIENCED RECEIVERS
Iowa returns senior starting receiver Ed Hinkel and Clinton Solomon and experienced junior Calvin Davis and senior Matt Melloy. Solomon ranked second on the team in touchdowns (6) and receptions (58) and first in yards (905) in 2004. His 905 receiving yards ranks seventh-best in a single season at Iowa. Solomon boasted the best average yards per catch in the league at 15.6 last year.

Solomon caught two passes for 22 yards and one touchdown in limited action vs. Ball State and two passes for 18 yards at Iowa State. He had his best game of 2005 vs. Northern Iowa, catching four passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns. Solomon caught two passes for 19 yards at Ohio State. He has posted five career 100-yard receiving games and has tallied two scoring receptions in a single game three times. His career totals include 82 receptions for 1,237 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 1,237 receiving yards rank 22nd in school history. Solomon became just the 14th Hawkeye receiver to score 10 career touchdowns when he scored twice vs. Northern Iowa.

Hinkel hauled in three passes for 19 yards and returned four punts for 34 yards in limited action vs. Ball State. He caught two passes for 43 yards at Iowa State and five for 42 yards vs. Northern Iowa. Hinkel caught a team-high six receptions for 47 yards at Ohio State. His career totals include 111 receptions for 1,221 yards and eight touchdowns. The 1,221 receiving yards rank 23rd in school history. Hinkel ranked first on the Hawkeyes in receptions (63) and touchdowns (7) and second in yards (744) in 2004. His 63 receptions ties for the third highest single season total in Iowa history. He had a career and game-high 10 catches for 93 yards vs. LSU in the Capital One Bowl.

Melloy played in nine games last year; missing three due to injury. He did not play the first four games of 2005 due to injury. Two of his three 2004 catches were for touchdowns. The senior has caught 13 passes for 179 yards and four touchdowns in his career. Davis saw action in the first five 2004 contests before suffering a season-ending injury. The junior has 31 career receptions for 452 yards and one touchdown. Davis caught three passes for 24 yards vs. Ball State and three passes for 32 yards vs. Northern Iowa.

IOWA STARTS ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 67 of its last 71 games. Iowa’s games at Minnesota (11/13/04), vs. Purdue (11/6/04), at Miami, OH (9/7/02) and at Michigan State (9/27/03) are the only contests that the Hawkeyes didn’t start on offense. Iowa has started the game on offense in 69-of-77 games under Kirk Ferentz.

TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2005
Iowa had five true freshmen see action in the first four contests, TE Tony Moeaki, RB Shonn Greene, DL Alex Kanellis, DL Ryan Bain and OL Dace Richardson. All five saw limited action at Iowa State. Kanellis and Bain each collected one tackle, while Moeaki and Greene did not record any offensive statistics.

Moeaki led all Hawkeye receivers against the Cardinals, hauling in three passes for 28 yards. Green led all rushers, rushing 116 yards on 18 attempts and scoring one touchdown. Bain collected four tackles (1 solo), while Kanellis recorded two solo stops and one QB hurry. Richardson saw significant time on the offensive line.

Green rushed 15 times for 45 yards, Moeaki caught one pass for 36 yards, Bain collected three tackles, including his first career sack, Kanellis registered one tackle and Richardson saw time on the offensive line vs. Northern Iowa.

Bain was the only freshmen to record any statistics at Ohio State, collecting one tackle.

IOWA NOTES

  • Iowa dropped out of both major polls for the first time since its 30-17 defeat at Michigan on Sept. 25, 2004.
  • Iowa opened Big Ten play at Ohio State, marking the sixth time in seven years under Coach Ferentz the Hawkeyes opened conference play on the road. Iowa hosted Penn State in 2001.
  • The Hawkeyes sold out their last home game against Northern Iowa, marking the 13th straight Kinnick Stadium sellout dating back to the 2003 season. The last Iowa game not a sellout was vs. Buffalo (9/6/03).
  • Iowa is 12-12 in October games during Kirk Ferentz’s tenure, including 10-1 since the 2002 season.
  • Iowa ranks ninth nationally in net punting (39.65) and 13th in punt returns (16.2).
  • Iowa and Purdue are the only schools to have made all their field goal and PAT attempts this season. Iowa’s Kyle Schlicher has converted 14-14 PATs and 4-4 FGs, while Purdue’s Ben Jones has converted 16-16 PATs and 1-1 FG.
  • Iowa’s home contest vs. Minnesota on Nov. 22 will be the 400th Hawkeye game played in Kinnick Stadium.
  • The Hawkeyes won their last six games decided by four points or less dating back to 2001.
  • Iowa has won 29 of its last 36 regular season contests.
  • In the last four years, Iowa is 29-1 when leading at the half and 32-0 when leading after three quarters.
  • The Hawkeyes have won 27 of their last 29 games in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the end of the 2000 season. Iowa’s two losses came against Iowa State (36-31 in 2002) and Michigan (32-26 in 2001).
  • Iowa’s three quarterbacks, Drew Tate (9-10), Jason Manson (9-9) and Cy Phillips (1-1) combined for 19-20 (.950) passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns vs. Ball State.
  • Iowa’s 56-point win over Ball State was the 26th-largest margin of victory in school history and largest margin under Ferentz.
  • Scoring their first career touchdowns this season have been Jovon Johnson, Shonn Greene, Sam Brownlee, Herb Grigsby and Damian Sims.
  • Fourteen players have caught at least one pass, while 11 different Hawkeyes have recorded at least one rushing attempt.
  • Iowa scored on its first 10 possessions inside the red zone – eight of which were touchdowns. Iowa (92.3%) ranks second in the Big Ten behind Illinois (100.0%) in red zone proficiency.
  • Iowa has lost five fumbles through four games, all in the first two contests. The Hawkeyes lost a school-record low five fumbles in 12 games last season.

FAMILY AFFAIR
Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and his son, Brian, are believed to be one of only five father-son duos in Division I in 2005. They join Art Briles and his son Kendal from Houston, Rickey Bustle and his son Brad from Louisiana-Lafayette, Bill Cubit and his son Ryan from Western Michigan and Mike Bellotti and his son Luke from Oregon.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has collected 13 offensive plays of 20 yards or more, eight of which came on the ground. Iowa’s longest run from scrimmage is a 39-yard touchdown run by RB Damian Sims vs. Northern Iowa. The Hawkeyes’ longest pass is a 71-yard touchdown pass from QB Drew Tate to WR Clinton Solomon against Northern Iowa. Iowa also recorded a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 36-yard kickoff return vs. Ball State. Iowa did not post any offensive plays of 20 yards or more at Ohio State. Iowa’s defense has allowed 14 offensive plays of 20 yards or more. Ohio State posted four long rushing and three passing plays. Northern Iowa recorded five big passing plays, while Ball State and Iowa State each completed one pass play of 20 yards or more.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 42-13 in the first quarter, 38-27 in the second and 13-7 in the third. Hawkeye opponents own a 28-17 fourth quarter advantage.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa is averaging 6.9 yards on 119 first down plays, 5.6 yards on 65 second down plays, 3.0 yards on 50 third down plays and 10.8 yards on five fourth down plays. The Hawkeyes posted -10 yards on 14 third down plays at Ohio State.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 16 scoring drives have averaged 6.4 plays, 53.7 yards and 2:40 elapsed time. Nine of Iowa’s 16 scoring drives covered 50 yards or more. The Hawkeyes posted three 80-yard drives vs. Northern Iowa, with all three resulting in touchdowns.

Iowa opponents have recorded 11 scoring drives, averaging 8.5 plays, 62.3 yards and 3:50 elapsed time. Four of the 11 scoring drives followed Iowa turnovers. Ohio State posted three touchdown drives that totaled 78 yards or more.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
The Hawkeyes have marched inside the red zone 13 times and scored 12 of those times (92.3%). Iowa scored on its first four red zone possessions vs. Northern Iowa and its first 10 of the season before turning the ball over on downs late in the third quarter with a large lead. Nine of the 12 scores have been touchdowns. Iowa scored touchdowns on all six trips inside the red zone vs. Ball State. Five of the six touchdowns were scored on the ground. The Hawkeyes failed to reach the red zone at Iowa State, marking the first time Iowa did not reach the red zone at least once since a loss at Nebraska in 1999 – Coach Ferentz’s first game as Iowa’s head coach. Iowa made two field goals on its only two red zone possessions at Ohio State.

Hawkeye opponents have advanced inside the red zone 12 times and have scored only eight times (66.7%). Ball State did not advance inside the red zone. The farthest the Cardinals advanced was the Hawkeyes’ 24-yard line. Iowa State was 3-4 inside the red zone. The Cyclones scored two touchdowns and a field goal and missed field goal. Northern Iowa was 2-3, with the red zone trips resulting in two touchdowns and a missed field goal. Ohio State scored three touchdowns on five trips inside the red zone. The Hawkeye defense forced and recovered two fumbles inside the five-yard line.

Iowa’s red zone offense (92.3%) and defense (66.7%) both rank second in the conference.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa scored seven points off one turnover (one fumble) vs. Ball State. The Hawkeyes capitalized on the fumble recovery, scoring a touchdown on a four play, 20-yard drive late in the first quarter. Iowa scored 14 points on two Northern Iowa turnovers (one fumble and one interception).

Hawkeye opponents have scored a total of 30 points off Iowa turnovers. Iowa State scored all 23 of its points off five Hawkeye turnovers (3 fumbles, 2 interceptions). Iowa turned the ball over twice (two fumbles) vs. Ball State, but the Cardinals were unable to score following the Hawkeye miscues. The Hawkeyes did not record a turnover vs. Northern Iowa. Ohio State capitalized on a QB Drew Tate interception, converting the mistake into a touchdown.

CAPTAINS BY THE WEEK
Iowa’s game captains are selected each week. Following is a game-by-game list of Hawkeye captains:

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IOWA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Iowa’s Leadership Council for the 2005 season includes 13 players, including five seniors, three juniors, two sophomores, two redshirt freshmen and one true freshman. Permanent team captains are named at the conclusion of each season. The Leadership Council for this season includes seniors Brian Ferentz, Chad Greenway, Ed Hinkel, Abdul Hodge and Jovon Johnson; juniors Mike Elgin, Jason Manson and Drew Tate; sophomores Bryan Mattison and Mike Klinkenborg; redshirt freshmen Matt Kroul and Seth Olsen and true freshman Tony Moeaki.

THEY STARTED THEM ALL
Iowa had 15 players, six on offense and nine on defense, start all 12 games last year. That list included OL Mike Jones, OL Pete McMahon, QB Drew Tate, WR Ed Hinkel, WR Warren Holloway, TE Tony Jackson, LB Abdul Hodge, LB Chad Greenway, DE Derreck Robinson, DE Matt Roth, DT Tyler Luebke, DT Jonathan Babineaux, DB Jovon Johnson, DB Antwan Allen and SS Marcus Paschal.

Eight of those players (Jones, Tate, Hinkel, Hodge, Greenway, Johnson, Allen, Paschal) are on the 2005 roster.

HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 124 players includes 58 players from Iowa. The roster includes 11 players from Texas and Florida, nine from Illinois, eight from New Jersey, five from Ohio, four from Pennsylvania, three from Minnesota, two from Arkansas, Nebraska, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wisconsin and one from California, Connecticut, Indiana, Georgia and Kansas.

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. Armwood (Tampa, FL) has three, while 12 schools have two players on the roster.

THE NAME GAME
Iowa has two players named Davis (Calvin and Champ, no relation) and Wilson (Paul and Marcus, no relation).

Mike is the most popular first name. There are five Mike’s (Elgin, Follett, Humpal, Jones, Klinkenborg). There are four Chris’ (Aldrich, Brevi, Kuehl, Rowell). There are three players named Andy (Brodell, Fenstermaker, Kuempel), Kyle (Kesselring, Riffel, Schlicher) and Ryan (Bain, Majerus, Van Engel). There are two players named Andrew (Becker, Payton), Ben (Cronin, Gates), Bryan (Mattison, Ryther), Matt (Kroul, Melloy), Alex (Kanellis, Willcox), Justin (Collins, Edwards), Marcus (Paschal, Wilson) and Tyler (Bergan, Blum). Two Hawkeye players go by initials, C.J. Barkema and B.J. Travers.

THE HAWKEYES, SIZE WISE
Junior DB Ma’Quan Dawkins is the lightest Hawkeye player at 166 pounds, while the shortest player, at 5-8, is RB Marques Simmons. OL Lee Gray is the heaviest Hawkeye at 310 pounds. Four Hawkeye players are listed over 300 pounds. Gray will miss the 2005 season due to off-season surgery. The tallest players are 6-8 senior tight end C.J. Barkema, senior offensive lineman Greg Dollmeyer and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Wesley Aeschliman.

The average Hawkeye player is 6-2 and weighs 233 pounds. That is the exact height and two pounds heavier than the average Iowa player in 2004.

IOWA DEPTH CHART
Iowa’s depth chart includes 13 seniors, 19 juniors, 10 sophomores, six redshirt freshmen and five true freshmen. These numbers do not include return specialists. The five true freshmen listed on the depth chart are OL Dace Richardson, RB Shonn Greene, DT Alex Kanellis and DT Ryan Bain.

HAWKEYES BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa returns 43 lettermen from 2004, including 23 on offense, 19 on defense and one specialist. The Hawkeyes return six starters on offense and five on defense, plus placekicker Kyle Schlicher. The lettermen breakdown includes six three-year lettermen, 17 two-year lettermen and 20 one-year lettermen.

The total roster has 124 players, and includes 25 seniors, 23 juniors, 23 sophomores, 29 redshirt freshmen and 24 true freshmen.

WATCHING FROM ABOVE
Iowa’s coaches in the press box during the season are Lester Erb (receivers and special teams), along with quality control assistant Jon McLaughlin and graduate assistant coaches Michael Ketchum and Rick Kaczenski. That leaves Norm Parker (defensive coordinator), 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.

ROSE BOWL EXPERIENCE
Four members of the Iowa coaching staff have coached or played in the Rose Bowl. Kirk Ferentz coached in two Rose Bowl games while on the Iowa staff and Carl Jackson coached in three Rose Bowl games as an Iowa assistant coach. Norm Parker and Phil Parker both coached in the Rose Bowl while on the staff at Michigan State.

TELEVISION SCHEDULE
A majority, if not all, of Iowa’s games this season will be selected for television. The Big Ten Conference announces game times and television stations that will carry the games no later than 13 days prior to game days. Iowa road games at Purdue and Iowa State and home contests against Ball State and Northern Iowa were either on or have already been selected for television. The contests at Iowa State and Ohio State were televised regionally on ABC, while the Purdue game will be televised to a national cable audience on ESPN at 3:35 p.m. (CDT). Iowa’s non-conference games vs. Ball State and Northern Iowa were televised regionally on ESPN Plus. The Hawkeyes’ game vs. Illinois will also be carried on ESPN Plus.

HY-VEE CY-HAWK SERIES
Iowa State leads the second annual Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series 5-0. Iowa State recorded a 2-1 victory in women’s soccer and a 23-3 win in football. The next event in the Series is wrestling on Dec. 2 in Ames.

A point system will track each institution’s performance and will culminate in one institution winning the annual trophy for the Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series. Intercollegiate athletic teams from Iowa and Iowa State will square off in head-to-head competition eight different times during the 2005-06 academic year. The competition this season is in men’s basketball, women’s basketball, wrestling, women’s gymnastics (2), women’s soccer and softball. Additional points will be available for each school based on successful performance in the classroom by its student-athletes.
Dec. 2, Wrestling — 2 points
Dec. 8, W. Basketball — 2 points
Dec. 9, M. Basketball — 2 points
Jan. 28, W. Gymnastics — 2 points
Mar. 17, W. Gymnastics — 2 points
TBA, Softball — 2 points
Two points for an institution if the student-athlete graduation rate for all student-athletes is greater than the national average for all student-athletes.

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 link.

IOWA FOOTBALL WITH Kirk Ferentz
The weekly television replay show, featuring Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz, is a 30-minute program, which includes Iowa football highlights and weekly features about the University of Iowa football program. Gary Dolphin, the radio play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes, hosts the show.

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

AFTER THIS
Iowa travels to Purdue Oct. 8 (3:35 p.m. CDT, ESPN) before returning home for a two-game home stand against Indiana Oct. 15 (kickoff time TBA) and Michigan Oct. 22 (kickoff time TBA).

BIG TEN THIS WEEK
October 1

Indiana at Wisconsin, 11:05 a.m. (ESPN)
Michigan at Michigan State, 11:10 a.m. (ABC)
Illinois at Iowa, 11:10 a.m. (ESPN Plus)
Minnesota at Penn State, 2:35 p.m. (ABC)
Notre Dame at Purdue, 6:45 p.m. (ESPN)
Idle: Ohio State, Northwestern