Oct. 23, 2006
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IOWA TO PLAY FINAL NON-CONFERENCE GAME
Iowa (5-3, 2-3) returns home to host Northern Illinois (5-3, 3-2) Saturday in its final non-conference game. Game time is 11:03 a.m. at Kinnick Stadium (70,585). The game is sold out.
ON THE TUBE
ESPNU will televise the game to a cable audience. Clay Matvick and Brian Kinchen will call the action.
To be able to view this game, an Eastern Iowa cable customer will need to be a Digital Plus cable subscriber or part of the cable networks Sports Tier, which includes ESPNU (Channel 178).
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. Fans can also listen to the game on XM Satellite Radio, Channel 197.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,086 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 552-495-39 (.526). That includes a 348-193-16 (.639) record in home games, a 205-302-23 (.408) record in games away from Iowa City, a 273-333-25 (.452) mark in Big Ten games and a 231-158-15 (.590) record in Kinnick Stadium.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 5-10 in games played on Oct. 28. The Hawkeyes defeated Iowa State 2-0 in 1910, Minnesota 41-7 in 1921 and 26-0 in 1955, Wisconsin 34-14 in 1983 and Northwestern 35-10 in 1988. Iowa lost to Kansas 24-4 in 1892, Northern Iowa 11-5 in 1898, Nebraska 17-12 in 1904 and 14-13 in 1932, Illinois 14-0 in 1927, Minnesota 28-0 in 1938, 55-7 in 1949 and 27-10 in 1960, Michigan State 56-7 in 1966 and Indiana 24-21 in 1977.
THE SERIES
Iowa boasts a 5-0 record against Northern Illinois, with all five games played in Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes won the previous five meetings by a 38.2 margin of victory. Iowa won the last meeting 24-0 on Sept. 18, 1999, which was the Hawkeyes’ first victory under Coach Kirk Ferentz. Here are the results:
*9/21/85 W 48-20*9/20/86 W 57-3*9/28/91 W 58-7*11/6/93 W 54-20*9/18/99 W 24-0
* - - at Iowa City
IOWA, NORTHERN ILLINOIS NOTES
? Iowa is one victory from becoming bowl eligible for the sixth straight season. The Hawkeyes have played in four consecutive January bowl games. Three Big Ten teams are already bowl eligible (Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin). Purdue and Penn State can also become bowl eligible with a victory this week; those two teams meet Saturday in West Lafayette.
? Iowa has won 10 straight non-conference home games, dating back to a 31-26 loss to Iowa State in 2002.
? The Hawkeyes have not lost three consecutive games since falling to Illinois, Ohio State and Wisconsin in 2000.
? Iowa begins a three-game home stand Saturday, its first since the start of the 2001 season; the Hawkeyes won all three games (Kent State, 51-0; Miami, OH, 44-19; Penn State 24-18).
? Both Iowa (44-106) and Northern Illinois (49-117) convert 42 percent of their 3rd & 4th down conversions.
? The Huskies will be playing on the road for the fourth time in five games Saturday. Northern Illinois has won five of its last six games after starting the season 0-2.
? Dominique Douglas ranks first in the country among true freshman wide receivers in receptions (29) and second in receiving yards (436). Akron’s David Harvey ranks first in yards (594). Harvey is tops in the nation among all receivers in yards per catch (23.76).
? Iowa ranks 28th in the country in total offense (387.6) and 29th in passing offense (238.4). Individually, DE Bryan Mattison ranks third nationally in forced fumbles (.5), PK Kyle Schlicher ranks 15th in field goals (1.43), LB Mike Klinkenborg ranks 14th in tackles (10.0) and DL Mitch King ranks 15th in sacks (.92).
? Northern Illinois ranks 11th in the country in rushing offense (201.4), 18th in total offense (412.3) and 24th in scoring offense (29.9) and turnover margin (+5). Individually, RB Garrett Wolfe leads the nation in rushing (176.8) and ranks fifth in scoring (10.8), PK Chris Nendick ranks second in field goals (1.88) and LB Tim McCarthy ranks eighth in sacks (.94).
? Northern Illinois and Iowa share one common opponent: Ohio State. The Hawkeyes lost 38-17 to the Buckeyes in Iowa City, while the Huskies fell at Ohio State 35-12 in the season opener.
? Northern Illinois tailback Garrett Wolfe gained a school-record 353 yards on 31 carries with three touchdowns at Ball State (Sept. 30). Wolfe’s totals rank as the 13th-highest in NCAA Division I-A history. Furthermore, Wolfe amassed more yards (1,181) in the first five games of the season than any player in NCAA Division I-A history. Conversely, he has totaled only 70 yards in the Huskies’ last two contests.
? Northern Illinois is tied with Michigan for first in the country, Iowa’s last opponent, with only one lost fumble through eight games.
? Iowa and Northern Illinois will meet in the 2007 season opener at Soldier Field, in Chicago, on Sept. 1.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS DOWNS TEMPLE
Northern Illinois QB Phil Horvath threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, while backup QB Dan Nicholson passed for 124 yards and added two scores en route to a 43-21 victory over winless Temple in DeKalb. The loss extended the Owls’ losing streak to 20 games. Temple did limit the nation’s leading rusher, Garrett Wolfe, to 45 yards on 17 carries. PK Chris Nendick converted 5-7 field goals for the Huskies, matching a school record for field goals made. Northern Illinois led 19-0 at half, as Nendick made four field goals and Horvath completed a 20-yard TD pass to WR Matt Simon. Trailing 40-0 late in the third quarter, Temple scored on 65 and 44-yard passes to finally get on the scoreboard. Four different Huskie receivers caught touchdown passes.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS COACH JOE NOVAK
Joe Novak is in his 11th season as a collegiate head coach, all at Northern Illinois. Novak’s record with the Huskies is 59-63 (.484). Under Novak, Northern Illinois has tied for first in the Mid-American Conference West Division four of the last five years. The Huskies have been to one bowl game under Novak, when they won the 2004 Silicon Valley Classic (34-21) over Troy. Novak was named the 2002 MAC Coach of the Year and the 2004 AFCA Region 3 Coach of the Year. Prior to being named head coach at Northern Illinois, Novak spent 12 seasons (1984-1995) as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Indiana. The Hoosiers made six bowl appearances while he was in Bloomington. Novak began his coaching career at his alma mater, Miami, OH (1974-76) as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Novak also served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Northern Illinois from 1980-83. He played defensive end for Coach Bo Schembechler at Miami, OH in 1965 and ’66.
Novak is 0-1 vs. Iowa and Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz.
LAST MEETING
Iowa used a strong second half by the offense and a shutout performance by the defense in earning a 24-0 win over Northern Illinois in Kinnick Stadium on Sept. 18, 1999.
The Hawkeye defense held the Huskies to 107 rushing yards. The Hawkeyes led 3-0 at halftime on a Tim Douglas 46-yard field goal. Iowa used a 99-yard drive to stretch the margin to 10-0 early in the fourth quarter.
With Northern Illinois set to move within seven points on a 23-yard field goal attempt, Iowa’s defense came up with a big play. DB Matt Bowen blocked the kick and LB LeVar Woods picked up the loose ball and scampered 87 yards to give Iowa a 17-0 advantage. Along with the blocked field goal, Tarig Holman had an interception to set up the Hawkeyes’ first half field goal in addition to eight tackles. DT Anthony Herron had 11 stops and LB Derrick Davison had eight stops.
The Iowa offense was led by RB Ladell Betts, who rushed 33 times for 174 yards and a touchdown. His 10-yard run with 7:03 left in the contest provided Iowa’s final points. Betts established career highs for attempts and rushing yards, while breaking the century mark for the third time in his career.
In his first action of the season, QB Randy Reiners completed 13-18 passes for 145 yards.
COACH Kirk Ferentz
The 2002 Associated Press, Walter Camp and 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 eighth season as Iowa’s head football coach. Ferentz guided Iowa to Big Ten titles twice in the last four years (2002 and 2004) and four straight January bowl games, including back-to-back New Year’s Day bowl victories (2004 Outback Bowl and 2005 Capital One Bowl). Iowa has posted a 43-15 (.741) overall mark and a 27-10 (.730) Big Ten record the last five seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 54-39 (.581) and a 34-27 (.557) mark in Big Ten games. In 11 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 66-60 (.524). Thirty of Iowa’s 93 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (14-16) and 31 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (12-19).
Ferentz joined the Iowa staff after serving as assistant head coach and offensive line coach of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He had been part of the Baltimore (Cleveland Browns prior to the move) staff for six years.
Ferentz was named head coach of the Maine Bears in 1990 and held that position for three years. Ferentz was a member of Hayden Fry’s Iowa staff for nine years as offensive line coach (1981-89). He coordinated Iowa’s running game during his first coaching stint with the Hawkeyes. Iowa appeared in eight bowl games during the time Ferentz was an Iowa assistant, posting a 4-4 record. A pair of Rose Bowls (1982 & 1986), two Holiday Bowl appearances (1986 & 1987) and a pair of Peach Bowl visits (1982 & 1988), along with appearances in the Gator (1983) and Freedom Bowls (1984) highlighted his previous Iowa stay. Iowa’s record in those nine years was 73-33-4 and included two 10-win and two nine-win seasons.
Ferentz was born in Royal Oak, MI, and attended high school in Pittsburgh, PA. Kirk earned his bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Connecticut in 1978, where he was a football captain.
Ferentz is 1-0 vs. Northern Illinois and Huskie Coach Joe Novak.
FERENTZ MOVES PAST EVASHEVSKI
Head Coach Kirk Ferentz is now the second all-time winningest coach in Iowa history. Ferentz has 54 overall wins and 34 conference victories. Ferentz, who is in his eighth season as head coach at Iowa, recently moved ahead of Forest Evashevski (1952-60) in both rankings. Evashevski collected 52 overall wins and 33 league victories. Hayden Fry (1979-98) is Iowa’s all-time winningest coach with 143 overall wins and 96 Big Ten victories.
MICHIGAN 20, IOWA 6
Michigan held Iowa without a touchdown for the first time this season en route to a 20-6 victory over the Hawkeyes at Michigan Stadium.
Iowa trailed the third ranked team in the country by only three points at the half. Michigan’s Garrett Rivas connected on a 20-yard field goal for the only scoring of the half.
The Hawkeyes tied the game at 3-3 on a Kyle Schlicher 34-yard field goal after an Iowa interception early in the third quarter. Michigan answered on its next possession, as a 64-yard kickoff return by Steve Breaston set up an eight-play, 35-yard drive that culminated with a RB Mike Hart nine-yard scoring run to make the score 10-3.
Iowa trimmed the deficit to four (10-6) on a Schlicher 22-yard field goal late in the third period. The Wolverines added 10 points and held the Hawkeyes scoreless in the fourth quarter to remain undefeated.
QB Drew Tate completed 21-36 passes for 197 yards. WR Dominique Douglas caught six passes for 63 yards, while TE Scott Chandler caught four passes for 63 yards. RB Damian Sims rushed seven times for a team-best 22 yards.
Michigan QB Chad Henne completed 23-33 passes for 203 yards and an interception. Hart carried the ball 31 times for a game-high 126 yards. WR Adrian Arrington had a game-high eight catches for 79 yards.
Defensively, Iowa had three players post nine tackles, DB Miguel Merrick, DB Charles Godfrey and LB Edmond Miles. DE Bryan Mattison collected five tackles, including two sacks that resulted in 26 yards lost, and a forced fumble.
FINAL GAME NOTES
? Iowa and Michigan both failed to score on their opening possession. Iowa has not scored on its first drive in eight games. Three of Iowa’s opponents (Syracuse, Iowa State and Ohio State) opened the contest with touchdown drives.
? Three Hawkeye players returned to action after missing at least one game, including OL Rafael Eubanks, DT Mitch King and RB Albert Young. Key players who missed the Michigan game included DE Kenny Iwebema, RB Shonn Greene and OL Dace Richardson. DB Adam Shada left the game in the second quarter and did not return. Redshirt freshman DB Chris Rowell saw his first action of the season.
? Iowa failed to score in the first period after scoring a season-best 14 points in the first quarter in each of the last two weeks vs. Purdue and Indiana, respectively. Iowa, this season, also failed to score in the first quarter in road games at Syracuse and Illinois.
? Iowa was held scoreless in the first half for the first time this season. The last time Iowa did not score in the first half was in a loss at Ohio State on Sept. 24, 2005. The last time the Hawkeyes did not score a touchdown in the first half was in a win at Wisconsin on Nov. 12, 2005. The last time Iowa was held an entire game without a touchdown was in that loss at Ohio State last season.
? The three points scored by Michigan in the first half mark the fourth time this season Iowa has not allowed a touchdown in the first half. Montana and Illinois did not score any points in the first half, while Purdue scored three points.
? Iowa converted a 34-yard field goal by Kyle Schlicher in the third period following an interception by LB Mike Humpal. The theft was Humpal’s second of the season and first since the opening win over Montana. The turnover came just plays after DE Bryan Mattison had recorded a sack and forced fumble, recovered by Michigan. The forced fumble by Mattison is his fourth of the season. He leads the Big Ten in that category.
? TE Scott Chandler had one reception for 10 yards in the first half. The catch was No. 100 for Chandler, who ranks 24th in Iowa career receiving yards.
? Freshman WR Dominique Douglas, a Detroit native, led Iowa in receptions, with six catches for 63 yards. He also had three punt returns for 27 yards. His receiving totals for the year are 29 catches for 436 yards.
? FB Tom Busch, who has started all eight games, had a three yard carry in the first half, his first rushing attempt of the season. Busch does have two touchdown receptions this season.
? Instant replay was used once in the first half. The call on the field was upheld on a Michigan pass into the end zone that was ruled out of bounds. Replay was used twice in the second half. Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz used his coach’s challenge, but the call on the field was upheld. The call in question was an Iowa pass that was ruled incomplete. Later in the fourth period, replay was used on a Michigan fumble that was recovered by Iowa’s Marcus Paschal. The call on the field was changed and Michigan kept possession and was granted a first down.
MANSON LEADS IOWA TO WIN AT SYRACUSE
Jason Manson is listed as the co-No. 1 quarterback with Jake Christensen on this week’s depth chart.
Manson started his first and only game at Syracuse in week two, filling in for the injured Drew Tate, and led the Hawkeyes to a thrilling 20-13 double overtime win against the Orange. The native of Bloomfield, CT, posted career highs in attempts (32), completions (16), yards (202) and touchdowns (1) in the victory. He also completed a career long pass of 44 yards to WR Herb Grigsby. Manson completed 2-4 passes for eight yards in the season opener vs. Montana.
He has completed 18-36 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown this season. The senior has also seen some action at the wide receiver position this season, catching one pass for 10 yards.
Christensen completed 3-3 passes for 19 yards vs. Montana.
FIRST TIMERS
Iowa had three players get their first career starts vs. Purdue: RB Damian Sims, OLB A.J. Edds and DB Marcus Wilson. Edds replaced the injured Mike Humpal. He is the second true freshman to start this season for Iowa (WR Dominique Douglas). Edds finished the game with six tackles. Wilson, who replaced the injured Marcus Paschal, registered six tackles and intercepted his first career pass. Sims replaced the injured Albert Young, who had started the last 16 games at tailback. Sims carried the ball 20 times for 155 yards and two scores. The 155 yards is a career-high, besting his 104 yards in last year’s contest vs. Minnesota. Sims leads Iowa in rushing with 473 yards and five touchdowns and has started three straight contests.
Sophomore DL Ryan Bain received his first start at Indiana, replacing the injured Mitch King. Bain had six solo tackles in his first career start and also started at Michigan.
COACHING STAFF STABILITY
Iowa has only lost four assistant coaches during Coach Ferentz’s tenure. After three years, Bret Bielema left and is currently the head coach at Wisconsin. After one season, Chuck Long departed and is now the head coach at San Diego State. Joe Philbin exited after four years and is now on the Green Bay Packers’ coaching staff. Pat Flaherty left after one season and is currently on the New York Giants’ coaching staff.
HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE
Saturday will mark the 60th consecutive game the Hawkeyes have been selected for television. The last Iowa contest not televised was against Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.
IOWA AMONG THE BIG TEN’S ELITE
Michigan has the most conference victories the last five years with 30. Ohio State (29) ranks second, followed by Iowa (27) during that time span. Michigan (24) has won the most league contests the last four years, followed by Ohio State (21) and Iowa (19).
TATE AMONG HAWKEYE ELITE
Drew Tate joins Chuck Long, Matt Rodgers and Matt Sherman as the only three-year starters at quarterback in Iowa history.
Tate has collected 21 overall victories under center, which ties Rodgers for third in Hawkeye annals behind Long (33) and Sherman (24). Tate has also amassed 14 conference wins directing the Hawkeye offense, which ties for third with Sherman and Rodgers. Long is the Iowa leader in Big Ten victories with 24. Tate is one win from claiming sole possession of second in conference wins and third in overall victories.
TATE DOMINANT AT HOME
QB Drew Tate has compiled a 14-2 record in home games as a starter. The senior has completed 295-463 passes (.637) for 3,907 yards in 16 career starts in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2004 season. Tate has thrown 35 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He has thrown for two or more scores in 13 of the 16 contests.
TATE CLIMBS CAREER CHARTS
QB Drew Tate, who is on the Maxwell, Davey O’Brien and Manning Award Watch Lists, ranks high in all the Iowa career passing charts. The senior ranks second in passing yards (7,347), touchdown passes (54), completions (596), attempts (971) and total offense (6,422) and third in completion percentage (.614). The all-Big Ten performer moved into second in career pass attempts and yards at Indiana. Chuck Long is Iowa’s all-time leader in touchdowns (74), completions (782), attempts (1,203), yards (10,461) and total offense (10,254).
Tate has completed 138-233 passes for 1,678 yards and 11 touchdowns this year. He ranks second in Big Ten passing (239.7) and total offense (248.9) and seventh in pass efficiency (130.2). Tate’s total offense numbers rank him 16th in the country.
Tate completed 15-28 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns vs. Montana. He did not play at Syracuse due to injury, but returned vs. Iowa State. The senior signal caller completed 26-38 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns in his return against the Cyclones. He completed 17-27 passes for 190 yards and a score at Illinois. Tate completed 19-41 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown and three interceptions vs. top-ranked Ohio State. The senior completed 17-23 passes for 253 yards and two scores in leading Iowa to a 30-point triumph over Purdue. Tate completed 23-40 passes for a season-high 292 yards and one touchdown at Indiana. He completed 21-36 passes for 197 yards at Michigan.
Tate has thrown two touchdown passes or more in 20 career games, including 17 of his last 24 dating back to 2004. He has tossed three or more touchdowns in six career contests.
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 2004 Big Ten Player of the Year by collegefootballnews.com.
YOUNG RETURNED TO ACTION AT MICHIGAN
Young missed Iowa’s games against Purdue and Indiana due to injury and saw limited action last week at Michigan. The junior rushed seven times for 17 yards and caught three passes for 24 yards against the Wolverines. In the season opener vs. Montana, Young rushed for 93 yards and a score and caught four passes for 55 yards and a score. He carried the ball 18 times for 73 yards and a score and caught three passes for 29 yards at Syracuse. Young gained 57 yards on 18 carries and also caught five passes for 28 yards vs. Iowa State. He collected 97 all-purpose yards at Illinois, 57 rushing and a touchdown and 40 receiving. The junior rushed 11 times for 48 yards and a touchdown vs. Ohio State. Young ranks second in team all-purpose yards (527), rushing yards (345), third in receptions (22) and fifth in receiving yards (182).
All-Big Ten RB Albert Young, who is on the Maxwell and Doak Walker Award Watch Lists, carried the ball 249 times for 1,334 yards (111.2 avg.) and a team-best eight touchdowns in 2005. He ranked 17th nationally and fourth in the Big Ten for all games.
Young, who was a 2005 second team all-Big Ten selection by the media and honorable mention pick by the coaches, averaged 125.2 yards in conference games to lead the league by 0.3 yards per game over Minnesota’s Laurence Maroney (124.9). Young also ranked second in all-purpose yards in league games, only 0.9 yards behind leader Brandon Williams (177.9) of Wisconsin. Young rallied to become the first Hawkeye to lead the conference in rushing (league games only) since Dennis Mosley in 1979. He ranked fifth among all rushers after five Big Ten games and climbed to No. 1 following big games against Northwestern, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
He rushed for over 100 yards in seven straight games (an Iowa record) and eight times in 2005 (Iowa State, Illinois, Purdue, Indiana, Michigan, Northwestern, Wisconsin and Minnesota). He averaged 139.6 yards rushing per game during the streak. Iowa has had a 1,000-yard rusher in five of the last six years. Ladell Betts (2000-01), Fred Russell (2002-03) and Albert Young (2005). Young also surpassed 200 all-purpose yards in four of the last seven games. He ranked fifth in the Big Ten and 18th nationally in all-purpose yards (146.7).
Young ranks 11th in Iowa career rushing with 1,771 yards. The junior needs only 156 yards to tie Levi Mitchell for 10th (1,927).
SCHLICHER MOVES UP THE CHARTS
PK Kyle Schlicher made his 45th and 46th career field goals vs. Purdue on Oct. 7. He passed Tom Nichol and now ranks third in career field goals made at Iowa. Schlicher, who converted two field goals at Michigan, needs six more to match Rob Houghtlin (54) for second.
The senior scored 11 points vs. Purdue and moved passed Tavian Banks and Zach Bromert for fourth in Iowa career scoring. Schlicher (238) is 39 points from tying Nichol (277) for third.
SCHLICHER THE KICKER
Senior PK Kyle Schlicher earned second team all-conference accolades last season. Schlicher did not play in the season opener due to injury, but handled PATs and field goals the last seven contests. Schlicher scored eight points (2-2 PAT, 2-3 FG) at Syracuse, nine points (3-3 PAT, 2-2 FG) vs. Iowa State, six at Illinois (3-3 PAT, 1-1 FG), five vs. Ohio State (1-1 FG, 2-2 PAT), a season-high 11 vs. Purdue (2-2 FG, 5-6 PAT), four at Indiana (0-2 FG, 4-4 PAT) and six at Michigan (2-2 FG). He has scored 49 points this season (10 FG, 19 PAT) and ranks seventh in Big Ten scoring (7.0). Schlicher ranks third in Big Ten field goals (1.43) and 15th nationally.
Schlicher, who is on the Lou Groza Collegiate Place Kicker Watch List, ranked first in team scoring his junior year (17-21 FGs, 43-44 PATs – 94 points), sixth in Big Ten scoring and third in league kicking points. He ranked 26th in the nation in field goals per game (1.42) and 39th in overall scoring per game (7.8). Additionally, the 94 points rank seventh-most in a single season at Iowa. His .810 field goal percentage was tops in the Big Ten last year. He was a Groza semifinalist in 2005.
The Ankeny native has 238 career points, which ranks fourth in Iowa career scoring. He is 39 points from equaling Tom Nichol (277) for third place.
Schlicher is 48-60 (.800) in career field goal attempts, including 8-17 from beyond 40 yards, and 94-99 on PATs. He has only missed three field goals under 39 yards (36-39). Schlicher has made two field goals or more in 15 contests.
SCHLICHER AMONG NATION’S ELITE
Kyle Schlicher ranks among the nation’s best place kickers in active career field goal percentage and field goals made per game (min. 35 FG made).
Schlicher ranks first in field goals made (1.55) and fourth in percentage (.800). Schlicher (.800) trails only Virginia Tech’s Brandon Pace (.842), Southern Mississippi’s Darren McCaleb (.821) and Eastern Michigan’s Andrew Wellock (.808) in field goal percentage.
CHANDLER AND DOUGLAS LEAD HAWKEYE RECEIVERS
TE Scott Chandler, a candidate for the John Mackey Award, given to the nations’ top tight end, has had a solid 2006 campaign. The senior ranks first in team in receptions (32) and second in yards (376). Chandler has had touchdown receptions in four games – a six-yard reception vs. Montana, a one-yard grab at Syracuse, a four-yarder vs. Purdue and a 19-yard score at Indiana.
Twenty-two of his 32 receptions have moved the chains. Chandler caught four passes for 44 yards and one touchdown vs. Montana, with all four receptions moving the sticks. The native of Southlake, TX, caught six passes for 65 yards and a score at Syracuse – all in the first half. Four of his six catches gave Iowa first downs. He caught five balls for 52 yards vs. Iowa State, two of which were for first downs. Chandler caught one pass for six yards at Illinois. Five of his six catches for a game-high 87 yards vs. Ohio State moved the chains. One of his two catches vs. Purdue was for a first down. He had two catches for nine yards against the Boilermakers. Chandler caught four passes for 47 yards and one touchdown at Indiana, with three of his receptions resulting in first downs. All four of his receptions for a team-best 66 yards moved the chains at Michigan.
Chandler, who is the younger brother of former Hawkeye quarterback Nathan Chandler (2002-03), has 103 career receptions for 1,252 yards and eight touchdowns, a total that ranks 24th in Hawkeye annals. He is only seven yards from equaling Alan Cross (1,259) for 23rd and nine yards from matching Scott Slutzker (1,261) for 22nd.
WR Dominique Douglas leads the Hawkeye receiving corps with 436 yards and ranks second in receptions (29). Douglas is Iowa’s only true freshman who starts on a regular basis. He got his first start at wide receiver in week three vs. Iowa State. He became the first true freshman to start at Iowa since Mike Jones started on the offensive line in 2003 at Ohio State. Furthermore, Douglas is the first Hawkeye freshman to start at a skill position since Champ Davis started at fullback vs. Miami (OH) in 2003.
Douglas caught one pass for 25 yards at Indiana before leaving the game due to injury. The Detroit native returned to his home state last week and caught a team-best six passes for 63 yards against the Wolverines. He had four catches for a team and season-best 90 yards vs. Purdue. He caught four passes for 63 yards vs. top-ranked Ohio State. He had five catches for a team-best 64 yards at Illinois. Douglas caught six balls for 88 yards vs. Iowa State. Douglas caught his first touchdown pass on a nine-yard pass from QB Drew Tate in the second quarter in the opener vs. Montana.
FROSH TOPS IOWA CHARTS
WR Dominique Douglas has caught 29 passes for 436 yards and one touchdown, both tops in Iowa’s record books for a true freshman wide receiver. He trails only Danan Hughes (28 receptions, 471 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Kahlil Hill (35 receptions, 432 yards and 2 touchdowns) for the freshman records, both established as redshirt freshmen. Hughes posted his numbers in 1989 and Hill in 1998.
Douglas ranks first in the country among true freshman receivers in receptions (29) and second in receiving yards (436). Akron’s David Harvey ranks first in yards (594). Harvey is tops in the nation among all receivers in yards per catch (23.76).
KLINKENBORG EARNED NATIONAL HONOR
Despite losing his father Sept. 10, junior linebacker Mike Klinkenborg started vs. Iowa State and amassed eight tackles and helped lead the Hawkeye defense. His performance just days after his father’s death earned Klinkenborg Walter Camp Football Foundation Defensive Player of the Week honors.
The native of Rock Rapids, IA, ranks second in the Big Ten and 14th in the country in tackles per game (10.0). He leads Iowa with 80 tackles, 23 more than second-ranked LB Edmond Miles (57). Klinkenborg has recorded double-digit tackles in five of eight games. He was credited with a career-high 14 stops vs. Purdue. He also amassed 13 tackles vs. top-ranked Ohio State, 10 tackles at Illinois, 12 at Syracuse and 11 vs. Montana. Klinkenborg tallied seven tackles, including one for loss, and recovered a fumble at Indiana. He posted seven stops (6 solo) and was credited with a pass break-up at Michigan.
SYRACUSE RUNS INTO WEB
Syracuse had eight tries inside the Iowa five-yard line in double overtime, but the Hawkeye defense was like a brick wall and turned away the Orange to propel the Hawkeyes to victory. Four of the eight plays were stopped by DE Kenny Iwebema. The junior collected four of his nine solo stops on the goal line stand.
Hawkeye historians are calling it one of, if not the best, goal line stand in Iowa football history. The goal line stand earned Iowa ESPNs Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Week. The victory netted the general scholarship fund at the University of Iowa $5,000. The UI is also now eligible to win $100,000 in December when the nation votes on the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year.
ELGIN A DRADDY SEMI-FINALIST
Senior OL Mike Elgin is a semi-finalist for the 2006 Draddy Trophy. It’s the top academic award given out in college football. Elgin is a senior offensive lineman from Bankston, IA. The National Football Foundation awards the trophy and scholarship to the absolute best in the country for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership. The winner receives the Draddy Trophy and a $25,000 post-graduate scholarship.
IOWA NOTES
? Iowa DB Adam Shada returned an interception a school-record 98 yards in the fourth quarter vs. Purdue on Oct. 7. The return was Iowa’s first interception returned for a touchdown since Jovon Johnson returned a Northern Iowa pick 18 yards on Sept. 17, 2005.
? Iowa has played two top-five teams this season: top-ranked Ohio State (L, 38-17) and third-ranked Michigan (L, 20-6).
? Iowa has won 26 of its last 28 games in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2002 season. The Hawkeyes’ two losses came to Michigan (23-20 in overtime in 2005) and Ohio State (38-17 in 2006).
? Iowa played more than six quarters without being penalized from the start of the Ohio State game (Sept. 30), until late in the second quarter vs. Purdue (Oct. 7) the following week.
? DL Mitch King ranks 15th nationally in sacks per game (0.92).
? RB Albert Young has caught 22 passes for 182 yards. He is two receptions from matching his season high of 24 established a year ago.
? Senior OL Mike Elgin is a strong candidate for a National Football Foundation post-graduate scholarship.
? Senior Andy Fenstermaker is on the watch list for the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation’s top punter.
? OL Mike Jones has been named first team pre-season all-America by Sports Illustrated.
? Both LB Chris Brevi (foot) and DB Ma’Quan Dawkins (knee) will miss the 2006 season and will receive medical redshirts. Brevi is a junior, while Dawkins is a senior. WR Calvin Davis will likely miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn Achilles. Davis played in Iowa’s first two contests and suffered the injury in practice.
? Iowa has won 39 of its last 51 regular season contests.
? Iowa is one of only four teams (USC, Georgia and Florida State) to appear in four straight January bowl games.
? In the last five years, Iowa is 36-4 when leading at the half and 41-2 when leading after three quarters.
? Iowa has a consecutive home sellout streak of 21, dating back to the 2003 season. The last Hawkeye game not sold out was vs. Buffalo (9/6/03). All seven home contests this season are sold out.
? Iowa tied for third in the Big Ten in 2005 and now has 47 first-division finishes in the conference, including 11 championships and eight additional finishes among the top three in the league. The Hawkeyes have finished among the top three in the Big Ten standings three of the last four years.
IOWA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Iowa’s Leadership Council for the 2006 season includes six seniors, three juniors, four sophomores, one 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 Mike Elgin, Jason Manson, Miguel Merrick, Marcus Paschal, Drew Tate and Marshal Yanda; juniors Mike Humpal, Bryan Mattison and Albert Young; sophomores Mitch King, Matt Kroul, Tony Moeaki and Seth Olsen; redshirt freshman Jake Christensen and true freshman A.J. Edds.
IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 79 of its last 87 games, including seven of its eight games in 2006. Iowa’s games vs. Iowa State (9/16/06), vs. Minnesota (11/19/05), vs. Michigan (10/22/05), at Purdue (10/8/05), 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 won six of those eight games. Iowa has started the game on offense in 81-of-93 games under Kirk Ferentz.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 33 offensive plays that went for 20 yards or more, 24 via the pass and nine on the ground. WR Andy Brodell caught a game and career-high 52-yard pass vs. Purdue, while WR Herb Grigsby caught a career-high 45-yard pass at Indiana. RB Damian Sims posted runs of 36 and 44 yards vs. the Boilermakers and 41 yards at Indiana. Iowa had a season-best seven offensive plays cover 20-yard or more in its 30-point win vs. Purdue.
Hawkeye opponents have collected 17 plays of 20 yards or more, 14 via the pass. Montana and Iowa State registered just one offensive play over 20 yards; Montana a 21-yard pass and Iowa State a 20-yard pass. Ohio State RB Antonio Pittman recorded a 23-yard run in week five, the first running play for over 20 yards Iowa’s defense has allowed this season. Indiana had four passing plays and one rushing play over 20 yards. The Hawkeyes held Michigan without a 20-yard play or better in week eight.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 41-28 in the first quarter, 65-37 in the second quarter, 57-37 in the fourth and 10-3 in overtime. Opponents have outscored the Hawkeyes 45-37 in the third quarter.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 6.2 yards on 254 first down plays, 5.3 yards on 179 second down plays, 5.5 yards on 102 third down plays and 4.8 yards on five fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 34 scoring drives average 7.9 plays, 51.5 yards and 2:52 elapsed time. Eighteen of the 34 scoring drives covered 65 yards or more. Iowa’s longest scoring drive is a 15-play, 67-yard drive that consumed 5:41 vs. Montana in week one. The Hawkeyes’ first scoring drive vs. Ohio State took 6:15 off the clock on a drive that covered 66 yards on 14 plays.
Hawkeye opponents have posted 25 scoring drives that average 7.9 plays, 56.4 yards and 3:24 elapsed time. Ohio State registered a 14-play, 68-yard drive that consumed 7:43 in week five.
Both average scoring drives do not include overtime possessions.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 31-36 (86.1%) in the red zone (22 TD, 9 FG); two of the 36 possessions were overtime possessions. Iowa was a perfect 7-7 vs. Purdue (5 TD, 2 FG) and 3-3 vs. Ohio State (2 TD, 1 FG). Iowa was 3-5 at Indiana; scoring three touchdowns, missing a field goal and losing a fumble. The Hawkeyes were 2-3 at Michigan (2 FG), failing to score a touchdown in the final minutes trailing by 14 points. Iowa failed to convert a field goal (43 yards) after it reached the red zone at Syracuse and QB Drew Tate was intercepted on the one-yard line on a windy day at Illinois.
Hawkeye opponents have marched inside the red zone 25 times, scoring on 20 (80.0%) of their possessions (15 TD, 5 FG); two of the 25 possessions were overtime possessions. Michigan scored on all four red zone trips (2 TD, 2 FG). Indiana was 3-3, scoring all touchdowns. Ohio State was 5-6 (4 TD, 1 FG) inside the red zone. Purdue was only 2-4. Syracuse turned the ball over on downs after Iowa’s defense stopped the Orange on eight plays inside the five-yard line, including four-straight inside the two, to win in double overtime in week two. Illinois drove to the Iowa 15-yard line late in the fourth quarter, but failed to score before the game ended.
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 40 points following opponent turnovers. The Hawkeyes scored three points following an interception vs. Montana. Iowa tallied 10 points after four Illinois miscues (4 interceptions) and 10 points following three Purdue interceptions. Iowa scored two touchdowns after Indiana fumbles in the first half. The Hawkeyes recorded a field goal following its only turnover at Michigan. Iowa did not collect any turnovers in games against Syracuse, Iowa State and Ohio State.
Hawkeye opponents have scored 28 points following Iowa turnovers. Montana converted an Iowa fumble into a touchdown. Ohio State scored two touchdowns following Iowa interceptions, but failed to score any points after obtaining two additional turnovers. Indiana drove 88 yards for a touchdown after Iowa fumbled in the red zone. Syracuse picked off Iowa QB Jason Manson four times in week two, but did not convert the interceptions into any points. Purdue recovered three Iowa fumbles, but failed to score on those possessions. Iowa State, Illinois and Michigan were unable to convert a Hawkeye turnover into any points.
TELEVISION SCHEDULE
All of Iowa’s games this season are expected to be selected for television. The Big Ten Conference announces game times and television stations no later than 12 days prior to game days. Iowa made its ESPNU debut in the season opener vs. Montana. The Hawkeyes’ road contest at Syracuse was televised regionally on ABC. Iowa’s game vs. intra-state rival Iowa State was televised nationally on ESPN. The Hawkeyes’ Big Ten opener at Illinois was aired regionally on ESPN Plus. Iowa’s home conference opener vs. Ohio State was televised nationally on ABC. Iowa made a return appearance on ESPNU for its homecoming game vs. Purdue. Iowa’s game at Indiana aired on ESPN2. The Hawkeyes’ contest at Michigan was televised regionally on ABC. Saturday’s non-conference game vs. Northern Illinois will be televised on ESPNU at 11:03 a.m. Iowa will make its first appearance on ESPN+ when it hosts Northwestern next weekend at 11:10 a.m.
HAWKEYES BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa returned 41 lettermen from 2005, including 23 on offense, 16 on defense and two specialists. The Hawkeyes returned seven starters on offense and seven on defense, plus place kicker Kyle Schlicher and punter Andy Fenstermaker. The lettermen breakdown includes 10 three-year lettermen, 12 two-year lettermen and 19 one-year lettermen. The total roster has 109 players, and includes 18 seniors, 15 juniors, 30 sophomores, 21 redshirt freshmen and 25 true freshmen.
HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 109 players includes 44 players from Iowa. The roster includes 12 players from Illinois; eight from Florida and Ohio; seven from New Jersey and Texas; three from Minnesota, Nebraska and Pennsylvania; two from Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin and one from Arkansas, Georgia, South Dakota and Utah.
MORE THAN ONE
Ten high schools have contributed more than one player to the current Iowa football roster. The leaders are Iowa City West and City High with four. Robert E. Lee (Texas) and Ankeny (Iowa) high schools have three, while six schools have two players on the roster.
THE NAME GAME
Iowa has two players named Davis (Calvin and Champ, no relation). Mike is the most popular first name. There are four Mike’s (Elgin, Humpal, Jones, Klinkenborg). There are three players named Andy (Brodell, Fenstermaker, Kuempel), Dan (Doering, Murray, Olszta) and Ryan (Bain, Donahue, Majerus). There are two Adam’s (Farnsworth, Shada), Austin’s (Postler, Signor), Bryan’s (Mattison, Ryther), Kyle’s (Calloway, Schlicher), Drew’s (Gardner, Tate), Jordan’s (Den Hartog, McLaughlin), Marcus’ (Paschal, Wilson) and Tyler’s (Blum, Gerstandt).
THE HAWKEYES, SIZE WISE
Freshman WR Paul Chaney, Jr. is the lightest Hawkeye player at 160 pounds. Sophomore OL Wesley Aeschliman is the heaviest at 315 pounds. A total of five Hawkeye players are listed over 300 pounds. The tallest player is 6-8 Aeschliman, while the shortest players, at 5-9, are PK Kyle Schlicher, RB Damian Sims and Chaney, Jr.
The average Hawkeye player is 6-2 and weighs 230 pounds. That is the exact height and three pounds lighter than the average Iowa player in 2005.
WATCHING FROM ABOVE
Iowa’s coaches in the press box are Lester Erb (receivers and special teams), along with quality control assistant Scott Southmayd and graduate assistant coaches Seth Wallace 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.
Kirk Ferentz RADIO SHOW
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz is featured on “Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz” each week. The 90-minute radio call-in show is hosted by Gary Dolphin, the play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The show airs each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. from Carlos O’Kelly’s in Iowa City.
IOWA STATS ON THE INTERNET
Statistics and play-by-play accounts of 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 hawkeyesports.com and then clicking on the Gametracker link. This feature is available for all games during the 2006 season.
AFTER THIS
Iowa’s three-game home stand continues with games against Northwestern (Nov. 4, 11:10 a.m., ESPN+) and Wisconsin (Nov. 11).