Oct. 30, 2006
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IOWA REMAINS HOME
Iowa (6-3, 2-3) remains home to host Northwestern (2-7, 0-5) Saturday on Family Weekend. Game time is 11:10 a.m. at Kinnick Stadium (70,585). The game is sold out.
ON THE TUBE
ESPN+ will televise the game to a regional audience. Wayne Larrivee and Kelly Stouffer will call the action. The game is also available on ESPN’s GamePlan pay-per-view and online services.
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 198.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,087 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 553-495-39 (.527). That includes a 349-193-16 (.640) 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 232-158-15 (.591) record in Kinnick Stadium.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 7-5-2 in games played on Nov. 4. The Hawkeyes defeated Grinnell 69-0 in 1904, Indiana 41-0 in 1921, Wisconsin 16-0 in 1927 and 24-8 in 1977, Ohio State 35-12 in 1960, Michigan State 12-6 in 1983 and Northwestern 49-13 in 1994. Iowa lost to Purdue 18-0 in 1932, Indiana 7-3 in 1938, Wisconsin 35-13 in 1949 and Ohio State 20-10 in 1955 and 14-10 in 1966. The Hawkeyes tied Grinnell 5-5 in 1898 and Ohio State 24-24 in 1988.
WISCONSIN GAME TIME SET
Iowa’s home finale vs. Wisconsin on Nov. 11 will start at 11:03 a.m. and will be televised to a national cable audience on ESPN (HD).
IOWA, NORTHWESTERN NOTES
? Since the 2000 season, Iowa is 15-5 in November games with four of the five losses coming by six points or less. Over the last four years, Iowa is 10-2 in November games.
? Northwestern is looking for its first Big Ten win, as it has lost its first five league contests this season.
? Iowa has won 27 of its last 29 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).
? Northwestern is one of only two teams to defeat Iowa in the last five years after trailing at the end of three quarters. The Wildcats trailed 24-14 after three periods last year in Evanston and rallied to win 28-27.
? Iowa has only had two offensive players start all nine games at their respective positions (TE Scott Chandler and FB Tom Busch). OL Mike Elgin has started every game, but at two positions (center and guard).
? Iowa PK Kyle Schlicher is only one field goal from connecting on the 50th of his career. RB Albert Young is only 32 yards to tie Levi Mitchell for 10th (1,927) in career rushing at Iowa.
? Dominique Douglas ranks first in the country among true freshmen wide receivers in receptions (32) and second in receiving yards (456). Akron’s David Harvey ranks first in yards (644).
? Iowa and Northwestern are tied for ninth in Big Ten turnover margin (-6) for all games.
? Iowa ranks 25th in the country in pass efficiency defense (108.6), 26th in total offense (389.6), 28th in passing offense (240.3) and 34th in punt returns (10.6). Individually, DE Bryan Mattison ranks fourth nationally in forced fumbles (.44), LB Mike Klinkenborg ranks 13th in tackles (10.1), QB Drew Tate ranks 15th in total offense (248.9) and PK Kyle Schlicher ranks 21st in field goals (1.38).
? All four of Mattison’s forced fumbles have come during conference play.
? Northwestern ranks 100th or worse in the nation in five statistical categories: total offense (100th), tackles for loss (106th), passing offense (106th), scoring offense (107th) and passing efficiency (112th).
? Northwestern has scored 10 points of fewer in four of its five conference games, while Iowa has totaled 24 points or more in three of its five league contests.
? Iowa ranks third in third-down conversions (25-63, .397) in conference games only, while Northwestern ranks 11th (13-65, .200).
? Northwestern had 13 offensive possessions last week at Michigan, four of which resulted in three-and-outs, three ending with interceptions and two in lost fumbles.
? The Iowa roster includes 12 players from the state of Illinois, including DL Ryan Bain (Bolingbrook), OL Kyle Calloway (Belleville), QB Jake Christensen (Lockport), OL Dan Doering (Barrington), PK Ryan Donahue (Evergreen Park), LB Bryan Gattas (Mt. Prospect), OL Mike Jones (Chicago Ridge), TE Tony Moeaki (Wheaton), LB Brett Morse (Willowbrook), LS Daniel Olszta (New Lenox), OL Dace Richardson (Wheaton) and FB Eddie Williams (Rock Island). Donahue and Morse are red-shirting this season. Moeaki and Richardson were teammates at Warrenville South High School.
THE SERIES
Iowa holds a 45-19-3 advantage in the series that began with a 12-6 Iowa victory in 1897. The Hawkeyes have won four of the last six games. Iowa owns a 23-6 advantage in contests played in Iowa City, including winning three straight. Saturday will be Northwestern’s first visit to Kinnick Stadium since a 62-10 setback on Nov. 9, 2002. Iowa won 21 consecutive games over Northwestern prior to a 31-20 Wildcat win in 1995 in Evanston.
NORTHWESTERN FALLS AT MICHIGAN
Second-ranked Michigan collected five turnovers en route to a 17-3 victory over Northwestern at Michigan Stadium last Saturday. Northwestern trailed only 10-3 midway through the third period, but an interception by Wildcat QB C.J. Bacher set the Wolverines up at Northwestern’s 36-yard line. Michigan RB Mike Hart gained 23 yards on a fourth down play and two plays later ran untouched into the end zone from the three-yard line to stretch the Wolverines’ advantage to 17-3. Bacher, who made his second career start, completed 20-41 passes for 204 yards and threw two interceptions. Northwestern RB Tyrell Sutton, who had 172 yards vs. Michigan State the previous week, gained only six yards on seven attempts against Michigan. The Wolverines limited the Wildcats to negative 13 rushing yards on 17 attempts.
NORTHWESTERN COACH PAT FITZGERALD
Pat Fitzgerald is 2-7 in his first season as a collegiate head coach. Fitzgerald, who was a two-time first team all-American linebacker with the Wildcats (1995-96), began his coaching career as a defensive graduate assistant at Maryland (1998) and Colorado (1999). In 2000, Fitzgerald coached linebackers and special teams at Idaho before returning to his alma mater in 2001. The native of Orland Park, IL, coached the Wildcats’ defensive backs in 2001 before coaching the linebackers four years (2002-05). Fitzgerald won the Bronco Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik awards, as the nation’s top defensive player, and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 1995 and 1996. He became the first two-time winner of the Nagurski and Bednarik awards.
LAST MEETING
Iowa surrendered two late touchdowns as Northwestern overcame a 13-point fourth quarter deficit to outlast the Hawkeyes 28-27 at Ryan Field.
Iowa scored on four of its six first-half possessions, but the Wildcats stayed within striking distance and pulled out the come-from-behind victory. The loss snapped a three-game Iowa winning streak over the Wildcats.
PK Kyle Schlicher missed a 41-yard field goal with 5:35 remaining in the fourth quarter that would have extended Iowa’s lead to 16 points. Two possessions later, RB Tyrell Sutton culminated a 77-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run to trim Iowa’s advantage to 27-21 with 2:10 left.
Following the score, Northwestern attempted and recovered an on-side kick and proceeded to drive 47 yards on six plays, with QB Brett Basanez connecting with WR Ross Lane for a nine-yard game-winning touchdown.
RB Albert Young posted career highs in rushing attempts (38), rushing yards (202), all-purpose yards (274) and kickoff return yardage (70). He also scored two touchdowns. The 38 rushing attempts rank as the fourth most in a single game at Iowa, while the 202 rushing yards tie as the ninth-most in a single game. Young’s 202 yards rushing pushed him over 1,000 yards for the season. It also marked the first time a Hawkeye rushed for 200 yards or more in a single game since Tavian Banks amassed 314 yards vs. Tulsa on Sept. 13, 1997.
QB Drew Tate completed 21-35 passes for 273 yards and rushed for one touchdown. Wide receivers Herb Grigsby and Andy Brodell posted career highs in receptions and receiving yards. Grigsby caught a team-high seven passes for 84 yards, while Brodell caught four passes for 46 yards.
Linebackers Abdul Hodge (12 tackles) and Chad Greenway (11) led the Hawkeye defense. DB Adam Shada and DT Matt Kroul each recorded an interception.
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 44-15 (.746) overall mark and a 27-10 (.730) Big Ten record the last five seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 55-39 (.585) and a 34-27 (.557) mark in Big Ten games. In 11 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 67-60 (.528). Thirty of Iowa’s 94 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 3-2 vs. Northwestern.
FERENTZ MOVES PAST EVASHEVSKI
Head Coach Kirk Ferentz is now the second all-time winningest coach in Iowa history. Ferentz has 55 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.
IOWA 24, NORTHERN ILLINOIS 14
Iowa became bowl eligible for the sixth straight year with its 24-14 non-conference triumph over Northern Illinois in Kinnick Stadium.
Jake Christensen started at quarterback for the injured Drew Tate, completing 19-30 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Christensen became Iowa’s first left-handed quarterback to start since Phil Suess (1977-80) and the first redshirt freshman to start since Jon Beutjer in 2000.
Iowa took a 17-0 lead into halftime. RB Albert Young scored on a seven-yard run, WR Dominique Douglas caught a six-yard touchdown pass and PK Kyle Schlicher converted a 38-yard field goal.
Northern Illinois’ Garrett Wolfe scored a one-yard run the first play of the fourth period to cut the Iowa advantage to 17-7. The Huskies added another touchdown on their next possession to trim the Hawkeye lead to 17-14 with 8:40 remaining. Leading by three, Christensen engineered a nine-play, 80-yard drive that consumed 4:44 and culminated with a TE Scott Chandler 10-yard scoring reception with 3:56 left to stretch the Iowa advantage to 24-14.
Young eclipsed the century mark for the first time this season, rushing for a game-high 124 yards on 25 attempts. Chandler led Iowa receivers with five catches for 63 yards. WR Andy Brodell caught three passes for 64 yards.
Wolfe, who entered the game as the nation’s leading rusher, was limited to 66 yards rushing on 22 attempts. The Hawkeye defense held the Huskies to 196 total yards and 73 yards rushing; entering the contest Northern Illinois averaged 412.2 yards total offense and 201.4 yards rushing.
Iowa’s defense was led by LB Edmond Miles, LB Mike Klinkenborg and DE Bryan Mattsion. Miles and Klinkenborg each collected a team-best 11 tackles. Klinkenborg also had a tackle for loss and a fumble recovered. Mattison posted nine tackles and was credited with two pass break-ups.
FINAL GAME NOTES
? Iowa has now won 11 straight non-conference home games, dating back to a 31-26 loss to Iowa State in 2002.
? Iowa improves to 6-0 against Northern Illinois, with all six games being played in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa opens the 2007 season against Northern Illinois at Soldier Field in Chicago on September 1. The Hawkeyes improve to 16-1 against current members of the Mid-American Conference.
? Iowa and Northern Illinois both failed to score on their opening possession. Iowa has not scored on its first drive in nine games. Three of Iowa’s opponents (Syracuse, Iowa State and Ohio State) opened the game with touchdown drives.
? The Hawkeye defense also held the Huskies to 123 yards passing, a season low for an Iowa opponent.
? RB Albert Young scored on a seven-yard run in the first quarter, his fifth of the season to tie Damian Sims for most touchdowns this season. Young rushed for 51 yards on six carries and had a five-yard reception on the final 10-play, 73-yard scoring drive.
? Iowa’s first two scoring drives registered 73 yards. Iowa has had 14 scoring drives cover 70 yards or more this season.
? Iowa held Northern Illinois without a first down on its first three drives. The Huskies didn’t move the chains until the 12:01 mark of the second quarter. Iowa had 14 first downs to Northern Illinois’ one in the first half.
? WR Trey Stross had a 47-yard reception in the first quarter, the longest of his career. The pass play from QB Jake Christensen is Iowa’s second longest pass play this season (52 yard pass from Drew Tate to Andy Brodell vs. Purdue).
? The game vs. Northern Illinois marked the second consecutive game Iowa did not allow a touchdown in the first half. The Hawkeyes held the Huskies scoreless in the first half, while they held second-ranked Michigan to a field goal the previous week.
? Iowa held the ball for a season-high 34:11 vs. Northern Illinois, besting 32:15 at Illinois (9/23/06).
? Instant replay was used twice in the second half. A Northern Illinois touchdown pass ruled a touchdown on the field, was upheld. Also, an Iowa incomplete pass was challenged by Northern Illinois Head Coach Joe Novak and was overturned to an Iowa fumble, recovered by the Huskies.
CHRISTENSEN SHINES IN FIRST START
Redshirt freshman QB Jake Christensen started his first career game last week vs. Northern Illinois. The native of Lockport, IL, completed 19-30 passes for 256 yards and threw for two touchdowns.
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 16 straight 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 502 yards and five touchdowns.
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 61st 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 31. Ohio State (30) ranks second, followed by Iowa (27) during that time span. Michigan (25) has won the most league contests the last four years, followed by Ohio State (22) 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 fourth in pass efficiency (130.2). Tate’s total offense numbers rank him 15th in the country.
Tate missed last week’s game vs. Northern Illinois due to injury. He is questionable for Saturday’s contest vs. Northwestern. 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 LEADS IOWA IN ALL-PURPOSE YARDS
RB Albert Young missed Iowa’s games against Purdue and Indiana due to injury and returned to see limited action in week eight at Michigan. The junior rushed seven times for 17 yards and caught three passes for 24 yards against the Wolverines. In more extensive action last week vs. Northern Illinois, he eclipsed the century mark for the first time this season and the ninth time of his career. Young carried the ball 25 times for 124 yards and one touchdown and also caught three passes for 23 yards vs. the Huskies.
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 first in team all-purpose yards (674), second in rushing yards (469), third in receptions (25) and fifth in receiving yards (205). 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 1,895 yards. The junior needs only 132 yards to tie Levi Mitchell for 10th (1,927).
SCHLICHER MOVES UP THE CHARTS
PK Kyle Schlicher made his 49th career field goal vs. Northern Illinois. He now ranks third in career field goals made at Iowa. Schlicher needs five 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 (244) is 33 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 eight 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), six at Michigan (2-2 FG) and six vs. Northern Illinois (1-3 FG, 3-3 PAT). He has scored 55 points this season (11 FG, 22 PAT) and ranks sixth in Big Ten scoring (6.9). Schlicher ranks third in Big Ten field goals (1.38) and 21st 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 244 career points, which ranks fourth in Iowa career scoring. He is 33 points from equaling Tom Nichol (277) for third place.
Schlicher is 49-62 (.790) in career field goal attempts, including 8-17 from beyond 40 yards, and 97-102 on PATs. He has only missed five field goals under 39 yards (39-44). 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 second in field goals made (1.53) and fourth in percentage (.790).
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 (37) and second in yards (439). Chandler has had touchdown receptions in five games – a six-yard reception vs. Montana, a one-yard grab at Syracuse, a four-yarder vs. Purdue, a 19-yard score at Indiana and a 10-yard reception vs. Northern Illinois.
Twenty-six of his 37 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. Four of his five receptions were first down grabs vs. Northern Illinois. He finished the game with 63 yards and one touchdown with his five receptions.
Chandler, who is the younger brother of former Hawkeye quarterback Nathan Chandler (2002-03), has 108 career receptions for 1,315 yards and nine touchdowns, a total that ranks 20th in Hawkeye annals. He is 46 yards from equaling Kerry Reardon (1,361) for 19th and 62 yards from matching Keith Chappelle (1,377) for 19th.
WR Dominique Douglas leads the Hawkeye receiving corps with 456 yards and ranks second in receptions (32). 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 three passes for 20 yards and one touchdown vs. Northern Illinois. The Detroit native returned to his home state and caught a team-best six passes for 63 yards against the Wolverines. He caught one pass for 25 yards at Indiana before leaving the game due to injury. 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 32 passes for 456 yards and two touchdowns, 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.
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 13th in the country in tackles per game (10.1). He leads Iowa with 91 tackles, 23 more than second-ranked LB Edmond Miles (68). Klinkenborg has recorded double-digit tackles in six of nine 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 amassed 11 tackles, including one for loss, and recovered one fumble vs. Northern Illinois.
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 now ranks fourth in consecutive games without being shutout among Big Ten teams after last weekend’s action. Minnesota and Purdue, who entered last Saturday ahead of the Hawkeyes, were both blanked. Michigan ranks first (271), followed by Ohio State (160), Wisconsin (122) and Iowa (77).
? Iowa DB Adam Shada returned an interception a school-record 98 yards in the fourth quarter vs. Purdue on Oct. 7. It was Iowa’s first interception returned for a touchdown since Jovon Johnson returned a Northern Iowa pick 18 yards on Sept. 17, 2005.
? LB Mike Humpal has intercepted a pass in each of Iowa’s last two games.
? Iowa has played two top-five teams this season: top-ranked Ohio State (L, 38-17) and third-ranked Michigan (L, 20-6).
? Iowa is a Big Ten-best 6-7 (.857) on fourth down conversions.
? 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.
? RB Albert Young has caught a season-high 25 passes for 205 yards. His previous high was 24 established a year ago.
? 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 40 of its last 52 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 37-4 when leading at the half and 42-2 when leading after three quarters.
? Iowa has a consecutive home sellout streak of 22, 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 80 of its last 88 games, including eight of its nine 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 82-of-94 games under Kirk Ferentz.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 36 offensive plays that went for 20 yards or more, 27 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. WR Trey Stross had a career-long 47-yard reception from QB Jake Christensen vs. Northern Illinois. 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 18 plays of 20 yards or more, 14 via the pass. Montana, Iowa State and Northern Illinois registered just one offensive play over 20 yards; Montana a 21-yard pass, Iowa State a 20-yard pass and Northern Illinois a 25-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 48-28 in the first quarter, 75-37 in the second quarter, 64-51 in the fourth and 10-3 in overtime. Opponents have outscored the Hawkeyes 45-37 in the third quarter.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 6.0 yards on 285 first down plays, 5.7 yards on 205 second down plays, 5.1 yards on 114 third down plays and 5.6 yards on seven fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 38 scoring drives average 8.0 plays, 52.8 yards and 2:57 elapsed time. Twenty-one of the 38 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 27 scoring drives that average 8.2 plays, 58.1 yards and 3:29 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 35-43 (81.4%) in the red zone (25 TD, 10 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 26 times, scoring on 21 (80.8%) of their possessions (16 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 47 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 scored seven points following three Northern Illinois miscues. The Hawkeyes 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, Michigan and Northern Illinois were unable to convert Hawkeye turnovers into any points.
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 concludes against Wisconsin next Saturday (11:03 a.m., ESPN). The Hawkeyes conclude the regular season at Minnesota Nov. 18 (TBA).