Nov. 6, 2006
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IOWA IN HOME FINALE
Iowa (6-4, 2-4) will play its home finale when it hosts Wisconsin (9-1, 6-1) Saturday. Game time is 11:02 a.m. at Kinnick Stadium (70,585). The game is sold out.
ON THE TUBE
ESPN (HD) will televise the contest to a national cable audience. Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman and Rob Stone 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. Fans can also listen to the game on XM Satellite Radio, Channel 198.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,088 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 553-496-39 (.526). That includes a 349-194-16 (.639) record in home games, a 205-302-23 (.408) record in games away from Iowa City, a 273-334-25 (.452) mark in Big Ten games and a 232-159-15 (.590) record in Kinnick Stadium.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 5-8 in games played on Nov. 11. The Hawkeyes defeated Washington (MO) 38-0 in 1910, Northwestern 14-0 in 1921, Notre Dame 28-0 in 1960 and Minnesota 31-22 in 1988 and 49-42 in 1994. Iowa lost to Missouri 32-6 in 1894, Nebraska 6-0 in 1895, Illinois 29-0 in 1904, Northwestern 44-6 in 1932, Notre Dame 28-7 in 1949 and 17-14 in 1955, Nebraska 14-0 in 1938 and Michigan State 22-16 in 1977.
FINAL HOME GAME FOR SENIORS
This will be the final home game for 18 seniors: RB Sam Brownlee, TE Scott Chandler, WR Calvin Davis, FB Champ Davis, OL Mike Elgin, P Andy Fenstermaker, LB Zach Gabelmann, OL Mike Jones, TE Ryan Majerus, QB Jason Manson, DB Miguel Merrick, LB Edmond Miles, DB Devan Moylan, DB Marcus Paschal, OL Bryan Ryther, PK Kyle Schlicher, QB Drew Tate and OL Marshal Yanda.
HEARTLAND TROPHY
The Heartland Trophy will be awarded for the third time to Saturday’s winner. The trophy was designed and crafted by artist and former Iowa football player Frank Strub. The trophy, which is a bull mounted on a walnut base (native to both Wisconsin and Iowa), has the scores of all previous games between the two schools inscribed on it. The Iowa-Wisconsin series has been the closest and most competitive of all Big Ten series. The teams have met 81 times and Iowa maintains a slim 40-39-2 advantage. Iowa has won the last four meetings. The Heartland Trophy became the 16th Big Ten football traveling trophy. Iowa maintained possession of the Heartland Trophy after winning 20-10 last year in Madison.
IN THE RANKINGS
Wisconsin is ranked 15th in the BCS standings. The Badgers are also ranked 16th in the Associated Press, USA Today and Harris polls. Iowa is not ranked.
MINNESOTA GAME TIME SET
Iowa’s regular season finale at Minnesota on Nov. 18 will start at 11:10 a.m. and will be televised to a regional audience on ESPN+.
IOWA AMONG THE BIG TEN’S ELITE
Michigan and Ohio State have the most conference victories the last five years with 31. Iowa (27) ranks third during that time span. Michigan (25) has won the most league contests the last four years, followed by Ohio State (23) and Iowa (19).
IOWA, WISCONSIN NOTES
? Since the 2000 season, Iowa is 15-6 in November games with four of the six losses coming by six points or less. Over the last four years, Iowa is 10-3 in November games.
? Iowa became bowl eligible for the sixth consecutive season, the school’s longest string of success since playing in eight straight bowl games from 1981-88.
? Iowa has won 27 of its last 30 games in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2002 season. The Hawkeyes’ three losses came to Michigan (23-20 in overtime in 2005), Ohio State (38-17 in 2006) and Northwestern (21-7 in 2006).
? Saturday will be Iowa’s third game against a ranked opponent this season. The Hawkeyes lost the previous two (38-17 to top-ranked Ohio State at home and 20-6 at third-ranked Michigan). Wisconsin lost its only contest against a ranked foe (27-13 at sixth-ranked Michigan).
? Wisconsin has posted 35 overall wins the last four years (2003-06), while Iowa has collected 33. The Badgers rank 12th, while the Hawkeyes rank 16th. USC ranks first with 44 victories.
? Iowa has only had two offensive players start all 10 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.
? Dominique Douglas ranks first in the country among true freshmen wide receivers in receptions (39) and second in receiving yards (534). Akron’s David Harvey ranks first in yards (731).
? In Big Ten games, Iowa has allowed just five punt returns for 12 yards.
? Iowa ranks 30th in the country in pass efficiency defense (110.1), 31st in passing offense (231.0), 35th in total offense (377.0) and 37th in punt returns (10.2). Individually, LB Mike Klinkenborg ranks 10th in tackles (10.7), QB Drew Tate ranks 25th in total offense (236.0) and PK Kyle Schlicher ranks 32nd in field goals (1.22).
? All four of DE Bryan Mattison’s forced fumbles, which rank fifth nationally, have come during conference play.
? Wisconsin ranks first nationally in pass efficiency defense (85.8), third in pass defense (138.5), fifth in total defense (245.9), sixth in scoring defense (11.9) and 19th in rushing defense (183.6). Individually, RB P.J. Hill ranks fifth in the country in rushing (137.0) and fourth in all-purpose yards (154.2) and QB John Stocco ranks 17th in passing efficiency (150.3).
? The Badgers have won 17 of their last 18 home games in Camp Randall Stadium, with the one loss coming to Iowa last season (20-10).
? Wisconsin can finish no worse than third in the Big Ten. Saturday’s contest is the Badgers’ final conference game.
? Wisconsin QB John Stocco, who has thrown at least one touchdown in 18 of his last 19 games, is 28-7 as a starter. The 28 wins ranking second in school history — two behind Brooks Bollinger’s 30.
? The Badgers have held four opponents under 100 yards rushing this season.
? Wisconsin RB P.J. Hill has collected eight 100-yard rushing efforts and has 1,370 yards this season, which ranks 12th-best among freshmen in NCAA history. Iowa has had running backs eclipse the century mark twice this season. Albert Young rushed for 124 yards vs. Northern Illinois and Damian Sims collected a career-high 155 yards vs. Purdue.
? The Iowa roster includes two players from the state of Wisconsin. They are sophomore DL Jared Oberland and redshirt freshman DB Harrison Wheeler. The Badgers have no Iowans on their roster.
? Wisconsin Redshirt freshman LB Elijah Hodge is the younger brother of former Hawkeye LB Abdul Hodge (2002-05).
IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
These are Iowa’s most recent wins vs. nationally ranked opponents:
Home: 30-7 over ninth-ranked Wisconsin, 11/20/04 33-7 over 23rd-ranked Ohio State, 10/6/04Road: 20-10 over 19th-ranked Wisconsin, 11/12/05 34-9 over eighth-ranked Michigan, 10/26/02Neutral: 30-25 over 11th-ranked LSU, Capital One Bowl, 1/1/05 37-17 over 17th-ranked Florida, Outback Bowl, 1/1/04
THE SERIES
Saturday will be the 82nd meeting between Iowa and Wisconsin. Iowa maintains a slim 40-39-2 advantage in the series. Iowa has won the last four contests against Wisconsin and 21 of the last 27. The Hawkeyes overcame a 10-0 second period deficit to win 20-10 last year in Madison. Iowa holds a 23-14-1 advantage in games played in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes defeated the Badgers 30-7 in the 2004 regular season finale to win a share of the Big Ten championship.
WISCONSIN DEFEATS PENN STATE
Wisconsin limited Penn State to 201 yards total offense en route to its sixth straight victory, posting a 13-3 triumph over the Nittany Lions at Camp Randall Stadium. RB P.J. Hill rushed for a game-high 148 yards on 31 attempts, while QB John Stocco threw for 172 yards and a touchdown. Stocco was injured during the 10-minute mark of the fourth quarter and did not return. PK Taylor Mehlhaff made field goals of 20 and 37 yards for Wisconsin. The Badger defense limited the Penn State rushing attack to only 36 yards on 19 carries and did not yield a touchdown for the fourth time this season.
WISCONSIN COACH BRET BIELEMA
Wisconsin’s Bret Bielema is in his first season as a collegiate head coach, boasting a 9-1 overall record and a 6-1 conference mark. Bielema, 36 years old, is the nation’s second youngest head coach next to Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald, who is 31. Bielema began his coaching career as a graduate assistant (1994-95) at his alma mater, the University of Iowa. In 1996, he was promoted to linebackers coach for six seasons (1996-2001). While at Iowa, he coached under head coaches Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz. He served as co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Kansas State for two seasons (2002-03) before joining the Wisconsin coaching staff in 2004. Bielema served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for two years (2004-05) before becoming the Badgers’ head coach. Bielema earned four letters (1989-92) as a nose guard after joining the Iowa football program as a walk-on. He was a member of Iowa’s 1990 Big Ten championship team. He was a starter his junior year in 1991 and was a team co-captain his senior campaign.
LAST MEETING
A strong second half lifted the Hawkeyes to a 20-10 come-from-behind victory over Wisconsin in Camp Randall Stadium in Barry Alvarez’ last home game as Badger head coach. The victory snapped a two-game Iowa losing streak and also snapped Wisconsin’s 11-game home winning streak.
Wisconsin scored the game’s first 10 points in the first quarter before Iowa got a 35-yard field goal from Kyle Schlicher in the second quarter to trail 10-3 at halftime.
Most of the second half was played in a driving rain storm, in which the Hawkeye offense and defense came alive. Iowa scored touchdowns on two of its first three third-quarter possessions to claim a 17-10 advantage. FB Champ Davis caught a six-yard touchdown reception from QB Drew Tate, recording his first career TD. TE Ryan Majerus recorded his second career touchdown on a 13-yard pass from Tate.
Iowa’s defense suffocated the Badger offense the entire second half, limiting Wisconsin to only 39 total yards in the third quarter and 55 in the fourth, for a total of 94 yards in the second half. The Badgers gained 68 of their 94 second half yards on their final drive in the closing minutes. Nine of Wisconsin’s 12 offensive possessions resulted in punts, including eight straight. Iowa limited RB Brian Calhoun, who entered the game as the nation’s fourth-leading running back, to a season-low 18 yards on 15 carries, and also stopped his 10-game consecutive scoring streak.
Tate completed 21-34 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. RB Albert Young rushed 26 times for 127 yards and also caught four passes for 45 yards. WR Ed Hinkel collected four receptions for 50 yards.
LB Chad Greenway accumulated a game-high 12 tackles (7 solo). Iowa’s defensive line combined for five QB sacks. Mitch King and Kenny Iwebema each collected two sacks, while Ryan Bain had one sack. King was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
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 44-16 (.733) overall mark and a 27-11 (.711) Big Ten record the last five seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 55-40 (.579) and a 34-28 (.548) mark in Big Ten games. In 11 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 67-61 (.523).
Thirty of Iowa’s 95 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 4-3 vs. Wisconsin.
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.
NORTHWESTERN 21, IOWA 7
Northwestern scored the game’s first 14 points and held on to defeat Iowa for the second straight year, 21-7 at Kinnick Stadium. The loss was only Iowa’s third in its last 30 games at Kinnick Stadium.
The Wildcats scored touchdowns on two of their first three possessions to grab a 14-0 advantage. Northwestern’s second touchdown came after recovering an Iowa QB Drew Tate fumble on Iowa’s six yard line.
Trailing 14-0, Iowa trimmed the deficit to seven on a three-yard RB Damian Sims scoring run with 3:46 left in the third period. Iowa’s last two offensive possessions stalled on a punt and an interception, while Northwestern added its third touchdown late in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Tate completed 18-27 passes for 147 yards and had two interceptions and a fumble. RB Albert Young rushed 18 times for 72 yards, while WR Dominique Douglas caught a season-high seven passes for 78 yards to lead the Hawkeye offensive attack.
Northwestern QB C.J. Bacher completed 19-29 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown. RB Tyrell Sutton carried the ball 28 times for a game-high 168 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Iowa forced two interceptions by DB Charles Godfrey and DB Miguel Merrick. Iowa had two players post double-figures tackles: linebackers Mike Klinkenborg and Edmond Miles. Klinkenborg collected a career-high 16 tackles, including a sack, while Miles was credited with 10 stops, including one for loss, and a pass break-up.
FINAL GAME NOTES
? The loss to Northwestern was Iowa’s first home loss to a non-ranked opponent since falling 36-31 to Iowa State on Sept. 14, 2002. The Hawkeyes also lost to Michigan (23-20, OT) in 2005 and Ohio State (38-17) in 2006.
? Iowa failed to score on its opening possession. Iowa has not scored on its first drive in 10 games. Northwestern recorded a five-play, 80-yard touchdown scoring drive on its first possession. Four of Iowa’s opponents (Syracuse, Iowa State, Ohio State and Northwestern) have opened the game with touchdown drives.
? Dominique Douglas now tops the Iowa freshman receiver charts in both receptions and yards. Douglas caught seven passes for 78 yards. The Detroit native now has 39 receptions for 534 yards.
? RB Albert Young rushed 18 times for 72 yards. His 72 yards moved him past Levi Mitchell and into 10th in career rushing at Iowa. The junior tailback now has 1,967 career yards and is only 33 yards from 2,000.
? Northwestern forced three Iowa turnovers (a fumble and two interceptions). The Wildcats scored a touchdown on a two-play, six-yard drive after a Drew Tate fumble in the second quarter. Northwestern, who intercepted Iowa in the red zone in the second period, had a deflected pass intercepted by Miguel Merrick in the red zone to halt its drive at the end of the second period. The Wildcats also intercepted Tate late in the fourth period, which did not result in any points.
? Iowa forced two Northwestern turnovers (two interceptions). DB Miguel Merrick intercepted a pass inside the red zone at the six-yard line with seconds left in the half that did not result in any points. DB Charles Godfrey collected a theft in the third period that resulted in a seven-play, 54-yard drive, culminating with a three-yard RB Damian Sims touchdown run. Sims now has a team-best six touchdowns in 2006.
? Instant replay was not used, marking only the second Iowa game this season in which replay was not utilized. The other game was Iowa’s home contest vs. Purdue (10/7).
? P Andy Fenstermaker punted five times for 208 yards (41.6 average). Two of his four kicks were downed inside the 20, including one on the three. He had a long punt of 48.
? FB Champ Davis and OL Dace Richardson both returned to action. Davis missed the Northern Illinois contest after being injured at Michigan (10/21), while Richardson missed games at Michigan and vs. Northern Illinois after getting injured at Indiana (10/14). Davis saw action on special teams, while Richardson started at left tackle.
? Both Iowa and Northwestern were 7-13 (53.8%) on third-down conversions.
? The game vs. Northwestern marked the first time Iowa was limited to seven points at home since a 13-7 loss to Wisconsin on Oct. 28, 2000.
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 62nd consecutive game the Hawkeyes have been selected for television. The last Iowa contest not televised was against Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.
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 14-3 record in home games as a starter. The senior has completed 313-490 passes (.639) for 4,054 yards in 17 career starts in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2004 season. Tate has thrown 35 touchdowns and 16 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 (7,494), touchdown passes (54), completions (614), attempts (998) and total offense (7,568) and third in completion percentage (.615). 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 156-260 passes for 1,825 yards and 11 touchdowns this year. He ranks second in Big Ten passing (228.1), third in total offense (236.0) and sixth in pass efficiency (126.8). Tate’s total offense numbers rank him 25th in the country.
Tate has missed two games this season due to injury (Syracuse and Northern Illinois). The Hawkeyes won both contests in which Tate did not play.
The native of Baytown, TX, returned to the starting role last week vs. Northwestern. He completed 18-27 passes for 147 yards. Tate completed 15-28 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns vs. Montana. 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 25 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 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. He rushed 18 times for 72 yards last week vs. Northwestern. 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.
The junior ranks first in team all-purpose yards (751), second in rushing yards (541), third in receptions (27) and fifth in receiving yards (210). 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 10th in Iowa career rushing with 1,967 yards. The junior needs 166 yards to tie Dennis Mosley for ninth (2,133).
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 (245) is 32 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 nine 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), six vs. Northern Illinois (1-3 FG, 3-3 PAT) and only one vs. Northwestern (1-1 PAT). He has scored 56 points this season (11 FG, 23 PAT) and ranks 10th in Big Ten scoring (6.2). Schlicher ranks fourth in Big Ten field goals (1.22) and 32nd 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 245 career points, which ranks fourth in Iowa career scoring. He is 32 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 (1.48) and fourth in percentage (.790).
FROSH TOPS IOWA CHARTS
WR Dominique Douglas has caught 39 passes for 534 yards and two touchdowns, both tops in Iowa’s record books for a freshman wide receiver. He caught seven passes for 78 yards vs. Northwestern last week, which moved him past Kahlil Hill (35 receptions) and Danan Hughes (471 yards) for the Iowa freshman single-season records. Both Hill and Hughes established their numbers as redshort freshman.
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 on the team in receptions (40) and second in yards (466). 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-seven of his 40 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 caught three passes for 27 yards vs. Northwestern; one of his receptions was for a first down.
Chandler, who is the younger brother of former Hawkeye quarterback Nathan Chandler (2002-03), has 111 career receptions for 1,342 yards and nine touchdowns, a total that ranks 20th in Hawkeye annals. He is 19 yards from equaling Kerry Reardon (1,361) for 19th and 35 yards from matching Keith Chappelle (1,377) for 19th. Chandler ranks second in both categories among Iowa’s tight ends, trailing only Marv Cook (126-1,825).
WR Dominique Douglas leads the Hawkeye receiving corps with 534 yards and ranks second in receptions (39). 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 seven passes for 78 yards vs. Northwestern. The seven receptions were a season-best by Hawkeye receivers. He 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.
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 10th in the country in tackles per game (10.7). He leads Iowa with 107 tackles, 29 more than second-ranked LB Edmond Miles (78). Klinkenborg has recorded double-digit tackles in seven of 10 games. He was credited with a career-high 16 stops vs. Northwestern. He also amassed 14 tackles vs. Purdue, 13 vs. top-ranked Ohio State, 10 at Illinois, 12 at Syracuse and 11 vs. Montana. Klinkenborg amassed 11 tackles, including one for loss, and recovered one fumble vs. Northern Illinois.
CHRISTENSEN SHINES IN FIRST START
Redshirt freshman QB Jake Christensen started his first career game 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 565 yards and six 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.
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 was 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 will meet Minnesota for the 100th time next Saturday.
? Iowa ranks fourth in consecutive games without being shutout among Big Ten teams. Michigan ranks first (272), followed by Ohio State (161), Wisconsin (123) and Iowa (78).
? TE Scott Chandler ranks second in receptions and receiving yards among Iowa tight ends, trailing only Marv Cook (126-1,825).
? 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.
? 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 27 passes for 210 yards. His previous high was 24 established a year ago.
? Senior Andy Fenstermaker was on the watch list for the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation’s top punter.
? OL Mike Jones was 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 53 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 23, 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 81 of its last 89 games, including nine of its 10 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 83-of-95 games under Kirk Ferentz.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 37 offensive plays that went for 20 yards or more, 28 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 22 plays of 20 yards or more, 16 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. Northwestern recorded four plays of 20 yards or more, including the longest rush (34) and pass (48) against Iowa this season. The Hawkeyes held Michigan without a 20-yard play or better in week eight.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 48-35 in the first quarter, 75-44 in the second quarter, 64-58 in the fourth and 10-3 in overtime. Opponents have outscored the Hawkeyes 45-44 in the third quarter.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 5.9 yards on 311 first down plays, 5.6 yards on 225 second down plays, 5.1 yards on 127 third down plays and 5.6 yards on seven fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 39 scoring drives average 8.0 plays, 52.8 yards and 2:57 elapsed time. Twenty-one of the 39 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 30 scoring drives that average 7.8 plays, 57.8 yards and 3:20 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 36-45 (80.0%) in the red zone (26 TD, 10 FG); two of the 45 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 was 1-2 vs. Northwestern, scoring a touchdown and having a pass intercepted on the goal line. The Hawkeyes failed to convert a field goal (43 yards) after they 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 30 times, scoring on 23 (76.7%) of their possessions (18 TD, 5 FG); two of the 30 possessions were overtime possessions. Northwestern scored two touchdowns, missed a field goal and had a pass intercepted in its four red zone 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 54 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 after turnovers vs. Northern Illinois and Northwestern. The Hawkeyes did not collect any turnovers in games against Syracuse, Iowa State and Ohio State.
Hawkeye opponents have scored 35 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. Northwestern posted a touchdown after three Hawkeye turnovers. 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 concludes the regular season at Minnesota next Saturday (11:10 a.m., ESPN+).