Nov. 13, 2006
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IOWA AND MINNESOTA MEET FOR 100TH TIME
Iowa (6-5, 2-5) travels to Minnesota (5-6, 2-5) Saturday for its final regular season contest. Saturday’s game will be the 100th meeting between the two schools. Game time is 11:10 a.m. in the HHH Metrodome (64,172). 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 197.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,089 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 553-497-39 (.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 273-335-25 (.451) mark in Big Ten games and a 232-160-15 (.588) record in Kinnick Stadium.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 10-8-1 in games played on Nov. 18. The Hawkeyes defeated Missouri 34-12 in 1893, Knox 33-0 in 1899, Drake 44-0 in 1905, Iowa State 19-16 in 1916, Ohio State 12-9 in 1922, Purdue 14-6 in 1933 and 24-0 in 1989, Minnesota 13-9 in 1939 and Wisconsin 38-24 in 1978 and 33-20 in 1995. Iowa lost to Missouri 34-0 in 1895, Iowa State 9-0 in 1911, Minnesota 46-0 in 1944 and 27-24 in 2000, Michigan 23-14 in 1961, Miami 44-0 in 1966, Ohio State 21-10 in 1967 and Indiana 16-8 in 1972. Iowa and Notre Dame tied 14-14 in 1950.
FLOYD OF ROSEDALE
As a result of a bet between the governors of the two states in 1935, possession of Floyd of Rosedale is at stake Saturday. The bronze pig traveling trophy is currently in the hands of the Hawkeyes as a result of their 52-28 triumph in Iowa City last season. Minnesota holds a 38-31-2 advantage in the series with Floyd of Rosedale on the line. Iowa has won the last five meetings.
HAWKEYE HUDDLE
The National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association invite all fans to the “Hawkeye Huddle” from 7-9 p.m. prior to the Minnesota game Friday. The “Hawkeye Huddle” will be held at the Marriott City Center, located at 30 South Seventh Street in Minneapolis. The free reception features refreshments, snacks, Hawk Shop door prizes, Herky, and the Iowa cheerleaders.
IOWA AMONG THE BIG TEN’S ELITE
Michigan and Ohio State have the most conference victories the last five years with 32. Iowa (27) ranks third during that time span. Michigan (26) has won the most league contests the last four years, followed by Ohio State (24) and Iowa (19).
IOWA, MINNESOTA NOTES
? Since the 2000 season, Iowa is 15-7 in November games with five of the seven losses coming by six points or less. Over the last four years, Iowa is 10-4 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. A win Saturday would make the Golden Gophers bowl eligible. Currently there are six Big Ten teams bowl eligible (Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, Iowa and Purdue).
? PK Kyle Schlicher established an Iowa single-game record for field goals (5) and kicking points (17) in Iowa’s 29-27 triumph at Minnesota in 2004, making all five field goal attempts and both PAT attempts. The five field goals also matched a Big Ten record.
? Iowa has only had two offensive players start all 11 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 has posted 33 overall wins the last four years (2003-06), a total that ranks 18th-best in the country. USC ranks first with 45.
? Iowa’s Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker and Minnesota Coach Glen Mason, were on the same coaching staff at Illinois in 1977. Mason and Iowa assistant Ken O’Keefe coached at Allegheny College early in their careers, but not at the same time.
? 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 (40) and second in receiving yards (547). Akron’s David Harvey ranks first in yards (874).
? In Big Ten games, Iowa has allowed just six punt returns for 12 yards.
? Iowa QB Drew Tate has completed 57 career touchdowns, a total that ties Ohio State’s Bobby Hoying (1992-95) for ninth in Big Ten history.
? Iowa ranks 32nd in the country in scoring defense (19.0), 34th in pass efficiency defense (114.7) and 36th in passing offense (144.9). Individually, LB Mike Klinkenborg ranks eighth in tackles (10.8) and QB Drew Tate ranks 29th in total offense (233.1).
? All four of DE Bryan Mattison’s forced fumbles, which rank 13th nationally, have come during conference play.
? Purdue senior defensive lineman William VanDeSteeg is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after establishing recording five solo tackles, including a career-high four sacks for 33 yards lost in Minnesota’s victory at Michigan State. The four sacks tie the third-highest single-game total in Big Ten history and equal Karon Riley’s program mark set against Iowa on Nov. 18, 2000.
? Minnesota ranks eighth nationally in turnover margin (+12), 27th in kickoff returns (22.3) and 32nd in punt returns (11.0). Individually, Dominic Jones ranks 24th in the nation in punt returns (11.5), William VanDeSteeg ranks 27th in sacks (.73), RB Amir Pinnix ranks 28th in rushing (88.6) and QB Bryan Cupito ranks 35th in pass efficiency (138.1).
? The Iowa roster includes three players from the state of Minnesota. They are junior FB Tom Busch (Cottage Grove), redshirt freshman OL Rafael Eubanks (St. Paul) and true freshman DE Karl Klug (Caledonia). The Gophers have two Iowans on their roster. They are redshirt freshman TE Chris Mensen (Solon) and true freshman DB T.J. Wentzel (Emmetsburg).
? All five Iowa road games this year (Syracuse, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota) will be played on field turf.
THE SERIES
Minnesota holds a 58-39-2 advantage in the series that began with a 42-4 Gopher victory in 1891. Iowa has won five straight in the series and 10 of the last 13, including last year’s 52-28 win in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes averaged 39.7 points per game in their last 10 victories over the Golden Gophers. Minnesota holds a 35-14-1 advantage in games played in Minneapolis. The Hawkeyes won the last meeting in Minneapolis (29-27) in 2004.
MINNESOTA TOPS MICHIGAN STATE
QB Bryan Cupito became Minnesota’s all-time leading passer and threw a pair of second-half touchdown passes to help the Golden Gophers pull away for a 31-18 victory over Michigan State and win their second straight contest. Michigan State returned a blocked punt for a score and had a safety, taking a 9-0 lead midway through the first quarter. Minnesota went ahead for good with 8:53 left in the first half when Mario Reese sacked Brian Hoyer, whose fumble was returned 48 yards by Steve Davis to give the Gophers a 14-9 advantage. Cupito’s 37-yard TD pass to Ernie Wheelwright gave Minnesota a 24-12 lead midway through the third period. He connected with Logan Payne on a 41-yard score early in the fourth quarter to give the Gophers a 19-point lead. Cupito completed 16-28 passes for 243 yards — 6,916 for his career — with two TDs. Logan caught five passes for 96 yards and a score. Amir Pinnix had 113 yards rushing on 23 carries. The Gophers defense limited the Spartans to only three rushing yards on 28 attempts.
MINNESOTA COACH GLEN MASON
Glen Mason is in his 21st season as a college head coach, including his 10th at Minnesota. Mason has a career record of 122-120-1 (.504) and a 63-56 (.529) record at Minnesota. Mason previously served as the head coach at Kansas (1988-96) and Kent State (1986-87) and he was an assistant at Ohio State (1978-85), Illinois (1975), Iowa State (1976-77), Ball State (1974) and Allegheny College (1973). Mason has led the Gophers to six bowl games, including victories over Arkansas in the 2002 Music City Bowl (29-14), Oregon in the 2003 Sun Bowl (31-30) and Alabama in the 2004 Music City Bowl (20-16). Minnesota also earned berths in the 1999 Sun Bowl, 2000 MicronPC.com Bowl and 2005 Music City Bowl. Mason was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1999.
Mason is 3-6 vs. Iowa as a head coach and 2-5 vs. Hawkeye Coach Kirk Ferentz.
LAST MEETING
Iowa led from start to finish en route to a 52-28 victory over Minnesota on “Senior Day” in Kinnick Stadium. The victory kept Floyd of Rosedale in Iowa City a fifth consecutive year. The 52 points is the second-most by Iowa in the 99-game series history.
For the second straight year Iowa scored on its first five possessions against Minnesota. The Hawkeyes scored on six of their seven first half possessions, including touchdowns on their first five.
WR Ed Hinkel shined in his final game in Kinnick Stadium, collecting career highs in receptions (7), receiving yards (151) and touchdowns (4). The four TD receptions established a new Kinnick Stadium record and matched the school record previously set by Quinn Early vs. Northwestern on Nov. 7, 1987. Hinkel’s efforts earned him Big Ten co-Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Running backs Albert Young and Damian Sims both rushed for over 100 yards. Young carried the ball 21 times for 103 yards and one touchdown, while Sims collected 104 yards and one score on eight attempts. His 71-yard touchdown run in the second quarter is a career long and the longest rush from scrimmage in 2005 for the Hawkeyes.
QB Drew Tate completed 19-32 passes for 351 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. Tate topped 300 yards passing for the second time in 2005 and fifth time in his career.
Iowa posted season highs in total yards (613) and first downs (28). The 613 yards is the most gained since the Hawkeyes racked-up 602 total yards vs. Northwestern on Nov. 10, 2001.
Defensively, LB Abdul Hodge collected a game-high 19 tackles (13 solo), while LB Chad Greenway registered 15 tackles (10 solo). DB Jovon Johnson intercepted a pass and also registered nine tackles.
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 44-17 (.720) overall mark and a 27-12 (.690) Big Ten record the last five seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 55-41 (.570) and a 34-29 (.530) mark in Big Ten games. In 11 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 67-62 (.510).
Thirty-one of Iowa’s 96 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (14-17) and 32 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (12-20).
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 5-2 vs. Minnesota and Golden Gopher Coach Glen Mason.
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.
WISCONSIN 24, IOWA 21
Wisconsin snapped a four-game losing streak to Iowa with a 24-21 victory in Kinnick Stadium. The win gives the Badgers’ possession of the Heartland Trophy for the first time since it was introduced in 2004.
Wisconsin back-up QB Tyler Donovan completed 17-24 passes and threw two touchdown passes and WR Luke Swan caught four passes for a game-high 113 yards and a touchdown to lead the Badgers to victory.
The Badgers grabbed an early 10-0 lead, but the Hawkeyes erased the early deficit with consecutive seven-play touchdown drives capped by QB Drew Tate scoring passes to TE Tony Moeaki (4 yards) and FB Tom Busch (3 yards). Wisconsin reclaimed the lead 17-14 on a 42-yard touchdown pass from Donovan to Swan with 42 seconds left in the half.
The Badgers scored their final touchdown on a 15-play, 97-yard drive that consumed 7:40 early in the fourth period. Tate connected with WR Trey Stross for a 26-yard touchdown with 10:20 left to cut the Badger advantage to 24-21. The scoring reception was the first of Stross’ career. Iowa had two more possessions, but failed to score.
Wisconsin, who had allowed only three passing touchdowns the previous 10 games combined, allowed Tate to complete three in Iowa’s home finale. In addition to the three scoring strikes, Tate completed 10-31 passes for 170 yards. RB Damian Sims rushed seven times for 53 yards.
Wisconsin dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 38:48, compared to Iowa’s 21:12.
Defensively, Iowa had four players post double-digit tackles. DB Marcus Paschal was credited with a game and career-high 14. LB Mike Klinkenborg tallied 12, LB Edmond Miles amassed 11 and DT Matt Kroul collected a career-high 10. DT Mitch King had eight tackles (7 solo), including 1.5 for loss. DB Charles Godfrey and Bradley Fletcher each forced a fumble, while King and Paschal each recovered a fumble.
FINAL GAME NOTES
? Both Iowa and Wisconsin failed to score on their opening possession. Iowa has not scored on its first drive in 11 games. Four of Iowa’s opponents (Syracuse, Iowa State, Ohio State and Northwestern) have opened the game with touchdown drives.
? Iowa’s loss to Wisconsin marks its third loss of the season to a ranked opponent, as Iowa earlier lost to No. 1 Ohio State and at No. 3 Michigan. Iowa also lost consecutive home games for the first time since Oct. 21 and Oct, 28, 2000 when Ohio State and Wisconsin won, respectively, in Kinnick Stadium. The series between the two teams is even at 40-40-2.
? Iowa’s first scoring drive in the second period covered 88 yards (7 plays), making it Iowa’s third longest scoring drive of the season. Iowa had a 91 yard drive (8 plays) vs. Purdue and an 89 yard drive (9 plays) vs. Montana. The key play in the drive, a 64-yard completion from QB Drew Tate to TE Scott Chandler on a third down play, marks Iowa’s longest play from scrimmage this season and the longest reception of Chandler’s career.
? FB Tom Busch had a three-yard reception in the second period, his third scoring reception of the season. Bush had two-yard scoring receptions in wins over Iowa State and Purdue. Busch has just six receptions for 27 yards in 11 games.
? QB Drew Tate has thrown at least three scoring passes in seven career games, including games vs. Wisconsin, Iowa State and Montana this season. Tate also had four rushing attempts for 40 yards. His 26-yard run near the end of the second period matched a career-long, as he also had a 26 yard run vs. Northern Iowa in 2005.
? DB Bradley Fletcher had the first career forced fumble in the third period. The fumble was recovered by DT Mitch King, his first career recovery. Fletcher started his third straight game in place of the injured Adam Shada.
? P Andy Fenstermaker punted seven times for 274 yards (39.1 average). Three of his seven kicks were downed inside the 20, and he had a long punt of 46 yards. Iowa has allowed just 23 punt return yards this season.
? Wisconsin turned a pass interception into seven points in the first quarter, covering 26 yards in two plays following the theft and 28-yard return.
? Instant replay was used once in the game, with Wisconsin Coach Bret Bielema challenging a call on the field in which Iowa recovered a Wisconsin fumble. The call on the field, a recovery by Iowa’s Marcus Paschal, was upheld.
? Junior RB Albert Young rushed eight times for 41 yards. His 41 yards moved his career total to 2,008 yards. Young ranks 10th in career rushing at Iowa.
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 63rd consecutive game the Hawkeyes have been selected for television. The last Iowa contest not televised was against Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.
SENIORS APPROACH 200
Three defensive starters are closing in on 200 career tackles. LB Edmond Miles is only four tackles from 200, as he has accumulated 196 stops. DB Miguel Merrick has been credited with 189, while DB Marcus Paschal has amassed 187. Iowa players have reached the 200-tackle plateau 55 times in the program’s history.
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 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 (7,664), touchdown passes (57), completions (624), attempts (1,029) and total offense (7,778) and fourth in completion percentage (.606). 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). The 57 career touchdown passes ties Ohio State’s Bobby Hoying (1992-95) for ninth in Big Ten history.
Tate has completed 166-291 passes for 1,995 yards and 14 touchdowns this year. He ranks second in Big Ten passing (221.7) and total offense (233.1) and seventh in pass efficiency (124.3). Tate’s total offense numbers rank him 29th 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 vs. Northwestern. He completed 18-27 passes for 147 yards. Last week vs. Wisconsin, he completed 10-31 passes for 170 yards and three scores. 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 21 career games, including 18 of his last 26 dating back to 2004. He has tossed three or more touchdowns in seven career contests, including three of nine games in 2006.
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 RANKS AMONG IOWA’S TOP RUNNING BACKS
RB Albert Young ranks 10th in Iowa career rushing with 2,008 yards. The junior needs 125 yards to tie Dennis Mosley for ninth (2,133).
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 vs. Northwestern and eight times for 41 yards vs. Wisconsin.
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 rushing attempts (140), second in team all-purpose yards (801), rushing yards (582), touchdowns (5), third in receptions (29) and fifth in receiving yards (219). He ranks 10th in Big Ten rushing (52.9).
Young 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).
SIMS LEADS IOWA’S RUSHING ATTACK
RB Damian Sims ranks first on the Hawkeyes in rushing and all-purpose yards. Sims, who ranks ninth in Big Ten rushing (54.6), has 114 rushing attempts for 601 yards (5.3 avg.) and a team-best six touchdowns. Sims also ranks first in all-purpose yardage with 857.
Sims started two games this year (Purdue and Indiana) for injured starter Albert Young. Sims carried the ball 20 times for 155 yards and two scores against the Boilermakers. The 155 yards is a career-high, besting his 104 yards in last year’s contest vs. Minnesota.
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 (248) is 29 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 10 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), one vs. Northwestern (1-1 PAT) and three vs. Wisconsin (3-3 PAT). He has scored 59 points this season (11 FG, 26 PAT) and ranks sixth in Big Ten kicking scoring (5.9). Schlicher ranks sixth in Big Ten field goals (1.1) and 40th 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 248 career points, which ranks fourth in Iowa career scoring. He is 29 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 100-105 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.
FROSH TOPS IOWA CHARTS
WR Dominique Douglas has caught 40 passes for 547 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, 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 redshirt 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 (41) and second in yards (530). 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-eight of his 41 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. He caught one pass for 64 yards vs. Wisconsin.
Chandler, who is the younger brother of former Hawkeye quarterback Nathan Chandler (2002-03), has 112 career receptions for 1,406 yards and nine touchdowns, a total that ranks 18th in Hawkeye annals. He is 32 yards from equaling Robert Smith (1,438) for 17th and 72 yards from matching Karl Noonan (1,478) for 16th. 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 547 yards and ranks second in receptions (40). 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 eighth in the country in tackles per game (10.8). He leads Iowa with 119 tackles, 30 more than second-ranked LB Edmond Miles (89). Klinkenborg has recorded double-digit tackles in eight of 11 games. He was credited with a career-high 16 stops vs. Northwestern. He also amassed 12 tackles vs. Wisconsin, 14 vs. Purdue, 13 vs. 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.
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.
TATE DOMINANT AT HOME
QB Drew Tate compiled a 14-4 record in home games as a starter. The senior, completed 323-521 passes (.620) for 4,224 yards in 18 career starts in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2004 season. Tate threw 38 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He threw for two or more scores in 14 of the 18 contests.
IOWA NOTES
? Iowa has won 27 of its last 31 games in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2002 season. The Hawkeyes’ four losses came to Michigan (23-20 in overtime in 2005), Ohio State (38-17 in 2006), Northwestern (21-7 in 2006) and Wisconsin (24-21 in 2006).
? Iowa ranks fourth in consecutive games without being shutout among Big Ten teams. Michigan ranks first (273), followed by Ohio State (162), Wisconsin (124) and Iowa (79).
? TE Scott Chandler ranks second in career receptions (112)and receiving yards (1,406) 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. Shada has missed three straight contests after being injured vs. Michigan.
? Iowa 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 6-8 (.750) 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 29 passes for 219 yards. His previous high was 24 established a year ago.
? 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 54 regular season contests.
? Iowa is one of only four teams (USC, Georgia and Florida State) to appear in four straight January bowl games. Three of the previous mentioned teams (Georgia, Florida State and Iowa) are unlikely to appear in January bowl games this season.
? 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 24, 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 were 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 82 of its last 90 games, including 10 of its 11 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 84-of-96 games under Kirk Ferentz.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 42 offensive plays that went for 20 yards or more, 31 via the pass and 11 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. TE Scott Chandler had a career-long 64-yard reception vs. Wisconsin in week 11. 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 26 plays of 20 yards or more, 20 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. Wisconsin had four passing plays 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 48-45 in the first quarter, 89-51 in the second quarter, 71-65 in the fourth and 10-3 in overtime. Opponents have outscored the Hawkeyes 45-44 in the third quarter.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 5.8 yards on 334 first down plays, 5.7 yards on 240 second down plays, 5.3 yards on 138 third down plays and 4.9 yards on eight fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 42 scoring drives average 7.9 plays, 54.2 yards and 2:55 elapsed time. Twenty-three of the 42 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 34 scoring drives that average 7.8 plays, 57.8 yards and 3:23 elapsed time. Wisconsin posted an opponent-best 15-play, 97-yard drive that consumed 7:40 in week 11. 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 38-47 (80.9%) in the red zone (28 TD, 10 FG); two of the 45 possessions were overtime possessions. Iowa was perfect in the red zone vs. Montana (6-6), Iowa State (4-4), Ohio State (3-3), Purdue (7-7) and Wisconsin (2-2). 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 33 times, scoring on 26 (78.8%) of their possessions (20 TD, 6 FG); two of the 33 possessions were overtime possessions. Wisconsin scored two touchdowns and a field goal on its three 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 61 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, Northwestern and Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes did not collect any turnovers in games against Syracuse, Iowa State and Ohio State.
Hawkeye opponents have scored 42 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 and Wisconsin posted a touchdown after Hawkeye miscues. 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.