Dec. 6, 2006
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2006 Alamo Bowl
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Bowl Tour: UI Alumni Association
Bowl Tour: Winebrenner Travel
IOWA TO MEET TEXAS IN ALAMO BOWL
Iowa (6-6, 2-6) will meet defending national champion Texas (9-3, 6-2) of the Big XII Conference in the 2006 Alamo Bowl. The bowl game will be played December 30 at 3:30 p.m. (CST) in the Alamodome (65,000). A sellout is expected.
ON THE TUBE
ESPN (HD) will televise the bowl game to a national cable audience. Sean McDonough, Chris Spielman and Rob Stone will call the action.
RADIO BROADCAST
The Alamo Bowl will be 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.
The Alamo Bowl can also be heard on XM Satellite Radio and select ESPN Radio stations. Dave Barnett, Bill Curry and Dave Ryan will call the action on ESPN Radio.
HAWKEYE HUDDLE AT ALAMO BOWL
The National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association invite all fans to the “Hawkeye Huddle” on Saturday, December 30, from Noon-2 p.m. (CST) in Ballroom A at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center in downtown San Antonio. The huddle is open to all Iowa fans and includes cash refreshments and snacks, Hawk Shop merchandise, special guest speakers, the Iowa Marching Band, UI Spirit Squad and Herky. The 2006 Alamo Bowl Hawkeye Huddle is sponsored by Eastern Iowa Airport.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,090 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 553-498-39 (.525). That includes a 349-194-16 (.639) record in home games, a 205-303-23 (.408) record in games away from Iowa City, a 273-336-25 (.450) mark in Big Ten games and a 232-160-15 (.588) record in Kinnick Stadium.
DID YOU KNOW…
This marks the second time in the last three years Iowa will play the defending national champion in a bowl game. Iowa defeated LSU (30-25) in the 2005 Capital One Bowl in Orlando, FL.
Iowa’s victory over LSU marked the second time in history the Hawkeyes knocked off a defending national champion. Iowa also defeated defending national champion Penn State (42-34) at State College in 1983. Additionally, Iowa tied defending national champion Notre Dame (14-14) at Iowa City in 1950.
IOWA’S BOWL HISTORY
Iowa will be playing in its 22nd bowl game, including its sixth straight. The streak started with Iowa defeating Texas Tech (19-16) in the 2001 Alamo Bowl. The Hawkeyes used the 2001 Alamo Bowl win as a springboard to four consecutive January bowl games; Iowa lost to USC (38-17) in the 2003 Orange Bowl, defeated Florida (37-17) in the 2004 Outback Bowl and LSU (30-25) in the 2005 Capital One Bowl and lost to Florida (31-24) in the 2006 Outback Bowl.
The Hawkeyes hold an 11-9-1 (.548) all-time bowl record. The Hawkeyes have competed in the Rose (five times), Holiday (three), Alamo (three), Peach (two), Sun (two), Outback (two) and the Orange, Capital One, Gator and Freedom Bowls once.
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HAWKEYES THIRD IN BOWL APPEARANCES
Iowa ranks third in Big Ten bowl appearances. Ohio State and Michigan have received a conference-best 38 bowl bids each, while the Hawkeyes have received 22 invitations. Wisconsin ranks fourth with 18.
Iowa, Penn State (24-12-2, .658) and Purdue (7-6, .538) are the only Big Ten teams with a winning percentage in bowl games.
IOWA IN THE ALAMO BOWL
Iowa will be making its fourth appearance in the Alamo Bowl. The Hawkeyes are 2-1 in the Alamo Bowl, winning their last two.
Iowa lost to California (37-3) in the very first Alamo Bowl in 1993. The Hawkeyes captured Alamo Bowl victories over Texas Tech in 1996 (27-0) and 2001 (19-16).
THE BIG TEN IN THE ALAMO BOWL
The Big Ten Conference is 7-5 in the Alamo Bowl.
Last year, Nebraska defeated Michigan 32-28. Iowa (2-1) has played in the Alamo Bowl more than any other Big Ten team. Purdue (2-0) and Michigan (0-2) have played in the bowl twice. Penn State (1-0), Wisconsin (1-0), Ohio State (1-0), Michigan State (0-1) and Northwestern (0-1) have been there once.
IOWA AMONG THE BIG TEN’S ELITE
Ohio State has the most conference victories the last five years with 33. Michigan ranks second (32) and Iowa (27) ranks third during that time span. Michigan (26) has won the most league contests the last four years, followed by Ohio State (25) and Iowa (19).
FINAL GAME FOR SENIORS
A total of 18 Iowa players will be taking part in a Hawkeye football game for the final time on Dec. 30: 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.
HAWKEYES EARN BIG TEN ACCOLADES
Five Hawkeyes earned first or second team all-Big Ten honors. OL Mike Jones earned first team laurels by the coaches and second team honors by the media. OL Marshal Yanda was recognized on the coaches’ second team. TE Scott Chandler was named to the coaches’ second team. DB Marcus Paschal earned second team accolades by the coaches. LB Mike Klinkenborg earned second team all-league recognition by the media. Earning honorable mention honors were: OL Mike Elgin (coaches and media), PK Kyle Schlicher (coaches and media), DE Bryan Mattison (coaches and media), LB Mike Klinkenborg (coaches), OL Marshal Yanda (media), DB Marcus Paschal (media), DB Adam Shada (media), DB Miguel Merrick (media) and P Andy Fenstermaker (coaches).
THREE HAWKEYES NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA
For the first time in school history, the Iowa football team has placed three players on the first Academic All-America Team. The team is voted on by the College Sports Information Directors of America.
Named to the elite first team are OL Mike Elgin, LB Mike Klinkenborg and DB Adam Shada. Elgin is a repeat member of the first unit. Shada and Klinkenborg were members of the district all-America team last year. No other school in the nation had three first-team selections.
Iowa’s three academic all-Americans join eight others from the Big Ten. The 11 honorees from the Big Ten represent more than any other conference.
IOWA RANKS AMONG NATION’S BEST
Iowa has the ninth-best graduation rate for student-athletes in the sport of football among the 64 schools that will be represented in the 32 bowl games. Iowa has a graduation rate of 72 percent for the group of student-athletes who enrolled in the University of Iowa in the fall semester of 1999, according to information the University of Iowa provided the NCAA. The Hawkeyes are the second-highest ranked Big Ten team behind third-ranked Penn State (83%). Boston College (92%) ranked first.
IN THE RANKINGS
Texas ranks 19th in the BCS rankings, 16th in the USA Today Coaches poll, 17th in the Harris poll and 18th by the Associated Press. Iowa is not ranked.
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
HAWKEYES IN THE ALAMODOME
Iowa has had 11 players that have played in the Alamodome. DL Ryan Bain, TE Tyler Blum, QB Jake Christensen, OL Dan Doering, TE Tony Moeaki, OL Dace Richardson and WR Trey Stross all played in the 2005 Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, TX. Other players who have played in the all-American game include: QB Drew Tate (2003), DE Bryan Mattison (2003), OL Mike Jones (2003) and P Ryan Donahue (2006).
IOWA, ALAMO BOWL NOTES
• The Hawkeyes will be the home team in the 2006 Alamo Bowl and will wear their black jerseys.
• Iowa will be making its fourth trip to the Alamodome, having played in three previous Alamo Bowls. Texas will be making its third appearance in the dome. Texas defeated SMU (1993) and lost to Nebraska (1999) in the Alamodome.
• The 2001 Alamo Bowl, that featured Iowa and Texas Tech, was the third-highest attended Alamo Bowl (65,232).
• Iowa and Texas Tech combined for an Alamo Bowl record seven field goals in 2001. Iowa’s Nate Kaeding made four field goals in that contest, which are the second-most by a player in the Alamo Bowl. Texas A&M’s Kyle Brant converted five in 2005.
• 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 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 20th-best in the country.
• Iowa averaged 237.0 yards passing in its 12 regular season games, a single-season average that ranks seventh-best at Iowa.
• Iowa has four players that cracked the Iowa history books for their respective single-season totals. QB Drew Tate ranks ninth in total offense (2,463) and 10th in passing yards (2,349), WR Dominique Douglas ranks 30th in receiving yards (614), LB Mike Klinkenborg ranks 17th in tackles (129) and PK Kyle Schlicher ranks 27th in scoring (65).
• Dominique Douglas ranks first in the country among true freshmen wide receivers in receptions (46) and second in receiving yards (614). Akron’s David Harvey ranks first in yards (906).
• In Big Ten games, Iowa allowed just seven punt returns for 23 yards.
• Iowa QB Drew Tate has completed 59 career touchdown passes, a total that ties Wisconsin’s Darrell Bevell (1992-95) for ninth in Big Ten history.
• Iowa ranks 27th in the country in passing offense (237.0), 29th in total offense (385.0) and 33rd in punt returns (10.96). Individually, LB Mike Klinkenborg ranks eighth in the nation in tackles (10.8) and QB Drew Tate ranks 15th in total offense (246.3).
• All four of DE Bryan Mattison’s forced fumbles, which rank 19th nationally, came during conference play.
• Texas ranks second in the country in rushing defense (58.8), fifth in scoring offense (36.8), ninth in passing efficiency (157.1), 10th in punt returns (14.0), 11th in sacks (3.0) and 16th in turnover margin (+8). Individually, QB Colt McCoy ranks fifth in passing efficiency (164.1) and DB Aaron Ross ranks 20th in interceptions (.42) and punt returns (11.5).
• Iowa and Texas are tied for ninth in the country in fourth-down conversion percentage (.667). The Hawkeyes are 6-9, while the Longhorns are 10-15.
• Both Iowa and Texas boast their best scoring margins in the second quarter. Texas has out-scored opponents 163-51 and Iowa 99-65 in the second quarter.
• Texas is 68-7 (.907) when scoring first under Head Coach Mack Brown.
• The Iowa roster includes six players from the state of Texas. They are senior TE Scott Chandler, freshman WR James Cleveland, redshirt freshman DB Justin Edwards, junior DB Charles Godfrey, junior DE Kenny Iwebema and senior QB Drew Tate.
• All five of Iowa’s regular season road games (Syracuse, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota) were played on field turf. The Alamo Bowl also has field turf.
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 five 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 44-18 (.710) overall mark and a 27-13 (.675) Big Ten record the last five seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 55-42 (.567) and a 34-30 (.531) mark in Big Ten games. In 11 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 67-63 (.515).
Thirty-one of Iowa’s 97 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 has not coached against Texas.
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.
SCOUTING TEXAS
Texas, ranked as high as second in both major polls (Sept. 10), lost its last two games after starting the season 9-1. The Longhorns (9-3) dropped games to Ohio State (24-7), Kansas State (45-42) and Texas A&M (12-7). Texas, in making its first Alamo Bowl appearance, finished second in the Big XII South Division with a 6-2 league mark. The Longhorns are the only Division I-A program to have posted nine consecutive nine-win seasons.
The Longhorns rank first in the Big XII in scoring offense (36.8), rushing defense (58.8), punt returns (14.0) and passing efficiency (157.1). QB Colt McCoy ranks first in the conference in passing efficiency (164.1), RB Jamaal Charles ranks second in rushing yards (73.2) and WR Limas Sweed ranks eighth in receiving yards (118.8). McCoy has thrown a school single-season record 27 touchdowns this season. The 27 scores rank second in NCAA history for a freshman behind Nevada’s David Neill’s 29, established in 1998. McCoy has tossed two touchdowns or more in nine of his 12 starts this season. Sweed has caught 11 touchdowns this season, which ranks second in a single-season at Texas behind Roy Williams’ 12, set in 2002.
Texas enters the Alamo Bowl having won four of its last five bowl games and has a 5-3 bowl record under Head Coach Mack Brown. The Longhorns have a 22-21-2 record all-time in bowls, including a 41-38 win over USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl, giving Texas its fourth national championship.
TEXAS COACH MACK BROWN
Mack Brown has guided Texas to a bowl every year since taking over as head coach in 1998. The nine straight bowls match the Longhorns’ longest streak since they went to nine consecutive bowls from 1977-85. Brown, who is the only active Division I-A head coach that has won at least nine games in each of the past 11 seasons, has served as a head coach for 23 years and has compiled a 177-96-1 (.648) record. He is 92-22 (.807) in the nine seasons on the Longhorn sidelines. Brown has mentored Texas to three Cotton and Holiday Bowls and back-to-back Rose Bowl appearances. A victory over Iowa in the Alamo Bowl would give Brown and the Longhorns double-figure wins six consecutive seasons. Brown is the NCAAs winningest coach the last 10 years, boasting a 112-25 (.818) record. He has led his teams to a bowl in each of his last 15 seasons, which is the second-longest active streak in the nation behind Florida State coach Bobby Bowden (25).
THE SERIES
Iowa leads the series 1-0. The Hawkeyes defeated the Longhorns, 55-17 in the inaugural Freedom Bowl in Anaheim, CA, 1984. Ferentz was an Iowa assistant coach at the time.
IOWA VS. THE BIG XII
Iowa holds an all-time record of 66-63-3 (.511) against current members of the Big 12 Conference, having met all but Baylor at least once. The Hawkeyes have played Colorado (0-2), Iowa State (36-18), Kansas (4-6), Kansas State (5-1), Missouri (5-7), Nebraska (12-26), Oklahoma (0-1), Oklahoma State (1-1), Texas (1-0), Texas A&M (0-1) and Texas Tech (2-0).
COMMON OPPONENTS
Iowa and Texas share two common 2006 opponents: Iowa State and Ohio State. The Hawkeyes and Longhorns both defeated the Cyclones, and both lost to the Buckeyes in home games. Iowa defeated Iowa State (27-17) and lost to Ohio State (38-17). Texas defeated Iowa State (37-14) and fell to Ohio State (24-7).
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LAST MEETING
Iowa QB Chuck Long’s passing performance surpassed all previous bowl games as the Hawkeyes routed Texas 55-17 in the inaugural Freedom Bowl. Long completed 29-39 passes for 461 yards and six touchdowns despite a steady rain throughout the contest. Iowa scored 31 unanswered points in the third quarter. Long’s third quarter totals were 12-14 passes for 241 yards and four scores. Both Robert Smith and Bill Happel had over 100 yards receiving. Smith caught four passes for 115 yards, while Happel had eight receptions for 104 yards. Iowa’s defense forced five turnovers (2 interceptions, 3 fumbles).
Currently there are seven Iowa team and eight individual bowl records that were established in the 1984 Freedom Bowl.
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
The Alamo Bowl will mark the 64th 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
Two defensive starters are closing in on 200 career tackles. DB Miguel Merrick, who was an honorable mention all-Big Ten honoree by the media, has been credited with 194. DB Marcus Paschal, who earned second team all-conference honors by the coaches, has amassed 196. Iowa players have reached the 200-tackle plateau 56 times in the program’s history, including LB Edmond Miles, who became the 56th Hawkeye to record 200 tackles when he posted four tackles in the regular season finale at Minnesota. Miles has exactly 200 career stops.
TATE AMONG HAWKEYE ELITE
Drew Tate joined 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 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 third in overall victories.
TATE CLIMBS CAREER CHARTS
QB Drew Tate, who was 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 (8,018), touchdown passes (59), completions (650), attempts (1,065) and total offense (8,143) and third in completion percentage (.610). 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 59 career touchdown passes ties Wisconsin’s Darrell Bevell (1992-95) for ninth in Big Ten history.
Tate has completed 192-327 passes for 2,349 yards and 16 touchdowns this year. He ranks second in Big Ten passing (234.9) and total offense (246.3) and fifth in pass efficiency (127.9). Tate’s total offense numbers rank him 15th in the country.
Tate has thrown two touchdown passes or more in 22 career games, including 19 of his last 27 dating back to 2004. He has tossed three or more touchdowns in seven career contests, including three times in 2006.
The senior eclipsed the 300-yard passing plateau seven times in his career, including once this season. He completed 26-36 passes for 354 yards and two scores at Minnesota in the regular season finale. The 354 yards ranks 15th in Iowa single-game history and is Tate’s second-highest total in his career behind a 357-yard performance at Purdue on his 21st birthday in 2005.
Tate 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. Against 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 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.
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.
YOUNG AND SIMS LEAD IOWA’S RUSHING ATTACK
RB Albert Young ranks ninth in Iowa career rushing with 2,141 yards. The junior needs only 36 yards to tie Eddie Phillips for eighth (2,177).
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. 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. Against Minnesota, Young carried the ball 25 times for a season-high 133 yards and a score to top the 100-yard mark for the second time this season and tenth time in his career.
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 (165) and rushing yards (715), second in team all-purpose yards (940), third in receptions (30) and fifth in receiving yards (225). He ranks ninth in Big Ten rushing (59.6).
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. He averaged 139.6 yards rushing per game during the streak. 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).
RB Damian Sims ranks second on the Hawkeyes in rushing and first in all-purpose yards. Sims has 120 rushing attempts for 638 yards (5.3 avg.) and six touchdowns. Sims also ranks first in all-purpose yardage with 953. He is 47 yards from reaching the 1,000-yard plateau.
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.
Both Sims and Young have rushed for a team-best six touchdowns each.
SCHLICHER MOVES UP THE CHARTS
PK Kyle Schlicher made his 50th career field goal at Minnesota. He now ranks third in career field goals made at Iowa. Schlicher needs four 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 career scoring. Schlicher (254) is 23 points from tying Nichol (277) for third.
SCHLICHER THE KICKER
Senior PK Kyle Schlicher earned honorable mention all-Big Ten laurels this season. Schlicher did not play in the season opener due to injury, but handled PATs and field goals the last 11 regular 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), three vs. Wisconsin (3-3 PAT) and six at Minnesota (1-1 FG, 3-3 PAT). He has scored 65 points this season (12 FG, 29 PAT) and ranks sixth in Big Ten kicking scoring (5.9). Schlicher ranks sixth in Big Ten field goals (1.09) and 45th nationally.
Schlicher, who was 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. Schlicher was a Groza semifinalist and earned second team all-league accolades in 2005.
The Ankeny native has 254 career points, which ranks fourth in Iowa career scoring. He is 23 points from equaling Tom Nichol (277) for third place.
Schlicher is 50-63 (.794) in career field goal attempts, including 8-17 from beyond 40 yards, and 103-108 on PATs. He has only missed five field goals under 39 yards (40-45). Schlicher has made two field goals or more in 15 contests.
FROSH TOPS IOWA CHARTS
WR Dominique Douglas has been named to The Sporting News’ Freshman All-America third team. He has caught 46 passes for 614 yards and two touchdowns, both tops in Iowa’s record books for a freshman wide receiver. Douglas 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 freshmen.
CHANDLER AND DOUGLAS LEAD HAWKEYE RECEIVERS
TE Scott Chandler, a second all-Big Ten selection by the coaches, has had a solid 2006 campaign. The senior ranks second in team receptions (44) and yards (555). Chandler has had touchdown receptions in six games – a six-yard reception vs. Montana, a one-yard grab at Syracuse, a four-yarder vs. Purdue, a 19-yard score at Indiana, a 10-yard reception vs. Northern Illinois and a three-yarder at Minnesota.
Thirty of his 44 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 and three for 25 yards and a touchdown at Minnesota.
Chandler, who is the younger brother of former Hawkeye quarterback Nathan Chandler (2002-03), has 115 career receptions for 1,431 yards and 10 touchdowns, a total that ranks 18th in Hawkeye annals. He is only seven yards from equaling Robert Smith (1,438) for 17th and 47 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 614 yards and 46 receptions. 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 six passes for 67 yards at Minnesota. Douglas native 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, the first reception of his career.
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KLINKENBORG EARNED NATIONAL HONOR
Despite losing his father Sept. 10, junior LB 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. Klinkenborg is one of three Hawkeyes (Adam Shada and Mike Elgin) to earn academic first team all-America 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 129 tackles, 36 more than second-ranked LB Edmond Miles (93). Klinkenborg earned second all-Big Ten accolades by the media. He has recorded double-digit tackles in nine of 12 games. He was credited with a career-high 16 stops vs. Northwestern. He also amassed 10 tackles at Minnesota, 12 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 stands 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, who is a two-time first team academic all-American, 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.
Elgin was an honorable mention all-Big Ten honoree by both the media and coaches.
IOWA NOTES
• Iowa’s 546 yards total offense and 364 yards passing at Minnesota is the fourth and fifth-highest total in a single-game, respectively, under Coach Ferentz.
• Iowa failed to score on its first possession in every regular season game. Five of Iowa’s opponents (Syracuse, Iowa State, Ohio State, Northwestern and Minnesota) opened the game with touchdown drives.
• Back-up QB Jason Manson started at wide receiver in Iowa’s last two regular season contests and is listed as a starter at wide receiver on the bowl game’s depth chart.
• Three Iowa players have picked-off a team-best three passes this season (DB Miguel Merrick, DB Adam Shada and LB Mike Humpal).
• 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 (.846, 22-4) boasts the 11th-best home winning percentage in the country over the last four years (2003-06); Texas ranks eighth (.880, 22-3).
• Iowa ranks fourth in consecutive games without being shutout among Big Ten teams. Michigan ranks first (274), followed by Ohio State (163), Wisconsin (125) and Iowa (80).
• TE Scott Chandler ranks second in career receptions (115) and receiving yards (1,431) 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 four straight contests after being injured vs. Michigan.
• Iowa played the nation’s top-two teams in Ohio State (L, 38-17) and Michigan (L, 20-6) this season.
• Iowa is 6-9 (.667) on fourth down conversions this season.
• 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 30 passes for 225 yards. His previous high was 24 established a year ago.
• Both LB Chris Brevi (foot) and DB Ma’Quan Dawkins (knee) missed the 2006 season and will receive medical redshirts. Brevi is a junior, while Dawkins is a senior. WR Calvin Davis missed the final 10 games 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 55 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) will not 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 finished among the top three in the Big Ten standings three of the last five 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 83 of its last 91 games, including 11 of 12 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 85-of-97 games under Kirk Ferentz.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 46 offensive plays that went for 20 yards or more, 35 via the pass and 11 on the ground. WR Andy Brodell caught a game and career-high 52-yard pass vs. Purdue and a 50-yarder at Minnesota, 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 30 plays of 20 yards or more, 23 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 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) against Iowa this season. Wisconsin had four passing plays over 20 yards. Minnesota posted four big plays, including the longest pass Iowa yielded this year – a 64-yard touchdown. The Hawkeyes held Michigan without a 20-yard play or better in week eight.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 55-51 in the first quarter, 99-65 in the second quarter, 78-72 in the fourth and 10-3 in overtime. Opponents have outscored the Hawkeyes 52-44 in the third quarter.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 6.0 yards on 370 first down plays, 5.9 yards on 266 second down plays, 5.2 yards on 148 third down plays and 4.3 yards on nine fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 46 scoring drives average 7.9 plays, 55.9 yards and 2:57 elapsed time. Twenty-six of the 46 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 39 scoring drives that average 8.0 plays, 58.0 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.
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IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 41-51 (80.4%) in the red zone (30 TD, 11 FG); two of the 51 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 were 3-4 (2 TD, 1 FG) at Minnesota, with the Golden Gophers intercepting a Drew Tate pass in the end zone on Iowa’s fourth red zone possession. 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 38 times, scoring on 30 (78.9%) of their possessions (24 TD, 6 FG); two of the 38 possessions were overtime possessions. Minnesota was 4-5 in the regular season finale, scoring four touchdowns and missing a field goal attempt. 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 63 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. Minnesota scored three touchdowns after five Hawkeye miscues in the regular season finale. 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.
HAWK TALK WITH GARY DOLPHIN
Gary Dolphin, the play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes, will host an Alamo Bowl special of “Hawk Talk” from San Antonio on December 28. The show will start at 7 p.m. and last 90 minutes. The show will air on the Hawkeye Radio Network. The San Antonio location has yet to be determined.