Jan. 10, 2007
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HAWKEYES LOOK TO 2007
The 2006 season began with Iowa winning five of its first six games and becoming a fixture in the nation’s top 20. The second half of the season was just the opposite as injuries took their toll and the Hawkeyes dropped five of their final six regular season games.
But, the Hawkeyes did well enough to get invited to their sixth straight bowl game and came excruciatingly close to an upset of the defending national champion Texas Longhorns in the Alamo Bowl, before succumbing (26-24). The game was played before the biggest sports crowd ever to witness a sporting event in the Alamodome. The game was also the most watched ESPN bowl game in the network’s history.
Despite finishing the campaign with a 6-7 record, Iowa has been able to sandwich a pair of Alamo Bowl visits (2001 and 2006) with four straight January bowl games. Iowa was just one of four teams in the nation to have played in four straight January bowl games. Only Southern California made it to a fifth as the Hawkeyes, Georgia and Florida State played in December.
Offensive lineman Mike Jones was named to the coaches first all-Big Ten team. Offensive lineman Marshal Yanda, linebacker Mike Klinkenborg, tight end Scott Chandler and defensive back Marcus Paschal were second team choices.
Iowa was the only team in the country to have three players represented on the first academic all-America team. They were offensive lineman Mike Elgin, defensive back Adam Shada and Klinkenborg. It was Elgin’s second straight year on the elite team.
The 2006 season didn’t follow the storyline most expected. A great effort by the Hawkeyes against Texas gave Iowa fans a good preview of what’s in store for next season as 14 starters return (eight on defense and six on offense).
The fact the Hawkeyes made it to the prestigious Alamo Bowl with a 6-6 record says much about the Iowa program built by Kirk Ferentz. It also says much about the Iowa fans who have shown their loyalty at every Hawkeye game, home and away.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,091 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 553-499-39 (.525). That includes a 349-195-16 (.638) record in home games, a 205-304-23 (.407) record in games away from Iowa City, a 272-336-25 (.449) mark in Big Ten games and a 232-159-15 (.590) record in Kinnick Stadium.
FOUR HAWKEYES TO PLAY IN ALL-STAR GAMES
TE Scott Chandler and OL Marshal Yanda will represent Iowa in the Senior Bowl played Jan. 27 in Mobile, AL. OL Mike Elgin will make the trip to Hawaii to play in the Hula Bowl Jan. 14 in Honolulu. QB Drew Tate will play in the East-West Shrine Game in Houston, TX on Jan. 20.
IOWA IN BOWL GAMES
Iowa is 11-10-1 (.523) in bowl games. Iowa, Penn State (25-12-2, .667) and Wisconsin (10-8, .556) are the only Big Ten teams who have a winning percentage in bowl games. The Hawkeyes have played in six straight bowl games. The Hawkeyes have competed in the Rose (five times), Alamo (four), Holiday (three), Peach (two), Sun (two), Outback (two) and the Orange, Capital One, Gator and Freedom Bowls once.
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 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).
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 placed three players on the first Academic All-America Team. No other school in the nation had three first-team selections. The team is voted on by the College Sports Information Directors of America.
Named to the elite first team were 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 in 2005.
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 among the 64 schools that were represented in the 32 bowl games. Iowa had 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.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2007
Iowa will have 14 starters returning, six on offense and eight on defense, in 2007. Additionally, the Hawkeyes will have to replace place kicker Kyle Schlicher and punter Andy Fenstermaker.
The returning starters on offense include center Rafael Eubanks, tackle Seth Olsen, fullback Tom Busch, running back Albert Young and receivers Dominique Douglas and Andy Brodell. The defensive starters returning include ends Kenny Iwebema and Bryan Mattison, tackles Matt Kroul and Mitch King, linebackers Mike Klinkenborg and Mike Humpal and cornerbacks Adam Shada and Charles Godfrey.
FERENTZ MOVES PAST EVASHEVSKI
Head Coach Kirk Ferentz is the second all-time winningest coach in Iowa history. Ferentz has 55 overall wins and 34 conference victories. Ferentz, who completed his eighth season as head coach at Iowa, moved ahead of Forest Evashevski (1952-60) in both rankings in 2006. 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.
ALAMO BOWL SETS VIEWING RECORD
Not only was there a record-crowd of 65,875 fans inside the Alamodome watching Iowa play Texas in the 2006 Alamo Bowl, but the game was ESPNs most-watched bowl game ever. The contest earned a 6.0 rating, which translates into 5,521,200 households and 8.83 million viewers when considering a 1.6-viewers-per household factor.
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), completed 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 44-19 (.698) overall mark and a 27-13 (.675) Big Ten record the last five seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 55-43 (.561) and a 34-30 (.531) mark in Big Ten games. In 11 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 67-64 (.511).
Thirty-two of Iowa’s 98 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (14-18) and 33 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (12-21).
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.
TEXAS 26, IOWA 24
Texas outscored Iowa 23-10 in the final three quarters en route to a 26-24 Alamo Bowl victory over the Hawkeyes in front of a bowl-record 65,875 fans in the Alamodome.
Iowa sprinted out of the gates, scoring touchdowns on its first two possessions. RB Albert Young scored on a one-yard run and WR Andy Brodell caught a 63-yard touchdown pass from QB Drew Tate. The 63-yard pass is the longest touchdown pass in Iowa bowl history.
After a Texas field goal, Iowa looked to stretch its lead to 21-3 on a nine-yard touchdown reception by TE Scott Chandler, but a flag negated the score. Texas intercepted a Tate pass in the end zone on the very next play. The Longhorns took advantage of Iowa’s misfortune and turned the turnover in seven points. Iowa took a 14-10 lead into the half.
The Longhorns scored the next 10 points on a 43-yard field goal and a 72-yard touchdown pass to grab a 20-14 advantage midway through the third period. Iowa quickly answered with a four-play, 68-yard drive that culminated with a 23-yard touchdown reception by Brodell.
Texas responded with a touchdown on the following possession to go up 26-21. Iowa added a PK Kyle Schlicher 38-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 26-24. The Longhorns became the first team to win the Alamo Bowl when trailing at the half.
Tate completed 15-25 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns. Brodell tied an Iowa bowl record with two touchdown receptions and matched a career high with 159 receiving yards on six receptions. Furthermore, the 159 yards is an Alamo Bowl receiving record, besting Michigan’s Amani Toomer’s 135 yards set in 1995.
Texas QB Colt McCoy was named the Most Outstanding Offensive Player. McCoy completed 26-40 passes for 308 yards and two scores. Four different Longhorn receivers had receptions that totaled 46 yards or more.
Four Hawkeyes recorded seven tackles or more. DB Miguel Merrick had a team-high eight tackles. DB Charles Godfrey and LB Ed Miles each were credited with seven stops. LB Zach Gabelmann, who started in place of injured LB Mike Klinkenborg, also collected a career-high seven tackles.
FINAL GAME NOTES
? Iowa’s game against Texas marked the second time in three years that Iowa played the defending national champions in its bowl game (LSU in the 2005 Capital One Bowl).
? The Alamo Bowl was Iowa’s fourth game against a ranked opponent in 2006. Iowa lost to top-ranked Ohio State (38-17), third-ranked Michigan (20-6), 16th-ranked Wisconsin (24-21) and 16th-ranked Texas (26-24).
? Iowa’s 26-24 defeat marked the fourth time in six years the Alamo Bowl final score was decided by four points or less.
? Iowa fell to 10-8 overall (7-6 Metrodome, 2-2 Alamodome, 1-0 Carrier Dome) in games played in domes, including a 4-3 record under Ferentz.
? Senior offensive lineman Mike Elgin was named the Alamo Bowl’s Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winner.
? Sophomore WR Andy Brodell’s 159 yards equals the 13th-best single-game receiving mark at Iowa and was nine yards shy of Dave Moritz’s Iowa bowl record of 168 set in the 1982 Peach Bowl.
? Iowa finished its season completing 248-423 passes for 3,118 yards. Iowa’s 239.8 passing average, ranks seventh-best in Iowa single-season history.
? Returning from injuries were DB Adam Shada and DL Kenny Iwebema, both of whom started. Shada and Iwebema each had three tackles.
? RB Damian Sims eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing in his career after his 26 yards on 12 carries in the bowl game. He now has 1,005 yards.
? Senior LB Ed Miles had seven tackles, raising his career total to 207. The 207 tackles tie Brian Wise and Jon LaFleur for 50th in Iowa career tackles.
? Senior DB Miguel Merrick had eight tackles, raising his career total to 202. The 202 tackles tie Mike Dailey for 54th.
? The Hawkeyes held the Longhorns to 70 yards rushing, the lowest total by an Iowa opponent since Montana’s 10 yards in the season opener. Iowa held four 2006 opponents to under 100 yards rushing (Montana, 10; Syracuse, 70; Northern Illinois, 73; Texas, 70). Texas’ 70 yards tied its lowest rushing total of 2006.
? RB Albert Young had a 26-yard run to Texas’ one-yard line on Iowa’s opening possession. The 26-yard run was his longest of the season, besting a 21-yarder at Syracuse.
? WR Andy Brodell caught a 63-yard touchdown pass from QB Drew Tate on the first play of Iowa’s second offensive possession. The 63-yard touchdown pass is the longest in Iowa bowl history, surpassing 57-yard scoring passes twice (1982 Peach Bowl and 2005 Capital One Bowl) and is the fifth-longest reception in Alamo Bowl history. The 63-yarder is the longest of Brodell’s career, besting a 52-yard catch vs. Purdue in 2006. The 63-yard pass play was Iowa’s second longest, and longest touchdown pass, of 2006. TE Scott Chandler had a 64-yard catch vs. Wisconsin.
? DB Charles Godfrey recovered a muffed punt in the third period. The fumble recovery is the third of his career and first of the season. Iowa was unable to score any points after the Texas turnover as PK Kyle Schlicher missed a 45-yard field goal.
? No plays were reviewed by instant replay in the bowl game.
? In the third quarter, Texas QB Colt McCoy completed a 72-yard touchdown pass to Jamaal Charles. It was the longest play allowed by Iowa in 2006 and the second over 50 yards. The 72-yard touchdown is the second-longest in Alamo Bowl history. Kansas State’s Darnell McDonald had an 88-yard touchdown catch in 1998.
? Iowa recorded six offensive plays of 20 yards or more, one shy of a season-high. Iowa had seven plays of 20-yards or more vs. Purdue.
? Iowa held Texas without a touchdown in the first quarter. Iowa’s defense has not yielded a first-quarter touchdown in its four-game Alamo Bowl history.
? QB Jake Christensen played in his fifth game of 2006, replacing Drew Tate for an offensive series midway through the third quarter. Christensen had no passing statistics and rushed for one yard on two attempts.
? Iowa had three true freshmen see action in the bowl game: WR Dominique Douglas, LB A.J. Edds and WR Anthony Bowman.
? Iowa has scored 24 points in each of its last two bowl games.
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 marked 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 ECLISPE 200 TACKLES
Iowa players have reached the 200-tackle plateau 57 times in the program’s history. Two defensive starters surpassed 200 career tackles after the Alamo Bowl.
DB Miguel Merrick, who was an honorable mention all-Big Ten honoree by the media, has been credited with 202 tackles after collecting a team-best eight vs. Texas. The 202 tackles tie for 54th in team single-season history. LB Edmond Miles recorded seven stops in the Alamo Bowl and concluded his career with 207 career stops. The 207 tackles tie for 50th in Iowa single-season history. DB Marcus Paschal, who earned second team all-conference honors by the coaches, finished his career just shy of the 200-tackle plateau (199).
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 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 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 (8,292), touchdown passes (61), completions (665), attempts (1,090) and total offense (8,427) 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 61 career touchdown passes ties Michigan State’s Jeff Smoker (2000-03) for eighth in Big Ten history. The 8,292 yards passing rank 10th-best, while the 1,090 pass attempts rank 11th-best in Big Ten annals.
Tate completed 207-352 passes for 2,623 yards and 18 touchdowns his senior campaign. He ranked second in Big Ten passing (238.5) and total offense (249.7) and fifth in pass efficiency (130.9). Tate’s total offense numbers ranked him 16th in the country.
Tate threw two touchdown passes or more in 23 career games, including 20 of his last 28 dating back to 2004. He 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 in 2006. 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 career total behind a 357-yard performance at Purdue on his 21st birthday in 2005.
Tate missed two games in 2006 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 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 completed 15-25 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns vs. Texas in his final game as a Hawkeye.
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 at 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 eighth in Iowa career rushing with 2,205 yards. The junior needs only 66 yards to tie Ronnie Harmon for seventh (2,271).
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 of the 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 in 2006 and tenth time in his career. He rushed 13 times for 64 yards and a touchdown in the Alamo Bowl vs. Texas.
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 ranked first in team rushing attempts (178), rushing yards (779), touchdowns (7) and all-purpose yards (1,004), fourth in receptions (30) and fifth in receiving yards (225). He ranked eighth 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 ranked second on the Hawkeyes in rushing yards (686), rushing attempts (132), all-purpose yards (981) and touchdowns (6).
Sims started two games in 2006 (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 THE KICKER
Senior PK Kyle Schlicher earned honorable mention all-Big Ten laurels in 2006. Schlicher did not play in the season opener due to injury, but handled PATs and field goals the last 12 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 against Minnesota (1-1 FG, 3-3 PAT) and Texas (1-2 FG, 3-3 PAT). He scored 71 points in 2006 (13 FG, 32 PAT) and ranked sixth in Big Ten kicking scoring (5.9). Schlicher ranked sixth in Big Ten field goals (1.08) 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 in 2005. Schlicher was a Groza semifinalist and earned second team all-league accolades in 2005.
The Ankeny native finished his career with 260 points, ranking fourth in Iowa career scoring.
Schlicher was 51-65 (.785) in career field goal attempts, including 8-18 from beyond 40 yards, and 106-111 on PATs. He only missed five field goals under 39 yards (41-46). Schlicher made two field goals or more in 15 career contests. His 51 career field goals rank third in team history.
FROSH TOPS IOWA CHARTS
WR Dominique Douglas was named to The Sporting News’ Freshman All-America third team. He caught 49 passes for 654 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, had a solid 2006 campaign. The senior ranked second in team receptions (46) and third in yards (591). Chandler 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-one of his 46 receptions 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, three for 25 yards and a touchdown at Minnesota and two for 36 yards vs. Texas.
Chandler, who is the younger brother of former Hawkeye quarterback Nathan Chandler (2002-03), finishes his career with 117 receptions for 1,467 yards and 10 touchdowns, a total that ranks 17th in Hawkeye annals. Chandler ranks second in both categories among Iowa’s tight ends, trailing only Marv Cook (126-1,825).
WR Dominique Douglas led the Hawkeye receiving corps with 49 receptions and ranked second with 654 yards. Douglas was Iowa’s only true freshman who started 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 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 opener vs. Montana, the first reception of his career.
BRODELL FINISHES STRONG
Sophomore WR Andy Brodell finished the 2006 season with two strong performances. Brodell caught seven passes for 159 yards and a touchdown in the regular season finale and six passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns vs. Texas in the Alamo Bowl. The 159 yards against the Longhorns was an Alamo Bowl record, besting Michigan’s Amani Toomer’s 135 yards established in 1993. He also had a career-long 63-yard touchdown reception in the Alamo Bowl, which was the longest touchdown reception in team bowl history and the fifth-longest reception in Alamo Bowl history. His two Alamo Bowl touchdown receptions (63 and 23 yards) ties an Iowa bowl record with four others.
The native of Ankeny, IA, finished 2006 ranked first on the team in yards (724) and yards per catch (18.6) and third in receptions (39). His 724 yards rank 21st-best in Iowa single-season history.
Brodell finished the season ranked seventh in the Big Ten and 72nd in the country in receiving yards per game (60.3).
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, ranked second in the Big Ten and eighth in the country in tackles per game (10.75). He led Iowa with 129 tackles, 29 more than second-ranked LB Edmond Miles (100). Klinkenborg earned second all-Big Ten accolades by the media. He recorded double-digit tackles in nine of 13 games in 2006. 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.
Klinkenborg was unable to play in the bowl game vs. Texas due to injury.
IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 84 of its last 92 games, including 12 of 13 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 86-of-98 games under Kirk Ferentz.
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. If Christensen starts at quarterback in 2007’s season opener vs. Northern Illinois at Chicago, it is believed that he will become the first collegiate quarterback to start his first two games against the same team.
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 was the second true freshman to start for Iowa (WR Dominique Douglas) in 2006. 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 was one of four teams remaining for the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year.
IOWA NOTES
? Florida became the second team in the last five seasons to win a national title after defeating Iowa in a bowl game the previous season.
? 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 had only had two offensive players start all 13 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 posted 33 overall wins the last four years (2003-06), a total that ranks 22nd-best in the country.
? Iowa had four players crack the team record books for their respective single-season totals. QB Drew Tate ranks sixth in total offense (2,747) and seventh in passing yards (2,623), WR Andy Brodell (724) ranks 21st and WR Dominique Douglas (654) ranks 27th in receiving yards, respectively, LB Mike Klinkenborg ranks 17th in tackles (129) and PK Kyle Schlicher ranks 19th in scoring (71).
? Dominique Douglas ranks first in the country among true freshmen wide receivers in receptions (49) and second in receiving yards (654). Akron’s David Harvey ranks first in yards (914).
? In Big Ten games, Iowa allowed just seven punt returns for 23 yards.
? Iowa ranked 27th in the country in passing offense (239.9) and total offense (383.3) and 47th in punt returns (10.07). Individually, LB Mike Klinkenborg ranked eighth in the nation in tackles (10.75) and QB Drew Tate ranked 16th in total offense (249.73).
? All four of DE Bryan Mattison’s forced fumbles, which ranked 21st nationally, came during conference play.
? 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, but scored a touchdown on its first drive vs. Texas in the Alamo Bowl. Five of Iowa’s 2006 opponents (Syracuse, Iowa State, Ohio State, Northwestern and Minnesota) opened the game with touchdown drives.
? Three Iowa players picked-off a team-best three passes in 2006 (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).
? Iowa ranks fourth in consecutive games without being shutout among Big Ten teams. Michigan ranks first (275), followed by Ohio State (164), Wisconsin (126) and Iowa (81).
? TE Scott Chandler ranks second in career receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,467) 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 missed four straight contests after being injured vs. Michigan, but returned to action in the Alamo Bowl.
? Iowa was 6-9 (.667) on fourth down conversions in 2006.
? Iowa played more than six quarters without being penalized from the start of the Ohio State game (Sept. 30), until late in the second quarter vs. Purdue (Oct. 7) the following week.
? RB Albert Young caught a season-high 30 passes for 225 yards. His previous high was 24 established in 2005.
? 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 11 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.
? In the last five years, Iowa is 37-5 when leading at the half and 42-3 when leading after three quarters.
? Both Iowa and its opponents each had 423 pass attempts and 65 penalties in 2006.
? 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 in 2006 were sold out.
? All six of Iowa’s games away from Iowa City (Syracuse, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Texas) were played on field turf.
IOWA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Iowa’s Leadership Council for the 2006 season included six seniors, three juniors, four sophomores, one redshirt freshmen and one true freshman. The Leadership Council for 2006 included 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. The permanent captains for 2006 were Yanda, Elgin, Klinkenborg, Mattison and Merrick.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa posted 52 offensive plays that went for 20 yards or more, 39 via the pass and 13 on the ground. WR Andy Brodell caught a career-high 63-yard touchdown pass vs. Texas, a game-high 52-yard pass vs. Purdue and a 50-yarder at Minnesota. 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. The Hawkeyes had six big offensive plays vs. Texas in the Alamo Bowl.
Hawkeye opponents collected 35 plays of 20 yards or more, 27 via the pass in 2006. 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 in 2006. Wisconsin had four passing plays over 20 yards, while Minnesota posted four. Texas had five plays over 20 yards in the Alamo Bowl, including the longest pass Iowa yielded this year – a 72-yard touchdown. The Hawkeyes held Michigan without a 20-yard play or better in week eight.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa outscored its opponents 69-54 in the first quarter, 99-72 in the second quarter, 81-78 in the fourth and 10-3 in overtime. Opponents outscored the Hawkeyes 62-51 in the third quarter.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averaged 6.1 yards on 396 first down plays, 5.9 yards on 284 second down plays, 5.2 yards on 161 third down plays and 4.3 yards on nine fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s 50 scoring drives averaged 7.8 plays, 56.8 yards and 2:55 elapsed time. Twenty-eight of the 50 scoring drives covered 65 yards or more. Iowa’s longest scoring drive was 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 posted 44 scoring drives that averaged 8.0 plays, 58.3 yards and 3:24 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 in the Syracuse contest.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa was 42-53 (79.2%) in the red zone (31 TD, 11 FG); two of the 53 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 and Texas, scoring a touchdown and having a pass intercepted in the end zone. 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 marched inside the red zone 41 times, scoring on 33 (80.5%) of their possessions (26 TD, 7 FG); two of the 41 possessions were overtime possessions. Texas scored two touchdowns and a field goal in its three red zone opportunities in the Alamo Bowl. 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 scored 61 points following opponent turnovers in 2006. 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 scored 70 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, Wisconsin and Texas 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.
2007 OUTLOOK
Iowa will open its 2007 season vs. Northern Illinois at Soldier Field on Sept. 1. Six of the Hawkeyes’ 12 opponents played in bowl games in 2006 (Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue and Minnesota). Iowa will play six home games in Kinnick Stadium (Syracuse, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan State, Minnesota and Western Michigan). The Hawkeyes will have a new Big Ten slate, as Michigan and Ohio State come off their schedule the next two seasons.