Sept. 24, 2007
IOWA TO HOST INDIANA ON HOMECOMING
Iowa (2-2, 0-1) returns home to host Indiana (3-1, 0-1) Saturday in its annual Homecoming game. Game time is 11:07 a.m. (CDT) in Kinnick Stadium (70,585). The game is sold out.
ON THE TUBE
The Big Ten Netwok (HD) will televise Saturday’s game to a regional cable audience. Mark Neely, Glen Mason and Marshall Harris will call the action.
RADIO BROADCAST
Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, with color commentator Ed Podolak and sideline reporter Rob Brooks. The Hawkeye Radio Network includes more than 40 stations throughout the state.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,095 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 555-501-39 (.525). That includes a 350-194-16 (.639) record in home games, a 205-305-23 (.406) record in games away from Iowa City, a 272-337-25 (.449) mark in Big Ten games and a 233-159-15 (.591) record in Kinnick Stadium.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 10-2 in games played on Sept. 29. The Hawkeyes defeated Oklahoma A&M 20-0 in 1923, South Dakota 34-0 in 1934, Berg AAF 14-13 in 1945, USC 20-14 in 1950, Kansas State 16-0 in 1951, Indiana 27-0 in 1956, Oregon State 28-8 in 1962, Iowa State 30-14 in 1979, Illinois 21-16 in 1984 and Penn State 24-18 in 2001. Iowa lost to Penn State 27-8 in 1973 and Miami 48-21 in 1990.
HAWKEYE HOMECOMING
Iowa holds a 51-39-5 (.563) record in homecoming games. Iowa has won its last seven homecoming games, including last year’s win over Purdue (47-17). Iowa will play Indiana for the 14th time on homecoming. The Hawkeyes are 8-4-1 against the Hoosiers on homecoming.
DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 28 of its last 32 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 recorded a school-record 22-game home winning streak between 2002-05.
The Hawkeyes (.852, 23-4) boast the tenth-best home winning percentage in the nation over the last five years (2003-07).
SOLID DEFENSIVE PLAY
The Hawkeye defensive unit has collected eight turnovers (five interceptions, three fumbles), 12 sacks, blocked two field goal attempts, registered 26 tackles for loss and has yielded only two touchdowns through four games. Iowa ranks fifth in the country in scoring defense (8.8), sixth in total defense (235.5), 11th in pass defense (147.0), 13th in pass efficiency defense (95.4), 20th in sacks (3.0) and 22nd in rushing defense (88.5).
As a unit, Iowa did not allow a touchdown until late in the second quarter at Wisconsin in game four – a streak of 13 quarters. The Hawkeyes did allow two touchdowns against the Badgers, but still rank first nationally in fewest touchdowns allowed (five teams have allowed three).
DE Bryan Mattison collected a career-high three sacks vs. Syracuse, while DT Mitch King matched a career high with two sacks vs. Northern Illinois. In the Big Ten opener at Wisconsin, King had two tackles for loss, while Mattison collected his team-best fourth sack (ranks 13th nationally). Mattison, whose father is the co-defensive coordinator for the defending national champion Florida Gators, has collected 126 career tackles. King has been credited with 141 career stops.
IOWA AMONG BIG TEN’S ELITE
Ohio State has the most conference victories the last six years with 34. Michigan ranks second (33) and Iowa (27) ranks third during that time span. Michigan (27) has won the most league contests the last five years, followed by Ohio State (26), Wisconsin (23) and Iowa (19).
THE SERIES
Iowa holds a 38-26-4 advantage in the series that began with a 13-6 Iowa victory in 1912. The Hawkeyes have won three of the last four meetings and 14 of the last 21. Iowa boasts a 21-9-3 record in games at Iowa City. The Hoosiers escaped with a 31-28 triumph over the Hawkeyes last year in Bloomington.
COACH Kirk Ferentz
The 2002 Associated Press, Walter Camp National Coach of the Year 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 ninth season as Iowa’s head football coach. Ferentz guided Iowa to Big Ten titles twice in the last five years 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 46-20 (.697) overall mark and a 27-13 (.675) Big Ten record the last six seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 57-45 (.559) and a 34-31 (.523) mark in Big Ten games. In 12 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 69-66 (.511). Ferentz, who boasts the second-most victories by a Hawkeye head coach, coached his 100th game as Iowa’s head coach vs. Syracuse in week two.
Thirty-four of Iowa’s 102 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (15-20) and 34 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (12-22).
Ferentz joined the Iowa staff after serving as assistant head coach and offensive line coach of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He had been part of the Baltimore (Cleveland Browns prior to the move) staff for six years.
Ferentz was named head coach of the Maine Bears in 1990 and held that position for three years. Ferentz was a member of Hayden Fry’s Iowa staff for nine years as offensive line coach (1981-89). He coordinated Iowa’s running game during his first coaching stint with the Hawkeyes. Iowa appeared in eight bowl games during the time Ferentz was an Iowa assistant, posting a 4-4 record. A pair of Rose Bowls (1982 & 1986), two Holiday Bowl appearances (1986 & 1987) and a pair of Peach Bowl visits (1982 & 1988), along with appearances in the Gator (1983) and Freedom bowls (1984) highlighted his previous Iowa stay. Iowa’s record in those nine years was 73-33-4 and included two 10-win and two nine-win seasons.
Ferentz was born in Royal Oak, MI, and attended high school in Pittsburgh, PA. Kirk earned his bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Connecticut in 1978, where he was a football captain.
Ferentz is 3-3 vs. Indiana.
INDIANA COACH BILL LYNCH
Bill Lynch was named Indiana’s 27th head football coach on June 15, 2007. He replaced the late Terry Hoeppner. Lynch has 14 years of head coaching experience, compiling an 84-68-3 (.552) record with stops at Butler, Ball State and DePauw. He won or shared seven conference or divisional titles during those 14 seasons. Lynch has 30 overall years of coaching experience, spending 29 in the state of Indiana. Lynch, who is in his third season on the Indiana staff, served as interim head coach for two games in 2006 and led the Hoosiers during 2007 spring practice. In his first two campaigns in Bloomington, he served as the assistant coach, offensive coordinator and tight ends coach. This is Lynch’s second stint at Indiana, as he was the Hoosiers’ quarterbacks coach in 1993-94. Lynch began his head coaching career at Butler (1985-89), guiding the Bulldogs to four conference titles. He also served as Ball State’s head coach for eight seasons (1995-2002) and DePauw’s for one year (2004). Lynch is a 1977 Butler graduate and four-year letterwinner in both football and basketball. He led the nation in pass completion percentage in 1975 and captained both sports his senior year.
This will be Lynch’s first meeting vs. Iowa as a head coach.
ILLINOIS HANDS INDIANA FIRST LOSS
Indiana suffered its first loss of the season Saturday, falling to Illinois 27-14 in Bloomington. The Fighting Illini defense collected three takeaways and blocked a punt. Illinois jumped out to a 13-0 advantage before Hoosier QB Kellen Lewis connected with WR James Hardy for a seven-yard score. Hardy has scored a touchdown in five straight games, dating back to last year. Illinois eventually stretched its lead to 27-7 by the fourth period. Indiana’s defense yielded 288 yards rushing, including 214 yards by Illini RB Rashard Mendenhall, who was tabbed the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. Lewis completed 26-51 passes for 263 yards and two scores. The 26 pass completions equals a career high for Lewis. WR Andrea Means had a career day, posting career highs in catches (seven) and yards (83). On defense, Tracy Porter registered seven tackles and had a pair of interceptions. It marked Porter’s third career multi-interception game, as he moved into sole possession of second place with 13 career thefts.
IOWA, INDIANA NOTES
? Iowa is 6-2 in Big Ten home openers under Coach Ferentz. Furthermore, the Hawkeyes are 19-9 in September since 2001, including a 13-2 mark in home contests.
? Iowa and Indiana do not play Michigan or Ohio State this year or in 2008.
? Iowa and Indiana both boast a +5 turnover margin, which ranks first in the league and tied for 16th in the nation. The Hawkeyes have only recorded three lost turnovers, which is tops in the conference and tied for fifth in the country (four teams have posted only two).
? Iowa ranks 11th nationally in fewest penalties per game (4.75) and 41st in fewest yards penalized (48.75). Iowa was flagged 10 times for 173 yards in its season opener, but since has only been penalized nine times for 78 yards in the last three contests.
? Indiana ranks third in the country in sacks (4.5), while Iowa ranks 20th (3.0). The Hoosiers rank 15th nationally in punt returns (15.9), while the Hawkeyes rank 22nd (14.6). Individually, Indiana’s Greg Middleton ranks fifth in the country in sacks (1.25), Tracy Porter ranks ninth in interceptions (.75), Austin Starr ranks 14th in field goals made (1.75) and Kellen Lewis ranks 19th in total offense (314.5). Iowa’s Mitch King ranks ninth nationally in tackles for loss (1.75), Colin Sandeman ranks 16th in punt returns (15.3) and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos ranks 16th in kickoff returns (29.8).
? WR James Hardy caught 12 balls for 203 yards and a touchdown in Indiana’s 2005 loss at Kinnick Stadium. Last year, Hardy had eight receptions for 104 yards and three touchdowns in Indiana’s victory over Iowa in Bloomington.
? Iowa has had a field goal attempt blocked in each of its last two contests. Indiana had a punt blocked last week vs. Illinois.
? Hoosier QB Kellen Lewis was named the league’s offensive Player of the Week two weeks ago after rushing for a career-high 199 yards and two touchdowns and throwing for three scores against Akron. His rushing total was the third-highest total for an Indiana quarterback. He completed 19-24 passes for 137 yards. The 79.2 completion percentage ranks as the second-highest in school history.
? Indiana Head Coach Bill Lynch’s son, Billy, is the Hoosiers’ wide receivers coach.
? Iowa and Indiana have one common non-conference opponent: Western Michigan. The Hoosiers defeated the Broncos 37-27 in Kalamazoo, MI on Sept. 8. The Hawkeyes host Western Michigan, Nov. 17 in their regular season finale.
? Iowa’s roster includes two players from Indiana, senior DE Bryan Mattison (Mishawaka) and sophomore OLB A.J. Edds (Greenwood) – both are starters. Indiana’s roster does not include any Iowans.
? Bill Lynch was head coach at Butler in 1988 while current Iowa Men’s Basketball Coach Todd Lickliter was there as an assistant men’s basketball coach (1988-89).
LAST MEETING
Indiana outscored Iowa 24-7 in the final 34 minutes en route to a 31-28 upset of the 13th-ranked Hawkeyes at Memorial Stadium.
The Hawkeyes sprinted out to a 21-7 advantage early in the second quarter on touchdown runs by RB Damian Sims (1 yard) and WR Herb Grigsby (25 yards) and a scoring reception by TE Scott Chandler (19 yards) from QB Drew Tate. Two of the touchdowns came after Indiana fumbles.
Indiana trimmed Iowa’s lead to 21-17 at the half on a 46-yard field goal as time expired in the second period.
Following an Iowa fumble in the red zone, Indiana drove 88 yards and took a 24-21 advantage on a WR James Hardy 23-yard touchdown reception late in the third period. Iowa reclaimed the lead on Sims’ second one-yard touchdown run to make the score 28-24 at the 12:36 mark of the fourth quarter.
Hardy, who had eight receptions for 104 yards, scored his third touchdown when he caught a 20-yard pass from QB Kellen Lewis to put Indiana on top by three points (31-28) with 9:51 left to play. Iowa had an opportunity to tie or take the lead late in the contest, but a Tate pass deflected off WR Andy Brodell’s hands and was intercepted by Indiana at the Hoosier 15-yard line.
Tate completed 23-40 passes for a season-high 292 yards and a touchdown. Sims rushed 22 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns. WR Trey Stross caught six balls for a career-high 67 yards.
Indiana’s Lewis finished the game completing 19-25 passes for 255 yards and three scores.
LB Edmond Miles registered a career and game-high 11 tackles (8 solo), including four for loss. DL Matt Kroul tallied a season-high eight stops and DB Adam Shada was credited with seven solo tackles. LB Mike Klinkenborg amassed seven stops, including one for loss, and also recovered a fumble.
WISCONSIN 17, IOWA 13
Two late scores helped lift seventh-ranked Wisconsin to a 17-13 come-from-behind victory over Iowa in front of the fifth-largest crowd (80,630) to ever watch a football game at Camp Randall Stadium. The Badger victory was their second consecutive over the Hawkeyes and keeps the Heartland Trophy in Madison.
Both defenses dominated the first half as there were 14 punts in the first 30 minutes. Iowa scored first at the 2:28 mark of the second quarter on a Daniel Murray 41-yard field goal. On the next possession, Wisconsin quickly marched down the field and scored on a three-yard touchdown pass to give the Badgers a 7-3 lead. The touchdown was the first the Hawkeyes allowed in four games, snapping a streak of 13 periods without allowing the opposition to reach the end zone. Iowa was the last team in the nation not to allow a touchdown.
With only 36 seconds left in the half, QB Jake Christensen engineered a five-play, 62-yard drive that culminated with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos with only four seconds remaining in the half. On the drive, Christensen completed 3-4 passes for 62 yards.
Christensen lost a couple of starting receivers early in the contest as WR Andy Brodell and TE Tony Moeaki were injured in the first quarter and couldn’t return.
After a scoreless third period, Wisconsin grabbed a 14-10 advantage on a RB P.J. Hill two-yard scoring run. Murray added a 37-yard field goal at the 6:29 mark of the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to only one.
Wisconsin PK Taylor Mehlhaff converted a 40-yard field goal to stretch the Badger lead to 17-13 with 2:02 left. Iowa had one last offensive possession, but was unable to move the chains.
Christensen completed 17-37 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown. WR James Cleveland had four catches for 77 yards and WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos had four receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown and 63 yards in kickoff returns.
Wisconsin QB Tyler Donovan completed 12-23 passes for 138 yards and a score. Hill rushed 29 times for a game-high 113 yards and a touchdown.
As a unit, Iowa had three QB sacks, forced four fumbles (recovering two) and intercepted a pass. LB Mike Klinkenborg had a game-high eight tackles, while four other Hawkeyes were credited with seven stops each.
EXTRA POINTS
? Iowa has not scored on its opening drive in any of its first four games. Wisconsin did not score on its first possession, as the Hawkeyes forced and recovered a fumble on third down. Only one of Iowa’s opponents (Iowa State, field goal) scored on their first possession.
? With the win Wisconsin maintained possession of the Heartland Trophy. The series is even at 2-2 since the trophy was introduced in 2004. Wisconsin now holds a 41-40-2 advantage in the series. This marked the first time since Iowa’s win in 2004 that the home team won the game. Iowa’s game at Wisconsin was its first contest against a ranked opponent this season.
? LB Mike Klinkenborg had the first forced fumble of his career in the first period and the fumble was recovered and returned by senior DE Bryan Mattison (14 yards). That was the second recovered fumble for Mattison.
? DE Ken Iwebema had a forced fumble in the first period, the third of his career. He had one in 2005 and one in 2006.
? Iowa’s defense in the first half allowed only 141 yards, while recording three QB sacks, one pass interception and three forced fumbles. Iowa recovered one of the three Badger fumbles in the first half. The Hawkeyes finished the game with a +3 turnover margin.
? The Hawkeyes forced their fourth fumble of the game on the opening kickoff of the second half, as Jayme Murphy forced the fumble and Bradley Fletcher recovered for Iowa. The forced fumble is the first of Murphy’s career and the recovery is the first for Fletcher. Iowa’s defense has collected eight takeaways (three fumbles and five interceptions).
? Iowa did not score after recovering a Wisconsin fumble in the first and third periods, but the Hawkeyes did score a field goal after A.J. Edds collected an interception in the second period. The Hawkeyes have scored 17 points following eight opponent turnovers (five interceptions, three fumbles). Iowa scored a touchdown in the win over Syracuse after a Mike Humpal interception and a touchdown at Iowa State after a fumble recovery.
? Redshirt freshman Derrell Johnson-Koulianos recorded the first scoring reception of his career with a 21-yard reception with four seconds remaining in the first half. He had three receptions for 32 yards on the scoring drive. Johnson-Koulianos added a 44-yard kickoff return in the fourth period to set up an Iowa field goal. He had a career-long 65-yard kickoff return on the final play of the Iowa State game. Prior to the 62-yard scoring drive, Iowa had been limited to 55 yards total offense on 35 plays.
? Redshirt freshman Daniel Murray scored his first career points in the second period with a 41-yard field goal and one PAT. Those are the first attempts of Murray’s career, who replaced the injured Austin Signor. Murray had one attempt in the third quarter blocked before adding a 37-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.
? For just the second time in four games, Instant Replay was used (in the second period). A Wisconsin fumble into the Iowa end zone that was initially ruled a Badger touchdown, was overruled. Due to an inadvertent whistle, the Badgers were given a first and goal at the three-yard line, where the fumble occurred.
? RB Damian Sims surpassed 2,000 all-purpose yards for his career, increasing his total to 2,013. Sims has 1,249 rushing yards, 203 receiving yards and 561 yards in kickoff returns.
? There were a total of 18 punts combined by both teams. Iowa’s Ryan Donohue punted nine times for 326 yards (36.2 avg.), including downing four inside the 20-yard line.
? QB Jake Christensen’s 37 pass attempts is a career high, topping his 32 attempts vs. Syracuse.
? Iowa did not allow any third-quarter points at Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes have outscored their opposition 20-0 this year in the third period.
TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2007
Iowa has had ten true freshmen play this season: Cody Hundertmark, DB Cedric Everson, DE Christian Ballard, LB Jacoby Coleman, DB Diauntae Morrow, LB Dezman Moses, WR Colin Sandeman, DB Jordan Bernstine, RB Jevon Pugh and OL Bryan Bulaga.
The ten true freshmen are the most that have seen action under Kirk Ferentz in a single season. Iowa had seven true freshmen play in 2003 and 2000.
FRESH FACES
Iowa has had 28 first-year student-athletes see game action either on offense, defense or special teams through four games. In addition to the ten true freshmen, 18 redshirt freshmen have seen the field in 2007.
FIRST FIVE IOWA HOME GAMES SOLD OUT
Iowa’s first five home games of 2007 reached sellout status in late July. The Hawkeyes entered this season with 24 consecutive sellouts, dating back to 2003. Kinnick Stadium’s capacity is 70,585. Approximately 1,500 tickets remain for Iowa’s Nov. 17 game against Western Michigan.
The Hawkeyes’ season opener drew a sellout crowd of 61,500 in Chicago’s Soldier Field, including approximately 45,000 Hawkeye fans.
IOWA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Iowa’s Leadership Council for the 2007 season includes five seniors, three juniors, three sophomores, one redshirt freshman and one true freshman. Permanent team captains are named at the conclusion of each season. The Leadership Council for this season includes seniors Tom Busch, Mike Humpal, Mike Klinkenborg, Bryan Mattison and Albert Young; juniors Rob Bruggeman, Matt Kroul and Seth Olsen; sophomores Jake Christensen, A.J. Edds and Rafael Eubanks, redshirt freshman Brett Greenwood and true freshman Marvin McNutt.
HAWKEYES BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa returns 31 lettermen from 2006, including 16 on offense, 14 on defense and one kicker. The Hawkeyes return five starters on offense and eight on defense. The lettermen breakdown includes eight three-year lettermen, 12 two-year lettermen and 11 one-year lettermen.
The total roster has 112 players, and includes 13 seniors, 23 juniors, 19 sophomores, 29 redshirt freshmen and 28 true freshmen. Saturday’s depth chart includes 11 seniors, 11 juniors, 11 sophomores, 11 redshirt freshmen and five true freshmen. Only three seniors (two running backs and one fullback) are listed on the offensive depth chart.
HAWKEYES HAVE NEW SIGNAL CALLER
Iowa opened the season with a new quarterback for the first time since the 2004 season. The Hawkeyes needed to replace three-year (2004-06) starter Drew Tate. Tate concluded his career ranked 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) at Iowa.
Jake Christensen started the first four games. The 6-1 sophomore saw action in five games, including one start, a year ago. Christensen completed 23-35 passes for 285 yards and two touchdowns in 2006, including 19-30 for 256 yards and two scores in his first start in the Hawkeyes’ 24-14 victory over Northern Illinois.
In his first start of the 2007 campaign, he completed 12-29 passes for 133 yards and a score. In fact, it is believed that he became the first quarterback in NCAA Bowl Subdivision history to start his first two games against the same team. In his third career start, Christensen posted career highs in completions (23), passing yards (278) and touchdown passes (4). He also posted a career-long pass of 52 yards to TE Tony Moeaki that resulted in a touchdown in Iowa’s 35-0 win over Syracuse. Christensen lost his first contest as a starter at Iowa State, completing 12-23 passes for 118 yards. In the Big Ten opener at Wisconsin, he completed 17-37 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown.
For the season, Christensen has completed 64-121 passes for 698 yards and six touchdowns.
IOWA RETURNS TWO EXPERIENCED BACKS
Iowa returns two experienced senior running backs to lead its rushing attack in 2007, Albert Young and Damian Sims. Young ranks seventh in Iowa career rushing with 2,467 yards. He needs 89 yards to tie Owen Gill for sixth (2,556). Young rushed for a game-high 144 yards on 23 carries in the season opener vs. Northern Illinois, marking the 11th time in his career that he surpassed the century mark. Against Syracuse he rushed only 11 times for 25 yards, but did have three receptions for 48 yards and a score. Young rushed for a team-best 60 yards on 14 attempts at Iowa State. Wisconsin limited Young to 33 yards on 10 carries last week. He has posted 20 career touchdowns and is tied with Eddie Phillips for 18th in career scoring (120) at Iowa.
Young 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) in 2006. 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. The native of Moorestown, NJ was a 2005 second team all-Big Ten selection by the media and honorable mention pick by the coaches. He averaged 125.2 yards in conference games to lead the league. Young also ranked second in all-purpose yards in league games, only 0.9 yards behind the leader. Young became the first Hawkeye to lead the conference in rushing (league games only) since Dennis Mosley in 1979.
Like Young, Sims also topped 100 yards in the season opener against the Huskies. The senior collected 110 yards on only 16 attempts, eclipsing 100 yards for the third time in his career. Against Syracuse, he rushed for a game-high 62 yards on 12 carries and one touchdown and also had a catch for 20 yards. Sims topped 2,000 career all-purpose yards (2,013) with his totals at Wisconsin. He carried the ball only seven times for 27 yards and had two receptions for eight yards against the Badgers.
Sims ranked second on the Hawkeyes in rushing yards (686), rushing attempts (132), all-purpose yards (981) and touchdowns (6) in 2006. His totals from a year ago helped him eclipse 1,000 yards rushing in his career. He now has 1,249 yards, ranks 24th in career rushing and is the 37th Hawkeye to top the 1,000-yard plateau. The native of Boynton Beach, FL, 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 vs. Minnesota in 2005.
MOEAKI HAS CAREER GAME
Junior TE Tony Moeaki posted career highs in receptions (8), receiving yards (112) and touchdowns (3) vs. Syracuse. His efforts earned him rivals.com Big Ten Player of the Week and John Mackey Tight End of the Week accolades. Against Iowa State, he had three receptions for 26 yards.
Moeaki did not record any statistics at Wisconsin as he was injured in the first quarter and did not return. He is doubtful for Saturday homecoming contest against the Hoosiers.
Moeaki, who is on the John Mackey Award watch list, entered the 2007 season with 22 career receptions for 284 yards and three scores. Against the Orange, he caught a career-long 52-yard pass from QB Jake Christensen that resulted in a touchdown.
TRIPLE PLAY
Iowa’s top three leading receivers at Wisconsin last week were redshirt freshmen: Paul Chaney, Jr., James Cleveland and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos. All three posted career highs in receptions and receiving yards.
Johnson-Koulianos had four catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown reception was a spectacular play as he caught the ball with only his right hand with a Badger defender in his face on the sideline with only four seconds left in the half. Johnson-Koulianos also had 63 yards in kickoff returns, including a 44-yarder.
Johnson-Koulianos ranks fourth in team receiving (8 receptions, 96 yards and one touchdown). He also has shined returning kickoffs, as he ranks 17th in the country, averaging 29.9 yards in six returns.
Cleveland caught four passes for 77 yards, while Chaney Jr. had four receptions for 22 yards. Chaney, Jr. had his first career reception last week at Wisconsin. He did not play in the first two games of the season due to injury. Cleveland ranks third in team receiving with eight receptions for 143 yards.
KLINKENBORG ANCHORS LINEBACKING CORPS
Linebacker Mike Klinkenborg is in his final season after a stellar junior campaign. Klinkenborg collected a team-best nine tackles in the season opener vs. Northern Illinois. He was credited with a team-best 11 stops at Iowa State. The senior recorded a game-high eight tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble at Wisconsin last week. He leads the team with 32 total tackles and ranks sixth in the league for tackles per contest (8.0).
Klinkenborg has registered double-digit tackles ten times in his career, including nine times in 2006.
Klinkenborg 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). The native of Rock Rapids, IA, earned second team all-Big Ten accolades by the media. He was credited with a career-high 16 stops vs. Northwestern. Klinkenborg was unable to play in the bowl game vs. Texas due to injury.
Despite losing his father Sept. 10, 2006, 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 was one of three Hawkeyes (Adam Shada and Mike Elgin) to earn first team academic all-America honors; Iowa was the only school to accomplish that feat in 2006.
IWEBEMA EARNED BIG TEN WEEKLY HONOR
Kenny Iwebema was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week Sept. 10. Iwebema equaled his own school record by blocking two Syracuse field goals to lead the Hawkeyes to their first shutout since the 2005 season opener. The senior defensive end, who added three tackles and a sack in the game, also blocked a pair of field goals against Illinois in 2005. He picked up his first career weekly honor and the first for an Iowa special teams performer since the 2004 campaign.
Last week at Wisconsin, the senior collected four tackles, including a sack for 14 yards loss and forced his third career fumble.
Iwebema ranks second on the team and 31st nationally in sacks (4.0) and tied for second on the team in tackles for loss (4.5). For his career, the senior has amassed 15 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles.
MOYLAN GRANTED ADDITIONAL YEAR
DB Devan Moylan, a senior in 2006, was granted a medical hardship after playing in just four games a year ago. Moylan was injured in Iowa’s win at Illinois and missed the final nine games of the season. Moylan, a three-year letterman, adds experience and depth to Iowa’s safety positions. He started in the secondary in Iowa’s 2006 win over Iowa State and played a key role on special teams prior to his season-ending injury.
In his second career start, Moylan was credited with seven stops and a forced fumble vs. Northern Illinois. He collected his first career sack for a six-yard loss in his third career start vs. Syracuse. Last week at Wisconsin, he was credited with five tackles.
MOVING ON UP
Three Hawkeyes have already earned their bachelor’s degree and are currently working on advanced degrees. Anton Narinskiy earned a BBA in Accounting in May, 2007 and Mike Humpal and Devan Moylan earned a BA in Health and Sport Studies in May, 2007.
IOWA NOTES
? The Hawkeyes have not turned the ball over in three of four contests this season (Northern Illinois, Iowa State and Wisconsin).
? Iowa started the season with three of its first four games away from Iowa City, while it concludes the season with four of six at home in Kinnick Stadium.
? Four Hawkeyes are pre-season all-Big Ten by collegefootballnews.com. DE Kenny Iwebema was named to the first team, while RB Albert Young, DE Bryan Mattison and LB Mike Klinkenborg were recognized on the second team.
? Iowa has won 46 of its last 65 regular season contests (.708).
? In the last six years, Iowa is 39-6 when leading at the half and 44-4 when leading after three quarters.
? Iowa has been bowl eligible the last six seasons, the school’s longest string of success since playing in eight straight bowl games (1981-88).
? Iowa has a consecutive home sellout streak of 25 games, dating back to the 2003 season. The last Hawkeye game not sold out was vs. Buffalo (9/6/03). All six home contests this season are expected to be sellouts, with the first five already reaching sellout status.
? Iowa tied for third in the Big Ten in 2005 and has 47 first-division finishes in the conference, including 11 championships and eight additional finishes among the top three in the league. The Hawkeyes have finished among the top three in the Big Ten standings three of the last five years.
? Iowa is one of only three institutions (Iowa, Florida and Tennessee) to have a former football and men’s basketball National Coach of the Year currently coaching their respective team.
? Iowa’s regular season finale will come against a non-conference opponent, Western Michigan. The Broncos have been picked to win the west division and also capture the MAC Championship Game in the MAC News Media Association pre-season poll.
? The last time Iowa finished the season with a non-conference game was Iowa State (2001), a contest that was rescheduled due to the 9/11 attacks. Prior to 2001, the Hawkeyes’ last scheduled regular season non-league game came at Hawai’i (1984).
IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 88 of its last 96 games. 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 90 of 102 games under Kirk Ferentz.
IOWA OPENED BIG TEN PLAY ON ROAD
Iowa began its quest for a 12th Big Ten championship last week at Wisconsin (L, 17-13). This year marked the eighth time in nine years, including the last six, the Hawkeyes opened league play away from Iowa City. Iowa’s lone conference home opener, under Coach Ferentz, came in 2001 when it defeated Penn State.
Next season, the Hawkeyes open the Big Ten schedule at home for the first time since 2001, vs. Northwestern.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted ten offensive plays (8 pass, 2 run) that have resulted in 20 yards or more. The Hawkeyes collected four passing plays that went for 20 yards or more vs. Syracuse. Iowa had two big offensive plays vs. Northern Illinois, one pass and one run. The Hawkeyes posted three passing plays and one run over 20 yards at Wisconsin. WR Andy Brodell recorded a career-long 56-yard punt return vs. Northern Illinois in week one. The following week he had a 49-yard punt return against the Orange. WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos had a career-long 65-yard kickoff return on the final play at Iowa State and a 44-yard return against the Badgers.
Hawkeye opponents have only registered seven offensive plays of 20 yards or more. Northern Illinois collected two big passing plays. Syracuse and Iowa State registered only one each. Wisconsin registered passing plays of 29 and 22 yards and a run of 30 yards, which is the first big run Iowa’s defense has yielded all season.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 14-6 in the first quarter, 37-16 in the second and 20-0 in the third quarter. Hawkeye opponents own a 13-6 scoring advantage in the fourth period.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 5.3 yards on 116 first down plays, 4.5 yards on 88 second down plays, 3.5 yards on 62 third down plays and 1.5 yards on four fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averages 6.9 plays, 47.6 yards and 2:50 elapsed time on 14 scoring drives. Iowa’s defense and special teams have provided its offense with excellent field position through four games as seven of its scoring drives have amassed 40 yards or less. Iowa posted an eight-play, 95-yard drive that consumed 3:31 and resulted in a touchdown against Northern Illinois. The Hawkeyes posted two touchdown scoring drives that consumed over five minutes vs. Syracuse.
Hawkeye opponents have recorded nine scoring drives, averaging 9.0 plays, 51.3 yards and 3:57 elapsed time. Syracuse did not score in week two.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 9-13 (69.2%) in the red zone (6 TD, 3 FG) this season. Iowa scored touchdowns on all three red zone possessions vs. Syracuse. The Hawkeyes failed to score on two red zone possessions, due to the clock expiring in a double-digit win and missing a field goal attempt, against Northern Illinois. Iowa was 2-3 in the red zone at Iowa State, scoring a touchdown and a field goal and having a 33-yard field goal blocked in the fourth quarter. The Hawkeyes were 1-2 inside the 20-yard line at Wisconsin, making a field goal and having another one blocked.
Hawkeye opponents are 6-11 (54.5%) in the red zone. Iowa’s red zone defense ranks second in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes held the Badgers to 2-4 inside the 20-yard line. Iowa’s defense limited the Cyclones to three field goals on three red zone possessions. Syracuse failed to come away with any points after marching inside the red zone and missing a field goal (blocked). Northern Illinois was inside the red zone three times, scoring only once on a field goal. The Huskies missed a field goal and had a pass intercepted on the three yard-line.
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 17 points following eight turnovers. The Hawkeyes collected three thefts vs. Northern Illinois, but failed to score. Against Syracuse, Iowa converted one interception into seven points. The Hawkeyes turned three Badger turnovers (two fumbles and one interception) into three points. Iowa scored a touchdown after recovering an Iowa State fumble.
Hawkeye opponents have yet to score following Iowa miscues. Syracuse intercepted Iowa quarterbacks twice, but failed to score. Northern Illinois, Iowa State and Wisconsin did not record a takeaway.
TELEVISION SCHEDULE
Iowa has appeared on television in its last 69 games. The last Iowa contest not televised was vs. Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.
A majority, if not all, of Iowa’s games this season will be selected for television. The Big Ten Conference announces game times and television stations no later than 12 days prior to game days. Iowa’s first five games have been selected for television. The Hawkeyes’ season opener vs. Northern Illinois at Chicago’s Soldier Field was aired on ESPNU. Iowa made its Big Ten Network debut in hi-definition vs. Syracuse, marking the second straight year, and sixth time ever, Kinnick Stadium hosted a night game. The Hawkeyes made their first-ever appearance on the Versus Network when they visited in-state rival Iowa State. Iowa’s conference opener at Wisconsin aired on ABC to a split-national audience. The Black and Gold’s homecoming game vs. Indiana Saturday will be televised on the Big Ten Network (HD) at 11:05 a.m. Iowa’s contest at Penn State (Oct. 6) will be televised nationally at 2:35 p.m. Fans in the Big Ten market can watch the Hawkeyes and Nittany Lions on ABC, while the rest of the country will get the game on ESPN2. All times listed are central time.
HAWKEYES TO PLAY 12
The 2007 Hawkeyes will play six home games in Kinnick Stadium, where they have posted a 29-5 (.853) record the last six seasons. Iowa opened its season vs. Northern Illinois at Soldier Field. The opener was the first NCAA Bowl Subdivision contest in renovated Soldier Field and first since Northwestern defeated Oklahoma on August 23, 1997, in the Pigskin Classic. Additionally, the game marked the first time Iowa opened the season at a neutral site since playing Kansas State on August 26, 2000, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
The Hawkeyes defeated Syracuse in their home opener. Other Iowa home games include Indiana, Illinois, Michigan State, Minnesota and Western Michigan. The Hawkeyes’ only true road non-conference contest was at intra-state rival Iowa State. The Hawkeyes travel to play conference foes Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue and Northwestern. Six of Iowa’s 12 opponents played in bowl games in 2006 (Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue and Minnesota).
Iowa has a new Big Ten slate, as this season marks the first time in three years it will play Michigan State and Penn State. While the Spartans and Nittany Lions rejoin the Hawkeye schedule, leaving are Michigan and Ohio State for the next two seasons.
HAWKEYES NAMED TO WATCH LISTS
OL Rafael Eubanks, LB Mike Klinkenborg, DE Kenny Iwebema and TE Tony Moeaki were named to pre-season watch lists. Eubanks is on the Rimington Trophy watch list, which recognizes the nation’s outstanding center in college football. Klinkenborg is on the Lott Trophy watch list, which is awarded to college football’s Defensive Impact Player of the Year. Iwebema is on the Lombardi Award watch list, which recognizes college football’s top defensive lineman. Moeaki is on the John Mackey Award watch list, which is given annually to the best collegiate tight end.
HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 112 players includes 49 players from Iowa. The roster includes 14 players from Illinois; 12 from Ohio; six from New Jersey; five from Texas and Minnesota; four from Florida and Pennsylvania; three from Missouri and Nebraska; two from Indiana and one from Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Utah and Wisconsin.
MORE THAN ONE
Thirteen high schools have contributed more than one player to the current Iowa football roster. The leader is Glenville (Ohio) with four. Iowa City High (Iowa), Iowa City West (Iowa), Cretin-Derham Hall (Minnesota), Glenville (Ohio), C.R. Washington (Iowa), Millard North (Nebraska) and Humboldt (Iowa) high schools have three, while six other schools have two players on the roster.
HAWKEYES SHINE AT SHRINE BOWL
Iowa had a total of eight true freshmen, five scholarship and three walk-ons, compete at the 35th annual Shrine Bowl at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames on July 22. WR Colin Sandeman (Bettendorf HS) caught five passes for 84 yards, including two touchdowns (16 and 18 yards), to pace the South team to a 24-7 victory over the North squad. Additionally, Tyler Sash (Oskaloosa HS) caught five balls for 81 yards for the South. Sash will play defensive back for the Hawkeyes.
Sandeman and Sash joined incoming Hawkeye recruits LB Tyler Nielsen (Humboldt HS), TE Allen Reisner (Marion HS) and DB Jordan Bernstine (Lincoln HS) in the contest. Walk-ons DL Nick Brayton (Iowa City West), OL Tyrel Detweiler (Williamsburg HS) and P Eric Guthrie (Nevada HS) also competed.
THE NAME GAME
Iowa has two players named Murphy (Jayme and Nick, no relation).
Mike and Tyler are the most popular first names. There are four Mike’s (Daniels, Humpal, Klinkenborg and Morio) and four Tyler’s (Blum, Gerstandt, Nielsen and Sash). There are three players named Adam (Farnsworth, Gettis and Shada), Daniel (Doering, Murray and Olzsta), Kyle (Calloway, Haganman and Spading) and Nick (Brayton, Kuchel and Murphy). There are two Andy’s (Brodell and Kuempel), Austin’s (Postler and Signor), Ben’s (Evans and Thilges), Brett’s (Greenwood and Morse), Jordan’s (Bernstine and McLaughlin) and Tom’s (Busch and Nardo).
THE HAWKEYES, SIZE WISE
Redshirt Freshman WR Paul Chaney, Jr. is the lightest Hawkeye player at 165 pounds. Junior OL Wesley Aeschliman is the heaviest at 318 pounds. A total of six Hawkeye players are listed over 300 pounds.
The tallest player, at 6-8, is Aeschliman, while the shortest player, at 5-9, is Chaney, Jr.
The average Hawkeye player is 6-1 and weighs 233 pounds. That is one inch shorter and three pounds heavier than the average Iowa player in 2006.
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 Dan Clark. 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), Rick Kaczenski (defensive line) and Eric Johnson (tight ends) on the sidelines.
ROSE BOWL EXPERIENCE
Four members of the Iowa coaching staff have coached or played in the Rose Bowl. Kirk Ferentz coached in two Rose Bowl games while on the Iowa staff and Carl Jackson coached in three Rose Bowl games as an Iowa assistant coach. Norm Parker and Phil Parker both coached in the Rose Bowl while on the staff at Michigan State.
Kirk Ferentz RADIO SHOW
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz is featured on “Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz” each week. The 90-minute radio call-in show is hosted by Gary Dolphin, the play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The show airs each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. from Carlos O’Kelly’s in Iowa City.
IOWA STATS ON THE INTERNET
Statistics and play-by-play accounts of Iowa football games are available live on the Internet. The statistical program allows viewers to read the play-by-play action just moments after it takes place, and to view all individual and team statistics while the game is in progress. The program can be accessed through hawkeyesports.com and then clicking on the Gametracker link. This feature is available for all home games and most road contests during the 2007 season.
IOWA FOOTBALL WITH Kirk Ferentz
“Iowa Football with Kirk Ferentz” will air on the Big Ten Network Mondays at 4 p.m., with a repeat on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. Both times listed are central.
AFTER THIS
Iowa travels to University Park, PA, to compete against Penn State, Oct. 6 (2:35 CDT, ABC/ESPN2). Next week’s game concludes Iowa’s stretch of playing four of six contests away from Iowa City.
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