Oct. 8, 2007
IOWA RETURNS HOME
Iowa (2-4, 0-3) returns home to entertain Illinois (5-1, 3-0) Saturday in Iowa City, IA. Game time is 11:02 a.m. in Kinnick Stadium (70,585). The game is sold out.
ON THE TUBE
ESPN2 (HD) will televise the game to a national audience. Pam Ward, Ray Bentley and Quint Kessenich 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 1,097 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 555-503-39 (.524). That includes a 350-195-16 (.638) record in home games, a 205-306-23 (.405) record in games away from Iowa City, a 272-339-25 (.447) mark in Big Ten games and a 233-160-15 (.589) record in Kinnick Stadium.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 10-5 in games played on Oct. 13. The Hawkeyes defeated Cornell 60-0 in 1894, Simpson 47-0 in 1900, Purdue 7-0 in 1923 and 40-3 in 1984, Chicago 13-0 in 1928, Pittsburgh 34-17 in 1951, Wisconsin 13-7 in 1956 and 30-10 in 1990, Indiana 14-10 in 1962 and Northwestern 58-6 in 1979. Iowa lost to Nebraska 47-0 in 1917 and 14-13 in 1934, Purdue 40-0 in 1945, Northwestern 31-15 in 1973 and Michigan State 31-28 in 2001.
DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 28 of its last 33 games in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2002 season. The Hawkeyes’ five losses came to Indiana (38-20 in 2007), 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 (.821, 23-5) boast the 16th-best home winning percentage in the nation over the last five years (2003-07).
IN THE RANKINGS
Illinois is ranked 18th in the Associated Press poll and 19th in the USA Today rankings. Iowa is not ranked. This week marks the first time the Illini are ranked since the 2001 season.
WHAT IF…
Iowa’s offense isn’t making any excuses, but… at least 10 players which appeared on the spring, or early fall, two-deep are either off the roster or are/or have been injured for a significant amount of time. The Iowa offense could look much different with some of the following names on the two-deep: WR Andy Brodell, OL Dace Richardson, OL Rob Bruggeman, OL Bryan Bulaga, OL Alex Kanellis, TE Tony Moeaki, WR Dominique Douglas, WR Anthony Bowman, WR Trey Stross, RB Shonn Greene.
IOWA VS. RANKED TEAMS
Saturday will be Iowa’s second game this season against a ranked opponent (Wisconsin). 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
COVETING THE BALL
Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten and ninth in the country in turnover margin (+8). The Hawkeyes had no turnovers in four games this season (Northern Illinois, Iowa State, Wisconsin and Penn State). Iowa has lost only five turnovers (3 interceptions and 2 fumbles), which is tops in the conference and tied for third in the country. The Hawkeyes’ two lost fumbles this season tie for fifth nationally in fewest lost. Only Ball State and California have had fewer turnovers (3). The Hawkeyes finished the 2006 campaign with a -11 turnover margin.
The Hawkeyes collected three turnovers (two interceptions and one fumble) at Penn State last week.
SOLID DEFENSIVE PLAY
The Hawkeye defensive unit has collected 13 turnovers (eight interceptions and five fumbles), 14 sacks, blocked two field goal attempts, registered 34 tackles for loss and has yielded only 10 touchdowns through six games. Iowa ranks 14th in the country in scoring defense (16.7), 19th in total defense (304.3) and 24th in pass defense (190.5).
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 allowed a combined 10 touchdowns the last three weeks, but still rank ninth nationally in fewest touchdowns allowed.
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 and Penn State. In the Big Ten opener at Wisconsin, King had two tackles for loss, while Mattison collected his team-best fourth sack. Mattison, whose father is the co-defensive coordinator for the defending national champion Florida Gators, has collected 134 career tackles. King ranks third in the Big Ten and eighth nationally in tackles for loss (1.67). King has totaled 155 career tackles.
THE SERIES
Saturday marks the 68th meeting between the two schools with Illinois holding a 37-28-2 lead. The series began with a 58-0 Iowa victory in 1899. The Hawkeyes have won seven of the last nine contests against the Fighting Illini, including the last four. Iowa downed Illinois 24-7 last season in Champaign. Iowa is 15-18-2 vs. Illinois in games played at Iowa City. The Hawkeyes defeated the Illini in the last game between the two teams, in Kinnick Stadium (35-7), on Oct. 1, 2005.
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 46-22 (.676) overall mark and a 27-15 (.643) Big Ten record the last six seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 57-47 (.548) and a 34-33 (.507) mark in Big Ten games. In 12 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 69-68 (.504). 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 104 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 4-2 against Illinois and 3-0 vs. Fighting Illini Coach Ron Zook.
ILLINOIS COACH RON ZOOK
Ron Zook is in his third season as the head football coach at Illinois and his sixth year as a head coach. Prior to being named the Fighting Illini’s 22nd head football coach, Zook coached three seasons at Florida. His career record stands at 32-34 (.485) and 9-20 (.310) at Illinois. While coaching the Gators, he led Florida to three consecutive bowl appearances and a share of the 2003 SEC East Division title. Zook has 28 years of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional levels. Prior to being named Florida’s head coach, he coached for six years with three NFL franchises (New Orleans, Kansas City, Pittsburgh). Zook coached under longtime Florida Coach Steve Spurrier for five seasons before making the jump to the NFL. Prior to joining the Florida staff, he made coaching stops at Ohio State (1989-90), Virginia Tech (1987), Tennessee (1984-86), Kansas (1983), Cincinnati (1981-82) and Murray State (1978-80). Zook coached on five SEC Championship teams (four at Florida and one at Tennessee). He was a three-year letterwinner as a defensive back at Miami (OH).
Zook is 0-3 against Iowa and Coach Kirk Ferentz. Iowa defeated Florida (37-17) in the 2004 Outback Bowl and defeated Illinois in 2005 (35-7) and 2006 (24-7).
ILLINOIS UPSETS WISCONSIN
Illinois snapped Wisconsin’s 14-game winning streak with a 31-26 triumph last Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL. The victory was the Illini’s second straight win over a ranked opponent, marking the first time Illinois has topped ranked opponents in consecutive weeks since the final two contests of the 1959 season. Additionally, the win improves Illinois’ record to 5-1, its best start since 2001 and 3-0 in league play, its best start since 1990.
The Illini rushed for 289 yards en route to their fourth straight win. RB Rashard Mendenhall ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns, while QB Juice Williams had 92 yards rushing. Williams also completed 12-19 passes for 121 yards and a score. Senior linebacker J Leman, the Big Ten’s leading tackler, had a game-high 12 tackles, marking the third consecutive game and fifth contest this season he collected double-digit tackles.
Illinois jumped out to a 17-0 advantage on two Mendenhall touchdowns (32-yard run and five-yard pass) and a Jason Reda 50-yard field goal. The Badgers scored 13 straight points to close the gap to four early in the third period. The two teams exchanged touchdowns the remainder of the game.
IOWA, ILLINOIS NOTES
? Both Iowa and Illinois played Syracuse of the Big East Conference. The Hawkeyes topped the Orange 35-0 in Iowa City, while the Illini won at Syracuse 41-20.
? Illinois is in the middle of playing a stretch of four of five contests at home. Saturday is Illinois’ lone road game during the stretch.
? A victory Saturday would make Illinois bowl eligible for the first time since 2001 when it appeared in the Sugar Bowl.
? Iowa has allowed only one Illinois touchdown in each of the last two meetings.
? The Hawkeyes averaged 34.5 points in their last four home games against the Illini.
? Illinois has rushed for 200 yards or more in five straight contests. The Illini rank first in the Big Ten and fifth nationally in rushing (261.2).
? Saturday’s game features two of the nation’s best in kickoff coverage. Illinois ranks ninth in the country, allowing only 17.7 yards per return, while Iowa ranks 13th (18.4).
? Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall has eclipsed 100 yards four times this season and six times in his career. He ranks second in the conference in rushing and seventh in the country (128.7).
? Iowa ranks 14th in the country in scoring defense (16.7), 19th in total defense (304.3), 20th in punt returns (14.0), 22nd in fewest yards penalized (45.5) and 24th in pass defense (190.5). Individually, DT Mitch King ranks eighth in the country in tackles for loss (1.67), DB Charles Godfrey ranks 10th in interceptions (.67) and WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos ranks 25th in kickoff returns (28.2).
? Illinois ranks 13th nationally in sacks (3.33), 20th in sacks allowed (1.17), 22nd in rushing defense (100.7) and tackles for loss (7.5) and 25th in scoring defense (20.0). Individually, J Leman ranks fifth in the country in tackles (11.8) and RB Rashard Mendenhall ranks fifth in scoring (12.0).
? There are 14 players on the Iowa roster from the state of Illinois, while there are no Iowans on Illinois’ roster.
? Illinois is the last team to shut out the Hawkeyes. The Fighting Illini blanked Iowa 31-0 on Oct. 14, 2000 in Champaign. The Hawkeyes have not been shutout in 87 contests.
LAST MEETING
Iowa scored three touchdowns within a 4:08 span in the second quarter to lift the Hawkeyes to a 24-7 victory over Illinois in Memorial Stadium last season. Kirk Ferentz became Iowa’s second all-time winningest coach with the win. The win was also Iowa’s fourth-straight over the Fighting Illini, its longest streak in the 67 games of the series that began in 1899.
RB Damian Sims scored his first points of the season on a one-yard run at the 5:55 mark of the second period. Following a three-and-out, RB Albert Young scored on a six-yard run at the 2:57 mark. After an interception by the Hawkeye defense, QB Drew Tate connected with TE Tony Moeaki on the first play from scrimmage for a 35-yard scoring strike at the 1:47 mark.
PK Kyle Schlicher added a 45-yard field goal into the wind in the fourth quarter to give the Hawkeyes a 24-0 advantage. Illinois scored a late touchdown to make the final score 24-7.
Young finished with 97 all-purpose yards, a team-best 57 yards rushing on 14 carries and a touchdown and six receptions for 40 yards. Sims finished with 55 yards on 15 carries and a score.
Tate completed 17-27 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown. WR Dominique Douglas added 64 yards on five receptions.
The Hawkeye defense sacked Illinois quarterbacks three times and also collected four interceptions. Iowa turned two of the miscues into 10 points. DB Adam Shada collected a career-high two thefts, while DB Miguel Merrick and DB Devan Moylan each intercepted a pass. LB Mike Klinkenborg registered a team-high 10 tackles, while LB Edmond Miles was credited with seven stops, including one for loss, and one forced fumble.
PENN STATE 27, IOWA 7
Penn State snapped a five-game losing streak to Iowa with a 27-7 victory at Beaver Stadium. The win was the Nittany Lions’ first over the Hawkeyes, in State College, since 1994.
The Nittany Lions had 489 yards total offense, including 256 yards on the ground. The Hawkeyes were only able to generate 194 yards total offense.
After a scoreless first quarter, Penn State scored on a Kevin Kelly 24-yard field. The Nittany Lions scored 10 points in the final 1:08 of the first half on a Derrick Williams 24-yard touchdown reception and a Kelly 53-yard field goal to extend their advantage to 13-0.
Penn State added two rushing touchdowns in the second half, while Iowa’s lone touchdown came on an 11-yard scoring strike from QB Jake Christensen to WR Trey Stross.
The Hawkeyes did win the turnover margin, not turning the ball over and collecting three from Penn State (two interceptions and a fumble).
Christensen completed 16-29 passes for 146 yards and a score. Penn State held Iowa’s leading rusher, Albert Young, to 13 carries for 44 yards. WR Trey Stross caught five passes for a career-high 69 yards and a score.
Penn State QB Anthony Morelli completed 18-31 passes for 233 yards and a touchdown. RB Rodney Kinlaw carried the ball 28 times for a game-high 168 yards and two touchdowns. Penn State had five receivers with a team-best three receptions.
Iowa LB Mike Klinkenborg and DB Devan Moylan both missed their second consecutive game due to injury. LB Mike Humpal recorded a game-high 12 tackles, one week after collecting a career-high 13 stops vs. Indiana. Humpal was also credited with a forced fumble. DL Matt Kroul equaled a career high with 10 tackles, while DT Mitch King had seven tackles and matched a career high with two sacks.
EXTRA POINTS
? Iowa won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. The decision marks the first time Iowa has not elected to receive since 2003 in a game at Michigan State. Iowa has started on offense in 89 of its last 98 contests. The Hawkeyes have started the game on offense in 91 of 104 contests under Kirk Ferentz.
? With the win, Penn State improved its advantage in the series to 11-9, snapping Iowa’s five-game win streak in the series. The Hawkeyes had also won four straight games in Beaver Stadium. The crowd of 108,951 marked the fourth-largest crowd ever to watch an Iowa football game.
? Iowa has not scored on its opening drive in any of its first six games. Penn State did not score on its first possession, as the Hawkeyes forced a fumble. Only one of Iowa’s opponents (Iowa State, field goal) has scored on their first possession.
? Redshirt freshman FS Brett Greenwood started for the first time in his career. Greenwood came up with his first career interception early in the fourth period and also had five tackles.
? LB Mike Humpal caused a Penn State fumble on the first possession of the game, his second forced turnover in as many weeks. DB Adam Shada recovered the fumble, the first recovery of his career.
? Senior DB Charles Godfrey, who ranks 10th in the nation in interceptions, came up with his fourth of the year in the fourth quarter. The four interceptions are the most by an Iowa player in a season since Antwan Allen and Jovon Johnson each had four during the 2004 season. Godfrey has six career thefts.
? Iowa scored a touchdown following one of its three turnovers, driving 86 yards following Greenwood’s theft.
? Each team was able to score points each time it reached the red zone, with Iowa (1-1) getting a touchdown and Penn State (2-2) collecting a touchdown and one field goal.
? Instant Replay was used in the second period. On a play originally signaled as a Penn State touchdown, the replay showed the ball down at the one-yard line. Penn State eventually concluded the drive with a field goal.
? Punter Ryan Donahue averaged 45.1 yards on seven punts in the first half and added a 57-yard kick in the third period. The 57-yarder matches the longest kick of the season for the redshirt freshman. For the day he averaged 45.2 on 11 punts.
? RB Albert Young carried the ball 13 times for 44 yards at Penn State. Young also caught three passes for 10 yards. Young now has 2,605 career rushing yards. He moved past Tony Stewart (2,562) and into fifth place in Hawkeye career rushing.
? Iowa’s 86-yard scoring drive in the fourth period marks its third longest of the season. The Hawkeyes had a 95-yard TD drive vs. Northern Illinois and an 88-yard TD drive vs. Syracuse.
? On offense, Julian Vandervelde returned to the line-up at right guard after missing last week due to injury. WR Andy Brodell and TE Tony Moeaki both missed their second straight game as well and OL Dace Richardson did not travel after starting last week. Richardson had a leg injury.
TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2007
Iowa has had 11 true freshmen play this season: DT Cody Hundertmark, DB Cedric Everson, DE Christian Ballard, LB Jacody Coleman, DB Diauntae Morrow, LB Dezman Moses, WR Colin Sandeman, DB Jordan Bernstine, RB Jevon Pugh, TE Allen Reisner and OL Bryan Bulaga.
The 11 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 29 first-year student-athletes see game action either on offense, defense or special teams through six games. In addition to the 11 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 have sold out 26 consecutive games, dating back to 2003. Kinnick Stadium’s capacity is 70,585. Approximately 1,000 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 nine seniors, 10 juniors, 11 sophomores, 13 redshirt freshmen and eight true freshmen. Only three seniors (two running backs and one fullback) are listed on the offensive depth chart.
HAWKEYES HAVE NEW SIGNAL CALLER IN 2007
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 has been Iowa’s starting quarterback this season. 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 completed 23-32 passes for 278 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. 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. The native of Lockport, IL, posted personal bests in completions (24), attempts (42) and yards (308) in Iowa’s loss to Indiana. He also threw for three touchdowns. Last week at Penn State, he completed 16-29 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.
For the season, Christensen has completed 104-192 passes for 1,152 yards and 10 touchdowns.
SENIOR DUO LEAD HAWKEYE BACKFIELD
Iowa has two experienced senior running backs leading its rushing attack in 2007, Albert Young and Damian Sims. Young ranks fifth in Iowa career rushing with 2,605 yards. He needs 155 yards to tie Fred Russell for fourth (2,760). 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. Young rushed for a game-high 94 yards on 15 carries (6.3 avg.) and had three catches for 44 yards vs. Indiana. The senior had a team-best 44 yards on 13 attempts at Penn State. He has posted 20 career touchdowns and is tied with Eddie Phillips for 18th in career scoring (120) at Iowa.
For the season, Young has carried the ball 86 times for a team-best 400 yards and a touchdown.
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 only had seven rushing attempts for 38 yards and two receptions for 11 yards vs. the Hoosiers. For the season, Sims has rushed 58 times for 284 yards and a touchdown.
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 1,287 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 suffered a hand and elbow injury and is expected to miss 1-3 more games.
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
Three of Iowa’s leading receivers, recently, have been redshirt freshmen: Paul Chaney, Jr., James Cleveland and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos.
Johnson-Koulianos has had 11 receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns the last three games. He had four catches for 45 yards and a touchdown at Wisconsin and a team-best six catches for 68 yards and a score vs. Indiana. Johnson-Koulianos also amassed 194 yards in kickoffs returns the last three contests, including a 44-yarder in Madison.
Johnson-Koulianos ranks second in team receiving (15 receptions, 174 yards and two touchdowns). He also has shined returning kickoffs, as he ranks 25th in the country, averaging 28.2 yards on 11 returns.
Cleveland caught four passes for 77 yards at Wisconsin, had five receptions for 62 yards vs. Indiana and three for 37 yards at Penn State. Chaney Jr. had four receptions for 22 yards at Wisconsin, two receptions for 22 yards vs. Indiana and three for 14 yards at Penn State. Chaney, Jr. had his first career reception at Wisconsin. He also returned his first punts vs. Indiana after WR Colin Sandeman left the game due to an injury. Chaney, Jr. returned three punts for 57 yards, including a career-long 33-yarder. He did not play in the first two games of the season due to injury. Cleveland ranks first in team receptions (15) and receiving yards (242).
KLINKENBORG ANCHORS LINEBACKING CORPS
Linebacker Mike Klinkenborg is in his final season after a stellar junior campaign. Klinkenborg was not able to play vs. Indiana and at Penn State the last two weeks due to a head injury suffered at the Wisconsin game. The senior is questionable for Saturday’s contest vs. Illinois. He collected a team-best nine tackles in the season opener vs. Northern Illinois. Klinkenborg 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. He ranks sixth in team tackles (32).
Klinkenborg has registered double-digit tackles 10 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.
At Wisconsin, the senior collected four tackles, including a sack for 14 yards loss and forced his third career fumble. He tallied three tackles in each of the Hawkeyes’ last two games.
Iwebema ranks third on the team and 91st nationally in sacks (4.0) and is 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 forced three 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. Against Wisconsin, he was credited with five tackles. He did not play in Iowa’s last two contests due to a head injury he suffered at Wisconsin. He is questionable for Saturday’s game vs. the Illini.
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 four of six contests (Northern Illinois, Iowa State, Wisconsin and Penn State).
? Iowa started the season with three of its first four games away from Iowa City, while it concludes the season with four of six in Kinnick Stadium.
? Four Hawkeyes were 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.
? Junior WR Andy Brodell suffered a severe hamstring tear in Iowa’s game at Wisconsin and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
? 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 26 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 89 of its last 98 games. Iowa’s games at Penn State (10/6/07), 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 nine games. Iowa has started the game on offense in 91 of 104 games under Kirk Ferentz.
IOWA OPENED BIG TEN PLAY ON ROAD
Iowa began its quest for a 12th Big Ten championship 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 17 offensive plays (14 pass, 3 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 and at Penn State. The Hawkeyes posted three passing plays and one run over 20 yards at Wisconsin. Iowa amassed a season-high five offensive plays that resulted in 20 yards or more vs. Indiana. 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 registered 16 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. Indiana had four big passing plays and a 71-yard offensive fumble return for a touchdown. Penn State posted five offensive plays that resulted in 20 yards or more, including two for touchdowns.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 14-13 in the first quarter, 44-43 in the second and 26-14 in the third quarter. Hawkeye opponents own a 30-20 scoring advantage in the fourth period.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 5.0 yards on 168 first down plays, 4.4 yards on 130 second down plays, 3.9 yards on 96 third down plays and 5.7 yards on 11 fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averages 7.3 plays, 52.5 yards and 2:49 elapsed time on 18 scoring drives. 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. Iowa had two 10-play touchdown scoring drives (65 and 75 yards) vs. Indiana.
Hawkeye opponents have recorded 20 scoring drives, averaging 8.0 plays, 54.0 yards and 3:22 elapsed time. Syracuse did not score in week two.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 12-17 (70.6%) in the red zone (9 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. Iowa scored two passing touchdowns and missed a field goal attempt inside the red zone vs. Indiana. The Hawkeyes scored a touchdown on its only trip inside the 20-yard line last week at Penn State.
Hawkeye opponents are 11-17 (64.7%) in the red zone. Iowa’s red zone defense ranks second in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (50.0%). Penn State tallied a touchdown and a field goal on two red zone possessions. Indiana tallied three touchdowns and had a pass intercepted in the end zone on its four red zone possessions. 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 27 points following 13 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. The Hawkeyes scored three points following two Indiana miscues. Iowa turned three takeaways at Penn State into seven points last week.
Hawkeye opponents have scored only three points following only five Iowa turnovers. Indiana converted a field goal after intercepting a pass on Iowa’s 33-yard line, but did not score after a fumble recovery. Syracuse intercepted Iowa quarterbacks twice and recovered a fumble, but failed to score. Northern Illinois, Iowa State, Wisconsin and Penn State did not record a takeaway.
TELEVISION SCHEDULE
Iowa has appeared on television in its last 71 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 was televised on the Big Ten Network (HD). Iowa’s contest at Penn State was televised nationally on ABC/ESPN2. The Hawkeyes’ contest vs. Illinois Saturday will be broadcast to a national cable audience by 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 29-6 (.829) record the last seven 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, but fell to Indiana. Other Iowa home games include 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 Purdue Oct. 20 (11:02 a.m., CDT) before returning home to entertain Michigan State Oct. 27 (TBA).
Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
|
|
|
Click HERE for the Big Ten Network home page.