Oct. 15, 2007
IOWA BACK ON THE ROAD
Iowa (3-4, 1-3) is back on the road, traveling to Purdue (5-2, 1-2) Saturday. Game time is 11:02 a.m. (CDT) in Ross-Ade Stadium (62,500). A crowd of 55,000 is expected and tickets are still available.
ON THE TUBE
ESPN2 (HD) will televise the game to a national audience. Pam Ward, Ray Bentley and Joe Schad 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 1,098 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 556-503-39 (.524). That includes a 351-195-16 (.639) record in home games, a 205-306-23 (.405) record in games away from Iowa City, a 273-339-25 (.447) mark in Big Ten games and a 234-160-15 (.590) record in Kinnick Stadium.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 6-8 in games played on Oct. 20. The Hawkeyes defeated Augustana 34-0 in 1894, Ripon 61-6 in 1928, Hawai’i 34-0 in 1956, Michigan 26-0 in 1984 and 24-23 in 1990 and Indiana 42-28 in 2001. Iowa lost to Grinnell 10-0 in 1917, Illinois 9-6 in 1923, Iowa State 31-6 in 1934, Indiana 52-20 in 1945, Michigan 21-0 in 1951, Wisconsin 42-14 in 1962 and Minnesota 31-23 in 1973 and 24-7 in 1979.
HAWKEYE HUDDLE IN WEST LAFAYETTE
The National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association invite all fans to the “Hawkeye Huddle” from 9-11 a.m. (EDT) Saturday. The “Hawkeye Huddle” will be held at The University Inn Conference Center and Suites, located at 3001 Northwestern Avenue in West Lafayette. The free reception features refreshments, snacks, Hawk Shop door prizes, Herky, and the Iowa cheerleaders.
IOWA NOMINTED FOR PONTIAC WEEKLY AWARD
For the second year in a row, the Iowa Hawkeyes have been nominated for the NCAAs weekly Pontiac Game Changing Performance Award. Iowa used an opportunistic defense to hold on for an upset win over then-18th-ranked Illinois. Leading 10-6 with a little over a minute remaining in the game, Iowa FS Brett Greenwood intercepted an Illinois pass at the goal line to seal the win.
Iowa is one of four schools nominated for this week’s $5,000 award, which is given to the winning institutions general scholarship fund. Additionally, the winning play will be nominated for the “Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year” and the chance to win a $100,000 General Scholarship Grant from Pontiac.
Iowa fans can go to pontiac.com/ncaa, where they can view video clips of the four finalists and vote for their favorite play. Voting began Sunday morning and ends at midnight Wednesday. ESPN will announce this week’s “Pontiac Game Changing Performance” winner, Thursday night, during the Pontiac Performance Halftime Report.
Last season, Iowa stopped Syracuse eight times inside the Iowa five-yard line in double overtime to lift the Hawkeyes to victory. The goal line stands earned Iowa ESPNs Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Week. The UI was one of four finalists for the Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year.
HUMPAL EARNS BIG TEN WEEKLY HONOR
Mike Humpal racked up a career-best 18 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss, including his first career sack, and recovered a fumble to spearhead an Iowa defensive effort that limited Illinois to a pair of field goals in a 10-6 triumph. The senior linebacker, who has recorded double-digit tackles in his last three outings, bested his previous career-high in tackles by five stops. With Iowa clinging to a four-point lead, the Illini drove into Hawkeyes territory at the start of the fourth quarter before defensive end Bryan Mattison forced a fumble that was recovered by Humpal. Iowa forced one more turnover in the final stanza, picking off a pass at the goal line with less than two minutes left in the game to secure the victory. Illinois, which entered the game averaging 30.2 points and 261.2 rushing yards per contest, was held to just two field goals and 137 yards on the ground. Humpal earns player of the week laurels for the first time in his career.
COVETING THE BALL
Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten and 11th in the country in turnover margin (+9). The Hawkeyes had no turnovers in four games this season (Northern Illinois, Iowa State, Wisconsin and Penn State). Iowa has lost only six turnovers (3 interceptions and 3 fumbles), which is tops in the conference and tied for second in the country. The Hawkeyes’ three lost fumbles this season tie for seventh nationally in fewest lost. Only Georgia has had fewer turnovers (5). The Hawkeyes finished the 2006 campaign with a -11 turnover margin.
In Iowa’s last two games, it has collected three turnovers (two interceptions and one fumble) at Penn State and two turnovers (one interception and one fumble) vs. Illinois.
SOLID DEFENSIVE PLAY
The Hawkeye defensive unit has collected 15 turnovers (eight interceptions and five fumbles), 15 sacks, blocked two field goal attempts, registered 39 tackles for loss and has yielded only 10 touchdowns through seven games. Iowa ranks ninth in the country in scoring defense (15.1), 15th in total defense (301.9) and 24th in pass defense (184.7).
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 four weeks, but still rank sixth nationally in fewest touchdowns allowed. Iowa has not allowed a touchdown in four games this season. The last time the Hawkeyes accomplished that feat was in 1984 when they shutout Michigan, allowed three points to Northwestern and Purdue and six to Hawai’i.
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. He forced his sixth career fumble that was recovered by LB Mike Humpal last week vs. Illinois. Mattison, whose father is the co-defensive coordinator for the defending national champion Florida Gators, has collected 139 career tackles and 15 sacks. His 15 career sacks rank 20th among active players in the country. King ranks fifth in the Big Ten and 21st nationally in tackles for loss (1.43). King has totaled 156 career tackles and 13 sacks. His 13 career sacks rank 30th among active players in the nation. LB Mike Humpal collected 18 tackles vs. Illinois and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
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 and RB Shonn Greene.
THE SERIES
Purdue holds a 44-32-3 advantage in the series that began with a 16-0 Iowa win in 1910, but the Hawkeyes have won 15 of the last 20 meetings, including the last three. Purdue owns a 26-13-1 advantage in games played in West Lafayette. The Hawkeyes won the last contest played at Ross-Ade Stadium (34-17) on Oct. 8, 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 47-22 (.680) overall mark and a 28-15 (.650) Big Ten record the last six seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 58-47 (.550) and a 35-33 (.510) mark in Big Ten games. In 12 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 70-68 (.507). 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-five of Iowa’s 105 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (16-20) and 35 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (13-22).
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 vs. Purdue.
PURDUE COACH JOE TILLER
Joe Tiller is in his 11th year as the head coach at Purdue and his 17th as a head coach. Tiller’s career record stands at 119-81-1 (.592), including an 80-51 (.611) record at Purdue and a 39-30-1 record in six seasons at Wyoming. Tiller’s first Purdue team, in 1997, posted a 9-3 record. Purdue was 9-4 in 1998. The Boilermakers won a share of the 2000 Big Ten title, earning a spot in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1967. Purdue has earned a bowl invitation nine of the last 10 seasons under Tiller. The Boilermakers lost to Maryland (24-7) in the Champs Sports Bowl last season.
Tiller is 3-5 vs. Iowa.
PURDUE FALLS AT MICHIGAN
Michigan RB Mike Hart and WR Mario Manningham each scored two touchdowns in the first half to help propel the Wolverines to a 48-21 victory over Purdue at Michigan Stadium. The Boilermakers have lost in consecutive weeks after starting strong and rising to No. 23 in the Associated Press poll. Trailing 48-7, Purdue scored two touchdowns in the final minute. Purdue QB Curtis Painter completed 17-28 passes for 113 yards, his lowest total since 2005, and two interceptions. He ran for a five-yard score to tie the game midway through the first quarter, a play after Michigan QB Chad Henne fumbled. The Wolverines held RB Kory Sheets to 19 yards on only four carries. TE Dustin Keller caught a team-best seven passes for 68 yards.
IOWA, PURDUE NOTES
? Saturday will be Iowa’s last visit to Purdue until at least 2011. The Boilermakers play at Iowa next season and then come off the Hawkeyes schedule in 2009 and 2010. Conference schedules for 2011 and 2012 haven’t been announced.
? Purdue is Iowa’s second league opponent it will play having lost its previous two contests (Ohio State and Michigan). Penn State lost games at Michigan and Illinois before defeating the Hawkeyes in University Park, PA on Oct. 6.
? Purdue, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Penn State, Michigan State and Wisconsin are all 5-2 and looking to become bowl eligible with a victory Saturday. Ohio State is the only Big Ten team, currently, bowl eligible with a 7-0 overall record.
? Purdue RB Kory Sheets was held to 20 yards or fewer by both Michigan and Ohio State after running for at least 111 yards in the previous three games.
? Joe Tiller coached in his 200th career game as a head coach two weeks ago when Purdue hosted Ohio State (Oct. 6).
? Iowa and Purdue have nearly identical third and fourth down conversion rates. The Boilermakers are 45-125 (.360), while the Hawkeyes are 45-127 (.354).
? Iowa ranks ninth in the country in scoring defense (15.1), 11th in turnover margin (+9), 15th in total defense (301.9), 17th in punt returns (14.0) and 24th in pass defense (184.7). Individually, DB Charles Godfrey ranks 15th in interceptions (.57) DT Mitch King ranks 21st in tackles for loss (1.43) and LB Mike Humpal ranks 24th in tackles (10.4).
? Purdue ranks third nationally in kickoff returns (28.8), 11th in turnovers gained (18), 15th in fewest yards penalized (42.6), 18th in passing offense (295.7), 20th in fewest penalties (5.43), 21st in scoring offense (36.4) and 23rd in fewest sacks allowed (1.29). Individually, Dorien Bryant ranks 14th in the country in kickoff returns (29.7), 15th in all-purpose yardage (169.4) and 20th in receptions (6.9) and LB Anthony Heygood ranks 21st in tackles for loss (1.43).
? Iowa’s roster includes two players from Indiana, senior DE Bryan Mattison (Mishawaka) and sophomore OLB A.J. Edds (Greenwood) – both are starters. Purdue’s roster does not include any Iowans.
LAST MEETING
QB Drew Tate threw for two scores and RB Damian Sims ran for two, as Iowa cruised to a 47-17 victory over Purdue on homecoming in Kinnick Stadium, last season.
Iowa sprinted out to a quick 20-0 advantage on a one-yard run by Sims, a two-yard reception by FB Tom Busch and a pair of PK Kyle Schlicher field goals (27 and 39 yards). Purdue, who entered the game ranked eighth in scoring offense, was nearly shutout in the first half, but finally got on the board with a 44-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.
The Hawkeyes scored on three of their first four second-half possessions to help secure the victory. Sims scored his second touchdown on an eight-yard run in the third quarter to extend the Iowa lead to 27-3. TE Scott Chandler and RB Shonn Greene each had a four-yard score, Greene on a run and Chandler on a reception.
Iowa DB Adam Shada returned an interception a school-record 98 yards in the fourth quarter to finish the scoring. The return was Iowa’s first interception returned for a touchdown since Jovon Johnson had an 18-yard TD return vs. Northern Iowa on Sept. 17, 2005.
Sims, who replaced the injured Albert Young, started his first career contest and rushed for a game and career-high 155 yards and two touchdowns. Tate completed 17-23 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Tate distributed the ball to eight different receivers. WR Dominique Douglas had four catches for a team-high 90 yards.
LB Mike Klinkenborg and DB Miguel Merrick each posted a game and career-high 14 tackles. LB Edmond Miles added eight stops, while Shada collected five tackles and two pass break-ups to go with his interception return.
IOWA 10, ILLINOIS 6
Iowa snapped a four-game losing streak and won its fifth consecutive game over Illinois with a 10-6 triumph at Kinnick Stadium.
The Fighting Illini, averaging 30.2 points in their previous six games, were limited to only six points (two field goals) by the Iowa defense. Illinois place kicker Jason Reda converted field goals of 46 and 23 yards in the first and third quarters.
The game was tied 3-3 at halftime after Iowa placekicker Daniel Murray made a 28-yarder with 26 seconds left in the half. The Illini then grabbed a 6-3 advantage, but the Hawkeyes scored the game’s only touchdown two possessions later on a TE Brandon Myers’ 20-yard scoring reception from QB Jake Christensen. Illinois had an opportunity to take the lead late in the game, but Hawkeye FS Brett Greenwood intercepted Illinois back-up QB Edie McGee at the goal line to preserve the Iowa victory.
Christensen completed 17-25 passes for 182 yards and a score. RB Albert Young rushed a season-high 25 times for a game-high 99 yards. Young also caught four passes for 25 yards. Wide receivers Paul Chaney, Jr. (47 yards) and Brandon Myers (38 yards) each had three receptions.
Illinois starting QB Juice Williams completed 9-15 passes for 98 yards and rushed 10 times for 41 yards. RB Rashard Mendenhall carried the ball 15 times for a team-best 67 yards. WR Arrelious Benn had four catches for a game-high 87 yards.
Iowa dominated the time of possession, maintaining possession for 34:26 compared to Illinois’ 25:34. Both teams had just nine offensive possessions.
Defensively, LB Mike Humpal and DB Adam Shada led the Hawkeyes. Humpal had a career game, registering a career-best 18 tackles (2.5 for loss), recovering his first career fumble and registered his first career sack. Shada had 10 tackles and a pass break-up.
EXTRA POINTS
? The four-point victory is Iowa’s third consecutive over Illinois at Kinnick Stadium. Furthermore, the Hawkeyes have won eight of the last 10 meetings against Illinois.
? The win over No. 18/19 Illinois is Iowa’s first victory over a ranked opponent since defeating 19th-ranked Wisconsin 20-10 (Nov. 12, 2005). Additionally, the win is Iowa’s first over a ranked opponent at home since dropping ninth-ranked Wisconsin 30-7 (Nov. 20, 2004).
? Iowa’s defense allowed only two field goals, marking the fourth game this season the Hawkeyes did not yield a touchdown (Northern Illinois, Syracuse, Iowa State and Wisconsin).
? True freshman Jacody Coleman started his first career game at linebacker in place of injured Mike Klinkenborg, who missed his third straight contest.
? Iowa has not scored on its opening drive in any of its seven games. Illinois scored on its first possession, converting a 46-yard field goal. Only two of Iowa’s opponents (Iowa State and Illinois, both field goals) have scored on their first possession. The Hawkeyes opening drive (12 plays, 45 yards in 6:20) was their longest drive of the season in possession time and equaled their longest in plays.
? Iowa maintained possession for 10:30 in the first period, but did not score. Iowa’s two first-quarter drives stalled after failing to convert fourth down plays inside Illinois’ 35-yard line. The Hawkeyes had 23 plays for 96 yards in the first quarter.
? Iowa collected two Illinois turnovers in the fourth quarter, a fumble and interception. The Hawkeyes were unable to turn the fumble into points as Iowa had a fumbled snap on Illinois’ 11-yard line on the ensuing drive. The lost fumble was Iowa’s first turnover in two weeks. Iowa did not score following the goal line interception. The Hawkeyes finished the contest +1 in turnover margin.
? FS Brett Greenwood intercepted his second career pass and his second tin he last two weeks. The redshirt freshman intercepted the Illinois pass at the goal line and returned it nine yards to thwart the Illini’ scoring opportunity.
? QB Jake Christensen has thrown eight touchdown passes in three home games this season.
? LB Mike Humpal registered a career-high 18 tackles, besting his previous high by five stops. Humpal has tallied double-digit tackles in four games this season, including the last three. He collected his first career sack in the third period and finished the contest with a career-high 2.5 tackles for four yards lost. He also recovered his first career fumble in the fourth quarter. The senior forced a fumble in each of the previous two games.
? WR Paul Chaney, Jr. caught a career-high three passes for 47 yards.
? Instant Replay was not used in the Illinois contest.
? RB Albert Young’s 99 yards is his second-highest rushing total of the season (144 vs. Northern Illinois). The senior, who ranks fifth in Iowa career rushing, now has 2,704 career rushing yards. He is only 56 yards from matching Fred Russell (2,760) for fourth in Iowa career rushing.
? In the previous game at Penn State, nine of Iowa’s 14 offensive drives were three-and-out; the Hawkeyes did not have one three-and-out vs. Illinois.
? Iowa converted 10 of its 17 (.588) third down conversions, its second-best conversion rate of the season (.684 vs. Syracuse).
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. Coleman started his first career game last week vs. Illinois.
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 27 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, 10 sophomores, 14 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. At Penn State, he completed 16-29 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Last week, he helped lead Iowa past ranked-Illinois, completing 19-25 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown and no interceptions.
For the season, Christensen has completed 121-217 passes for 1,334 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has not thrown an interception in 73 pass attempts, dating back to the Indiana game. He is 3-1 as a starter in home games.
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 2,704 yards. He needs only 56 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. Young carried the ball a season-high 25 times for a game-best 99 yards in Iowa’s win over Illinois. 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 111 times for a team-best 499 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. Last week vs. Illinois, Sims had 45 rushing yards on 11 attempts. For the season, Sims has rushed 69 times for 329 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 1,332 yards, ranks 23rd 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.
HUMPAL PUTS UP CAREER NUMBERS
Linebacker Mike Humpal registered a career-high 18 tackles, besting his previous high by five stops. Humpal has tallied double-digit tackles in four games this season, including the last three. He collected his first career sack in the third period and finished the contest with a career-high 2.5 tackles for four yards lost in Iowa’s win over Illinois. He also recovered his first career fumble in the fourth quarter against the Illini. The senior forced a fumble in each of the previous two games.
His performance against the Illini garnered the senior Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week laurels.
KLINKENBORG ANCHORS LINEBACKING CORPS
Linebacker Mike Klinkenborg is in his final season after a stellar junior campaign. Klinkenborg was not able to play the last three weeks due to a head injury suffered in the Wisconsin game. The senior is questionable for Saturday’s contest at Purdue. 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 seventh 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 six tackles in two of the Hawkeyes’ last three games.
Iwebema ranks third in team sacks (4.0) and fourth in tackles for loss (5.5). For his career, the senior has amassed 14 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss and forced three fumbles. His 14 career sacks rank 25th among active players in the country.
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 1-2 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.
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 three contests due to injury. He is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Boilermakers.
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 seven 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 and junior OL Dace Richardson both suffered injuries and will miss the remainder of the season.
? In the last six years, Iowa is 39-6 when leading at the half and 45-4 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 27 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 opened its conference schedule on the road (at Wisconsin) for the eighth time in nine years under Coach Ferentz. 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.
? 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).
DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 29 of its last 34 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 (.828, 24-5) boast the 14th-best home winning percentage in the nation over the last five years (2003-07).
IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 90 of its last 99 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 92 of 105 games under Kirk Ferentz.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 19 offensive plays (16 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, at Penn State and vs. Illinois. 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 18 offensive plays (16 pass, 2 run) of 20 yards or more. Northern Illinois and 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 47-43 in the second and 33-17 in the third quarter. Hawkeye opponents own a slim 16-14 scoring advantage in the first period and 30-20 edge in the fourth period.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 4.8 yards on 195 first down plays, 5.1 yards on 155 second down plays, 4.3 yards on 113 third down plays and 4.6 yards on 14 fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averages 7.5 plays, 52.4 yards and 2:55 elapsed time on 20 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. The Hawkeyes had four drives that consumed 4:30 minutes or more vs. Illinois, with only one resulting in a score (touchdown).
Hawkeye opponents have recorded 22 scoring drives, averaging 8.3 plays, 54.2 yards and 3:31 elapsed time. Syracuse did not score in week two.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 14-20 (70%) in the red zone (10 TD, 4 FG). 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 at Penn State. Iowa posted a touchdown and a field goal in three red zone trips last week vs. Illinois. The Hawkeyes’ third red zone possession against the Illini resulted in a lost fumble.
Hawkeye opponents are 12-19 (63.2%) in the red zone. Iowa’s red zone defense ranks second in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (55.6%). Illinois converted a field goal and had a pass intercepted at the goal line in its loss last week at Iowa. 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 15 turnovers. The Hawkeyes collected three turnovers vs. Northern Illinois and two vs. Illinois, but failed to score off those turnovers. 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.
Hawkeye opponents have scored only three points following only six 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. Illinois was unable to score after recovering an Iowa fumble. Northern Illinois, Iowa State, Wisconsin and Penn State did not record a takeaway.
TELEVISION SCHEDULE
Iowa has appeared on television in its last 72 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 was broadcast to a national cable audience by ESPN2. Iowa’s contest at Purdue (Oct. 20) and its home game vs. Michigan State (Oct. 27) will also be televised to a national cable audience on ESPN2 at 11:02 a.m. (CDT).
HAWKEYES TO PLAY 12
The 2007 Hawkeyes will play six home games in Kinnick Stadium, where they have posted a 30-6 (.830) 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. Iowa rebounded from four straight losses and defeated Illinois on Oct. 13 in Kinnick Stadium. Remaining Iowa home games include 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 in 2007. 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 returns home to entertain Michigan State Oct. 27 (11:02 a.m. CDT, ESPN2) before playing its final road game of the season at Northwestern Nov. 3 (TBA).
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