Oct. 22, 2007
IOWA TO HOST MICHIGAN STATE
Iowa (3-5, 1-4) returns home to host Michigan State (5-3, 1-3) Saturday on family weekend. Game time is 11:02 a.m. (CDT) in Kinnick Stadium (70,585). The game is sold out.
ON THE TUBE
ESPN2 (HD) will televise the game to a national audience. Dave Pasch, Andre Ware and Erin Andrews 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 1,099 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 556-504-39 (.524). That includes a 351-195-16 (.639) record in home games, a 205-307-23 (.405) record in games away from Iowa City, a 273-340-25 (.447) mark in Big Ten games and a 234-160-15 (.590) record in Kinnick Stadium.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 7-7-1 in games played on Oct. 27. The Hawkeyes defeated Missouri 26-4 in 1906, Ohio State 20-0 in 1923, Minnesota 7-6 in 1928, Purdue 21-20 in 1956, Wisconsin 24-13 in 1979, Indiana 24-20 in 1984 and Northwestern 56-14 in 1990. Iowa lost to Wisconsin 20-0 in 1917, Minnesota 48-12 in 1934, Notre Dame 56-0 1945, Ohio State 47-21 in 1951, Purdue 26-3 in 1962, Illinois 50-0 in 1973 and Michigan 32-26 in 2001. Iowa and Chicago tied 18-18 in 1894.
COVETING THE BALL
Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten and 14th 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 eight turnovers (four interceptions and four fumbles), which is tops in the conference and tied for fifth in the country. The Hawkeyes’ four lost fumbles this season ties for ninth nationally in fewest lost. The Hawkeyes finished the 2006 campaign with a -11 turnover margin.
The Hawkeyes have forced six opponent turnovers the last three contests.
SOLID DEFENSIVE PLAY
The Hawkeye defensive unit has collected 16 turnovers (10 interceptions and six fumbles), 17 sacks, blocked two field goal attempts, registered 45 tackles for loss and has yielded only 14 touchdowns through eight games. Iowa ranks 14th in the country in scoring defense (17.1), 23rd in total defense (318.0) and 34th in pass defense (201.0).
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 seventh 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 vs. Illinois. Mattison, whose father is the co-defensive coordinator for the defending national champion Florida Gators, has collected 143 career tackles and 16.5 sacks. King ranks fourth in the Big Ten and 21st nationally in tackles for loss (1.44). King has totaled 160 career tackles and 13.5 sacks. LB Mike Humpal collected 18 tackles vs. Illinois and was named the Bronko Nagurski and Master Football Coaches National Defensive Player of the Week and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
WHAT IF…
Iowa’s offense isn’t making any excuses, but… at least 11 players who 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 Colin Sandeman, WR Dominique Douglas, WR Anthony Bowman, WR Trey Stross and RB Shonn Greene.
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 13th-best home winning percentage in the nation over the last five years (2003-07).
THE SERIES
Iowa holds a slim 19-17-2 advantage in the series that began with a 21-7 Michigan State win in 1953. The Hawkeyes have won six of the last nine meetings, with the three losses coming at East Lansing. The home team has won the last seven meetings. Iowa has won the last five games in Iowa City. Michigan State’s last victory in Iowa City came in 1989 (17-14). Iowa holds an 11-8-1 advantage in games played in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes defeated the Spartans (38-16) in Kinnick Stadium in the last meeting between the two teams on Oct. 2, 2004. Kirk Ferentz recorded his first Big Ten win as Iowa’s head coach when the Hawkeyes topped Michigan State (21-16) in Iowa City in 2000.
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 47-23 (.671) overall mark and a 28-16 (.636) Big Ten record the last six seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 58-48 (.547) and a 35-34 (.507) mark in Big Ten games. In 12 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 70-69 (.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-five of Iowa’s 106 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 3-3 vs. Michigan State.
MICHIGAN STATE COACH MARK DANTONIO
Mark Dantonio is in his first season on the Spartan sidelines. Dantonio has amassed a 23-20 (.535) overall mark in four years as head coach and a 5-3 (.625) record this season at Michigan State. Prior to becoming Michigan State’s 24th head football coach, he was the head football coach at Cincinnati for three seasons (2004-06). While coaching at Cincinnati, Dantonio led the Bearcats to two bowl appearances. Dantonio had Big Ten and Michigan State ties before being named Spartan head coach. From 1995-2000, he served as secondary coach at Michigan State and was promoted to associate head coach in 2000. After six seasons as an assistant coach in East Lansing, he was named Ohio State’s defensive coordinator for three seasons (2001-03). The Buckeyes boasted a 32-6 mark during his three seasons in Columbus and helped guide the Buckeyes to three bowl appearances, including winning the 2002 national championship. A native of Zanesville, OH, Dantonio was a three-year lettermen as a defensive back at South Carolina (1976-78).
SPARTANS FALL AT TOP-RANKED OHIO STATE
Ohio State scored the game’s first 24 points and held on to a 24-17 triumph over Michigan State last Saturday in Columbus. The Spartans tallied just nine first downs and 185 yards of total offense against an Ohio State defense which came in as the best in the nation in points allowed and total defense.
The Buckeyes built a comfortable lead and then gave up two touchdowns off turnovers late in the third quarter. Ohio State QB Todd Boeckman completed 15-23 passes for 193 yards and two scores, while RB Chris Wells rushed 31 times for a career-high 221 yards and a touchdown to pace the Buckeyes.
Trailing 24-0, Spartan safety Otis Wiley returned his team-leading third interception 54 yards for a touchdown to cut the Buckeye advantage to 17. On Ohio State’s next possession, LB SirDarean Adams returned a fumble 25 yards for a touchdown. The Spartans added a field goal late in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to seven, but would get no closer.
Michigan State QB Brian Hoyer completed 12-23 passes for 126 yards. RB Javon Ringer rushed for a team-best 49 yards on 18 carries, while WR Devin Thomas had four catches for a team-best 77 yards.
IOWA, MICHIGAN STATE NOTES
? Iowa’s Jake Christensen has thrown only three interceptions this season, the fewest among Big Ten quarterbacks. Michigan State QB Brian Hoyer has thrown the second-fewest picks (4).
? Michigan State has collected 14 takeaways this season, resulting in 60 points. Iowa has amassed 16 takeaways, resulting in 30 points.
? Michigan State DE Jonal Saint-Dic has established a Big Ten single-season record with eight forced fumbles. Saint-Dic has posted nine sacks this season, which ranks fifth in the country and tie Courtney Ledyard and Larry Bethea for ninth best in Spartan single-season history. The eight forced fumbles ties for the third most in a season in Football Bowl Subdivision history (record: 10, Elvis Dumervil, Louisville in 2005). Saint-Dic has 10 career forced fumbles, which ranks tied for sixth best in FBS history (record: 14).
? Michigan State has scored four defensive touchdowns this season (two interceptions and two fumble returns).
? Iowa ranks 14th in the country in turnover margin (+8) and scoring defense (17.1), 16th in punt returns (14.0) and 23rd in total defense (318.0). Individually, DB Charles Godfrey ranks 20th in the nation in interceptions (0.5), WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos ranks 32nd in kickoff returns (26.3), DT Mitch King ranks 21st in tackles for loss (1.44) and LB Mike Humpal ranks 24th in tackles (10.3).
? Michigan State ranks second in the Big Ten and 14th nationally in rushing, averaging 219.8 yards per contest. That’s an improvement of 90.6 yards per game over last season when the Spartans ranked ninth in the league, averaging 129.2 yards per game. The Spartans are the only team to have two running backs ranked among the Big Ten’s top 10 rushers. Javon Ringer ranks third (122.6), while Jehuu Caulcrick ranks 10th (63.5).
? The Spartans rank third nationally in kickoff returns (28.1) and tackles for loss (9.4) and fourth in sacks (3.88). Individually, WR Devin Thomas ranks first nationally in all-purpose yardage (204.3) and 15th receiving yards (95.9).
? Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker was the defensive coordinator at Michigan State from 1990-94. He also served as the Spartan outside linebackers coach from 1983-89.
? Phil Parker, Iowa’s defensive backs coach, earned all-Big Ten honors as a Michigan State defensive back from 1983-86 and was a graduate assistant at MSU in 1987.
? Michigan State Defensive Coordinator Pat Narduzzi coached against the Hawkeyes in 2003 when he served as the defensive coordinator for Miami (OH). Iowa won that game 21-3 in Kinnick Stadium.
? Michigan State Running Backs Coach Dan Enos has coached and played against the Hawkeyes. As starting quarterback, he led the Spartans to a win (17-14) in Kinnick Stadium in 1989, but lost to Iowa (12-7) in Spartan Stadium in 1990. Enos served as the quarterbacks coach for Western Michigan in 2000 when the Broncos defeated the Hawkeyes (27-21) in Kinnick Stadium.
? Spartan Linebackers and Special Teams Coach Mike Tressel, who is the nephew of Jim Tressel, was a four-year starter in the secondary at Cornell College (1992-95). He served as offensive coordinator and quarterback coach at Wartburg College in 2001.
? Michigan State hosted Pittsburgh in week three at East Lansing. Iowa travels to Pittsburgh next season (Sept. 20, 2008).
LAST MEETING
Iowa collected a season-high 464 yards total offense en route to 38-16 victory over Michigan State on homecoming. The victory was Iowa’s fifth consecutive homecoming win, but more importantly, it snapped a two-game losing streak.
The Hawkeyes jumped on the Spartans early, posting two first quarter 80-yard touchdown drives. RB Jermelle Lewis scored the first touchdown on a season-long 47-yard run on Iowa’s opening drive of the game. WR Ed Hinkel caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from QB Drew Tate to boost the margin to 14-0 later in the first period.
Following two Spartan field goals, the Hawkeyes added a 23-yard field goal by Kyle Schlicher in the final minute of the second period to take a 17-6 halftime advantage. Iowa stretched its lead to 24-6 following a three-yard touchdown run by FB Tom Busch. RB Marques Simmons added a pair of short scoring runs from one and two yards to close Iowa’s scoring in the fourth quarter. Iowa was a perfect 5-5 in the red zone, scoring four touchdowns (three rushing and one passing) and a field goal.
Tate completed 25-36 passes for 340 yards. The sophomore became the first Iowa quarterback to throw for over 300 yards since Jon Beutjer threw for 380 yards at Indiana (9/30/00). In addition, he completed 10 straight passes in the third quarter, marking the third time he had completed 10 or more consecutive passes in a game (10 vs. Kent State and 11 at Michigan).
Lewis came out of the game in the second quarter due to injury, but finished the game as Iowa’s leading rusher with three carries for 49 yards and one touchdown. Hinkel had seven receptions for 98 yards, while WR Clinton Solomon caught four balls for 105 yards.
Defensively, Iowa had three players collect double figure tackles. DB Miguel Merrick had his first career start, replacing the injured Sean Considine, and responded with a career-high 14 tackles, including one for loss. LB Abdul Hodge tallied 12 tackles, while DB Marcus Paschal registered a career-high 10 tackles.
PURDUE 31, IOWA 6
Purdue snapped a three-game losing streak to Iowa with a 31-6 victory over the Hawkeyes at Ross-Ade Stadium.
The Boilermakers led 14-6 midway through the third period on touchdown passes from QB Curtis Painter to Dustin Keller (14 yards) and Dorien Bryant (22 yards). Iowa’s Daniel Murray converted on field goals from 31 and 35 yards. It marked the second game this season Murray made two field goals in a contest (Wisconsin).
Leading by eight, Purdue scored the game’s last 17 points. Bryant caught his second scoring pass of the contest (33 yards), while RB Kory Sheets scored from one-yard and Chris Summers connected on a 30-yard field goal.
Iowa QB Jake Christensen completed 17-40 passes for 177 yards. RB Albert Young rushed for a team-best 44 yards on only seven attempts. WR James Cleveland posted career highs in catches (7) and yards (101) to lead the Hawkeye receiving corps. WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos had a team-best 141 all-purpose yards (57 receiving and 84 kick returns).
LB Mike Humpal led the Hawkeye defense for the fourth straight week, registering a game-high nine tackles, including a career-high eight solo stops. FS Brett Greenwood matched a personal best with seven tackles, all solo. LB Mike Klinkenborg, who missed the previous three games due to injury, returned to the starting lineup and collected seven tackles and intercepted his first career pass that resulted in an Iowa field goal. DE Bryan Mattison tallied four tackles, including 1.5 sacks for 11 yards loss.
EXTRA POINTS
? True freshman Bryan Bulaga started at left guard, earning his first career start. Sophomore Dan Doering started at right guard, earning his first career start.
? Iowa has not scored on its opening drive in any of its eight games. Purdue scored a touchdown on its first possession. Three of Iowa’s opponents (Purdue — TD, Iowa State and Illinois — field goals) scored on their first possession.
? DB Devan Moylan, WR Colin Sandeman, WR Trey Stross, WR Andy Brodell and TE Tony Moeaki did not play due to injury. DE Ken Iwebema did not play in the second half and OLB A.J. Edds left the game in the third period and did not return.
? RB Albert Young had a 26-yard run in the first period, resulting in Iowa’s longest run from scrimmage this season. RB Damian Sims had a 23-yarder vs. Northern Illinois in the season opener.
? Senior DB Adam Shada had the first forced fumble of his career in the second period, but Purdue maintained possession. Shada finished the game with six solo stops.
? WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos had six receptions for 57 yards and also had a 51-yard kickoff return. The six receptions match a career high (vs. Indiana). He ended the day with three kickoff returns for 84 yards.
? Both teams had one interception in the game, with the Iowa turnover coming in the fourth quarter. Iowa scored three points following the interception by Mike Klinkenborg. Purdue did not score after intercepting an Iowa pass, but the Boilermakers collected a field goal following an Iowa fumble in the fourth quarter. The lost fumble was just Iowa’s fourth lost fumble in eight games.
? QB Jake Christensen had thrown 111 consecutive passes since having a pass intercepted against Indiana. Christensen has just three interceptions this season.
? Punter Ryan Donahue had a personal-best 68-yard punt in the second period. He finished the contest with nine punts for a 42.4 average.
? Instant Replay was not used in the contest.
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 1,500 tickets remain for Iowa’s Nov. 17 game against Western Michigan.
The Hawkeyes’ season opener drew a sellout crowd of 61,500 in Chicago’s Soldier Field, including approximately 45,000 Hawkeye fans.
IOWA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Iowa’s Leadership Council for the 2007 season includes five seniors, three juniors, three sophomores, one redshirt freshman and one true freshman. Permanent team captains are named at the conclusion of each season. The Leadership Council for this season includes seniors Tom Busch, Mike Humpal, Mike Klinkenborg, Bryan Mattison and Albert Young; juniors Rob Bruggeman, Matt Kroul and Seth Olsen; sophomores Jake Christensen, A.J. Edds and Rafael Eubanks, redshirt freshman Brett Greenwood and true freshman Marvin McNutt.
HAWKEYES BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa returns 31 lettermen from 2006, including 16 on offense, 14 on defense and one kicker. The Hawkeyes return five starters on offense and eight on defense. The lettermen breakdown includes eight three-year lettermen, 12 two-year lettermen and 11 one-year lettermen.
The total roster has 111 players, and includes 13 seniors, 23 juniors, 18 sophomores, 29 redshirt freshmen and 28 true freshmen. Saturday’s depth chart includes 10 seniors, 11 juniors, nine 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. In Iowa’s last home game, he helped lead Iowa past ranked-Illinois, completing 19-25 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown and no interceptions. Last week, he completed 17-40 passes for 177 yards at Purdue.
For the season, Christensen has completed 138-257 passes for 1,511 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had gone 111 passes without throwing an interception, until he was picked-off inside the red zone in the fourth quarter last week at Purdue. 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 2,748 yards. He needs only 12 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. The native of Moorestown, NJ, rushed for a team-best 44 yards on only seven attempts at Purdue. 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 118 times for a team-best 543 yards and a touchdown. He ranks ninth in the Big Ten in rushing yardage (67.9).
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. In Iowa’s last home contest vs. Illinois, Sims had 45 rushing yards on 11 attempts. Last week at Purdue, he carried the ball 11 times for 39 yards. For the season, Sims has rushed 80 times for 368 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 vs. Illinois on Oct. 13, besting his previous high by five stops. Humpal has tallied double-digit tackles in five games this season, including three of the last four. The senior has led the Hawkeyes in tackles the past four contests. 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 the Illini. He also recovered his first career fumble in the fourth quarter against Illinois. The senior forced a fumble in each of the previous two games.
Humpal ranks first on the Hawkeyes in tackles (82). He also ranks second in the conference and 24th nationally in tackles per contest (10.25). The senior also ranks third on the team in tackles for loss (5.5), tied for second in interceptions (2) and tied for first in forced fumbles (2).
His performance against the Illini won him Bronko Nagurski and Master Football Coaches National Defensive Player of the Week laurels. He was also tabbed the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career.
KLINKENBORG ANCHORS LINEBACKING CORPS
Linebacker Mike Klinkenborg is in his final season after a stellar junior campaign. Klinkenborg, who was not able to play three games due to an injury suffered in the Wisconsin game, returned last week and started. In his first action since Sept. 22, Klinkenborg amassed seven tackles (six solo) and intercepted his first career pass. 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 six in team tackles (39).
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.
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 missed the last four games. He dressed for last week’s contest at Purdue, but did not play.
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 four contests due to injury. He is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Spartans.
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
? FS Brett Greenwood intercepted an Illinois pass at the goal line to seal Iowa’s 10-6 victory over the then-18th-ranked Illini on Oct. 13. The play was nominated for the NCAAs weekly Pontiac Game Changing Performance Award.
? Iowa has had two players garner Big Ten Player of the Week honors this season: DE Ken Iwebema and LB Mike Humpal. Iwebema was named the league’s Special Teams Player of the Week Sept. 10, after blocking two field goals in Iowa’s 35-0 shutout of Syracuse. Humpal was named Defensive Player of the Week Oct. 15, after notching a career-best 18 tackles, including his first career sack and recovering his first career fumble in Iowa’s 10-6 triumph over Illinois.
? The Hawkeyes have not turned the ball over in four of eight contests (Northern Illinois, Iowa State, Wisconsin and Penn State).
? Iowa started the season with three of its first four games away from Iowa City. The Hawkeyes conclude the season with four of six in Kinnick Stadium, including three of the last four.
? 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).
IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 91 of its last 100 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 93 of 106 games under Kirk Ferentz.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 23 offensive plays (19 pass, four 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. Iowa had four plays result in 20 yards or more at Purdue. 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 51-yard return against the Boilermakers.
Hawkeye opponents have also registered 23 offensive plays (21 pass, two 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. The Boilermakers amassed five passing plays over 20 yards, including touchdown passes for 22 and 33 yards.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 36-24 in the third quarter. Hawkeye opponents own a 23-17 scoring advantage in the first period, 50-47 edge in the third and 40-20 advantage in the fourth quarter.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 4.8 yards on 223 first down plays, 5.0 yards on 179 second down plays, 4.0 yards on 129 third down plays and 5.0 yards on 15 fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averages 7.5 plays, 49.9 yards and 2:48 elapsed time on 22 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 27 scoring drives, averaging 8.4 plays, 55.6 yards and 3:30 elapsed time. Syracuse did not score in week two.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 16-23 (69.6%) in the red zone (10 TD, six 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 vs. Illinois. The Hawkeyes’ third red zone possession against the Illini resulted in a lost fumble. Iowa was 2-3 at Purdue last week collecting two field goals and having its third red zone possession stall with an interception on the two-yard line.
Hawkeye opponents are 15-23 (65.2%) in the red zone. Iowa’s red zone defense ranks second in the Big Ten behind Ohio State (55.6%). The Boilermakers were 3-4, registering two touchdowns and a field goal last week. Illinois converted a field goal and had a pass intercepted at the goal line in its loss 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 30 points following 16 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. The Hawkeyes converted a Purdue interception into three points last week.
Hawkeye opponents have scored only six points following only eight Iowa turnovers. Indiana and Purdue both converted field goals after collecting a Hawkeye turnover in Iowa territory. 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 73 games. The last Iowa contest not televised was vs. Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.
All Iowa 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’ last two contests (Illinois and Purdue) were broadcast to a national cable audience by ESPN2. Saturday’s game vs. Michigan State 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.
HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 111 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; three from Missouri, Nebraska and Pennsylvania; 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 will play its final road game of the season at Northwestern Nov. 3 (11:05 a.m.) before closing the season with home contests against Minnesota Nov. 10 (TBA) and Western Michigan Nov. 17 (TBA).
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