Nov. 5, 2007
IOWA HOSTS MINNESOTA IN LEAGUE FINALE
Iowa (5-5, 3-4) hosts Minnesota (1-9, 0-6) Saturday in its Big Ten finale. Game time is 11:05 a.m. at Kinnick Stadium (70,585). The game is sold out.
ON THE TUBE
The Big Ten Network (HD) will televise the game to a national cable audience. Wayne Larrivee, Chris Martin and Marshall Harris will call the action.
RADIO BROADCAST
Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, with color commentator Ed Podolak and sideline reporter Rob Brooks. The Hawkeye Radio Network includes more than 40 stations throughout the state. Hawkeye fans can also listen to the game on XM Satellite Radio, channel 197.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,101 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 558-504-39 (.525). That includes a 352-195-16 (.639) record in home games, a 206-307-23 (.406) record in games away from Iowa City, a 275-340-25 (.449) mark in Big Ten games and a 235-160-15 (.591) record in Kinnick Stadium.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 7-8 in games played on Nov. 10. The Hawkeyes defeated Grinnell 6-0 in 1894, Michigan 28-5 in 1900, Coe 15-12 in 1906, South Dakota 35-0 in 1917, Ohio State 14-7 in 1928, Minnesota 7-0 in 1956 and Northwestern 59-16 in 2001. Iowa lost to Purdue 13-6 in 1934, Illinois 48-7 in 1945 and 40-13 in 1951, Minnesota 10-0 in 1962, Wisconsin 35-7 in 1973, Ohio State 34-7 in 1979 and 27-26 in 1990 and Michigan State 17-16 in 1984.
FLOYD OF ROSEDALE
As a result of a bet between the governors of the two states in 1935, possession of Floyd of Rosedale is at stake Saturday. The bronze pig traveling trophy is currently in the hands of the Golden Gophers as a result of their 34-24 triumph in Minneapolis last season. Minnesota holds a 39-31-2 advantage in the series with Floyd of Rosedale on the line. Iowa has won five of the last six meetings.
DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 30 of its last 35 games (.857) 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 (.833, 25-5) boast the 12th-best home winning percentage in the nation over the last five years (2003-07).
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.
THE SERIES
Minnesota holds a 59-39-2 advantage in the series that began with a 42-4 Gopher victory in 1891. Iowa has won five of the last six in the series and 10 of the last 14. Minnesota defeated Iowa 34-24 last year in Minneapolis. Iowa holds a 25-23-1 advantage in games played at Iowa City. The Hawkeyes won the last meeting in Iowa City (52-28) in 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 49-23 (.681) overall mark and a 30-16 (.652) Big Ten record the last six seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 60-48 (.556) and a 37-34 (.521) mark in Big Ten games. In 12 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 72-69 (.511). Ferentz, who boasts the second-most victories by a Hawkeye head coach, coached his 100th game as Iowa’s head coach vs. Syracuse in week two.
Thirty-six of Iowa’s 108 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (17-20) 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 5-3 vs. Minnesota.
MINNESOTA COACH TIM BREWSTER
Tim Brewster became Minnesota’s 26th head football coach Jan. 17, 2007 after spending the past five seasons in the National Football League, including the last two as tight ends coach for the Denver Broncos. Brewster is 1-9 overall and 0-6 in the Big Ten in his first season coaching the Gophers. Brewster was a two-time all-Big Ten honoree at the University of Illinois. He led the nation’s tight ends in receiving in 1983 and captained the Illini to the 1984 Rose Bowl. He began his coaching career in 1986 at Purdue, coaching tight ends and offensive tackles as a graduate assistant. The next two years (1987-88), he was the head coach at Central Catholic High School in Lafayette, IN. Brewster then moved on to North Carolina, where he coached nine seasons (1989-97) and mentored four tight ends to all-ACC accolades and helped the school advance to six consecutive bowl games (1992-97). The native of Phillipsburg, NJ, also was the tight ends coach at Texas from 1998-2001.
MINNESOTA DROPS HOMECOMING CONTEST TO ILLINOIS
Minnesota dropped its homecoming game to Illinois (44-17) last Saturday evening at the HHH Metrodome. Illinois built a 34-10 halftime lead, scoring on six of its seven possessions and using a no-huddle offense to tally points on four scoring drives in less than two minutes. The Gophers scored their first 10 points on a Joel Monroe 36-yard field goal and a WR Ernie Wheelwright 15-yard touchdown catch from QB Adam Weber. Wheelwright finished the contest with a game-high nine receptions for 123 yards and a score. Illinois put up 23 unanswered points to take a 44-10 lead before Weber scrambled for a 29-yard touchdown scamper with 7:14 left in the fourth quarter. The touchdown was Weber’s fifth rushing score of the season. Weber completed 18-31 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown. Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall led the Illinois rushing attack with 201 yards on 17 carries. QB Juice Williams had 340 yards total offense, including 133 on the ground. Illinois did not punt in the game. The Golden Gopher defense yielded 655 yards total offense in the loss.
IOWA, MINNESOTA NOTES
? After starting the season 2-4, Iowa has won two straight and three of its last four games to improve its record to 5-5 with two home games remaining.
? A win Saturday will make Iowa bowl eligible for the seventh consecutive season. Iowa appeared in bowl games the last six seasons, the school’s longest string since playing in eight straight from 1981-88. Currently there are seven Big Ten teams bowl eligible (Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, Illinois, Wisconsin, Purdue and Indiana).
? The Hawkeyes have scored seven touchdowns and a field goal on their last eight red zone possessions (vs. Michigan State and at Northwestern).
? Saturday features two of the league’s top punters. Minnesota’s Justin Kucek ranks first in the Big Ten, averaging 43.2 yards per punt. Iowa’s Ryan Donahue ranks fourth in the conference, averaging 41.2 yards per kick. Donahue, who was the Big Ten special teams Player of the Week (Oct. 29), has averaged 47.2 yards on 18 punts the last two games.
? Iowa QB Jake Christensen is 4-1 as a starter in home games and nine of his 13 touchdown passes have come in Kinnick Stadium.
? Iowa is on pace to break the school record for fewest turnovers in a season. The Hawkeyes have currently turned the ball over only nine times (four interceptions and five fumbles). The school record is 15 (nine interceptions and six fumbles), established in 1963.
? Iowa boasts a +11 turnover margin, 10th-best in the country. Minnesota’s turnover margin is -13, which ranks 112th in the nation.
? Iowa has averaged 41.8 points in the last nine victories over the Gophers, dating back to the 1994 season. Additionally, the Hawkeyes have averaged 38.5 points in their last six home games against Minnesota, dating back to 1995.
? Each team has scored at least 21 points in the last eight meetings.
? Iowa has overcome 14-point first-half deficits in its last two games. Iowa rallied to defeat Michigan State (34-27) in double overtime in Iowa City and Northwestern (28-17) in Evanston.
? Iowa has allowed just three points each game in the third and fourth quarters combined in wins over Michigan State and Northwestern.
? Both Iowa and Minnesota have played at least one overtime game this season. The Hawkeyes rallied to top Michigan State (34-27) in two overtimes in their only overtime game of the season. The Gophers have played in three overtime contests. Minnesota lost to Bowling Green (32-31) in one overtime and Northwestern (49-48) in double overtime and defeated Miami, OH (41-35) in triple overtime.
? Iowa ranks 10th in the country in turnover margin (+11), 18th in scoring defense (18.1), 21st in punt returns (13.2), 27th in sacks (2.7), 28th in rushing defense (121.7) and pass efficiency defense (113.2). Individually, LB Mike Humpal ranks ninth nationally in tackles (11.1), DE Bryan Mattison ranks 12th in sacks (.9) and CB Charles Godfrey ranks 18th in interceptions (.5).
? Minnesota ranks 20th in the nation in fewest sacks allowed (1.3) and 23rd in kickoff returns (23.8). The Gophers rank last (119th) in the nation in total defense (548.5) and sacks (.7), 118th in pass defense (319.7) and 115th in rushing defense (228.8). Individually, RB Jay Thomas ranks eighth in kickoff returns (31.3) and QB Adam Weber ranks 24th in total offense (281.3).
? The Iowa roster includes five players from the state of Minnesota. They are senior FB Tom Busch (Cottage Grove), sophomore OL Rafael Eubanks (St. Paul), redshirt freshman DE Karl Klug (Caledonia) and true freshmen DE Broderick Binns (St. Paul) and LS Nick Murphy (St. Paul). Binns, Eubanks and Murphy hail from the same high school (Cretin-Derham Hall). The Gophers have two Iowans on their roster. They are sophomore TE Chris Mensen (Solon) and redshirt freshman DB T.J. Wentzel (Emmetsburg).
LAST MEETING
Minnesota turned five Hawkeye turnovers into 21 points, snapping its five-game losing streak to Iowa with a 34-24 win in the 100th meeting between the two teams in the Metrodome. The Golden Gophers reclaimed possession of Floyd of Rosedale with the victory.
Iowa scored points on three of its first five possessions on a WR Andy Brodell 50-yard touchdown pass from QB Drew Tate, a RB Albert Young one-yard scoring run and PK Kyle Schlicher 37-yard field goal.
Trailing 20-17, Iowa had first-and-goal from the three-yard line late in the second period, but Minnesota intercepted Tate at the goal line to thwart the Iowa threat.
Iowa’s first two second-half possessions ended in interceptions, which Minnesota converted into 14 points to build a 34-17 advantage. TE Scott Chandler caught a three-yard touchdown pass midway through the fourth quarter to trim the Hawkeye deficit to 34-24, but Iowa was unable to score on its final two possessions.
Tate completed 26-36 passes to 11 different receivers for 354 yards and two touchdowns and finished with 365 yards of total offense.
Brodell finished with seven receptions for 159 yards and a score, both career highs. His performance tied him with Marv Cook for Iowa’s 13th-highest single-game receiving total.
Young carried the ball 25 times for a season-high 133 yards, topping the 100-yard plateau for the second time in 2006.
Minnesota RB Amir Pinnix rushed 23 times for 119 yards and two touchdowns, while QB Bryan Cupito completed 18-30 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns.
LB Mike Klinkenborg amassed a team-high 10 tackles. LB Edmond Miles collected four tackles and became the 56th Hawkeye to collect 200 career stops.
IOWA 28, NORTHWESTERN 17
For the second consecutive game, Iowa overcame a 14-point first half deficit, rallying to defeat Northwestern 28-17 at Ryan Field in Evanston, IL. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak to the Wildcats and is Iowa’s first victory in Evanston since a 59-16 triumph in 2001.
Northwestern built a 14-point cushion after scoring touchdowns on two of its first three possessions. Iowa tallied its first score in the final minute of the second period on a 20-yard touchdown pass from QB Jake Christensen to WR Trey Stross. Redshirt freshman DL Adrian Clayborn blocked a Northwestern 34-yard field goal attempt on the last play of the first half to give the Hawkeyes momentum.
The Hawkeyes tied the game, driving 71 yards in 10 plays, on the first possession of the second half. RB Albert Young scored on a 16-yard run to even the score (14-14).
Northwestern scored its final points on a field goal at the 7:00 mark of the third period, giving the Wildcats a three-point edge. After the field goal, Iowa’s defense forced four punts and intercepted Wildcat QB C.J. Bacher three times.
RB Damian Sims rushed for two touchdowns (two and eight yards) in the fourth period to secure the victory for the Black and Gold. Sims’ last score came three plays after CB Charles Godfrey intercepted his team-best fifth pass of the season.
Christensen completed 21-36 passes for 299 yards and a touchdown. The 299 yards is his second-highest passing total of the season (308 vs. Indiana). WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos posted game and career highs in receptions (8) and receiving yards (119). Additionally, Stross had only three receptions for a personal-best 91 yards, including a 53-yard catch, which is Iowa’s longest reception of the season and the longest catch of his career.
Bacher completed 27-54 passes for 264 yards, one touchown and three interceptions. RB Tyrell Sutton had 156 all-purpose yards, a game-high 119 yards and a score on 23 rushes and a team-high seven receptions for 40 yards.
Iowa’s defense recorded eight tackles for loss, including sacking Bacher six times, matching a season high. DB Bradley Fletcher posted double-figure tackles for the second straight game, collecting a game-high 12 tackles (10 solo). He also registered his first career interception and had three pass break-ups. LB Mike Humpal recorded 11 tackles and thwarted a Northwestern scoring threat with an interception inside Iowa territory. DE Bryan Mattison had seven tackles, including 2.5 sacks. Three and a half of his seven tackles were for loss (21 yards), which equal a career best, and he forced his fourth fumble of the season.
EXTRA POINTS
? Iowa has won four of the last six meetings with the Wildcats and now holds a 46-20-3 advantage in the series, including a 23-13-3 advantage in Evanston.
? The win marked the second time under Coach Ferentz that the Hawkeyes won after trailing at the end of three quarters. The previous time came in Iowa’s 21-16 win over Michigan State on Nov. 7, 2000 in Iowa City.
? Iowa scored three of its four touchdowns on the ground. The last time the Hawkeyes scored three rushing scores in a game was in Iowa’s 47-17 victory over Purdue (Oct. 7, 2006) in Iowa City. RB Damian Sims rushed for two touchdowns in the Purdue game as well. He has rushed for two scores in a game three times in his career, with the other game being Iowa’s contest at Indiana last season (Oct. 14, 2006).
? Iowa has not scored on its opening drive in any of its nine games. Northwestern scored a touchdown on its first possession, becoming the fourth Iowa opponent (Purdue — TD, Iowa State and Illinois — field goals) to score on its first possession.
? Redshirt freshman Ryan Donahue had a 76-yard punt in the third period, which ties as the fifth longest in school history. Donahue was named the Big Ten special teams Player of the Week for his punting against Michigan State. Donahue averaged 51.6 yards on eight punts against MSU, including an 82-yarder, the second longest punt in school history. Against Northwestern he averaged 43.6 yards on 10 punts.
? Senior LB Mike Humpal had his third interception of the season in the third period. Humpal also had three thefts last season and has six career interceptions.
? DL Adrian Clayborn blocked a Northwestern field goal at the end of the second period, the first blocked kick of his career. Iowa has blocked three opponent field goals this season, with Ken Iwebema blocking two in the win over Syracuse.
? RB Albert Young scored Iowa’s touchdown in the third period on a 16-yard run. Young now has 23 career touchdowns and 138 points to rank 14th alone on Iowa’s career scoring chart. Young ended the game with 16 rushes for 59 yards. He improved his career totals to 622 carries for 2,986 yards, moving past Tavian Banks (2,977) into third on Iowa’s career list.
? Senior CB Charles Godfrey had his fifth interception of the season in the fourth period, leading to Iowa’s fourth touchdown of the game. Godfrey has seven career thefts. The five interceptions are the most for an Iowa player in a single season since Jovon Johnson had six thefts in 2003.
? Iowa has scored touchdowns on consecutive possessions three times the last two games, twice vs. Michigan State and again vs. Northwestern. Iowa had not scored touchdowns on two straight possessions since the second game when it scored touchdowns on four straight drives in the win over Syracuse.
? Iowa collected three interceptions against Northwestern, giving Iowa 10 takeaways over the last five games. Iowa scored seven points following the three thefts, while Northwestern did not score after recovering Iowa’s fumble.
? Instant Replay was used in the contest in the first period. A play originally signaled as a Northwestern touchdown reception was overruled, as the receiver was out of bounds.
COVETING THE BALL
Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten and 10th in the country in turnover margin (+11). The Hawkeyes had no turnovers in five games this season (Northern Illinois, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan State). Iowa has lost only nine turnovers (four interceptions and five fumbles), which is tops in the conference and tied with Georgia and Florida Atlantic for first in the country. The Hawkeyes’ five lost fumbles this season ties for 15th nationally in fewest lost. The Hawkeyes finished the 2006 campaign with a -11 turnover margin.
The Hawkeyes have forced 10 opponent turnovers the last five contests.
SOLID DEFENSIVE PLAY
The Hawkeye defensive unit has collected 20 turnovers (13 interceptions and seven fumbles), 27 sacks, blocked three field goal attempts, registered 58 tackles for loss and has yielded only 19 touchdowns. Iowa ranks 13th in the country in fewest touchdowns allowed (19), 18th in scoring defense (18.1), 27th in sacks (2.7) and 28th in rushing defense (121.7).
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 have 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.
MOEAKI TO REDSHIRT
TE Tony Moeaki will sit out the remainder of the 2007 season due to medical reasons. The announcement came Oct. 26, from Head Coach Kirk Ferentz.
Moeaki, a 6-4, 255-pound junior from Wheaton, IL, was injured in the Wisconsin game earlier this year and has been out of action since that time. He suffered an elbow and hand injury. Moeaki will apply for a medical hardship for the 2007 season and is expected to have two years of eligibility remaining.
Moeaki had been having a breakout season, prior to his injuries. In Iowa’s 35-0 win over Syracuse, the receiver had eight receptions for 112 yards and three touchdowns, which earned him rivals.com Big Ten Player of the Week and John Mackey Tight End of the Week accolades. All were career highs. He hauled in 14 passes for 170 yards this season. He was on the John Mackey Watch List, an award which goes to the top tight end in college football.
KLINKENBORG EARNS SCHOLARSHIP
LB Mike Klinkenborg has been selected as a 2007 National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete. He will be the recipient of an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship and, as a National Scholar-Athlete, becomes a finalist for the prestigious Draddy Trophy. If he is selected winner of the Draddy Trophy, the scholarship increases to $25,000. He is one of 15 finalists.
Klinkenborg will attend the Football Foundation’s Annual Awards Dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City on Dec. 4.
Klinkenborg, a 6-2, 240-pounder from Rock Rapids, IA, was a second team all-Big Ten selection last year when he had 129 tackles. That total was the 17th highest in the Iowa record books. The senior is a member of Iowa’s leadership council and was a first-team Academic all-American in 2006. He is majoring in elementary education and has a 3.95 grade-point average.
Klinkenborg becomes the fifth Iowa player to win this prestigious scholarship. Other recipients are John Hendricks (1968), Bobby Elliott (1975), Mike Flagg (1987) and Derek Rose (1998).
TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2007
Iowa has had 11 true freshmen play this season: DT Cody Hundertmark, DB Cedric Everson, DE Christian Ballard, LB Jacody Coleman, DB Diauntae Morrow, LB Dezman Moses, WR Colin Sandeman, DB Jordan Bernstine, RB Jevon Pugh, TE Allen Reisner and OL Bryan Bulaga.
The 11 true freshmen are the most that have seen action under Kirk Ferentz in a single season. Iowa had seven true freshmen play in 2003 and 2000.
FRESH FACES
Iowa has had 29 first-year student-athletes see game action either on offense, defense or special teams this season. 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 six home games of 2007 reached sellout status in late July. The Hawkeyes have sold out 28 consecutive games, dating back to 2003. Kinnick Stadium’s capacity is 70,585. Approximately 1,500 tickets remain for Iowa’s regular season finale vs. 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 nine seniors, 12 juniors, nine sophomores, 13 redshirt freshmen and eight true freshmen. Only three seniors (two running backs and one fullback) are listed on the offensive depth chart.
HAWKEYES HAVE NEW SIGNAL CALLER IN 2007
Iowa opened the season with a new quarterback for the first time since the 2004 season. The Hawkeyes needed to replace three-year (2004-06) starter Drew Tate. Tate concluded his career ranked second in passing yards (8,292), touchdown passes (61), completions (665), attempts (1,090) and total offense (8,427) and third in completion percentage (.610) at Iowa.
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.
For the season, Jake Christensen has completed 164-308 passes for 1,863 yards. The sophomore has thrown 13 touchdowns to only three interceptions. He is 4-1 as a starter in home games and nine of his 13 touchdown passes have come in Kinnick Stadium.
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. He helped lead Iowa past ranked-Illinois, completing 19-25 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown and no interceptions. At Purdue, he completed 17-40 passes for 177 yards at Purdue. Christensen was 5-15 for 53 yards and a score vs. Michigan State. Twenty-three of his passing yards against the Spartans came on a touchdown pass to WR Paul Chaney, Jr. in the first overtime. Last week at Northwestern, he completed 21-36 passes for 299 yards and a score. The 299 yards is the second-highest passing total of the season (308 vs. Indiana).
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 third in Iowa career rushing with 2,986 yards. His 59 yards rushing last week at Northwestern pushed him past Tavian Banks in career rushing at Iowa. Young will likely finish his career in third place, as he sits 700 yards behind second-place Ladell Betts (3,686).
For the season, Young has carried the ball 168 times for a team-best 781 yards and four touchdowns. He ranks seventh in Big Ten rushing yardage (78.1).
Young rushed for a game-high 144 yards on 23 carries in the season opener vs. Northern Illinois. 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 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. Young posted season bests in carries (34) and rushing yards (179) in Iowa’s double overtime triumph over Michigan State. The 179 yards is his second-highest rushing total and rank 21st-best for a single game in Iowa annals. It also marked the 12th time in his career that he surpassed the 100-yard plateau. He has posted 23 career touchdowns (21 rushing), which ranks 14th in Iowa career scoring (138).
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 victory over ranked-Illinois, Sims had 45 rushing yards on 11 attempts. At Purdue, he carried the ball 11 times for 39 yards. Last week at Northwestern, Sims rushed for only 30 yards, but rushed for two crucial second-half scores (two and eight yards). Sims has rushed for two touchdowns in a game three times in his career (vs. Purdue and at Indiana in 2006 and at Northwestern in 2007).
For the season, Sims has rushed 90 times for 433 yards and three touchdowns.
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 1,438 yards, ranks 21st 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 is tops in the Big Ten in tackles (111), which also ranks ninth nationally. He registered a career-high 18 tackles vs. Illinois (Oct. 13) besting his previous high by five stops. The senior equaled his personal best the following week vs. Michigan State, collecting 10 of his game-high 18 tackles in the first half. Last week at Northwestern, playing hurt, he collected 11 tackles and returned his third interception of the season eight yards.
The native of New Hampton, IA, has tallied double-digit tackles in seven games this season, including five of the last six. 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.
The senior ranks third on the team in tackles for loss (5.5), second in interceptions (3) and 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 three weeks ago at Purdue and started. In his first action since Sept. 22, Klinkenborg amassed seven tackles (six solo) and intercepted his first career pass. The following week vs. Michigan State, he totaled five assists before another injury. Klinkenborg played with a cast on his right hand last week at Northwestern and was still able to amass nine tackles and a pass break-up. He collected a team-best nine tackles in the season opener vs. Northern Illinois. Klinkenborg was credited with a team-best 11 stops at Iowa State. The senior recorded a game-high eight tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble at Wisconsin. He ranks sixth in team tackles (53).
Klinkenborg, who is a 2007 National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete, 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.
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
? DE Bryan Mattison, whose father is the co-defensive coordinator for the Florida Gators, was added to the mid-season watch list for the Ted Hendricks Award. Mattison ranks first in team sacks (9.0), second in tackles for loss (11.0) and eighth in tackles (46). His nine sacks rank 12th in the country and are a single-season high for the senior. Also, his four forced fumbles rank sixth nationally. Mattison’s 11 tackles for loss equal a season high, also recorded a year ago.
? Iowa has had three players garner Big Ten Player of the Week honors this season: P Ryan Donahue, DE Ken Iwebema and LB Mike Humpal. Donahue was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week Oct. 29, after averaging 51.6 yards on eight punts. Four of his eight punts eclipsed 50 yards, including an 82-yarder that is the second longest in school history. 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.
? 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.
? The Hawkeyes have not turned the ball over in five of 10 contests (Northern Illinois, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Penn State and Michigan 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.
? 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 28 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 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 were 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 102 games. Iowa games at Northwestern (11/3/07), vs. Michigan State (10/27/07), 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 eight of those 11 games. Iowa has started the game on offense in 93 of 108 games under Kirk Ferentz.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 33 offensive plays (26 pass, seven run) that have resulted in 20 yards or more. The Hawkeyes had a season-high six offensive plays, all passes, amass 20 yards or more last week at Northwestern. WR Trey Stross caught a 53-yard pass from QB Jake Christensen at Northwestern, Iowa’s longest of the season and Stross’ career best. The Black and Gold registered three rushing plays over 20 yards vs. Michigan State. RB Damian Sims’ 30-yard run against the Spartans in week nine is Iowa’s longest rush of the year. 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 five offensive plays that resulted in 20 yards or more vs. Indiana. Iowa had four plays result in 20 yards or more against Purdue and Michigan State. WR Andy Brodell recorded a career-long 56-yard punt return vs. Northern Illinois in week one. 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 registered 32 offensive plays (29 pass, three 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. Michigan State had four passes and one rush over 20 yards. The Wildcats totaled four passes over 20 yards last week.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 57-27 in the third quarter. Hawkeye opponents own a 44-17 scoring advantage in the first period, 60-57 edge in the second and 43-37 advantage in the fourth quarter. Iowa outscored Michigan State 14-7 in its only overtime contest of the season (Oct. 27).
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 4.9 yards on 279 first down plays, 5.4 yards on 225 second down plays, 3.6 yards on 156 third down plays and 5.0 yards on 15 fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averages 7.3 plays, 50.4 yards and 2:42 elapsed time on 30 scoring drives (does not include overtime possessions). 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 34 scoring drives, averaging 8.7 plays, 56.6 yards and 3:30 elapsed time.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 24-31 (77.4%) in the red zone (15 TD, seven FG). The Hawkeyes have scored seven touchdowns and a field goal on its last eight red zone possessions (vs. Michigan State and at Northwestern). 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 collecting two field goals and having its third red zone possession stall with an interception on the two-yard line. The Hawkeyes were a perfect 4-4 inside the 20 vs. Michigan State and Northwestern.
Hawkeye opponents are 21-31 (67.7%) in the red zone, a percentage that ties Ohio State for the best in the Big Ten. Northwestern was 2-3 inside the 20 last week. Both the Boilermakers and Spartans were 3-4 inside the red zone. 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 37 points following 20 turnovers. The Hawkeyes collected three turnovers vs. Northern Illinois, two vs. Illinois and one vs. Michigan State, 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 and at Northwestern into seven points. The Hawkeyes converted a Purdue interception into three points.
Hawkeye opponents have scored only six points following only nine 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, Penn State and Michigan State did not record a takeaway.
TELEVISION SCHEDULE
Iowa has appeared on television in its last 75 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 four contests (Illinois, Purdue, Michigan State and Northwestern) were broadcast to a national cable audience by ESPN2. Iowa will make its third appearance on the Big Ten Network (HD) Saturday vs. Minnesota at 11:05 a.m.
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 Minnesota and Western Michigan. The Hawkeyes’ only true road non-conference contest was at intra-state rival Iowa State. The Hawkeyes traveled to conference foes Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue and Northwestern in 2007.
Iowa has a new Big Ten slate, as this season marks the first time in three years it played Michigan State and Penn State. While the Spartans and Nittany Lions rejoined 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.
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 regular season finale vs. Western Michigan Nov. 17 (2:35 p.m., BTN) at Kinnick Stadium.
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