Nov. 12, 2007
Complete Release in PDF Format
IOWA TO PLAY REGULAR SEASON FINALE
Iowa (6-5, 4-4) hosts Western Michigan (3-7, 2-4) Saturday in its regular season finale. Game time is 2:35 p.m. (CST) at Kinnick Stadium (70,585). A sellout is expected, but tickets do remain.
ON THE TUBE
The Big Ten Network (HD) will televise the game to a national cable audience. Mark Nelly, Glen Mason and Marshall Harris will call the action.
RADIO BROADCAST
Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, with color commentator Ed Podolak and sideline reporter Rob Brooks. The Hawkeye Radio Network includes more than 40 stations throughout the state.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,102 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 559-504-39 (.525). That includes a 353-195-16 (.640) record in home games, a 206-307-23 (.406) record in games away from Iowa City, a 276-340-25 (.450) mark in Big Ten games and a 236-160-15 (.592) record in Kinnick Stadium.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 8-6 in games played on Nov. 17. The Hawkeyes defeated Simpson 12-0 in 1898, Grinnell 63-2 in 1900, Minnesota 20-19 in 1945 and 42-24 in 2001, Ohio State 6-0 in 1956, Michigan 28-14 in 1962, Michigan State 33-23 in 1979 and Purdue 38-9 in 1990. Iowa lost to Northwestern 25-14 in 1917, Minnesota 20-7 in 1923 and 23-17 in 1984, Wisconsin 13-0 in 1928 and 34-7 in 1951 and Ohio State 55-13 in 1973.
FINAL HOME GAME FOR SENIORS
Saturday will be the final home game for 12 seniors: FB Tom Busch, LB Bryon Gattas, DB Charles Godfrey, LB Mike Humpal, DE Kenny Iwebema, LB Mike Klinkenborg, DE Bryan Mattison, DB Devan Moylan, LS Dan Olszta, DB Adam Shada, RB Damian Sims and RB Albert Young.
DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 32 of its last 38 games (.842) in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2002 season. The Hawkeyes’ six 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), Wisconsin (24-21 in 2006) and Iowa State (36-31 in 2002). Iowa recorded a school-record 22-game home winning streak between 2002-05.
The Hawkeyes (.839, 26-5) 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
Saturday will be only the second meeting between Iowa and Western Michigan. The Broncos defeated the Hawkeyes (27-21) Sept. 9, 2000, at Kinnick Stadium.
NFL HAWKEYES HONORED
ESPN.com has announced its mid-season all-NFL team and three Hawkeyes made the first team. Offensive lineman Eric Steinbach, defensive back Bob Sanders and defensive end Aaron Kampman are on the list. Iowa and Michigan lead all other collegiate teams with three former players on the first unit.
HAWKEYES EARN ACADEMIC HONORS
Three members of the 2007 Hawkeye football team have been named to the CoSIDA academic all-District VII first team. Those players are senior linebacker Mike Klinkenborg, senior cornerback Adam Shada and junior defensive lineman Anton Narinskiy. Klinkenborg and Shada earned the district honor for the third straight year after earning first team academic all-America honors a year ago (along with 2006 senior Mike Elgin). The district honor is the first for Narinskiy. All three players will now have their names placed on the national ballot.
Klinkenborg is a native of Rock Rapids, IA, and an elementary education major who carries a 3.95 GPA. Earlier this season he was named a 2007 National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete and he is a finalist for the 2007 Draddy Trophy.
Shada, a native of Omaha, NE, is a finance major with a 4.0 GPA. Narinskiy, a native of Chagrin Falls, OH, is an accounting major with a 4.0 GPA.
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 50-23 (.685) overall mark and a 31-16 (.660) Big Ten record the last six seasons.
Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 61-48 (.560) and a 38-34 (.528) mark in Big Ten games. In 12 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 73-69 (.514). 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-seven of Iowa’s 109 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (18-20) 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 0-1 vs. Western Michigan.
WESTERN MICHIGAN COACH BILL CUBIT
Bill Cubit is about to conclude his third season as Western Michigan’s head coach. The Broncos are 18-16 (.529) under Cubit. Last season, Cubit guided Western Michigan to its first bowl bid in 18 years and amassed eight victories for just the fifth time in program history. Last year’s squad led the nation in interceptions and ranked sixth in rushing defense. Cubit has 32 years of coaching experience, including 17 years as a head coach on the collegiate and high school level. He served seven years as an offensive coordinator at four NCAA Division I schools, having worked the sidelines in five of the nation’s premiere conferences (Mid-American, Big East, Big 12, Pac-10 and SEC). Cubit returned to Western Michigan where he served as offensive coordinator from 1997-99. Cubit played quarterback and wide receiver for Delaware (1971-74), earning Associated Press All-America honorable mention accolades his senior year.
CENTRAL MICHIGAN TOPS WESTERN MICHIGAN
Central Michigan held on to defeat Western Michigan 34-31 on Nov. 6, in Kalamazoo. Central Michigan QB Dan LaFevour scored a touchdown with 12 seconds remaining to lift the Chippewas to victory. A combined 48 points (24 by each team) were scored in the fourth period. Trailing 27-17 with four minutes remaining, the Broncos drove 57 yards in eight plays to score a touchdown and cut the deficit to three with 2:07 left. Western Michigan then recovered a Central Michigan fumble on its third offensive play to set up another Bronco touchdown at the 1:34 mark. The Chippewas marched down the field on eight plays to record the game winning score. Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller completed 27-37 passes for 311 yards and two scores. TE Branden Ledbetter had five catches for 124 yards and a touchdown, while WR Herb Martin caught seven passes for 38 yards and a score.
IOWA, WESTERN MICHIGAN NOTES
? After starting the season 2-4, Iowa has won three straight and four of its last five games.
? Iowa has won 12 straight non-conference home games. The Hawkeyes’ last non-league home game defeat came to Iowa State (36-31) in 2002.
? Last Saturday’s victory over Minnesota made 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. Every league team, except Minnesota, is now bowl eligible, a Big Ten Conference record.
? The Hawkeyes have scored 10 touchdowns and a field goal on their last 11 red zone possessions over the last three games.
? The last time Iowa finished the season with a non-conference game was at Iowa State (2001), a contest that was rescheduled due to the 9/11 attacks. Prior to 2001, the Hawkeyes’ last non-league regular season ender came at Hawai’i (1984).
? Western Michigan played its last game, Nov. 6, against Central Michigan. The Broncos will have 11 days to prepare for the Hawkeyes.
? The Hawkeyes have recorded a takeaway in 19 consecutive games, dating back to last season. The streak is the longest active streak in the Big Ten. Western Michigan’s streak of 33 consecutive games with at least one takeaway was halted by Ball State (Oct. 20).
? Iowa has thrown only five interceptions this season (four by Jake Christensen and one by Ricky Stanzi). The five picks currently tie the school record for fewest in a season (2002).
? Iowa punter Ryan Donahue is approaching a school record for most punts in a single-season. The redshirt freshman is only five from tying Dave Holsclaw’s record of 85 punts during the 1978 season. Donahue has booted 80 kicks this season (41.2 average).
? Iowa is on pace to break the school record for fewest turnovers in a season. The Hawkeyes have currently turned the ball over only 10 times (five 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. Western Michigan’s turnover margin is -8, which ranks 102nd in the nation.
? Iowa QB Jake Christensen is 4-1 as a starter in home games and 10 of his 14 touchdown passes have come in Kinnick Stadium.
? The Broncos lost a 39-38 heartbreaker to Akron, Oct. 6. After Western Michigan took an intentional safety with 15 seconds left to make the score 38-33, Akron’s Andre Jones took a lateral from Alphonso Owen to complete an 89-yard kickoff touchdown return with no time on the clock.
? Western Michigan Defensive Coordinator Bill Miller has Big Ten ties. Miller coached Minnesota’s defensive backs (1986-88) and was Michigan State’s defensive coordinator (1999-02).
? Western Michigan Associate Athletic Director Monty Porter is a native of Coralville and graduated from Iowa in 1989. Porter has also served as the Broncos’ color analyst the past 10 seasons.
? Iowa ranks 10th in the country in turnover margin (+11), 16th in scoring defense (17.9), 23rd in pass efficiency defense (111.9), 28th in punt returns (11.8) and rushing defense (122.0). Individually, LB Mike Humpal ranks 15th nationally in sacks (10.6), DE Bryan Mattison ranks 19th in sacks (0.82) and CB Charles Godfrey ranks 25th in interceptions (0.45).
? Western Michigan ranks 20th in the nation in kickoff returns (23.96) and 37th in passing offense (256.8). Individually, WR Jamarko Simmons ranks seventh nationally in receptions (7.7) and 20th in receiving yards (88.7), Jim Laney ranks 10th in punting average (44.3) and RB Brandon West ranks 30th in kickoff returns (26.6).
LAST MEETING
Iowa’s second half rally fell short as the Hawkeyes dropped a 27-21 contest to Western Michigan in Iowa City, Sept. 9, 2000. Trailing 24-6 at halftime, Iowa scored two touchdowns and a two-point conversion to move within 24-21 late in the third quarter.
Western Michigan added a field goal after a Hawkeye turnover before stopping Iowa’s final drive. The Hawkeyes were unable to score after reaching the Bronco 29-yardline on their final possession.
Iowa QB Scott Mullen completed 23-34 passes for 314 yards and two scores. WR Kevin Kasper had nine catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. WR Kahlil Hill had a 75-yard scoring reception from Mullen and ended the day with 96 yards on four catches. Hill opened the game with a 55-yard kickoff return to set up Iowa’s opening field goal. Western Michigan scored on its first three drives. Iowa’s Nate Kaeding, a true freshman, booted field goals of 41 and 47 yards on the first two attempts of his career. He missed from 35 yards in the second half.
LB Mike Dolezal led the Iowa defense with nine tackles, while DL Aaron Kampman added eight stops. DB Tim Dodge had his second career interception. DB Shane Hall recovered his second fumble in two games and DL Anthony Herron had five tackles and caused two fumbles.
IOWA 21, MINNESOTA 16
Iowa sprinted out to an early 14-point advantage and didn’t look back as it reclaimed possession of Floyd of Rosedale with a 21-16 triumph over Minnesota at Kinnick Stadium. In addition to recapturing the traveling trophy, Iowa became bowl eligible for the seventh consecutive season under Coach Kirk Ferentz.
The Hawkeyes scored touchdowns on three of their five first-half offensive possessions. RB Albert Young had scoring runs of one and 12 yards, while TE Brandon Myers had an eight-yard touchdown reception from QB Jake Christensen on a deflection off the hands of teammate WR James Cleveland. Iowa took a 21-10 advantage into half.
Neither team scored in the third period. Minnesota scored a late touchdown when QB Adam Weber found WR Eric Decker in the back of the end zone from 22 yards out to cut the Hawkeye margin to five. The Gophers’ two-point and onsides kick attempts failed and Iowa ran out the clock.
Young topped 3,000 career rushing yards after a 22-yard scamper on Iowa’s second offensive possession. He finished with a game-high 92 yards and two touchdowns on 21 attempts. Christensen completed 14-25 passes for 157 yards and a score. WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (46 yards) and Cleveland (30 yards) each had four receptions.
Weber completed 24-41 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown. He also led the team in rushing, collecting 70 yards on 11 carries.
Defensively, LB Mike Klinkenborg became the 58th Hawkeye to eclipse the 200-tackle career plateau. The senior amassed a game and season-high 13 tackles. LB A.J. Edds accumulated a career-high 11 tackles, while DE Bryan Mattison had eight stops, one shy of a career high. CB Charles Godfrey had a personal-best four pass break-ups to go along with four tackles. CB Bradley Fletcher intercepted his second career pass in the third quarter.
EXTRA POINTS
? The Hawkeyes have won six of the last seven contests in the series, and 11 of the last 15.
? Iowa was a perfect 3-3 inside the red zone, scoring three touchdowns. The Hawkeyes have scored 10 touchdowns and a field goal on their last 11 red zone possessions the last three games (Michigan State, Northwestern and Minnesota), all wins.
? Iowa has started the game on defense four times this season (Minnesota, Northwestern, Michigan State and Penn State). Both teams failed to score on their first offensive possession. Iowa has not scored on its opening drive in any of its 11 games. Only four opponents (Purdue and Northwestern — TD, Iowa State and Illinois — field goals) scored on their opening possession.
? RB Albert Young scored a one-yard touchdown in the first quarter and a 12-yarder in the second period. He has found the end zone a team-best six times in 2007. The senior has rushed for five of his team-leading six touchdowns the last three games (Michigan State and Minnesota — 2, Northwestern — 1). Young has rushed for two touchdowns in a game five times in his career, including twice the last three games (Michigan State and Minnesota). His two touchdown runs increase his career scoring total to 150 points, which ranks him 13th on Iowa’s career scoring chart. Young has found the end zone 25 times in his career, a total that ties Ladell Betts for third-best at Iowa (Sedrick Shaw and Tavian Banks – 33).
? RB Damian Sims rushed seven times for 58 yards, boasting an 8.3 average.
? TE Brandon Myers eight-yard scoring catch is his team-leading fourth receiving touchdown of the year.
? Entering Saturday’s game, Iowa scored 17 first-quarter points through 10 games. Iowa posted 14 first-period points against the Golden Gophers.
? Playing in their first game of the year were redshirt freshmen Karl Klug and Derrick Smith. Iowa has now played 31 first-year student-athletes (11 true freshmen, 20 redshirt freshmen) that have seen game action.
? Iowa amassed eight first downs in the first quarter, while Minnesota was unable to move the chains in the first 15 minutes.
? The Hawkeyes converted 5-6 third downs in the first quarter, including 4-4 on their two touchdown drives.
? Iowa scored a touchdown with 50 seconds remaining in the first half. The Hawkeyes have scored (four touchdowns and one field goal) in the last three minutes of the first half five times this season, with three of the scores coming in the final minute.
? Iowa scored touchdowns on consecutive possessions of the first quarter. The Hawkeyes have scored touchdowns on consecutive possessions four times in the last three games, twice vs. Michigan State and once against Minnesota and Northwestern.
? LB Mike Klinkenborg raised his career tackle total to 211, a total that ties Parker Wildeman for 47th on Iowa career tackle chart.
? Iowa put together a season-long 5:44 drive on 11 plays that covered 52 yards in the first period. The Hawkeyes’ previous long drive, in terms of time, was 5:30 vs. Syracuse in week two.
? Instant Replay was used three times. Two receptions by Iowa receivers were upheld. Also, a Minnesota dropped pass ruled incomplete was confirmed after a Minnesota challenge.
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 10 turnovers (five interceptions and five fumbles), which is tops in the conference and tied with Michigan State, Clemson and Ball State for first in the country. The Hawkeyes’ five lost fumbles this season ties for 12th nationally in fewest lost. Iowa’s five passes intercepted ties for seventh in the country in fewest intercepted. The Hawkeyes finished the 2006 campaign with a -11 turnover margin.
The Hawkeyes have forced 11 opponent turnovers the last six contests.
SOLID DEFENSIVE PLAY
The Hawkeye defensive unit has collected 21 turnovers (14 interceptions and seven fumbles), 27 sacks, blocked three field goal attempts, registered 61 tackles for loss and has yielded only 21 touchdowns. Iowa ranks 14th in the country in fewest touchdowns allowed (21), 16th in scoring defense (17.9), 14th in interceptions (14), 23rd in pass efficiency defense (111.9) and 28th in rushing defense (122.0).
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 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 31 first-year student-athletes see game action either on offense, defense or special teams this season. In addition to the 11 true freshmen, 20 redshirt freshmen have seen the field in 2007.
The Hawkeyes rank third in the country in playing the most true and redshirt freshmen; North Carolina has played 38 and Florida 33. Iowa is tied for eighth nationally in playing 11 true freshmen.
DONAHUE RAISES LEVEL OF PLAY
Punter Ryan Donahue punted 46 times for a 38.6 average through Iowa’s first seven games. Since the Hawkeyes’ contest at Purdue, the redshirt freshman has raised his punting average to 41.2 on 80 kicks. The last four games he punted 34 times for a 44.7 average and downed seven inside the 20. Donahue had long kicks of 82 (Michigan State), 76 (Northwestern), 68 (Purdue) and 54 (Minnesota) the last four contests.
Donahue was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week Oct. 29, after averaging 51.6 yards on eight punts vs. Michigan State. Four of his eight punts eclipsed 50 yards, including an 82-yarder that is the second longest in school history.
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.
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, Christensen has completed 178-333 passes for 2,020 yards. The sophomore has thrown 14 touchdowns to only four interceptions. He is 4-1 as a starter in home games and 10 of his 14 touchdown passes have come in Kinnick Stadium. His passing yardage total (2,020) ranks 18th-best in a single-season at Iowa.
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. 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. 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). He also posted a career-long 53-yard pass to WR Trey Stross against the Wildcats. Last week vs. Minnesota, he completed 14-25 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown.
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 3,078 yards. His 92 yards rushing last week vs. Minnesota pushed him over 3,000 yards rushing in his career. Young will finish his career in third place, as he sits 608 yards behind second-place Ladell Betts (3,686).
For the season, Young has carried the ball 189 times for a team-best 873 yards and six touchdowns, also a team best. Young’s 873 rushing yards currently rank 20th-best in a single-season at Iowa. He ranks sixth in Big Ten rushing yardage (79.4).
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 25 career touchdowns (23 rushing), which ties Ladell Betts for third in an Iowa uniform (Sedrick Shaw and Tavian Banks – 33). Young has scored 150 points, which ranks 13th in Hawkeye career scoring.
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. 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). The senior rushed seven times for 58 yards, boasting an 8.3 average in Iowa’s win over Minnesota.
For the season, Sims has rushed 97 times for 491 yards and three touchdowns.
Sims rushing totals from a year ago helped him eclipse 1,000 yards rushing in his career. He now has 1,496 yards, ranks 19th 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 ranks second in the Big Ten in tackles (117), which also ranks 15th 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 two weeks later vs. Michigan State, collecting 10 of his game-high 18 tackles in the first half. At Northwestern, playing hurt, he collected 11 tackles and returned his third interception of the season eight yards. Humpal, who missed most of the second half due to injury, totaled six tackles in Iowa’s win over Minnesota last week.
Humpal has amassed 191 career tackles and is nine shy of becoming the 59th Hawkeye to reach the 200-tackle plateau. His 117 tackles this season tie Dave Simms for 28th in Iowa single-season history.
The native of New Hampton, IA, has tallied double-digit tackles in seven games this season, including five of the last seven. 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 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. He ranks fourth in team tackles (66). Recently, he was honored on the CoSida Academic All-District VII team for the third consecutive year. Klinkenborg, who was not able to play three games due to an injury suffered in the Wisconsin game, returned four 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 two weeks ago at Northwestern and was still able to amass nine tackles and a pass break-up. Klinkenborg registered 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 became the 58th Hawkeye to eclipse the 200-tackle career plateau with his totals in last week’s win over Minnesota. The senior amassed a game and season-high 13 tackles. Klinkenborg has 211 career tackles, which ties Parker Wildeman for 47th on Iowa career tackle chart.
Klinkenborg, who is a 2007 National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete, has registered double-digit tackles 11 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) in 2006. 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.
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
? Iowa overcome 14-point first-half deficits in back-to-back games (Michigan State and Northwestern). Iowa rallied to defeat Michigan State (34-27) in double overtime in Iowa City and Northwestern (28-17) in Evanston.
? 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 (11.5) and seventh in tackles (54). His nine sacks rank 19th in the country and are a single-season high for the senior. Also, his four forced fumbles rank eighth nationally. Mattison’s 11 tackles for loss equal a season high, also recorded a year ago.
? CB Charles Godfrey has been credited with 188 career tackles and is only 12 away from 200.
? 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 40-6 when leading at the half and 46-4 when leading after three quarters.
? Iowa has been bowl eligible the last seven 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 29 games, dating back to the 2003 season. The last Hawkeye game not sold out was vs. Buffalo (9/6/03).
? 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 LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 91 of its last 103 games. Iowa games vs. Minnesota (11/10/07), 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 nine of those 12 games. Iowa has started the game on offense in 93 of 109 games under Kirk Ferentz.
Iowa has started the game on defense four times this season (Minnesota, Northwestern, Michigan State and Penn State).
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 37 offensive plays (28 pass, nine 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 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, Michigan State and Minnesota. 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 34 offensive plays (31 pass, three run) of 20 yards or more. Northern Illinois, Illinois and Minnesota 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.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 57-27 in the third quarter. Hawkeye opponents own a 44-31 scoring advantage in the first period, 70-64 edge in the second and 49-37 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 4.8 yards on 307 first down plays, 5.4 yards on 246 second down plays, 3.6 yards on 172 third down plays and 5.0 yards on 15 fourth down plays.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averages 7.4 plays, 51.8 yards and 2:49 elapsed time on 33 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 touchdown scoring drives of 10 plays or more vs. Indiana and Minnesota.
Hawkeye opponents have recorded 37 scoring drives, averaging 8.9 plays, 56.9 yards and 3:31 elapsed time.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 27-34 (79.4%) in the red zone (18 TD, seven FG). The Hawkeyes have scored 10 touchdowns and a field goal on its last 11 red zone possessions the last three games. Iowa tallied touchdowns on all three red zone possessions vs. Syracuse and Minnesota. 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 22-32 (68.8%) in the red zone, a percentage that ranks second behind Penn State (65.6%) in the Big Ten. Northwestern was 2-3 inside the 20. Minnesota scored a touchdown on its only red zone trip. 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 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 21 turnovers. The Hawkeyes collected three turnovers vs. Northern Illinois, two vs. Illinois and one vs. Michigan State and Minnesota, 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 10 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 and Minnesota were unable to score on the Hawkeyes after collecting a takeaway. 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 76 games. The last Iowa contest not televised was vs. Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.
All Iowa games this season were 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. Hawkeye contests against Illinois, Purdue, Michigan State and Northwestern were broadcast to a national cable audience by ESPN2. Iowa concludes the regular season with back-to-back contests (Minnesota and Western Michigan) televised on the Big Ten Network.
HAWKEYE SLATE
The 2007 Hawkeyes will play six home games in Kinnick Stadium, where they have posted a 32-6 (.842) 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 are 4-1 in home games this season. Iowa topped Syracuse, Illinois, Michigan State and Minnesota, but lost to Indiana. The Hawkeyes’ only true road non-conference contest was at intra-state rival Iowa State. Iowa traveled to conference foes Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue and Northwestern.
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. Due to scheduling conflicts with men’s basketball, this week’s show will take place Thursday 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.
Click HERE for the Big Ten Network home page.