Iowa Hosts Northwestern on Homecoming

Sept. 22, 2008

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IOWA RETURNS HOME
Iowa (3-1, 0-0) returns home for its Big Ten Conference opener and homecoming game Saturday against Northwestern (4-0, 0-0). Kickoff is slated for 11:02 a.m. at Kinnick Stadium (70,585). The game is sold out.

ON THE TUBE
ESPN Classic will televise the game to a national cable audience. Dave Lamont and Shaun King will call the action. This will be Iowa’s first-ever appearance on ESPN Classic.

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 198.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,107 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 562-506-39 (.525). That includes a 356-196-16 (.641) record in home games, a 206-308-23 (.405) record in games away from Iowa City, a 276-340-25 (.450) mark in Big Ten games and a 239-161-15 (.594) record in Kinnick Stadium.

HAWKEYE HOMECOMING
Iowa holds a 51-40-5 (.557) record in homecoming games. Iowa has won six of its last seven homecoming games. Iowa will play Northwestern for the 10th time on homecoming. The Hawkeyes are 7-2 against the Wildcats on homecoming. Iowa lost to Indiana on homecoming a year ago, 38-20.

DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 35 of its last 42 games (.833) in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2002 season. The seven Hawkeye losses came to Western Michigan (28-19 in 2007), 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.

BIG TEN OPENERS
The Hawkeyes are 3-6 in Big Ten openers under Ferentz, including 1-0 in home contests. Saturday marks only the second time in 10 years, under Coach Ferentz, the Hawkeyes play their conference opener at home (Iowa beat Penn State 24-18 in 2001). Last season, Iowa lost its conference opener at Wisconsin (17-13).

HY-VEE CY-HAWK SERIES UPDATE
Iowa owns the early lead in the fifth annual Hy-Vee Cy-Hawk Series, 5-2. Iowa State defeated the Hawkeyes, 3-0, in volleyball to earn two points. However, Iowa’s football team downed the Cyclones, 17-5, to earn three points. Last Sunday in Ames, the Hawkeyes downed the Cyclones, 3-2, in women’s soccer to claim another two points. The next events in the series is men and women’s cross country (Nov. 15) at Stillwater, OK. The remaining 10 events are worth two points each.

HOME COOKIN’
Iowa plays four of its first five games, including three straight, at home in Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes opened with home contests against Maine (W, 46-3), Florida International (W, 42-0) and Iowa State (W, 17-5). After playing its final non-conference game at Pittsburgh (L, 21-20), the Hawkeyes return to Iowa City Saturday to open league play against Northwestern. Conversely, Iowa played three of its first four games away from Iowa City last season.

ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 7-4 in games played on Sept. 27. The Hawkeyes defeated Cornell 6-0 in 1903, Bradley Tech 38-12 in 1930, Drake 25-8 in 1941, TCU 17-0 in 1958, Washington State 61-35 in 1969, UTEP 69-7 in 1986 and Illinois 38-10 in 1997. Iowa lost to Pittsburgh 26-14 in 1952, Penn State 30-10 in 1975 and Iowa State 10-7 in 1980.

THE SERIES
Iowa holds a 46-20-3 advantage in the series that began with a 12-6 Iowa victory in 1897. Iowa boasts a 23-7 advantage in contests played in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes snapped a two-game losing streak to the Wildcats with a 28-17 triumph in Evanston last year. The visiting team has won the last two meetings. The Black and Gold have won four of the last six games against the Wildcats. Iowa won 21 consecutive games over Northwestern prior to a 31-20 Wildcat win in 1995 in Evanston.

NORTHWESTERN REMAINS UNBEATEN, BEATS OHIO
Northwestern scored the game’s first 16 points and held on to defeat Ohio University, 16-8, at home last Saturday. Both team’s defenses combined for six interceptions and seven fumbles (three lost). The Wildcats scored on four of their first six offensive possessions to take the early advantage. Amado Villarreal was 3-3 on field goal attempts in the first half, connecting from 23, 33 and 46 yards to score the first nine points. The Bobcats closed to within eight points late in the third quarter on a touchdown and two-point conversions, but were unable to get any closer. Ohio University missed three field goals, two of which were blocked, and was unable to capitalize on five Northwestern turnovers. Northwestern QB C.J. Bacher completed 18-35 passes for 133 yards, but was picked-off four times. RB Tyrell Sutton rushed for a game-high 76 yards on nine carries. WR Eric Peterman caught seven passes for 61 yards. Defensively, the Wildcats held Ohio University to only 12 yards rushing on 28 attempts, forced three fumbles (recovering one), recorded 14 tackles for loss, including five sacks and collected two interceptions.

NORTHWESTERN COACH PAT FITZGERALD
Pat Fitzgerald is 14-14 (.500) in his third season as a collegiate head coach. Last season, he guided the Wildcats to a 6-6 record. Fitzgerald, who was a two-time first team all-American linebacker with the Wildcats (1995-96), began his coaching career as a defensive graduate assistant at Maryland (1998) and Colorado (1999). In 2000, Fitzgerald coached linebackers and special teams at Idaho before returning to his alma mater in 2001. The native of Orland Park, IL, coached the Wildcats’ defensive backs in 2001 before coaching the linebackers four years (2002-05). Fitzgerald won the Bronco Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik awards, as the nation’s top defensive player, and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 1995 and 1996. He became the first two-time winner of both the Nagurski and Bednarik awards.

IOWA, NORTHWESTERN NOTES
? DT Matt Kroul has amassed 194 career tackles, only six shy of 200.
? Iowa has outscored its opponents 125-29 through four games, including a 55-12 margin in the second half.
? Iowa has allowed just three points in the third period, through four games, holding a 10-3 scoring advantage.
? There are some similarities in the team statistics between Iowa and Northwestern. Iowa is averaging 202.0 yards passing, while Northwestern averages 196.0. Iowa’s rushing defense averages 99.0, while Northwestern averages 97.2. Finally, Iowa is 22-60 (.367) on third and fourth-down conversions, while Northwestern is 23-58 (.397).
? Northwestern’s defense ranks fourth in the country in sacks (3.75) and tackles for loss (9.0), ninth in sacks allowed (.5) and 13th in scoring defense (11.3). Iowa’s defense ranks second in the nation in pass efficiency defense (80.3), third in red zone defense (40%), fifth in scoring defense (7.1), 18th in pass defense (156.5) and 19th in total defense (255.5).
? QB Jake Christensen (2,926) is only 17 yards from tying Paul Burmeister (2,943) for 10th in Iowa career passing yards. Also, Christensen (2,944) is only 33 yards from tying RB Tavian Banks (2,977) for 13th in Iowa career total offense.
? Iowa DL Adrian Clayborn blocked a 34-yard field goal attempt on the last play of the first half last year at Northwestern.
? Andy Brodell ranks second in the Big Ten and 18th nationally in punt return average (18.3). He is one of two Big Ten punt returners who have returned a punt for a score (Ohio State’s Ray Small).
? DT Matt Kroul, DT Mitch King and OL Rob Bruggeman have served as captains in each of Iowa’s first four games.
? Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald got his first career Big Ten victory against Iowa (21-7) on Nov. 4, 2006 in Iowa City.
? Northwestern players DE Vince Browne and PK Amado Villarreal were named Big Ten co-Defense Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the Week, respectively, for their performances in the Wildcats’ eighth-win over Ohio University last Saturday.
? Northwestern receives its “bye” next week after playing at Iowa this Saturday.
? Iowa LS Andrew Schulze (Tuesday), WR Kyle Steinbrecher (Tuesday) and PK Daniel Murray (Sunday, Sept. 28) celebrate their 21st, 20th and 21st birthdays, respectively.
? The Iowa roster includes 15 players from the state of Illinois, including OL Bryan Bulaga (Crystal Lake), OL Kyle Calloway (Belleville), QB Jake Christensen (Lockport), OL Dan Doering (Barrington), PK Ryan Donahue (Evergreen Park), OL Adam Gettis (Frankfort), LB Brad Herman (Metamora), FB Wade Leppert (Wauconda), TE Tony Moeaki (Wheaton), FB Brett Morse (Willowbrook), RB Chris Peeples (Riverdale), OL Dace Richardson (Wheaton), LS Andrew Schulze (Woodridge), QB John Wienke (Tuscola) and OL Markus Zusevics (Arlington Heights).

LAST MEETING
Iowa overcame a 14-point first half deficit, rallying to defeat Northwestern 28-17 at Ryan Field in Evanston, IL last season. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak to the Wildcats and was 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. 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, marching 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. 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 was 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 was 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 collected 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 late Northwestern scoring threat with an interception inside Iowa territory. DE Bryan Mattison had seven tackles, including 2.5 sacks.

DEFENSE MAKES A STAND
Iowa’s defense did not yield a touchdown the first three contests. The first touchdown scored against Iowa’s defense was at the 6:06 mark of the first quarter in game four at Pittsburgh last Saturday. Iowa was the last FBS school to allow a touchdown this season. Like this year, the Hawkeye defense did not allow a touchdown until the fourth game in 2007 (at Wisconsin). Iowa did not allow a touchdown in its first three games. It is believed to be the first time since the 1923 and 1924 seasons that the Hawkeyes started consecutive seasons not allowing a touchdown in their first three contests. In 1923, Iowa topped Oklahoma A&M 20-0, Knox 44-3 and Purdue 7-0, all at home. In 1924, Iowa beat SE Oklahoma 43-0, Ohio State 0-0 and Lawrence 13-5, all at home. Iowa’s defense ranks second in the nation in pass efficiency defense (80.3), third in red zone defense (40%), fifth in scoring defense (7.2), 18th in turnover margin (+4) and pass defense (156.5), 19th in total defense (255.5), 28th in sacks (2.5) and 30th in rush defense (99.0). Iowa’s defense has allowed only 29 points, 626 yards passing, collected 10 turnovers (8 interceptions and 2 fumbles), 10 sacks, 24 TFLs and a safety (LB A.J. Edds) and forced the opposition to punt 27 times. Additionally, Maine’s nine pass completions and 83 passing yards, week one, both rank as the fourth-fewest by an opponent under Coach Ferentz.

BALL HAWKS
The Hawkeyes have recorded at least one takeaway in 24 of their last 26 games, dating back to the 2006 season. Furthermore, Iowa has collected a combined five takeaways the last three games (Florida International, Iowa State, Pittsburgh). Iowa has 10 takeaways, the second-most in the Big Ten (Minnesota – 13).

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 10th season as Iowa’s head football coach. Ferentz guided Iowa to Big Ten titles twice in the last six 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 53-26 (.671) overall mark and a 31-17 (.646) Big Ten record the last seven seasons. Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 64-50 (.561) and a 38-34 (.528) mark in Big Ten games. In 13 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 76-71 (.517). Ferentz, who boasts the second-most victories by a Hawkeye head coach, coached his 100th game as Iowa’s head coach vs. Syracuse (Sept. 8, 2007). Thirty-eight of Iowa’s 114 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (18-21) 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.

IOWA COACHING STAFF
With the retirement of long-time assistant coach Carl Jackson, who coached the Hawkeye running backs, the Iowa coaching staff has some changes for the 2008 season. The addition to the staff is Erik Campbell, who is now Iowa’s wide receivers and tight ends coach. Campbell coached wide receivers at Michigan the previous 13 years and was the assistant head coach there the last five seasons. Campbell was named by CBS Sports.com as the top wide receivers coach in college football this past summer. Assignment changes on the Iowa staff include Lester Erb moving from wide receivers to running backs; Eric Johnson from tight ends to assistant linebacker coach; and Darrell Wilson coaching all linebacker positions after previously working with just the outside linebackers. Erb and Wilson will continue to work with the Hawkeye special teams.

PITTSBURGH 21, IOWA 20
Pittsburgh scored an early fourth-quarter touchdown to reclaim a lead it relinquished and held on to defeat the Iowa Hawkeyes in their first road game of the season, 21-20, at Heinz Field. The Panthers scored a touchdown with 6:06 remaining in the opening period, the first allowed by Iowa this season and the first points allowed by Iowa in the first period this season. Pittsburgh scored touchdowns on two of its first three possessions to grab an early 14-3 advantage. Iowa RB Shonn Greene tallied his fourth rushing touchdown of the season, from six yards, to close the deficit to 14-10 at halftime. QB Jake Christensen gave Iowa a 17-14 lead with 5:33 left in the third period after finding the end zone from two yards for his second career rushing score. Pittsburgh answered with its third touchdown drive of the afternoon, capped by a RB LeSean McCoy 27-yard scoring run to put the Panthers up 21-17. Iowa PK Trent Mossbrucker, who converted a 26-yard field goal earlier in the contest, split the uprights from a career-long distance of 39 yards to close within one point (21-20) with 10:58 remaining in the game. However, Iowa’s last three offensive possessions stalled and Pittsburgh held on for the victory. Greene sparked the Hawkeyes offensively, posting career highs in attempts (23) and rushing yards (147). Greene topped the 100-yard plateau and scored a touchdown for the fourth-straight game to start the season. WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos caught a season-high six passes for 75 yards, while TE Brandon Myers had four receptions for 35 yards. Christensen started the game, completing 12-24 passes for 124 yards. Ricky Stanzi also saw time under center, completing 7-10 passes for 79 yards. Pittsburgh QB Bill Stull completed 11-25 passes for 129 yards. McCoy was held to 78 yards rushing, 27 of which came on his game-winning touchdown scamper. Defensively, Iowa was led by LB Pat Angerer, LB Jeremiha Hunter and DB Amari Spievey. Angerer had a team-high seven tackles, while Hunter had six stops, including one for loss. Spievey was credited with five tackles, forced his first career fumble and intercepted a pass for the second time in as many weeks. Iowa’s defense collected two takeaways and forced Pittsburgh to punt eight times.

EXTRA POINTS
? Iowa failed to score on its first possession of the game, marking the first time in four games Iowa did not score on its initial drive. Iowa scored three points on its first possession against Iowa State. Iowa tallied touchdowns vs. Maine and FIU in its first two games.
? Pittsburgh failed to score on its opening possession. All four Iowa opponents (Maine, FIU, Iowa State and Pittsburgh) failed to score on their opening drives this season.
? QB Ricky Stanzi completed his first six pass attempts of the game. He finished the game 7-10 for 79 yards.
? Iowa caused (Tyler Sash) and recovered (Matt Kroul) a fumble on Pitt’s first offensive play. The caused fumble is the first for Sash, a redshirt freshman. The fumble recovery is the first for Kroul, a senior.
? Iowa scored three points following a Pittsburgh fumble in the first period. The 26-yard field goal by true freshman Trent Mossbrucker was the exact distance Mossbrucker connected from for Iowa’s first points in a 17-5 win over Iowa State.
? Trent Mossbrucker added a 39-yard field goal in the fourth period, the longest of his career. Mossbrucker has made five of six field goal attempts, with the only miss being blocked vs. Florida International.
? The Hawkeyes collected two takeaways (one fumble, one interception) vs. Pittsburgh. Iowa did not score following an interception in the second half. Iowa has scored 17 points following 10 opponent turnovers in four games.
? Iowa’s game at Pittsburgh marks the fourth straight game the Hawkeyes have been plus one on turnovers.
? Redshirt freshman FB Wade Leppert started for the first time in his career Saturday. Brett Morse, who started Iowa’s first three games at fullback, did not see action due to injury. Leppert had three pass receptions for 11 yards.
? RB Shonn Greene scored Iowa’s second-period touchdown on a six-yard run and led Iowa’s rushing game for the fourth straight week. Greene gained 52 of the 58 yards on Iowa’s scoring drive in the second quarter.
? Pittsburgh scored a touchdown on its only two drives inside the red zone in the first half. Pitt did not advance inside the red zone in the second half. Iowa was 2-3 inside the red zone in the first half, making 1-2 field goals and scoring one rushing touchdown. In the second half, Iowa scored a rushing touchdown on its only trip inside the red zone, that in the third period.
? Iowa had one turnover in the game, a fumble in the final minute. In four games Iowa has six turnovers (four interceptions, two fumbles). Iowa opponents have scored three points following the six turnovers.

THE GREENE MONSTER
Shonn Greene rushed nine times for 101 yards and a score in the first quarter vs. FIU (Sept. 6). It marked the first time an Iowa running back amassed over 100 yards rushing in a quarter since Fred Russell had 108 yards and a touchdown on eight carries in the first period at Minnesota (Nov. 16, 2002). Greene, who ranks second in the Big Ten and eighth nationally in rushing, has rushed for over 100 yards in Iowa’s first four games (Maine, FIU, Iowa State and Pittsburgh). He has amassed 510 yards on 78 attempts (6.5 avg.) and four scores. He totaled 109 rushing yards on 22 carries vs. Maine, 130 yards on 13 attempts vs. FIU, 120 yards on 20 carries vs. Iowa State and 147 yards on 23 attempts at Pittsburgh. It marked the first time the Hawkeyes had a 100-yard rusher in four-straight contests since the last four games of the 2005 campaign. RB Albert Young rushed for 153 yards vs. Michigan (Oct. 22), 202 yards at Northwestern (Nov. 5), 127 yards at Wisconsin (Nov. 12) and 103 yards vs. Minnesota (Nov. 19).

HAWKEYE SIGNAL CALLERS
Quarterbacks Jake Christensen and Ricky Stanzi saw about the same amount of playing time in Iowa’s first two contests. However, Stanzi took a majority of the snaps vs. Iowa State, while Christensen saw more time under center at Pittsburgh. Christensen has completed 33-56 passes for 372 yards and two scores. Stanzi has completed 29-48 passes for 426 yards and three touchdowns. Stanzi ranks third in Big Ten passing efficiency (147.3). Stanzi, who started and played the first three quarters, was 5-14 for 95 yards vs. Iowa State. He was 7-10 for 79 yards, including completing his first six pass attempts, at Pittsburgh last week. Christensen, who played the final quarter against the Cyclones, was an efficient 4-5 for 27 yards and engineered Iowa’s lone touchdown drive. Christensen completed 12-24 passes for 124 yards and had a rushing touchdown at Pittsburgh. Against FIU, Stanzi was 8-10 for 162 yards (20.3 avg.) and three touchdowns (8, 23 and 59 yards). Christensen was also effective, completing 8-12 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. Against Maine, Christensen completed 9-15 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown, while Stanzi completed 9-14 passes for 90 yards and also rushed for 22 yards on two attempts. Christensen started all 12 games a year ago, completing 198-370 passes for 2,269 yards. The 2007 sophomore threw 17 touchdowns and only six interceptions. Christensen threw three touchdowns or more in three games last year (Syracuse, Indiana and Western Michigan). He was 4-2 as a starter in home games and 13 of his 17 touchdown passes came in Kinnick Stadium. His passing yardage total (2,269) ranks 12th-best in a single-season at Iowa. For his career, he has completed 254-461 passes for 2,926 yards and 21 scores. The 2,926 yards rank 11th-best in a career at Iowa, only 17 yards behind 10th-place Paul Burmeister (2,943). Stanzi saw limited time in two games last season (Syracuse and Purdue) as a redshirt freshman.

KING AND KROUL ANCHOR DEFENSIVE LINE
A pair of seniors, Matt Kroul and Mitch King, anchor Iowa’s defensive line. Last season, the duo combined for 132 tackles, including 16.5 for loss. King and Kroul are Iowa’s two most experienced defensive starters. Kroul has started 41 consecutive games, while King has started 36 career contests, including the last 21. King, who has been named to the 2008 Lott Trophy and Lombardi and Chuck Bednarik Award Watch Lists, has 185 career tackles, 44 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks. He had two tackles, including one for loss vs. Maine. King totaled three stops, including a sack and 1.5 for loss vs. FIU and two assists vs. Iowa State. King had four tackles, including 1.5 for loss at Pittsburgh. Last year, the Burlington, IA, native ranked seventh in team tackles (58), first in tackles for loss (14.5) and QB hurries (5) and second in pass break-ups (7). King, who was tabbed first team all-conference as a junior, registered a career-high 10 stops at Iowa State in 2007. Kroul, an honorable mention all-league honoree last season, has 194 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks. He had five tackles, including 1.5 for loss and a sack vs. Maine. Kroul was credited with two tackles, including a sack vs. FIU and five assists vs. Iowa State. Kroul had two tackles and a fumble recovery at Pittsburgh. The native of Mount Vernon, IA, ranked fourth in team tackles (74) a year ago. Kroul was credited with seven stops in four contests last season, including equaling a career single-game best with 10 tackles at Penn State.

DJK LEADS HAWKEYE RECEIVERS
Sophomore Derrell Johnson-Koulianos leads the Hawkeye receivers with 14 catches for 213 yards. He is averaging 15.2 yards per reception and also has one touchdown (59-yard pass from Ricky Stanzi vs. FIU). He ranks ninth in the Big Ten in receiving yards per contest (53.2). Johnson-Koulianos has also returned six kickoffs for 122 yards, which ran 11th-best in the Big Ten. Last season, he led the Hawkeyes, catching 38 passes for 482 yards and two scores.

SUPER DEFENSIVE SOPHS
Three sophomores are leading the Hawkeyes in tackles through four games. LB Jeremiha Hunter has 24 tackles, DL Adrian Clayborn is right behind with 23 stops and CB Amari Speivey has 21 tackles. Spievey is also tied for the team lead in interceptions with two, collecting a theft in each of the last two games.

HAWKEYE SPECIALISTS
Place kickers Daniel Murray and Trent Mossbrucker have shared place kicking duties through four games. Murray, a sophomore, handled all kickoffs in four contests and is 9-9 on PATs and 1-3 on field goal attempts. He made a 44-yarder vs. Maine, which was only three yards from his career long, but missed a 50-yarder into the wind vs. Iowa State and a 35-yarder at Pittsburgh. Mossbrucker, a true freshman, is 6-6 on PATs and 5-6 on field goals. He split the uprights from 33 and 35 yards vs. Maine, connected on a 26-yarder against Iowa State and converted from 26 and a career-long 39 yards at Pittsburgh. His 32-yard attempt vs. FIU was blocked. Last season, Murray was 7-10 on field goals and 16-18 on PATs, scoring 37 points. Punter Ryan Donahue has punted 14 times this season. He is averaging 39.3 yards per punt. Donahue has punted two over 50 yards and six were downed inside the 20. His 36-yard directional kick was downed on the three-yard line, which ultimately resulted in Iowa’s defense collecting a safety two plays later vs. Maine. He punted twice vs. FIU, with both punts downed inside the 20-yard line. He punted four times for a 37.5 average, including booming a 64-yarder, vs. Iowa State. Donahue had a 41.6 average, boosted by a 59-yard punt, on seven punts at Pittsburgh. The sophomore punted 46 times for a 38.6 average through Iowa’s first seven games last year. Following the Hawkeyes’ contest at Purdue, the redshirt freshman raised his punting average to 41.1 on 86 kicks. The last five games he punted 40 times for a 44.0 average and downed eight inside the 20. Donahue had long kicks of 82 (Michigan State), 76 (Northwestern), 68 (Purdue) and 54 (Minnesota and Western Michigan) the last five contests. Donahue broke two school punting records in 2007. The native of Evergreen Park, IL, established school records for punts in a single-season (86) and punt yardage (3,533). The previous records were held by Dave Holsclaw in 1978, 85 punts for 3,107 yards. Furthermore, the 86 punts is a Big Ten single-season record. The redshirt freshman was named 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. Donahue also earned freshman honorable mention all-American accolades by The Sporting News.

TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2008
Iowa has had seven true freshmen see action this season: DB Shaun Prater, TE Brad Herman, DB William Lowe, WR DeMarco Paine, PK Trent Mossbrucker, RB Jewel Hampton and DB David Cato. All saw action in the season opener. Prater, Mossbrucker, Hampton and Cato have competed in all four contests. The Hawkeyes had 11 true freshmen play a year ago. Iowa also had seven true freshmen play in 2003 and 2000. Cato has been credited with eight tackles and Prater four tackles and two pass break-ups this season. Hampton has rushed 21 times for 123 yards and has returned two kickoffs for 51 yards. Mossbrucker has connected on all six PATs and 5-6 FGs. Mossbrucker ranks second in team scoring with 21 points (Shonn Greene, 24 points).

QUICK HITS
? DL Matt Kroul has 41 consecutive starts, a streak that ties for second-best in the Big Ten (Wisconsin OL Kraig Urbik, 42; Purdue OL Sean Sester, 41).
? OL Wes Aeschliman, who stands 6-foot-8, is among a group that is the third tallest college football players in the nation. OL Alejandro Villanueva of Army is the tallest at 6-foot-10, followed by 6-foot-9 OL Derek Hoke, OT from Utah State.
? Iowa will play teams that have three of the four youngest head coaches in the country in Kinnick Stadium this season (FIU – Mario Cristobal; Northwestern — Pat Fitzgerald; Wisconsin – Bret Bielema).
? Iowa has the sixth-fewest total number of seniors (13) on its roster in the nation. Alabama and Middle Tennessee have nine. Central Michigan and Toledo each have 10 seniors, North Carolina, Minnesota and Arizona have 11, while Central Florida, Fresno State, Illinois and UTEP have 12. Also with 13 seniors are Indiana, Kent State, Virginia Tech and LSU.
? The Hawkeyes have a consecutive home sellout streak of 33 games, dating back to the 2003 season. The last Iowa game not sold out was vs. Buffalo (9/6/03).
? In the last seven years, Iowa is 43-6 when leading at the half and 48-5 when leading after three quarters.
? Iowa has been bowl eligible the last seven seasons, with the Hawkeyes participating in bowl games six of the seven seasons.
? Iowa has held Iowa State without a touchdown the last 10 quarters, dating back to the second quarter of Iowa’s win in 2006. Iowa defeated the Cyclones 17-5 on Sept. 13.
? 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 96 of its last 108 games, including all four games this season. 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 98 of 114 games under Kirk Ferentz.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 20 offensive plays (8 run, 12 pass) that resulted in 20 yards or more this season. RB Shonn Greene has Iowa’s longest rush (35 yards vs. FIU), while RB Jewel Hampton had Iowa’s longest rushing score (22 yards vs. Maine). WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos has the Hawkeyes’ longest kickoff return (35 yards vs. FIU) and catch (59 yards – touchdown vs. FIU). Also, WR Andy Brodell returned a punt a career-long and team season-best 81 yards vs. Iowa State. Iowa’s defense has allowed 11 offensive plays (2 run, 9 pass) of 20 yards or more this season. Pittsburgh had a touchdown run of 27 yards and passing plays of 20 and 28 yards last week.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 41-7 in the first quarter, 29-10 in the second, 10-3 in the third and 45-9 in the fourth period.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 6.7 yards on 119 first down plays, 5.5 yards on 84 second down plays, 5.2 yards on 53 third down plays and 4.6 yards on seven fourth down plays.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averages 6.9 plays, 54.0 yards and 2:56 elapsed time on 20 scoring drives. Fourteen of the 20 scoring drives resulted in touchdowns. Hawkeye opponents average 8.2 plays, 54.4 yards and 3:00 elapsed time on only five offensive scoring drives.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 15-19 (78.9%) in the red zone (11 TD, 4 FG) this season. The Hawkeyes have scored 24 touchdowns and five field goals on their last 34 red zone possessions (85.3%) the last seven games, dating back to last season. The Hawkeye defense has allowed two touchdowns on only five red-zone possessions (40%) through four contests. In fact, Iowa State was the Hawkeyes’ first opponent to reach the red zone and was 0-3, including two failed attempts inside the five-yard line.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 17 points off turnovers through four games. The Black and Gold scored 14 points following two interceptions vs. Maine and three points after two Pittsburgh miscues. The Hawkeyes failed to score after collecting three FIU and Iowa State miscues. The Hawkeyes have turned the ball over six times this season, once vs. Maine and Pittsburgh and twice vs. FIU and Iowa State. The Cyclones are the only team that was able to score following the takeaways, scoring only a field goal.

HAWKEYES EARN BIG TEN WEEKLY HONOR
Iowa has had two student-athletes earn Big Ten Player of the Week accolades this season: Andy Brodell and Karl Klug. Brodell was named Special Teams Player of the Week (Sept. 15) after returning a fourth-quarter punt 81 yards for a touchdown to give the Hawkeyes a 14-point cushion (17-3) over Iowa State. The punt return for a score was the first of his career. The 81-yard return is the longest of his career, besting a 78-yard return vs. Syracuse (Sept. 9, 2007). Brodell’s return marked Iowa’s first punt return for a touchdown since Jovon Johnson returned one 90 yards vs. Ball State (Sept. 3, 2005). Furthermore, the 81-yard return is the 10th-longest in school history. The Big Ten honor is the first of Brodell’s career. Klug earned Defensive Player of the Week laurels (Sept. 8) after posting career highs with nine tackles and two sacks while also forcing a fumble to help the Iowa defense post a shutout against Florida International. The sophomore defensive end’s second sack forced a fumble that was recovered by Iowa on FIU’s final drive. The Hawkeyes limited the Golden Panthers to 56 rushing yards and 4-15 on third downs. Iowa posted its fifth shutout in Kirk Ferentz’s 10 seasons as head coach and its second straight dominant defensive outing, after holding Maine to a field goal on Aug. 30. Klug earned his first weekly honor.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
The University of Iowa is one of only three Division I institutions (Oklahoma State and Alabama) with four football alumni as head coaches (Bret Bielema – Wisconsin; Bob Stoops; Oklahoma; Mike Stoops – Arizona; Chuck Long – San Diego State). Iowa is the only school with all four coaches among the 40 youngest Division I coaching fraternity.

HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE
All Iowa football games this season will be televised on either, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Classic or the Big Ten Network. Iowa has appeared on television in its last 81 games. The last Iowa contest not televised was vs. Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.

2008 SCHEDULE
Iowa will open the 2008 season with four of its first five games at Kinnick Stadium, including the first three. The Hawkeyes opened vs. Maine (W, 46-3), followed by Florida International (W, 42-0) and Iowa State (W, 17-5). Iowa’s lone non-conference road game was at Pittsburgh (L, 21-20). The Hawkeyes open their Big Ten schedule at home, for the first time since 2001, against Northwestern. Remaining Iowa home dates include: Wisconsin (Oct. 18), Penn State (Nov. 8) and Purdue (Nov. 15). The Hawkeyes will also travel to Michigan State (Oct. 4), Indiana (Oct. 11), Illinois (Nov. 1) and Minnesota (Nov. 22). Iowa will have a “bye” Oct. 25. Iowa will not play Michigan or Ohio State for the second consecutive season in 2008, but those two teams will re-join the Hawkeye schedule in 2009. Illinois and Purdue come off Iowa’s schedule in 2009 and 2010.

IOWA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Iowa’s Leadership Council for the 2008 season includes four seniors, four juniors, three sophomores, two redshirt freshmen and one true freshman. Permanent team captains are named at the conclusion of each season. The Leadership Council for this season includes seniors Rob Bruggeman, Mitch King, Matt Kroul and Seth Olsen; juniors Pat Angerer, Jake Christensen, A.J. Edds and Tony Moeaki; sophomores Adrian Clayborn, Jacody Coleman and Brett Greenwood; redshirt freshmen Marvin McNutt and Tyler Nielsen and true freshman James Ferentz.

HAWKEYES BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa returns 50 lettermen from 2007, including 25 on offense, 22 on defense and three specialists. The 50 lettermen are 16 more than the 34 of a year ago. The Hawkeyes return seven starters on offense, five on defense and their place kicker and punter. The lettermen breakdown includes seven three-year lettermen, nine two-year lettermen and 34 one-year lettermen. The total roster has 127 players, and includes 16 seniors, 19 juniors, 38 sophomores, 18 redshirt freshmen and 36 true freshmen.

HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 127 players includes 59 players from Iowa. The roster includes 15 players from Illinois; 13 from Ohio; seven from New Jersey; four from Texas and Florida; four from Missouri, Minnesota and Nebraska; three from Indiana; two from Pennsylvania and one from Connecticut, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, New York, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

MORE THAN ONE
Thirteen high schools have contributed more than one player to the current Iowa football roster. The leaders are Iowa City West (Iowa) with four and Cretin-Derham Hall (Minnesota) and Cedar Rapids Washington (Iowa) with three. Ten other schools have two players on the roster, including five from the state of Iowa.

THE NAME GAME
Iowa has two players named Murphy (Jayme and Nick, no relation) and Prater (Shane and Shaun, Iowa’s first set of twins since Aaron and Evan Kooiker in the mid-1990’s). Kyle and Tyler are the most popular first names. There are four Kyle’s (Calloway, Haganman, Spading and Steinbrecher) and four Tyler’s (Blum, Gerstandt, Nielsen and Sash). There are three players named Andrew (Schulz, Brodell and Kuempel) and Michael (Daniels, Morio and Sabers). There are two named Adam (Gettis and Robinson), Austin (Postler and Signor), Bradley (Fletcher and Herman), Brett’s (Greenwood and Morse), Daniel (Doering and Murray), James (Ferentz and Vandenberg), Joe (Conklin and Gaglione), Jeff (Brinson and Tarpinian), John (Wienke and Gimm), Jordan (Bernstine and McLaughlin), Nick (Kuchel and Murphy) and Shaun/Shonn (Prater and Greene).

THE HAWKEYES, SIZE WISE
Sophomore WR Paul Chaney, Jr. and true freshman WR Shane Prater are the lightest Hawkeye players at 170 pounds. Senior OL Wesley Aeschliman is the heaviest at 318 pounds. A total of nine Hawkeye players are listed over 300 pounds. The tallest player, at 6-8, is Aeschliman, while the shortest players, at 5-9, are Chaney, Jr. and sophomore WR Brian Mungongo. The average Hawkeye player is 6-2 and weighs 233 pounds. That is one inch taller and the exact same weight as the average Iowa player in 2007.

WATCHING FROM ABOVE
Iowa’s coaches in the press box are Lester Erb (running back 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), Erik Campbell (receivers and tight ends), Phil Parker (defensive backs), Reese Morgan (offensive line), Darrell Wilson (linebackers and special teams), Rick Kaczenski (defensive line) and Eric Johnson (assistant linebackers) on the sidelines.

ROSE BOWL EXPERIENCE
Three 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. 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 every Iowa football game 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 2008 campaign.

ON THE HORIZON
The Hawkeyes will play two-straight conference road games. Iowa travels to Michigan State Oct. 4 (11:05 a.m. CDT, ESPN or ESPN2) and Indiana Oct. 11 (TBD).