Iowa Begins Two-Game Road Trip

Sept. 29, 2008

• Game Day Central
• Iowa and the Big Ten Network
• Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
• 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
• gohawks.com
• Iowa Football wallpaper

Complete Release in PDF Format

IOWA BEGINS TWO-GAME ROAD TRIP
Iowa (3-2, 0-1) travels to East Lansing, MI, to face Michigan State (4-1, 1-0) on its homecoming. Kickoff is slated for 11:02 a.m. (CDT) at Spartan Stadium (75,005). About 1,000 tickets remain, but a sellout is expected.

ON THE TUBE
ESPN2 (HD) will televise the game to a national cable audience. Pam Ward and Ray Bentley will call the action. Hawkeye fans can also watch the game online at www.espn360.com.

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 196.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,108 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 562-507-39 (.525). That includes a 356-197-16 (.640) record in home games, a 206-308-23 (.405) record in games away from Iowa City, a 276-341-25 (.449) mark in Big Ten games and a 239-162-15 (.593) record in Kinnick Stadium.

HAWKEYE HUDDLE IN EAST LANSING
The National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association invite all fans to the “Hawkeye Huddle” from 9-11 a.m. (EDT) Saturday. The “Hawkeye Huddle” will be held at the Marriott at University Place, located at 300 M.A.C. Avenue in East Lansing. The free reception features refreshments, snacks, Hawk Shop door prizes, Herky, and the Iowa cheerleaders.

ON THIS DATE
Iowa is 8-7-1 in games played on Oct. 4. The Hawkeyes defeated Iowa Teachers 63-5 in 1902 and 45-3 in 1913, Morningside 12-0 in 1910, Nebraska 18-0 in 1919, SE Oklahoma A%M 43-0 in 1924, Arizona 31-19 in 1969, Michigan State 24-21 in 1986 and Michigan 30-27 in 2003. Iowa lost to Oklahoma A&M 6-0 in 1930, Michigan 6-0 in 1941, Illinois 35-12 in 1947, Indiana 20-13 in 1952, USC 27-16 in 1975, Arizona 5-3 in 1980 and Ohio State 23-7 in 1997. Iowa and Air Force tied 13-13 in 1958.

THE SERIES
Saturday will be the 40th meeting between Iowa and Michigan State. Iowa holds a 20-17-2 advantage in the series that began with a 21-7 Michigan State win in 1953. The Hawkeyes have won seven of the last 10 meetings, with the three losses coming at East Lansing. The home team has won the last eight meetings. Michigan State’s last victory over Iowa came in 2003 (20-10) in East Lansing, which was Iowa’s last visit to Spartan Stadium. The two teams did not meet in 2005 and 2006. The Spartans hold a slim 9-8-1 advantage in games played at East Lansing. The Hawkeyes defeated the Spartans (34-27) in a double overtime thriller at Kinnick Stadium a year ago. Kirk Ferentz recorded his first Big Ten win as Iowa’s head coach when the Hawkeyes topped Michigan State (21-16) in Iowa City, in 2000.

MICHIGAN STATE BEATS INDIANA ON THE ROAD
Michigan State won its fourth-straight game last Saturday, beating the Indiana Hoosiers, 42-29, in Bloomington, IN. The Spartans totaled 497 yards of offense, 242 of which came from RB Javon Ringer. Ringer rushed a game-high 44 times for 198 yards and a touchdown, caught two passes for 20 yards and returned two kickoffs for 24 yards. QB Brian Hoyer completed 14-26 passes for 261 yards and was responsible for three touchdowns (2 passing, 1 rushing). Michigan State scored points on five of its first seven first-half possessions. The game included two safeties, three replay reviews and a blocked punt. A one-play, nine-point swing helped determine the outcome of the game. With the Spartans leading 34-29 late in the third quarter, Indiana thought it reclaimed the advantage with a 97-yard touchdown pass. However, Indiana’s right guard was whistled for holding in the end zone, giving Michigan State a safety and a 36-29 cushion. Spartan PK Brett Swenson tacked on his third (45 yards) and fourth (32 yards) field goals of the contest in the fourth period to secure the victory.

MICHIGAN STATE COACH MARK DANTONIO
Mark Dantonio is in his second season on the Spartan sidelines. Dantonio has amassed a 29-24 (.547) overall mark in five years as head coach and a 11-7 (.611) record in two seasons at Michigan State. Last year, Michigan State posted a 7-6 record and lost to Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl. Prior to becoming Michigan State’s 24th head football coach, he was the head coach at Cincinnati for three seasons (2004-06). While coaching at Cincinnati, Dantonio led the Bearcats to two bowl appearances. Dantonio had Big Ten and Michigan State ties before being named Spartan head coach. From 1995-2000, he served as secondary coach at Michigan State and was promoted to associate head coach in 2000. After six seasons as an assistant coach in East Lansing, he was named Ohio State’s defensive coordinator for three seasons (2001-03). The Buckeyes boasted a 32-6 mark during his three seasons in Columbus. He helped guide the Buckeyes to three bowl appearances, including winning the 2002 national championship. A native of Zanesville, OH, Dantonio was a three-year letterman as a defensive back at South Carolina (1976-78).

IOWA, MICHIGAN STATE NOTES
? Saturday will feature two of the nation’s top running backs. Michigan State’s Javon Ringer ranks first in the country in rushing yards (179.4), while Iowa’s Shonn Greene ranks sixth (133.0). Ringer also ranks first nationally in all-purpose yards (235.6), while Greene ranks 38th (137.4). Ringer averages 37.4 rushing attempts per contest.
? Iowa DT Mitch King has 193 career tackles. Fellow defensive lineman Matt Kroul topped the 200-career-tackle plateau last week vs. Northwestern.
? Defensively, Iowa ranks sixth nationally in red zone defense (54.5%), while Michigan State ranks eighth (57.1%). Additionally, the Spartans rank fourth in the country in sacks allowed (.2), while Iowa’s scoring defense ranks fourth (10.2) and pass efficiency defense ranks seventh (94.24).
? Iowa is 26-71 (.366) on third and fourth-down conversions, while Michigan State is 28-76 (.368).
? Saturday is Michigan State’s homecoming game. Iowa played its homecoming game last Saturday vs. Northwestern.
? Both Iowa and Michigan State have scored 40 points or more in two games (Iowa – 46 vs. Maine and 42 vs. FIU; Michigan State – 42 vs. Eastern Michigan and Indiana).
? Iowa’s two losses have come by a combined six points (21-20 at Pittsburgh and 22-17 vs. Northwestern).
? Andy Brodell ranks first in the Big Ten and 22nd nationally in punt return average (15.4). 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 five games.
? Iowa OL Wesley Aeschliman (Wednesday) will celebrate his 23rd birthday this week.

LAST MEETING
Iowa erased a 14-point third quarter deficit en route to a thrilling 34-27 double overtime victory over Michigan State at Kinnick Stadium last season. The win was Iowa’s sixth consecutive over the Spartans in Iowa City. Michigan State built a 17-3 halftime advantage on two touchdown runs by Jehuu Caulcrick and a field goal by Brett Swenson. Iowa then scored 17 straight points to snag a 20-17 lead with 10 minutes to play. RB Albert Young had touchdown runs of three and 26 yards in the third quarter to even the game (17-17). PK Daniel Murray converted his second field goal of the game from a career-best distance of 47 yards to give Iowa a three-point margin. The Spartans drove 67 yards on 14 plays in the final minutes of regulation to tie the game on a Swenson 29-yard field goal with four seconds left. Iowa had two players score their first career touchdowns in the overtime sessions. After Michigan State scored on its first overtime possession, Iowa QB Jake Christensen connected with WR Paul Chaney, Jr. for a 23-yard scoring strike. In the second overtime, RB Jevon Pugh scored a one-yard touchdown to give Iowa the 34-27 advantage. The Hawkeye defense prevailed on Michigan State’s second overtime possession, keeping the Spartans out of the end zone. Young rushed a game-high 34 times for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Michigan State QB Brian Hoyer completed 25-42 passes for 308 yards. RB Javon Ringer rushed 23 times for a team-high 103 yards. Defensively, Iowa sacked Hoyer four times, forced three fumbles and recovered one takeaway. Iowa had three players post double figures in tackles. LB Mike Humpal equaled a career high with 18 tackles. DB Bradley Fletcher had a career-high 13 tackles and forced a fumble. DB Charles Godfrey matched a career high with 12 stops. Iowa punter Ryan Donahue had the best game of his career, punting eight times for a 51.6 average. His efforts earned him Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Additionally, the redshirt freshman posted an 82-yard punt, which is the second-longest in school history. Lonnie Rodgers had an 83-yard punt vs. Oregon State on Sept. 26, 1962.

BALL HAWKS
The Hawkeyes have recorded at least one takeaway in 25 of their last 27 games, dating back to the 2006 season. Furthermore, Iowa has collected a combined six takeaways the last four games (Florida International, Iowa State, Pittsburgh and Northwestern). Iowa has 11 takeaways, the third-most total by a Big Ten team (Minnesota – 13 and Ohio State – 12). Michigan State has collected 10 takeaways.

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 53-27 (.663) overall mark and a 31-18 (.633) Big Ten record the last seven seasons. Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 64-51 (.557) and a 38-35 (.521) mark in Big Ten games. In 13 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 76-72 (.514). 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-nine of Iowa’s 115 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (18-22) 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.

NORTHWESTERN 22, IOWA 17
Northwestern scored 19 unanswered points and took advantage of five Iowa turnovers to beat the Hawkeyes, 22-17, on Iowa’s homecoming at Kinnick Stadium. The visiting team has won the last three games in the series. The Hawkeyes jumped out to a 17-3 advantage in the first half. PK Trent Mossbrucker converted a 30-yard field goal for the first quarter’s only points. RB Shonn Greene scored an 18-yard touchdown to give Iowa an early 10-point cushion. Northwestern PK Amando Villarreal split the uprights for a 37-yard field goal to make the score 10-3. WR Andy Brodell caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from QB Ricky Stanzi to give Iowa a 17-3 lead. However, Northwestern capitalized on an Iowa fumble late in the half. WR Rasheed Ward caught a one-yard scoring pass from QB C.J. Bacher with only 17 seconds remaining. Northwestern closed within 17-16 after WR Eric Peterman caught a 15-yard touchdown pass, but Villarreal missed the extra point, wide-left. The Wildcats took the lead at the 7:54 mark of the fourth quarter on Peterman’s second touchdown reception, a three-yard scoring strike from Bacher. Iowa had an opportunity to reclaim the lead in the final 90 seconds. The Hawkeyes had the ball first-and-goal on the Northwestern eight-yard line, but were unable to find the end zone with four incomplete passes. Greene eclipsed the 100-yard plateau and scored at least one touchdown for the fifth-straight game, scampering a career-high 159 yards on 21 attempts and scoring a touchdown. Greene left the game early in the fourth quarter due to injury and did not return. In his third career start, Stanzi completed 21-30 passes for a career-high 238 yards and a touchdown. Brodell caught eight passes for a season-high 126 yards and a score. Bacher finished the contest completing 28-45 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns. Ward caught a game-high 10 passes for 94 yards, while RB Tyrell Sutton had 149 all-purpose yards (77 rushing and 72 receiving). The Wildcats scored 14 points off Iowa’s five turnovers (4 fumbles, 1 interception). Northwestern started three of its drives inside the Iowa 40-yard line. Defensively, LB Jeremiha Hunter, LB Pat Angerer and DT Matt Kroul paced the Hawkeyes. Hunter posted a game and career-high 12 tackles and returned an interception 21 yards. Angerer collected a career 11 stops, while Kroul had nine tackles. The nine tackles put Kroul over 200 for his career. DE Christian Ballard blocked a 37-yard field goal attempt, Iowa’s first block of the season.

EXTRA POINTS
? RB Shonn Greene (159 yards) is the first player to eclipse 100 rushing yards against Northwestern this season. This marks the sixth 100-yard rushing game of his career. He had four rushes over 20 yards (21, 21, 23 and 23) against the Wildcats.
? WR Andy Brodell caught a career-high eight passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. The 126 yards are a season high for a Hawkeye receiver.
? Starting for the first time this season was left guard Julian Vandervelde. Also, starting for the second time this year was SS Harold Dalton and FB Wade Leppert. Seeing action for the first time this season was LB Jeff Tarpinian. The sophomore missed the first four games due to injury. Tarpinian was credited with four tackles.
? Iowa failed to score on its first possession of the game, marking the second time in five contests the Hawkeyes did not score on their 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.
? Northwestern failed to score on its opening possession. All five Iowa opponents (Maine, FIU, Iowa State, Pittsburgh and Northwestern) failed to score on their opening drives this season.
? Both Iowa and Northwestern turned the ball over in the opposition’s territory on their opening drives. The Wildcats recovered a fumble, while the Hawkeyes intercepted a pass.
? Iowa outscored Northwestern 3-0 in the first quarter. The Hawkeyes have outscored their opponents 44-7 in the first period, through five games.
? Iowa marched 90 yards in eight plays in 4:33 for its first touchdown drive of the game. The 90 yards and 4:33 are season bests for an Iowa scoring drive this season.
? DE Christian Ballard blocked a 37-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter, Iowa’s first block of the season. Iowa has blocked a Northwestern field goal in each of the last two years. DL Adrian Clayborn blocked a 34-yarder in the second quarter in Evanston a year ago.
? WR Andy Brodell caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from QB Ricky Stanzi in the second period to give Iowa a 17-3 advantage. The touchdown pass is Iowa’s second-longest of the season (QB Ricky Stanzi to WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos for 59 yards vs. FIU). The scoring pass was Stanzi’s fourth of the year. Iowa has thrown four passes over 40 yards this season. The 45-yard pass is the longest Northwestern’s defense has allowed this season (38 yards).
? The Wildcats scored a touchdown on their first second-half possession, the first Iowa opponent to score a third-period touchdown this season.
? The four fumbles lost are the most by an Iowa team since losing three in a 47-17 win vs. Purdue (Oct. 7, 2006). The five total turnovers are the most since Iowa turned the ball over five times in a 34-24 defeat at Minnesota (Nov. 18, 2006).
? Northwestern PK Amado Villarreal missed two field goals, one was blocked, and a PAT. He was a perfect 3-3 and was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week vs. Ohio University the previous week. Iowa opponents are 3-8 on field goal attempts this season.
? Iowa fell to 51-41-5 in homecoming games. The Hawkeyes have lost their last two homecoming contests (Northwestern and Indiana). It was the 10th time Iowa played the Wildcats on its homecoming. Iowa fell to 7-3 against Northwestern on homecoming.
? Two plays were reviewed by Instant Replay. A Shonn Greene fourth-quarter fumble was upheld by replay. An Iowa pass ruled incomplete was reversed and ruled a 15-yard reception for TE Brandon Myers.

THE GREENE MONSTER
RB Shonn Greene, who ranks second in the Big Ten and sixth nationally in rushing, has rushed for over 100 yards in Iowa’s first five games (Maine, FIU, Iowa State, Pittsburgh and Northwestern). His career-high rushing total of 159 yards against Northwestern pushed him over 1,000 career yards. For his career, Greene has rushed 168 times for 1,043 yards (6.2 avg.) and six scores. The 1,043 yards ranks 36th-best in Iowa’s career annals. He has amassed 665 yards on 99 attempts (6.7 avg.) and five scores. His current 6.7 average per carry is the highest rushing average by an Iowa running back in a single-season since Tavian Banks averaged 6.5 yards on 260 attempts in 1997. This season marks the first time the Hawkeyes had a 100-yard rusher in five-straight contests since the last five games of the 2005 campaign. RB Albert Young rushed for 125 yards vs. Indiana (Oct. 15), 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). Greene has amassed 665 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season, which is the second-highest total by an Iowa running back, in the first five games, since 1997. RB Tavian Banks accumulated 787 yards and 11 touchdowns the first five games in 1997. He is believed to be the first Iowa running back to ever rush for 100 yards in the first five games of a season. 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).

HAWKEYE SIGNAL CALLERS
Last week’s game vs. Northwestern was the first contest, in 2008, where one Iowa quarterback played the entire game. 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. Stanzi started his third game of the season, and his career, against the Wildcats. The sophomore completed 21-30 passes for 238 yards and also completed a career-long 45-yard touchdown pass to WR Andy Brodell. Stanzi has completed 50-78 (.641) passes for 664 yards and four touchdowns this season. Christensen has completed 33-56 passes for 372 yards and two scores. Stanzi ranks third in Big Ten passing efficiency and 34th in the country (144.8). 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. 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 42 consecutive games, while King has started 37 career contests, including the last 22. King, who has been named to the 2008 Lott Trophy and Lombardi and Chuck Bednarik Award Watch Lists, has 193 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. He amassed eight tackles and a QB-Hurry vs. Northwestern. 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 203 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Kroul’s tackle totals last week vs. Northwestern pushed him over 200 career tackles. He collected nine tackles, one shy of a career high, vs. Northwestern. 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.

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 on Sept. 20. 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 ranks fourth in the nation in scoring defense (10.2), sixth in red zone defense (54.5%), seventh in pass efficiency defense (94.3) and 20th in total defense (282.4). Iowa’s defense has forced 32 punts, blocked a field goal (Northwestern) and collected a safety (Maine).

DJK LEADS HAWKEYE RECEIVERS
Sophomore Derrell Johnson-Koulianos leads the Hawkeye receivers with 19 catches for 268 yards. He is averaging 14.1 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 (53.6). Johnson-Koulianos has also returned seven kickoffs for 139 yards. 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 five games. LB Jeremiha Hunter ranks first with 36 tackles, DL Adrian Clayborn is right behind with 30 stops and CB Amari Speivey ranks fourth with 29 tackles. Spievey is also tied for the team lead in interceptions with two, collecting a theft in back-to-back games (Iowa State and Pittsburgh).

DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 35 of its last 43 games (.814) 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 and 22-17 in 2008), 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. Iowa’s 29-7 (.806) home record from 2003 thru 2008 ranks 19th nationally and fourth in the Big Ten.

HAWKEYE SPECIALISTS
Place kickers Daniel Murray and Trent Mossbrucker have shared kicking duties this season. Murray, a sophomore, has handled all kickoffs 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 Iowa’s primary field goal kicker and is 8-8 on PATs and 6-7 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. The native of Mooresville, IN, also made a 30-yarder vs. Northwestern. His 32-yard attempt vs. FIU was blocked. Punter Ryan Donahue has punted 17 times this season. He is averaging 39.9 yards per punt. Donahue has punted three over 50 yards and seven 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. Donahue averaged 43.0 yards on three punts vs. Northwestern. Iowa opponents have just four returns for 14 yards this season. The sophomore punted 46 times for a 38.6 average through Iowa’s first seven games last year. The last five games of 2007, 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 five 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 six tackles and two pass break-ups. Hampton has rushed 26 times for 134 yards and has returned four kickoffs for 91 yards. Mossbrucker has connected on all eight PATs and 6-7 FGs. Mossbrucker ranks second in team scoring with 26 points (Shonn Greene, 30 points).

YOUTHFUL HAWKEYES
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. Iowa has only four senior starters on offense and two on defense. Additionally, the Hawkeyes start four sophomores and one redshirt freshman on offense and five sophomores and one redshirt freshman on defense.

QUICK HITS
? Iowa ranks first in the Big Ten and 15th in the country in fewest yards penalized per game (33.8).
? Iowa has only allowed four put returns for a total of 14 yards through five games.
? DL Matt Kroul has 42 consecutive starts, a streak that ties for second-best in the Big Ten (Wisconsin OL Kraig Urbik, 43; Purdue OL Sean Sester, 42).
? 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).
? The Hawkeyes have a consecutive home sellout streak of 34 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 43-7 when leading at the half and 48-6 when leading after three quarters.
? Maine’s nine pass completions and 83 passing yards, week one, both rank as the fourth-fewest by an opponent under Coach Ferentz.
? 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.

HOME COOKIN’
Iowa played 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 returned to Iowa City last Saturday to open league play against Northwestern (L, 22-17). Conversely, Iowa played three of its first four games away from Iowa City last season.

IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 97 of its last 109 games, including all five 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 99 of 115 games under Kirk Ferentz.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 27 offensive plays (13 run, 14 pass) that resulted in 20 yards or more. The Hawkeyes had seven plays (5 rush, 2 pass) result over 20 yards against Northwestern last week. 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 only 14 offensive plays (2 run, 12 pass) of 20 yards or more this season. Northwestern had no big rushing plays, but posted passing plays of 23, 27 and 35 yards last week.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 44-7 in the first quarter, 43-20 in the second, 10-9 in the third and 45-15 in the fourth period.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 7.1 yards on 152 first down plays, 5.1 yards on 101 second down plays, 5.3 yards on 62 third down plays and 4.8 yards on nine fourth down plays.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averages 6.8 plays, 54.0 yards and 2:57 elapsed time on 23 scoring drives. Sixteen of the 23 scoring drives resulted in touchdowns. Hawkeye opponents average 8.4 plays, 55.2 yards and 2:52 elapsed time on only nine offensive scoring drives.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 17-22 (77.3%) in the red zone (12 TD, 5 FG) this season. The Hawkeyes have scored 25 touchdowns and six field goals on their last 37 red zone possessions (83.8%) the last eight games, dating back to last season. The Hawkeye defense has limited the opposition to 6-11 (54.5%) in the red zone, which ranks sixth-best in the country. Iowa State, the Hawkeyes’ third opponent, was the first team to reach the red zone against Iowa and was 0-3, including two failed attempts inside the five-yard line.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 20 points following 11 opponent turnovers. The Black and Gold scored 14 points following two interceptions vs. Maine, three points after two Pittsburgh miscues and three points after a Northwestern interception. The Hawkeyes failed to score after collecting three FIU and Iowa State miscues. The Hawkeyes have turned the ball over 10 times, allowing their opponents to score 17 points. Iowa record one turnover vs. Maine and Pittsburgh, two vs. FIU and Iowa State and five vs. Northwestern. The Cyclones tallied a field goal, while the Wildcats turned the Iowa miscues into 14 points.

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 tackle’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 82 games. The last Iowa contest not televised was vs. Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.

2008 SCHEDULE
Iowa opened 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 opened their Big Ten schedule at home, for the first time since 2001, against Northwestern (L, 22-17). Remaining Iowa home dates include: Wisconsin (Oct. 18), Penn State (Nov. 8) and Purdue (Nov. 15). The Hawkeyes will also travel to Michigan State (Saturday), 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 (Schulze, 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 remain on the road at Indiana Oct. 11 (11:05 a.m., CT, BTN). Iowa returns to Iowa City to face Wisconsin Oct. 18 (TBD).