Oct. 21, 2008
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IOWA IS IDLE
After winning their last two games, the Iowa Hawkeyes (5-3, 2-2) are idle this week. Iowa returns to action Saturday, Nov. 1 at Illinois (2:35 p.m., ABC).
HAWKEYE DUO EARN BIG TEN WEEKLY HONORS
RB Shonn Greene and linebacker Pat Angerer were named Big Ten Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively. This announcement marks the first time, since the weekly awards were initiated in 1987, that Iowa players earned offensive and defensive honors, the same week. The awards came following their outstanding performances in helping Iowa reclaim the Heartland Trophy in a 38-16 victory over Wisconsin last Saturday. Greene, a junior from Sicklerville, NJ, outscored the Badgers by himself, scoring 24 points with four rushing touchdowns while rushing for 217 yards on 25 carries. His four rushing scores (12, 34, 34 and 52) and 24 points equaled school records and matched the Kinnick Stadium records, by an Iowa player. Greene’s 34-yard touchdown in the second quarter pushed him over 1,000 rushing yards for the season. He became the 12th Hawkeye, and second-fastest, to reach 1,000 yards. The 34-yard run was featured as ESPNs top Play of the Day. Greene’s 217 yards ties Nick Bell for the sixth-most rushing yards in a single-game in school history. The junior has topped the century mark eight-straight games and nine times in his career. He is the first Hawkeye to ever eclipse 100 yards in eight-straight contests. Furthermore, he is the only Football Bowl Subdivision running back to rush for over 100 yards the first eight games this season. This marks the first weekly Big Ten honor of Greene’s career. The last Hawkeye to win the offensive award was Ed Hinkel on Nov. 21, 2005. Angerer, a native of Bettendorf, posted career highs in tackles (16) and interceptions (2) against the Badgers. Twelve of his game-high 16 tackles came in the first half. The junior helped secure the victory with a pair of four-quarter thefts, returning them 19 yards. The interceptions led to 10 Hawkeye points. The 16 tackles are the most by an Iowa player since Mike Humpal registered 18 vs. Michigan State in a double-overtime contest Oct. 27, 2007. This marks the first weekly conference honor of Angerer’s career.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,111 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 564-508-39 (.525). That includes a 357-197-16 (.640) record in home games, a 207-309-23 (.405) record in games away from Iowa City, a 278-342-25 (.450) mark in Big Ten games and a 240-162-15 (.594) record in Kinnick Stadium.
DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 36 of its last 44 games (.818) in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2002 season. The eight 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 30-7 (.811) home record from 2003 thru 2008 ranks 17th nationally and third in the Big Ten.
IOWA ON A ROLL ON THE FIELD AND IN THE CLASSROOM
Last week, the NCAA issued its annual report on the academic achievement of the 322 NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics programs, and the UI and its student-athletes are on a nice roll in this competition as well. The report gives graduation information about students and student-athletes entering in 2001. This is the most recent graduating class for which the required six years of information is available. The “Graduation Success Rate” (GSR) for UI student-athletes was 86 percent – a mark that is eight points higher than the national average, two points better than Iowa’s number a year ago (84 percent) and five points better than its 2006 number (81 percent). The upward trend in the GSR for the UI is mirrored in the numbers for the Iowa football program. The NCAA reported a GSR of 75 percent for student-athletes in the sport of football – a mark that is eight points better than the national average (67 percent), two points better than last year (73 percent) and 10 points better than the UI’s 2006 number (65 percent). GSR measures graduation rates at Division I institutions and includes students transferring into the institutions. The GSR also allows institutions to subtract student-athletes who leave their institutions prior to graduation as long as they would have been academically eligible to compete had they remained. Iowa ranked third in the Big Ten Conference among its football peers behind only Northwestern (92 percent) and Penn State (78 percent). Iowa also ranked third among its peers in the Big Ten when comparing the GSR for all student-athletes – 86 percent and behind only Northwestern (97 percent) and Penn State (89 percent).
IOWA NOTES
? Iowa is one win from becoming bowl eligible. The Hawkeyes have been bowl eligible the last seven seasons, with the Hawkeyes participating in bowl games six of the seven seasons.
? Iowa is in possession of two traveling trophies this season and will play for a third at Minnesota in the regular season finale (Nov. 22). The Hawkeyes defeated Iowa State 17-5 (Sept. 13) to gain possession of the Cy-Hawk Trophy and beat Wisconsin 38-16 (Oct. 18) to claim the Heartland Trophy.
? Iowa had a -5 turnover margin in its first two Big Ten contests, losing both (Northwestern and Michigan State). The Black and Gold had a +5 turnover margin in its last two league victories (Indiana and Wisconsin).
? RB Shonn Greene is the only FBS running back in the country to rush for 100 yards or more in eight contests this season.
? Greene has 10 rushing touchdowns, which is the sixth-most by an Iowa player in a single-season. He is one shy of Iowa’s team total of 11 a year ago.
? Iowa’s average starting field position the last four games has been its 38-yard line.
? LB Pat Angerer ranks first in Big Ten tackles (10.8) through four conference games.
? Iowa had four rushing touchdowns the last two games (Indiana and Wisconsin). RB Jewel Hampton posted scoring runs of one, one and 10 yards and RB Shonn Greene had a 12-yard touchdown run at Indiana. Greene had all four rushing touchdowns vs. Wisconsin, scoring from distances of 12, 34, 34 and 52 yards.
? Iowa is tied, with five other schools, for fourth in the country, with the most players with at least one reception this season (16). Troy and Tulane rank first with 18, followed by Indiana (17).
? Iowa’s three losses have come by a combined nine points (21-20 at Pittsburgh, 22-17 vs. Northwestern and 16-13 at Michigan State).
? Iowa ranks fourth in the nation in scoring defense (11.5), 11th in red zone defense (66.7%) and pass efficiency defense (98.0), 14th in fewest yards penalized (36.8), 24th in rushing defense (105.8) and 25th in total defense (297.8).
? Iowa has recorded at least one takeaway in 28 of its last 30 games, dating back to the 2006 season.
? Greene became the first Iowa player to rush for four touchdowns (vs. Wisconsin) in a single-game since Tavian Banks scored four vs. Iowa State on Sept. 20, 1997.
? Nine different Hawkeyes have intercepted at least one pass this season. LB Pat Angerer leads the team with four thefts, while FS Brett Greenwood and DB Amari Spievey have two.
? Iowa kept two of the nation’s top rushers under 100 yards (Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy was held to 78 yards on 18 carries, while Michigan State’s Javon Ringer was limited to 91 yards on 25 attempts). The Hawkeyes have allowed only one 100-yard rusher this season – Maine’s Jhamal Fluellen (104 yards on 21 attempts).
? Andy Brodell ranks fourth in the Big Ten and 33rd nationally in punt return average (10.7). He has returned 27 punts this year, the most in the nation. He is one of three Big Ten punt returners who have returned a punt for a score (Ohio State’s Ray Small and Penn State’s Derrick Williams). Additionally, Brodell has posted game-high receiving yards three of the last four games (126 vs. Northwestern, 79 at Michigan State and 95 at Indiana).
? Iowa punter Ryan Donahue has recorded at least one punt over 50 yards five of the last six contests (64 yards vs. Iowa State, 59 yards at Pittsburgh, 55 yards vs. Northwestern, 56 yards at Michigan State and 56 yards at Indiana).
? DT Matt Kroul, DT Mitch King and OL Rob Bruggeman have served as captains in each of Iowa’s first eight games.
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 55-28 (.663) overall mark and a 33-19 (.635) Big Ten record the last seven seasons. Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 66-52 (.559) and a 40-36 (.526) mark in Big Ten games. In 13 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 78-73 (.517). Ferentz, who boasts the second-most victories by a Hawkeye head coach, coached his 150th career game as a head coach at Indiana (Oct. 11, 2008). Forty of Iowa’s 118 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (18-23) 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.
IOWA 36, WISCONSIN 16
Iowa RB Shonn Greene rushed for 217 yards and tied three single-game records with his four rushing touchdowns en route to a 38-16 triumph over Wisconsin in Kinnick Stadium. With the victory, Iowa reclaimed possession of the Heartland Trophy. Greene equaled a school-record with four rushing touchdowns (12, 34, 34 and 52 yards). His four scores also matched the Kinnick Stadium record, by an Iowa player, and his 24 points ties the school record held by eight others. His 217 rushing yards tie Nick Bell for the sixth-most in a single-game in Iowa history. Greene’s performance garnered him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week accolades. Greene gave Iowa an early 14-0 advantage on scoring runs of 12 and 34 yards in the first and second period, respectively. Wisconsin answered and closed within 14-9 with 6:15 remaining in the third quarter after Badger PK Philip Welch converted three-consecutive field goals (42, 40 and 35 yards). The Hawkeyes responded to the Wisconsin charge by scoring on four of their next five possessions. Greene scampered 52 yards for his third score of the game to increase Iowa’s lead to 21-9. QB Ricky Stanzi, who completed 11-18 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown in the game, then connected with TE Allen Reisner for a 16-yard score. The scoring reception was the first of Reisner’s career. In the fourth quarter, Iowa added 10 more points on a 34-yard touchdown run by Greene and a PK Trent Mossbrucker 35-yard field goal. Wisconsin RB Zach Brown tallied a 21-yard touchdown run late in the game for the only Badger touchdown. Badger QB Dustin Sherer completed 17-34 passes for 161 yards and two interceptions. RB John Clay rushed 16 times for a team-high 89 yards to lead the Badgers. Greene became the first Iowa running back to ever eclipse the century mark in eight-straight contests. Also, he became the 12th Iowa player, and second-fastest, to reach 1,000 rushing yards in a single-season. Iowa’s defense collected three interceptions and two sacks and forced seven punts, blocking one. LB Pat Angerer posted career bests in tackles (16) and interceptions (2). Twelve of his game-high 16 stops came in the first half. His efforts earned him Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week laurels. DT Matt Kroul was credited with seven tackles and a QB-Hurry. DB Lance Tillison collected his first career interception, while RB Paki O’Meara recorded Iowa’s first blocked punt in over three years.
EXTRA POINTS
? The 38 points are the most by an Iowa team vs. Wisconsin, in a single-game, since a 38-24 win on Nov. 18, 1978 at Iowa City. Iowa has scored 35 points or more in back-to-back league games for the first time since scoring 62 vs. Northwestern (Nov. 9, 2002) and 45 at Minnesota (Nov. 16, 2002).
? Saturday was the 84th meeting between Iowa and Wisconsin. The series is now tied 41-41-2. Iowa has won 22 of the last 30 meetings. The Hawkeyes own a 24-15-1 advantage in contests played at Iowa City.
? Starting for the first time this season was RG Andy Kuempel and DE Chad Geary. Kuempel and Geary replaced the injured RG Seth Olsen and DE Adrian Clayborn as starters.
? RB Shonn Greene’s 217 yards are the most by an Iowa running back since Albert Young totaled 202 yards on 38 carries at Northwestern on Nov. 5, 2005.
? Greene equaled a school-record with four rushing touchdowns (12, 34, 34 and 52 yards). The last time the feat was accomplished was by RB Tavian Banks vs. Iowa State (Sept. 20, 1997). The four scores are the most by an Iowa player since Ed Hinkel caught four touchdowns in a 52-28 win vs. Minnesota (Nov. 19, 2005). The four touchdowns tie a Kinnick Stadium record, by an Iowa player. Additionally, Greene’s 24 points ties a school record held by eight others.
? Greene scampered 34 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, his second score of the game. The 34-yard run, which is his third-longest carry of the season, increased his season rushing total over 1,000 yards. Greene becomes the second-fastest Iowa running back to reach 1,000 rushing yards in a single-season. RB Tavian Banks eclipsed 1,000 yards in six games in 1997.
? Greene’s 1,154 yards are the most for an Iowa running back in the first eight games of the season since Tavian Banks gained 1,251 yards in the first eight games of the 1997 season.
? Saturday marked the second-straight game an Iowa running back had at least three rushing touchdowns. Jewel Hampton had scoring runs of one, one and 10 yards at Indiana. Greene’s 52-yard run is his longest rush of the season, besting a 35-yard scamper vs. FIU (Sept. 6).
? Paki O’Meara blocked a Wisconsin punt in the third quarter, the first block of his career. It was Iowa’s second blocked kick of the season. DE Christian Ballard blocked a Northwestern field goal (Sept. 27). O’Meara’s blocked punt was Iowa’s first since Andy Brodell blocked an Indiana punt on Oct. 15, 2005.
? Iowa scored two touchdowns and a field goal on its three red zone possessions. The Hawkeyes have scored on their last 11 red zone trips (six touchdowns, five field goals), dating back to the Michigan State game (Oct. 4).
? Greene scored a 12-yard touchdown on Iowa’s first possession of the game, marking the fourth time in eight contests the Hawkeyes scored on their initial drive. Iowa scored three points on its first possession against Iowa State. Iowa tallied touchdowns vs. Maine, FIU and Wisconsin.
? Wisconsin failed to score on its opening possession. All eight Iowa opponents (Maine, FIU, Iowa State, Pittsburgh, Northwestern, Michigan State, Indiana and Wisconsin) failed to score on their opening drives this season.
? Wisconsin won the toss and elected to receive. Saturday was the first game of the season that Iowa started the game on defense.
? The Hawkeyes collected three takeaways. Iowa collected three interceptions, two by LB Pat Angerer and one by DB Lance Tillison. Angerer returned his first interception 14 yards and his team-best fourth pick five yards. He is the first Hawkeye to intercept two passes in a single-game since CB Charles Godfrey had two vs. Northern Illinois on Sept. 1, 2007. Greene scored a touchdown from 34 yards after the first interception and PK Trent Mossbrucker converted a 35-yard field goal after the second theft. Iowa has scored 47 points following 16 opponent turnovers in eight games.
? Iowa’s offense did not turn the ball over for the second-consecutive game.
? Sophomore QB Ricky Stanzi has thrown at least one touchdown pass the last four games.
? PK Trent Mossbrucker has made at least one field goal in seven of Iowa’s first eight contests. He converted from 35 yards in the fourth period vs. Wisconsin. Mossbrucker has made 10-of-11 field goal attempts, with the only miss being blocked vs. FIU. The Indiana native added 5-5 PATs against the Badgers.
? LB Pat Angerer’s 16 stops are the most by an Iowa player this season. Tyler Sash had 12 vs. Iowa State and Jeremiha Hunter had 12 vs. Northwestern.
THE GREENE MONSTER
RB Shonn Greene, who ranks second in the Big Ten and third nationally in rushing, has rushed for over 100 yards in all eight games this year (Maine, FIU, Iowa State, Pittsburgh, Northwestern, Michigan State, Indiana and Wisconsin). His rushing total of 159 yards against Northwestern (Sept. 27) pushed him over 1,000 career yards. For his career, Greene has rushed 246 times for 1,532 yards (6.2 avg.) and 11 scores. The 1,532 yards ranks 19th-best in Iowa’s career annals. He has amassed 1,154 yards on 177 attempts (6.5 avg.) and 10 scores in 2008. The 1,154 rushing yards rank eighth-best in a single-season at Iowa. Greene became the 12th Hawkeye, and second-fastest, to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. The 1,154 yards, is the second-highest total by an Iowa running back, in the first eight games, since 1997. Banks accumulated 1,251 yards the first eight games in 1997. Greene’s 10 rushing scores are the sixth-most by an Iowa player in a single-season. Greene’s 60 points marks the 23rd time an Iowa skill-position player scored at least 60 points in a season. His current 6.5 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. In Iowa’s four conference games, he averages a Big Ten-best 162.0 yards and six touchdowns. Also, Greene ranks 30th nationally in all-purpose yards (146.8). Greene is the first Iowa running back to ever rush for over 100 yards in eighth-straight games. Additionally, he is the only FBS player to eclipse 100 yards rushing eight times this season. Greene has topped 100 yards rushing, in a single-game, nine times in his career. He rushed 25 times for a career-high 217 yards and four touchdowns vs. Wisconsin. The 217 yards ties Nick Bell for the sixth-most rushing yards in a single-game in Iowa history. Bell rushed 31 times for 217 yards and three touchdowns vs. Wisconsin on Oct. 14, 1989. Greene’s 217 yards are the most by an Iowa running back since Albert Young totaled 202 yards on 38 carries at Northwestern on Nov. 5, 2005. Greene equaled a school record with four rushing touchdowns (12, 34, 34 and 52 yards) vs. Wisconsin. The last time the feat was accomplished was by RB Tavian Banks vs. Iowa State on Sept. 20, 1997. The four scores are the most by an Iowa player since Ed Hinkel caught four touchdowns in a 52-28 win vs. Minnesota on Nov. 19, 2005. The four touchdowns tie a Kinnick Stadium record, by an Iowa player. Additionally, Greene’s 24 points ties a school record held by eight others. 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).
STANZI DIRECTS HAWKEYE OFFENSE
After splitting time with Jake Christensen under center the first four games, Ricky Stanzi has emerged as Iowa’s starting quarterback. Stanzi started and played the entire game vs. Northwestern (Sept. 27), Iowa’s fifth contest of the season. The sophomore completed 21-30 passes for 238 yards and also completed a career-long 45-yard touchdown pass to WR Andy Brodell against the Wildcats. At Michigan State, Stanzi completed 15-22 passes for 158 yards and a score. At Indiana, Stanzi completed 12-20 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns in leading the Hawkeyes to their first Big Ten win in 2008. Last week, he completed 11-18 passes for 114 yards and a score vs. Wisconsin. He has thrown at least one touchdown pass the last four contests. Stanzi’s first start was vs. FIU (Sept. 6). He was 8-10 for 162 yards (20.3 avg.) and tossed three touchdowns (8, 23 and 59 yards) in seeing half the snaps. The native of Mentor, OH, started and played the first three quarters vs. Iowa State, completing 5-14 for 95 yards. He was 7-10 for 79 yards, including completing his first six pass attempts, at Pittsburgh. Stanzi was an efficient 9-14 for 90 yards vs. Maine in the season opener. Stanzi has completed 88-138 (.638) passes for 1,120 yards and eight touchdowns this season. He ranks third in Big Ten passing efficiency and 26th in the country (145.3). 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 45 consecutive games, while King has started 40 career contests, including the last 25. King, who has been named to the 2008 Lott Trophy and Lombardi and Chuck Bednarik Award Watch Lists, has 207 career tackles, 48.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks. His six tackles at Indiana increased the senior’s tackle total over 200 for his career. 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 a season-high eight tackles and a QB-Hurry vs. Northwestern. King was credited with seven tackles, including 1.5 for loss and a sack at Michigan State. He had three stops vs. Wisconsin. 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 222 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and seven sacks. The 222 career tackles ranks 41st-best in Iowa career annals. Kroul’s tackle totals vs. Northwestern pushed him over 200 career tackles. He had four stops at Indiana and seven vs. Wisconsin. He collected a season-best 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, who is a 2008 Draddy Trophy semifinalist, 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 and collected eight stops, including 0.5 for loss at Michigan State. 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.
KROUL NAMED DRADDY SEMIFINALIST
Senior Matt Kroul is one of 57 Football Bowl Subdivision student-athletes to be named a semifinalist for the 2008 National Football Foundation (NFF) Draddy Trophy. One of college football’s most sought after and competitive awards, the Draddy Trophy recognizes an individual for his combined academic excellence, football performance and exemplary community leadership. A total of 164 student-athletes from both subdivisions vie for the honor. Kroul is a health and sports studies major. The NFF Awards Committee will select and announce up to 15 finalists on Oct. 29. Last year, Iowa LB Mike Klinkenborg was a finalist for the award.
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 (11.5), 11th in red zone defense (66.7%) and pass efficiency defense (98.0), 14th in fewest yards penalized (36.8), 24th in rushing defense (105.8), 25th in total defense (297.8). Iowa’s defense has forced 50 punts, 33 three-and-outs (32.7%), blocked a field goal (Northwestern) and a punt (Wisconsin) and collected a safety (Maine).
DJK AND BRODELL LEAD HAWKEYE RECEIVERS
Sophomore Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (DJK) and senior Andy Brodell lead the Hawkeye receiving corps through eight games. Brodell is tied for first in receptions (24) and touchdowns (3) and is first in receiving yards (373). DJK is tied for first in catches (24) and ranks second in receiving yards (304). Brodell averages 15.5 yards per catch and has caught three touchdowns (45-yarder vs. Northwestern, a 31-yarder at Michigan State and a 34-yarder at Indiana, all from QB Ricky Stanzi). The native of Ankeny, IA, is also Iowa’s primary punt returner; he ranks 33rd in the country, averaging 10.7 yards on 27 returns. His 27 returns are the most in the nation. Brodell returned an Iowa season-best 81-yard punt for a touchdown vs. Iowa State. The return was the 10th-longest punt return in school history. Brodell’s numbers have risen since the beginning of conference play, with 300 of his 373 yards coming during conference play. His 100.0 average in league play ranks third-best. Brodell cracked 1,000 career receiving yards with his totals from the Northwestern game (Sept. 27). The senior has now caught 82 career passes for 1,209 yards and eight touchdowns. The 82 receptions and 1,209 yards rank, 23rd and 25st-best, respectively, in school history. Last year he had 13 catches for 96 yards and averaged 14.4 yards on 14 punt returns before suffering a season-ending injury at Wisconsin. Brodell had a break-out season his sophomore year in 2006, ranking first on the team in yards (724) and yards per catch (18.6) and third in receptions (39). His 724 yards rank 21st-best in Iowa single-season history. The native of Ankeny, IA, caught seven passes for 159 yards and a touchdown in the 2006 regular season finale and six passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns vs. Texas in the 2006 Alamo Bowl. The 159 yards against the Longhorns was an Alamo Bowl record. He also had a career-long 63-yard touchdown reception vs. Texas, which was the longest touchdown reception in Iowa bowl history and the fifth-longest reception in Alamo Bowl history. His two Alamo Bowl touchdown receptions (63 and 23 yards) tied an Iowa bowl record with four others. DJK averages 12.7 yards per reception and also has one touchdown (59-yard pass from Ricky Stanzi vs. FIU). DJK has also returned eight kickoffs for 165 yards. Last season, he led the Hawkeyes, catching 38 passes for 482 yards and two scores.
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 20-20 on PATs and 10-11 on field goals. He averages 1.25 field goals per game, which ranks 38th-best in the nation. Mossbrucker has made his last six field goal attempts. 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 and kicks of 25 and 33 at Michigan State. He made a 26-yard field goal at Indiana and a 35-yarder vs. Wisconsin. His 32-yard attempt vs. FIU was blocked. Punter Ryan Donahue has punted 32 times this season. He is averaging 40.9 yards per punt, which ranks seventh in the Big Ten and 49th nationally. Donahue has recorded at least one punt over 50 yards in five of the last six contests (64 yards vs. Iowa State, 59 yards at Pittsburgh, 55 yards vs. Northwestern, 56 yards at Michigan State and 56 yards at Indiana). Additionally, 13 of his punts were downed inside the 20 this season. 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. He had a career-best average, 53.0, on three punts at Michigan State. Donahue punted four times for a 44.0 average, with a long of 56 yards and downing three punts inside the Indiana 15-yard line. Against Wisconsin, he kicked a season-high eight punts for a 36.8 average, placing three inside the 20. Iowa opponents have just eight returns for 40 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.
BIG TEN ONLY GAMES RANKINGS
Iowa ranks second in rushing offense (200.2), rushing defense (112.5) and kickoff coverage (47.9), third in kickoff returns (21.8), pass efficiency (141.8), first downs (88), sacks against (6), scoring defense (15.8) and red zone defense (76.9%), in conference games only. Individually, RB Shonn Greene ranks first in rushing (162.0), third in scoring (9.0) and fourth in all-purpose yards (162.8) in league games only. WR Andy Brodell ranks third in receiving yards (100.0), QB Ricky Stanzi ranks second in pass efficiency (144.2), LB Pat Angerer ranks first in tackles (10.8) and RB Jewel Hampton ranks fourth in kickoff return yardage (24.4).
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 eight 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 seven tackles and two pass break-ups. Hampton has rushed 59 times for 316 yards and five touchdowns and has also returned 12 kickoffs for 295 yards (24.6). He rushed 22 times for a career-high 114 yards and three scores at Indiana. His 24.6 return average ranks 39th-best in the country. Hampton returned four kickoffs for 116 yards at Michigan State, which is the most kickoff return yardage in a single-game by a Hawkeye since C.J. Jones had 169 yards on four returns vs. USC in the 2003 Orange Bowl. Mossbrucker has connected on all 20 PATs and 10-11 FGs. Mossbrucker ranks second in team scoring with 50 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 three 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
? The Hawkeyes have a consecutive home sellout streak of 35 games, dating back to the 2003 season. The last Iowa game not sold out was vs. Buffalo (9/6/03).
? Iowa, who ranks fourth in the nation in scoring defense, has allowed single-digit points or less four times this season (Maine – 3, FIU – 0, Iowa State – 5, Indiana – 9).
? Defensive tackles Matt Kroul and Mitch King reached 200 career tackles two games apart from each other. Kroul became the 59th Iowa defensive player to reach the 200-tackle plateau vs. Northwestern (Sept. 27), while King accomplished the feat two games later at Indiana (Oct. 11).
? Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi and WR Andy Brodell connected for a touchdown three-consecutive games (45 yards vs. Northwestern, 31 yards at Michigan State and 34 yards at Indiana).
? WR Andy Brodell cracked 1,000 career receiving yards with his totals from the Northwestern game (Sept. 27). The senior has caught 82 career passes for 1,209 yards and eight touchdowns. The 82 receptions and 1,209 yards rank, 23rd and 25st-best, respectively, in school history.
? Iowa ranks second in the Big Ten and 14th in the country in fewest yards penalized per game (36.75). Iowa was whistled for seven penalties for 55 yards vs. Wisconsin.
? Iowa has only allowed eight punt returns for a total of 40 yards.
? DL Matt Kroul has 45 consecutive starts, a streak that ties Purdue OL Sean Sester for first in the Big Ten.
? 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 played 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).
? In the last seven years, Iowa is 45-7 when leading at the half and 50-6 when leading after three quarters.
? Iowa’s time of possession of 38:07 at Indiana (Oct. 11) is the third highest, in a single-game, during Coach Ferentz’s head coaching tenure at Iowa. Additionally, Iowa’s 28 first downs and 51 rushing attempts against the Hoosiers rank fourth and fifth, respectively, in a single-game under Coach Ferentz.
? 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 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 99 of its last 112 games, including 7-8 games this season. Iowa games vs. Wisconsin (10/18/08), 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 10 of those 13 games. Iowa has started the game on offense in 101 of 118 games under Kirk Ferentz.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has posted 37 offensive plays (16 run, 21 pass) that resulted in 20 yards or more. The Hawkeyes had a season-best seven plays (5 rush, 2 pass) result over 20 yards against Northwestern. RB Shonn Greene had touchdown runs of 34, 34 and 52 yards vs. Wisconsin last week. Greene has Iowa’s longest rush (52 yards — touchdown vs. Wisconsin). RB Jewel Hampton has the Hawkeyes’ longest kickoff return (40 yards at Michigan State), while WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos has the longest 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 24 offensive plays (5 run, 19 pass) of 20 yards or more this season.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents 61-17 in the first quarter, 60-35 in the second, 41-18 in the third and 76-22 in the fourth period. Iowa’s +54 fourth-quarter point differential is the best in the conference. The Hawkeyes’ +77 second-half point differential is second-best in the league behind Penn State (+116).
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averages 6.9 yards on 241 first down plays, 5.6 yards on 163 second down plays, 4.8 yards on 95 third down plays and 4.0 yards on 12 fourth down plays. The Hawkeyes averaged 10.56 yards on 18 second-down plays vs. Wisconsin last week.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averages 6.5 plays, 53.6 yards and 2:52 elapsed time on 39 scoring drives. Twenty-seven of the 39 scoring drives resulted in touchdowns. Iowa had six touchdowns scoring drives vs. FIU and Indiana and five touchdown drives vs. Wisconsin. At Indiana, the Black and Gold posted season-high drives in plays (13) and time of possession (6:33). Hawkeye opponents average 8.6 plays, 54.1 yards and 3:16 elapsed time on only 19 offensive scoring drives.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 28-35 (80%) in the red zone (19 TD, 9 FG) this season. The Hawkeyes have scored on their last 11 red zone trips (six touchdowns, five field goals), dating back to the Michigan State game. The Hawkeye defense has limited the opposition to 12-18 (66.7%) in the red zone, which ranks first in the conference and 11th-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. Wisconsin only reached the red zone once, scoring a field goal last week.
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 47 points following 17 opponent turnovers. The Black and Gold scored 14 points following two interceptions vs. Maine, three points after two Pittsburgh miscues, three points after a Northwestern interception, a touchdown after a Michigan State interception, 10 points after an Indiana interception and fumble and another 10 points following three Wisconsin turnovers. The Hawkeyes failed to score after collecting three FIU and Iowa State miscues. The Hawkeyes have turned the ball over 13 times, allowing their opponents to score 23 points. Iowa has not turned over the ball in each of its last two contests. The Black and Gold had one turnover vs. Maine and Pittsburgh, two vs. FIU and Iowa State, five vs. Northwestern and three at Michigan State. The Cyclones tallied a field goal, the Wildcats turned Iowa miscues into 14 points, while the Spartans kicked two field goals.
HAWKEYES EARN BIG TEN WEEKLY HONOR
Iowa has had four student-athletes earn Big Ten Player of the Week accolades this season: Andy Brodell, Karl Klug, Shonn Greene and Pat Angerer. 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. Greene, a junior from Sicklerville, NJ, outscored the Badgers by himself, scoring 24 points with four rushing touchdowns while rushing for 217 yards on 25 carries. His four rushing scores (12, 34, 34 and 52) and 24 points equaled school records and matched the Kinnick Stadium records, by an Iowa player. Greene’s 34-yard touchdown in the second quarter pushed him over 1,000 rushing yards for the season. He became the 12th Hawkeye, and second-fastest, to reach 1,000 yards. Greene’s 217 yards ties Nick Bell for the sixth-most rushing yards in a single-game in school history. The junior has topped the century mark eight-straight games and nine times in his career. He is the first Hawkeye to ever eclipse 100 yards in eight-straight contests. Furthermore, he is the only Football Bowl Subdivision running back to rush for over 100 yards the first eight games this season. This marks the first weekly Big Ten honor of Greene’s career. Angerer, a native of Bettendorf, posted career highs in tackles (16) and interceptions (2) against the Badgers. Twelve of his game-high 16 tackles came in the first half. The junior helped secure the victory with a pair of four-quarter thefts, returning them 19 yards. Both interceptions led to 10 Hawkeye points. The 16 tackles are the most by an Iowa player since Mike Humpal registered 18 vs. Michigan State in a double-overtime contest Oct. 27, 2007. This marks the first weekly conference honor of Angerer’s career.
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 85 games. The last Iowa contest not televised was vs. Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.
2008 BIG TEN SCHEDULE
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
Iowa returns to action at Illinois Nov. 1 (2:30 p.m., ABC with reverse ESPN mirror). The Hawkeyes will play their final two home games of 2008 vs. Penn State Nov. 8 (TBD) and vs. Purdue Nov. 15 (TBD).