Jan. 14, 2009
Complete Release in PDF Format
HAWKEYES FINISH STRONG
The success of Iowa’s 2008 football team came as a surprise to most except those inside the Hawkeye football family. The Kirk Ferentz led Hawkeyes ended the first week of October with a 3-3 record and little chance of a significant bowl invitation. Led by a great group of 15 seniors, Iowa went on to win five of its next six games and a spot in the prestigious January 1st Outback Bowl against South Carolina, winning 31-10. The 2008 Hawkeyes finished the season with a 9-4 record and were ranked 20th in both final major polls. The Outback Bowl champions became the fourth Iowa team in the last seven years to win at least nine games in a season. The Hawkeyes also played in a January bowl game for the fifth time in seven years. Along the way, running back Shonn Greene became a consensus all-American and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back. Greene also was named the Big Ten’s Most Valuable Player. On the defensive side, Mitch King also earned all-America honors and was named Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. That’s pretty heady stuff for a team most picked to finish in the league’s second division. Instead, the Hawkeyes tied for fourth (5-3 league record) and wound up as the league’s only winner in the bowl season. Iowa’s four losses in 2008 came by a only a combined 12 points. And, Iowa fans are licking their chops looking ahead to the 2009 season. The Hawkeyes lose only three starters on defense and five on offense. Both kicking specialists return. Gone are King, Matt Kroul and Bradley Fletcher on the defensive side of the ball. Missing from offense will be wide receiver Andy Brodell, linemen Rob Bruggeman and Seth Olsen and tight end Brandon Myers. And, Greene announced, following Iowa’s 31-10 bowl victory, he’ll take his talents to the NFL for the 2009 season. Replacing what many call the top defensive tackle tandem and maybe the best running back in Hawkeye history will be hard. But, young talent is anxiously waiting to become the next Mitch King and Shonn Greene. After what happened in 2008, few will question the Hawkeye coaching staff and players they have under their direction.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,115 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 567-509-39 (.526). That includes a 358-197-16 (.641) record in home games, a 209-310-23 (.407) record in games away from Iowa City, a 280-343-25 (.451) mark in Big Ten games and a 241-162-15 (.594) record in Kinnick Stadium.
IN THE RANKINGS
After not being ranked during the regular season, Iowa finished the 2008 campaign ranked 20th in both major polls. It marked the first time the Hawkeyes finished the season ranked since the 2004 season (eighth in both polls). It also marked the first time Iowa was ranked in the top 20 since the first week of October in 2006.
IOWA VS. BOWL TEAMS
Eight of Iowa’s 13 opponents played in post-season games. Seven of Iowa’s foes (Pittsburgh, Northwestern, Minnesota, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and South Carolina) received bowl invitations, while Maine competed in the FCS playoffs. Iowa defeated Maine, Penn State, Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Carolina, but fell to Michigan State, Northwestern and Pittsburgh.
TWO HAWKEYES TO PLAY IN ALL-STAR GAMES
DT Mitch King will represent Iowa in the Senior Bowl played, Jan. 24 in Mobile, AL. OL Seth Olsen and CB Bradley Fletcher will play in the East-West Shrine Game in Houston, TX on Jan. 17. More players could be named to all-star games at a later date.
SEVERAL HAWKEYES EARN ALL-BIG TEN HONORS
RB Shonn Greene was tabbed the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year and named the Chicago Tribune’s Silver Football award winner, while DT Mitch King was named the league’s Defensive Lineman of the Year. Greene was also a first team selection by both the coaches and media voting panel, including being the only offensive player unanimously chosen by the media. King was also named to both first team groups, including being unanimously picked by the coaches. Greene is Iowa’s first Offensive Player of the Year since QB Brad Banks in 2002. King is Iowa’s first Defensive Lineman of the Year since Jared DeVries in 1997. OL Seth Olsen was a first team honoree by both groups. TE Brandon Myers was a first team selection by the coaches and honorable mention by the media. OL Rob Bruggeman and LB Pat Angerer were second team honorees by both groups. The media named OL Kyle Calloway and DT Matt Kroul second team all-Big Ten, while the coaches honored OL Bryan Bulaga to the second team. The coaches also recognized P Ryan Donahue and CB Amari Spievey on the second team. Other Hawkeyes earning honorable mention accolades include: LB A.J. Edds, CB Bradley Fletcher and FS Brett Greenwood. Additionally, Kroul was named the Iowa football Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honoree.
GREENE MAKES HISTORY
RB Shonn Greene received numerous post-season awards his junior campaign. He received the Chicago Tribune’s Silver Football Award, emblematic of the Big Ten Conference’s Most Valuable Player. It marked the 10th time an Iowa football player garnered the Silver Football and the first time since QB Brad Banks achieved the honor in 2002. Additionally, he is Iowa’s first consensus all-America running back since Nile Kinnick in 1939. Hawkeye running backs Ronnie Harmon (1985), Dennis Mosley (1979) and Larry Ferguson (1960) were named to at least one first all-America squad, but were not consensus picks. Greene was recognized as a first team all-American by the American Football Coaches Association, Football Writers Association of America, espn.com, Walter Camp Foundation, Associated Press and The Sporting News.
TWO-MINUTE DRILL
? Iowa won six of its last seven games. The Hawkeyes were the only Big Ten team to win a bowl game.
? Iowa’s 30 rushing touchdowns are a new school record, besting the 29 scores in 2001.
? Shonn Greene broke Iowa’s single season rushing record with 1,850 net yards. The record was previously held by Tavian Banks (1,691 yards, 1997).
? Iowa won all three traveling trophy games in 2008. The Hawkeyes defeated Iowa State 17-5 (Sept. 13) to gain possession of the Cy-Hawk Trophy, Wisconsin 38-16 (Oct. 18) to claim the Heartland Trophy and Minnesota 55-0 (Nov. 22) to keep Floyd of Rosedale.
? Iowa’s upset win over Penn State made it bowl eligible for the eighth-straight year, participating in bowl games seven of the eight seasons. Iowa posted nine wins for the first time since 2004, when that team won 10 times.
? DT Mitch King’s 55 tackles for loss were the second-most among active FBS players. South Florida’s George Selvie ranked first with 61.
? Iowa’s four first team all-Big Ten honorees are the most since five made the first team in 2004.
? DT Matt Kroul surpassed OL Bruce Nelson’s school record for consecutive starts with 50. Nelson held the previous record of 48-straight, starting every game during the 1999-02 seasons. Kroul’s streak was the longest active streak in the Big Ten and third-longest by an FBS player.
? RB Jewel Hampton scored seven rushing touchdowns. The seven rushing scores are believed to be an Iowa freshman record in a single-season.
? Iowa’s +73 fourth-quarter point differential was the best in the conference. The Hawkeyes’ +116 second-half point differential was second-best in the league behind Penn State (+160).
? As a team, Iowa ranked fourth in the country in interceptions (23); Florida and Boston College ranked first with 26, followed by California (24). The 23 thefts equal a school single-season record (1986). Nine different Hawkeyes intercepted at least one pass in 2008. LB Pat Angerer and SS Tyler Sash led the team with five thefts, while DB Amari Spievey had four, CB Bradley Fletcher had three and FS Brett Greenwood had two.
? SS Tyler Sash’s 147 return yards on his five interceptions this season rank as the second-most interception return yards in a single-season. Mike Stoops returned six thefts for a school-record 154 yards in 1983.
? Iowa ranked ninth for the most touchdown drives of five plays or less (23).
? Iowa’s four losses came by a combined 12 points (21-20 at Pittsburgh, 22-17 vs. Northwestern, 16-13 at Michigan State and 27-24 at Illinois). Three of the four losses were on the road.
? RB Shonn Greene, a consensus all-American, is the only FBS running back in the country to rush for over 100 yards or more in every game (13) in 2008. The last Big Ten player to rush for over 100 yards in all eight Big Ten games was Penn State’s Curtis Enis in 1997.
? RB Shonn Greene rushed for multiple touchdowns in five of the last six games (Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota and South Carolina), with a best of four vs. Wisconsin.
? Greene posted 20 rushing touchdowns, which breaks Tavian Banks’ (1997) record for the most by an Iowa player in a single-season. As a team, Iowa had 11 rushing scores a year ago.
? LB Pat Angerer ranked third in Big Ten tackles (10.2) during conference play. His 16 tackles vs. Wisconsin ties Illinois LB Brit Miller for the most in a Big Ten game this season.
? Iowa ranked fourth in the nation in interceptions (23), fifth in scoring defense (13.0), fewest yards penalized (34.3) and pass efficiency defense (98.32), ninth in rushing defense (94.0), 12th in total defense (291.3), 19th in red zone defense (76%) and 26th in net punting (37.02). Individually, RB Shonn Greene ranked second nationally in rushing (142.3), tied for ninth in scoring (9.23), tied for 19th in red zone defense (75.9%), 21st in time of possession (31:30) and 22nd in all-purpose yards (146.1), DT Mitch King tied for 38th in tackles for loss (1.19), while SS Tyler Sash tied for 19th in interceptions per game (0.42).
? Iowa has recorded at least one takeaway in 33 of its last 35 games, dating back to the 2006 season.
? Iowa kept three of the nation’s top rushers under 100 yards (Pittsburgh’s LeSean McCoy was held to 78 yards on 18 carries, Michigan State’s Javon Ringer was limited to 91 yards on 25 attempts, while Penn State’s Evan Royster gained 90 yards on 26 attempts). The Hawkeyes allowed only one 100-yard rusher in 2008 – Maine’s Jhamal Fluellen (104 yards on 21 attempts) in the season-opener.
? Andy Brodell ranked third in the Big Ten and 31st nationally in punt return average (10.64). He returned 36 punts in 2008, third-most in the country. He is one of only four Big Ten punt returners who returned a punt for a score (Ohio State’s Ray Small, Penn State’s Derrick Williams and Michigan’s Martavious Odoms) in 2008.
? Iowa punter Ryan Donahue, who was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award, recorded at least one punt over 50 yards in nine of the last 11 contests (64 yards vs. Iowa State, 59 yards at Pittsburgh, 55 yards vs. Northwestern, 56 yards at Michigan State, 56 yards at Indiana, 51 yards at Illinois, 55 yards vs. Penn State, 57 yards at Minnesota and 51 yards vs. South Carolina). Iowa opponents returned only 12 punts for 60 yards in 2008.
DOWN TO THE WIRE
Five of Iowa’s eight Big Ten games were decided in the final minutes of play, including wins over Penn State and Purdue and losses to Northwestern, Michigan State and Illinois. ? In the 22-17 loss to Northwestern, Iowa had a first and goal at the Wildcat eight-yard line but failed to convert and Northwestern took over with 1:08 remaining.
? In the 16-13 loss at Michigan State, Iowa failed to convert a fourth and one at the MSU 21-yard line and the Spartans took over with 2:10 remaining.
? In the 27-24 loss at Illinois, Iowa tied the game at 24 with 2:46 to play before Illinois kicked the winning field goal with 24 secondsleft in the game.
? In the 24-23 win over No. 3 Penn State, Iowa scored the game winning 31-yard field goal with one second remaining.
? In the 22-17 win over Purdue, the Boilermakers reached the Iowa 27-yardline in the final seconds before a pass into the end zone was incomplete as time expired.
? In non-conference play, Iowa lost by a single point (21-20) at Pittsburgh when the Panthers took the lead early in the fourth quarter.
IN THE RECORD BOOKS
Both as a team and individually, the Hawkeyes etched their names in the record books for accomplishments during the 2008 season. Below are some of the achievements by the Black and Gold: ? Iowa’s rushing defense of 93.9 yards ranks fifth-best in a single-season
? Iowa’s defense allowed only seven rushing TDs, which ties for the fewest in a single-season (1981 and 1984)
? Iowa’s scoring defense of 13.0 ties for ninth-best in a single-season (1997)
? SS Tyler Sash’s 147 return yards on his five interceptions this season rank as the second-most interception return yards in a single-season
? RB Shonn Greene’s 217 rushing yards vs. Wisconsin ties for the sixth-most in a single-game
? RB Shonn Greene’s 211 rushing yards vs. Purdue ranks ninth-most in a single-game
? RB Shonn Greene’s 120 points are the most by a skill-position player in a single-season
? PK Trent Mossbrucker’s 70 points are the 21st-most in a single-season and rank as a freshman record
? WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos’ 181 receiving yards at Minnesota are the eighth-most in a single-game
? QB Ricky Stanzi’s 1,956 passing yards rank 19th-best in a single-season
? WR Andy Brodell’s 81-yard punt return vs. Iowa State is the 10th-longest in Iowa history
? SS Tyler Sash’s 58-yard interception return at Minnesota is the 11th-longest in school history
? CB Amari Spievey’s 57-yard interception return at Minnesota ties for the 12th-longest in Iowa history
THREE HAWKEYES EARN ACADEMIC HONORS
Three University of Iowa players were named to the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA District Seven first all-academic team. The honored Hawkeyes include senior center Rob Bruggeman (3.37, Finance), senior defensive tackle Anton Narinskiy (4.0, Accounting) and sophomore offensive guard Julian Vandervelde (3.44, English and Secondary Education).
IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 102 of its last 117 games, including 10-13 games in 2008. Iowa games vs. Purdue (11/15/08), vs. Penn State (11/8/08), 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 12 of those 15 games. Iowa has started the game on offense in 104 of 123 games under Kirk Ferentz.
YOUTHFUL HAWKEYES
Iowa had the sixth-fewest total number of seniors (13) on its roster in the nation in 2008. Alabama and Middle Tennessee had nine. Central Michigan and Toledo each had 10 seniors, North Carolina, Minnesota and Arizona had 11, while Central Florida, Fresno State, Illinois and UTEP had 12. Also, with 13 seniors were Indiana, Kent State, Virginia Tech and LSU. Iowa had only four senior starters on offense and three on defense. Additionally, the Hawkeyes started four sophomores and one redshirt freshman on offense and five sophomores and one redshirt freshman on defense.
IOWA 31, SOUTH CAROLINA 10
Iowa forced five South Carolina turnovers and scored the game’s first 31 points en route to a convincing 31-10 victory at the 2009 Outback Bowl in Raymond James Stadium at Tampa, FL. This game marked Iowa’s third appearance in six years at the Outback Bowl. Iowa finished the season winning six of its last seven games and pushed its all-time bowl record to 12-10-1. RB Shonn Greene was named the bowl’s Most Valuable Player after rushing for 121 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries. The 29 attempts, three rushing scores and 18 points are new Iowa bowl records. Greene finished his junior campaign with a school single-season record 20 rushing touchdowns and 1,850 rushing yards. Additionally, he rushed for over 100 yards in all 13 games, also an Iowa single-season record. QB Ricky Stanzi completed 13-19 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. He completed a six-yard touchdown to WR Trey Stross on Iowa’s opening drive. Iowa’s tight ends combined for seven receptions and 92 yards – Brandon Myers had four catches for 49 yards, while Tony Moeaki had three for 43 yards. Iowa led 21-0 at halftime on two Greene one-yard runs and Stross’ six-yard touchdown reception. PK Daniel Murray converted an 18-yard field goal and Greene scored his third touchdown from 11 yards out to stretch Iowa’s cushion to 31-0. The Gamecocks scored the final 10 points on a 10-yard pass and a 48-yard field goal. Defensively, Iowa collected three interceptions, which tied an Iowa bowl record, and recovered two fumbles. Four of the five South Carolina miscues came in the first 30 minutes. SS Tyler Sash tied an Outback Bowl and Iowa bowl record with two thefts. He returned the two interceptions 74 total yards, which is an Iowa bowl record. DB Bradley Fletcher recorded the other interception in the end zone and also forced a fumble. LB A.J. Edds recovered both South Carolina fumbles. LB Pat Angerer had six tackles and a sack and LB Jeremiha Hunter was credited with four tackles, including two for loss, and a pass break-up. Iowa dominated time of possession, controlling the ball for 35:54, compared to only 24:06 for South Carolina.
FINAL OUTBACK BOWL NOTES
? Iowa, a team that ranks third in the Big Ten with 23 bowl appearances, competed in its seventh bowl game in eight years, five of which have been January bowl games. Iowa (.543, 12-10-1), Penn State (.659, 26-13-2) and Purdue (.533, 8-7) are the only Big Ten teams with a winning percentage in bowl games.
? Iowa is now 2-1 all-time in the Outback Bowl; the Big Ten Conference is now 9-11 in the Outback Bowl. The Hawkeyes have played in the Outback Bowl three of the last six years. Coach Kirk Ferentz improves to 4-3 in bowl games at Iowa.
? Iowa posted its first nine-win season since recording 10 in 2004. The Hawkeyes have won nine or more games 12 times, including five times under Coach Ferentz.
? SS Tyler Sash collected two interceptions, which tied an Iowa bowl record. Devon Mitchell had two in the 1983 Gator Bowl vs. Florida and Tork Hook had two in the 1988 Peach Bowl vs. NC State. Also, Sash’s two interceptions tied an Outback Bowl record held by five other players. Sash returned his first pick 29 yards and his second 45 yards.
? SS Tyler Sash’s 45-yard return is his second-longest of the season (58-yard return at Minnesota) and is an Iowa bowl record. The previous Iowa bowl record was 33 yards by Anthony Wright against Wyoming in the 1987 Holiday Bowl.
? Iowa’s defense forced five South Carolina turnovers (3 interceptions, 2 fumbles). The three interceptions ties an Iowa bowl record. Iowa had three against Texas Tech in the 2001 Alamo Bowl. Iowa’s two fumble recoveries ties for the fourth-most in an Iowa bowl game. Iowa’s bowl record for most fumble recoveries is five vs. NC State in the 1988 Peach Bowl.
? Iowa scored 86-straight points, dating back to Iowa’s regular season finale at Minnesota. The Hawkeyes won 55-0 at Minnesota and scored the first 31 points of the Outback Bowl. Iowa held its last two opponents scoreless for seven quarters.
? Greene’s 29 rushing attempts, three rushing touchdowns and 18 points are new Iowa bowl records. Eleven Hawkeyes previously scored two touchdowns in a bowl game. PK Nate Kaeding (twice) and PK Tom Nichol each held the Iowa bowl scoring record of 13 points. RB Aaron Greving previously held the rushing attempts record of 25 attempts in the 2001 Alamo Bowl. Greene’s 121 yards are the second-most by an Iowa player in an Outback Bowl (150 yards by Fred Russell in 2004).
? Greene finished the season with 1,850 yards, a total that ranks seventh-best in Big Ten single-season annals. Greene, this season’s Doak Walker Award winner and Big Ten MVP, rushed for an Iowa bowl record three touchdowns. He finished the campaign with 20 scores, which is the 12th-most in Big Ten single-season history. The 120 points scored this season ties a school single-season scoring record (120 by PK Nate Kaeding in 2002). The 120 points are the most by a skill-position player in a single-season at Iowa, besting Tavian Banks’ 114 points in 1997. Greene collected multiple rushing touchdowns five of the last six contests.
? Iowa’s rushing defense allowed only 43 rushing yards on 14 attempts. The Hawkeye rushing defense yielded only 1,222 yards (94.0 per game) this season, which is the fifth-fewest rushing average in a single-season in school history. Iowa’s defense allowed only one 100-yard rusher – – Maine’s Jhamal Fluellen (104 yards on 21 attempts) in the season opener.
? Iowa’s defense allowed only 10 points vs. South Carolina and 169 points in 13 games. Iowa’s scoring defense of 13.0 per game ties the 1981 season for ninth-best scoring defensive average in single-season history. Iowa’s rushing defense did not allow a rushing score vs. South Carolina. For the season, the Hawkeyes allowed only seven rushing TDs, which ties for the fewest in a single-season (1981 and 1984).
? Iowa intercepted three passes to give it a total of 23 for the season. The Hawkeyes entered the bowl season tied with Boise State for sixth in the country in thefts. The 23 thefts equals a school single-season record, previously established in 1986. For the season, the Hawkeye defense recorded 32 turnovers (23 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries).
? Iowa scored a touchdown on its first possession on a six-yard scoring strike from QB Ricky Stanzi to WR Trey Stross. The Hawkeyes scored on their opening drive, in seven of 13 games, collecting TDs against Maine, FIU, Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, South Carolina and a field goal vs. Iowa State.
? South Carolina failed to score on its opening possession. SS Tyler Sash intercepted his first pass of the game and returned the theft 29 yards, his third-longest return of the season. All 13 Hawkeye opponents failed to score on their opening drives.
? Iowa’s opening touchdown drive covered 64 yards in 13 plays in 7:21. It was Iowa’s longest scoring drive, in terms of time of possession, in 2008, besting a 6:56 drive that covered 91 yards in 12 plays at Minnesota.
? Iowa was a perfect 3-3 on third down conversions on its opening touchdown drive. QB Ricky Stanzi connected with TE Brandon Myers on all three third-down conversions (10, 11 and 17 yards).
? QB Ricky Stanzi completed 13-19 passes for 147 yards and one touchdown. He finished the season completing 150-254 passes for 1,956 yards and 14 touchdowns. The 14 touchdown throws tie for the 13th-most in a single-season at Iowa.
? Iowa converted the early South Carolina turnover into seven points. RB Shonn Greene scored a one-yard touchdown to give Iowa a 14-0 advantage. The rushing score was Greene’s 18th of the season, which bested Tavian Banks’ previous mark of 17 set in 1997. He later scored his 19th and 20th rushing touchdowns in the second and third quarters, respectively.
? Iowa collected two interceptions and a fumble on South Carolina’s first three possessions. It marked the sixth time this season Iowa collected at least three turnovers in a game. The five turnovers Iowa’s defense collected were a season best, besting three turnovers collected in five other games. DB Bradley Fletcher picked-off his third pass of the season (Maine and Illinois) in the end zone early in the second period. The interception was the fifth of his career; he had two last season.
? FB Wade Leppert started his fourth game of the season. It was his first start in seven games. His last start was at Michigan State (Oct. 4).
? Iowa has recorded at least one takeaway in 33 of its last 35 games, dating back to the 2006 campaign. The Black and Gold scored 17 points following five South Carolina miscues. For the season, Iowa scored 99 points following 32 opponent turnovers. Iowa turned the ball over two times, but kept South Carolina off the scoreboard. Hawkeye opponents scored 46 points after 22 turnovers this season.
? DT Matt Kroul, DT Mitch King, OL Rob Bruggeman, RB Shonn Greene and LB Gavin McGrath were the Outback Bowl team captains. Kroul, King and Bruggeman served as captains in all 13 games this season.
? DT Matt Kroul started his 50th-consecutive game, a school record. Kroul’s streak is the longest active in the Big Ten and third-longest by an FBS player this season. The senior finished the game with four tackles and 238 for his career. His 238 tackles rank 32nd-best in a career at Iowa.
? Iowa was a perfect 5-5 inside the red zone. Iowa was a perfect 12-12 combined inside the red zone its last two games.
? Iowa punted only twice, allowing just one return for five yards. For the season, the Hawkeyes allowed only 12 returns for 60 yards.
? Instant Replay was used four times by the Big East officiating crew. The first replay confirmed an Iowa fumble recovery in the first period. The second replay reversed the call on the field, moving an Iowa interception that was ruled down on the one-yard line to a touchback. The third replay reversed an Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi scoring run to being down on the one-yard line. The fourth replay reversed a RB Jewel Hampton fumble on the one-yard line to being down on the one-yard line.
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), completed his 10th season as Iowa’s head football coach. Ferentz guided Iowa to Big Ten titles twice in the last seven years and five January bowl games, including three New Year’s Day bowl victories (2004 Outback Bowl, 2005 Capital One Bowl and 2009 Outback Bowl). Iowa has posted a 59-29 (.670) overall mark and a 36-20 (.643) Big Ten record the last seven seasons. Ferentz has guided the Hawkeyes to seven first division finishes. Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 70-53 (.569) and a 43-37 (.538) mark in Big Ten games. In 13 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 82-74 (.526). 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-three of Iowa’s 123 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (20-24) and 36 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (14-22). 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.
THE GREENE MONSTER
RB Shonn Greene, who is the recipient of the Chicago Tribune’s Silver Football award, Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, a unanimous first team all-Big Ten pick by the media, consensus all-American and the team’s offensive MVP, ranked second nationally in rushing and is the only FBS running back to eclipse 100 rushing yards in every game in 2008. For his career, Greene rushed 376 times for 2,228 yards (5.9 avg.) and 21 scores. The 2,228 yards rank ninth-best in Iowa’s career annals. Greene announced after the bowl game that he will forgo his senior season of college eligibility and enter the NFL Draft. He amassed 1,850 yards, 916 after contact, on 307 attempts (6.0 avg.) and 20 scores in 2008. His 6.0 average per carry was tops in the nation (min. 250 attempts). The 1,850 rushing yards rank first in a single-season at Iowa, besting Tavian Banks’ previous record of 1,691 set in 1997. Greene became the 12th Hawkeye, and second-fastest, to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season. Additionally, his 20 rushing scores are the most by an Iowa player in a single-season. Greene’s 120 points marks the 23rd time an Iowa skill-position player scored at least 60 points in a season. Also, the 120 points tie PK Nate Kaeding (2002) for the most in a single-season at Iowa. Also, the 120 points are the most in a single-season at Iowa by a skill-position player, besting Tavian Banks’ 114 in 1997. His 6.0 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 eight conference games, he averaged a Big Ten-best 152.9 yards and 13 touchdowns. He became the first Iowa tailback to lead the Big Ten in rushing, in league games only, since Albert Young (2005). Greene ranked 22nd nationally in all-purpose yards (146.1). Greene is the only Iowa running back to ever rush for over 100 yards in 13-straight games. He topped 100 yards rushing in a game 14 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. His second score (34 yards) pushed him over 1,000 yards for the season. In addition to his career-high 217 yards vs. Wisconsin, he collected 211 yards and two touchdowns on 30 rushes vs. Purdue. Greene is only the third Hawkeye tailback to eclipse 200 yards rushing in a game twice in one season (Tavian Banks and Sedrick Shaw). The 211 yards rank as the ninth-most by an Iowa player in a single-game. Furthermore, the junior recorded a 75-yard touchdown vs. Purdue, which is a career long and the 19th-longest rush in school annals. The 75-yard rush is the longest by an Iowa player since RB Banks scampered 82 yards vs. Iowa State on Sept. 20, 1997. He rushed for multiple touchdowns in five of Iowa’s last six games (Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue and Minnesota). His 15-yard TD run earned him the Iowa single season rushing record. In his final game as a Hawkeye, he rushed 29 times for 121 yards and three touchdowns vs. South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl. His efforts earned him Outback Bowl MVP honors. 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, sophomore Ricky Stanzi emerged as Iowa’s starting quarterback. Stanzi completed 150-254 (.591) passes for 1,956 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2008. He ranked fourth in Big Ten passing efficiency and 40th in the country (134.8). The 1,956 yards passing ranks 19th-best in Iowa’s single-season record chart. The 14 scores ties three others for the 13th-most in a single-season at Iowa. Stanzi started and played the entire game vs. Northwestern (Sept. 27), Iowa’s fifth contest of the season. He 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. Against Wisconsin, he completed 11-18 passes for 114 yards and a score. He completed 11-29 passes for 191 yards and a score at Illinois. The native of Mentor, OH, completed 15-25 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown, including engineering Iowa’s 15-play, 57-yard game-winning drive in the final minutes, vs. then-No. 3 Penn State. He completed 8-15 passes for 72 yards vs. Purdue. The sophomore completed 15-28 passes for a career-high 255 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season finale at Minnesota. He completed 13-19 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in his first bowl game vs. South Carolina in the Outback Bowl. Stanzi threw at least one touchdown pass in eight of the last nine 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. He 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.
KING AND KROUL ANCHOR DEFENSIVE LINE
A pair of seniors, Matt Kroul and Mitch King, anchored Iowa’s defensive line in 2008. King and Kroul were Iowa’s two most experienced defensive starters. Kroul started 50-consecutive games, which was the longest active streak in the Big Ten and third-longest by an FBS player. The 50-straight starts set a new school record, besting the previous record of 48 set by OL Bruce Nelson (1999-02). King started 45 career contests, including the last 30. King was named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, a unanimous first team all-Big Ten selection by league coaches and was tabbed team defensive MVP. Kroul was a second team all-Big Ten honoree by the media, honorable mention by the coaches and was named the team’s Iron Hawk Award winner. King, who was named to the 2008 Lott Trophy and Lombardi and Chuck Bednarik Award Watch Lists, completed his career with 228 career tackles, 55 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks. The 55 tackles for loss were the second-most among active FBS players. South Florida’s George Selvie ranked first with 61. King’s 228 tackles are the 41st-best on Iowa’s career tackle charts. King posted 54 tackles, including a team-best 15.5 for loss his final season. The 15.5 tackles for loss tied for 38th nationally. His six tackles at Indiana increased the senior’s tackle total over 200 for his career. King posted five tackles, including three for loss and a sack, and forced a fumble vs. Purdue. 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 then-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. He amassed a game and season-high 10 tackles, including two for loss, and caused his third career fumble at Illinois. King had two tackles and two QB-Hurries vs. Penn State. In 2007, 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 finished his career with 238 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks. The 238 tackles rank as the 32nd-best in Iowa career annals. He was credited with 57 tackles, including 6.5 for loss his senior year. Kroul’s tackle totals vs. Northwestern pushed him over 200 career tackles. In his final game, he recorded four tackles, two for losses, in the Outback Bowl. He had three tackles at Illinois and five vs. Penn State. He tallied 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 was 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) in 2007. Kroul was credited with seven stops in four contests in 2007, 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 in 2008. Like this season, the Hawkeye defense did not allow a touchdown until the fourth game in 2007 (at Wisconsin). Iowa posted two shutouts in 2008 (FIU and Minnesota). Iowa did not allow a touchdown in its first three games. It is believed to be the first time since the 1923 and 1924 seasons that the Hawkeyes started consecutive seasons not allowing a touchdown in their first three contests. In 1923, Iowa topped Oklahoma A&M 20-0, Knox 44-3 and Purdue 7-0, all at home. In 1924, Iowa beat SE Oklahoma 43-0, Ohio State 0-0 and Lawrence 13-5, all at home. Iowa’s defense allowed only seven rushing TDs, which ties for the fewest in a single-season (1981 and 1984). The Hawkeyes’ 23 interceptions tie a school single-season record (23 in 1986). Nine different Hawkeyes intercepted at least one pass in 2008. LB Pat Angerer and SS Tyler Sash led the team with five thefts, while DB Amari Spievey had four, CB Bradley Fletcher had three and FS Brett Greenwood had two. Sash’s 147 return yards on his five interceptions this season rank as the second-most interception return yards in a single-season. Mike Stoops returned six thefts for a school-record 154 yards in 1983. Additionally, Iowa’s scoring defense of 13.0 matches the ninth-best single-season mark (1997) and Iowa’s rushing defense of 93.9 ranks fifth-best in a single-season. Iowa ranked fourth in the country in interceptions (23), fifth in scoring defense (13.0) and pass efficiency defense (98.32), ninth in rushing defense (94.0), 12th in total defense (291.3) and 19th in red zone defense (76%). Iowa’s defense forced 67 punts, 42 three-and-outs (31.4%), 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 led the Hawkeye receiving corps in 2008. DJK ranked first in both catches (44) and receiving yards (639). Brodell ranked second in receptions (36) and receiving yards (533), and tied for first in touchdown catches (4). Brodell averaged 14.8 yards per catch and caught four touchdowns (45-yarder vs. Northwestern, a 31-yarder at Michigan State, a 34-yarder at Indiana and a 29-yarder at Illinois, all from QB Ricky Stanzi). The native of Ankeny, IA, was also Iowa’s primary punt returner; he ranked 31st in the country, averaging 10.6 yards on 36 returns. His 36 returns were the third-most in the country. Brodell was only four punt returns from equaling Ramon Ochoa’s single-season record of 40, set in 2003. He had an Iowa season-best 81-yard return for a touchdown vs. Iowa State. The return was the 10th-longest punt return in school history. Brodell’s receiving numbers rose since the beginning of conference play, with 460 of his 533 yards coming during conference play. His 51.4 average in league play tied for seventh-best. Brodell cracked 1,000 career receiving yards with his totals from the Northwestern game (Sept. 27). The senior finished his career with 94 catches for 1,369 yards and nine touchdowns. The 94 receptions and 1,369 yards rank 19th and 21st-best, respectively, in school history. In 2007, he had 13 catches for 96 yards and averaged 14.4 yards on 14 punt returns before suffering a season-ending injury at Wisconsin in Iowa’s fourth game. 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 averaged 14.5 yards per reception and had three touchdowns (59-yard pass from Ricky Stanzi vs. FIU, a 27-yard pass from Stanzi vs. Penn State and a 29-yarder from Stanzi at Minnesota). DJK caught seven passes for a game and career-high 181 yards and a score at Minnesota. The 181 receiving yards are the eighth-most by an Iowa receiver in a single-game and the most since Tim Dwight had 187 yards on eight receptions vs. Iowa State on Nov. 20, 1997. He caught a game-high seven passes for 89 yards and a touchdown vs. Penn State. He had three receptions for 26 yards vs. Purdue. DJK has also returned eight kickoffs for 165 yards. In 2007, he led the Hawkeyes, catching 38 passes for 482 yards and two scores.
MOSSBRUCKER IN THE RECORD BOOKS
True freshman PK Trent Mossbrucker scored 70 points in 2008, converting 31-33 PATs and 13-15 FGs. The 70 points is a new Iowa single-season freshman scoring record, eclipsing PK Nate Kaeding’s previous true freshman mark of 62 established in 2000 and Jeff Skillett’s freshman record of 64 set in 1988. PK Rob Houghtlin scored 105 points in 1985 as a sophomore, his first year of competition at Iowa.
HAWKEYE SPECIALISTS
Place kickers Daniel Murray and Trent Mossbrucker shared kicking duties in 2008. Murray, a sophomore, handled all kickoffs and was 14-14 on PATs and 6-9 on field goal attempts. After not attempting a field goal since the Pittsburgh game (Sept. 20), he converted a 31-yard game-winning field goal with one second left to knock off then-No. 3 Penn State (Nov. 8) in a windy Kinnick Stadium. Against Purdue, he made a season-long 45-yard field goal and converted a PAT. In the regular season finale at Minnesota, he made field goals of 29 and 35 yards. Murray converted an 18-yarder vs. South Carolina in the Outback Bowl. 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, was 31-33 on PATs and 13-15 on field goals. His 70 points are a single-season Iowa freshman record and rank 20th overall in Iowa scoring annals. He averaged 1.08 field goals per game, which tied for 51st-best in the nation. Mossbrucker made seven-straight field goals before missing a 30-yarder, on an angle, at Illinois in the second period. 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. He converted kicks of 19, 26 and 27 yards at Illinois. His 32-yard attempt vs. FIU was blocked. Mossbrucker missed his first two PAT attempts of the season vs. Purdue. Punter Ryan Donahue, a finalist for the Ray Guy Award and a second team all-Big Ten performer, punted 50 times in 2008. He averaged 41.56 yards per punt, which ranked sixth in the Big Ten and 35th nationally. He averaged 42.4 yards per kick in eight conference games, which ranked fourth. Donahue recorded at least one punt over 50 yards in nine of the last 11 contests (64 yards vs. Iowa State, 59 yards at Pittsburgh, 55 yards vs. Northwestern, 56 yards at Michigan State, 56 yards at Indiana, 51 yards at Illinois, 55 yards vs. Pen State, 57 yards at Minnesota and 51 yards vs. South Carolina). Additionally, 19 of his punts were downed inside the 20. Donahue earned Special Teams Player of the Week honors after his performance in the regular season finale at Minnesota. He averaged 48.5 yards per punt and placed one inside the 20-yard line. The sophomore punter booted four kicks for 194 yards, including a long of 57 yards. The Hawkeyes also collected a fumble on one of his punts that led to a short touchdown drive. His 36-yard directional kick was downed on the three-yard line that 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. He averaged 44.6 yards on five punts, including placing two inside the 20-yard line and booming a 51-yarder at Illinois. Donahue averaged 44.3 yards on three punts and downed two of his three punts inside Penn State’s 15-yard line. Iowa opponents have just 12 returns for 60 yards this season. The sophomore punted 46 times for a 38.6 average through Iowa’s first seven games in 2007. 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.
CONFERENCE ONLY RANKINGS
Iowa ranked first in field goal percentage (.923), rushing defense (97.9) and punting (40.8), second in scoring offense (29.8), fewest penalty yardage (33.0) and red zone defense (.812), third in pass efficiency defense (107.1), turnover margin (+2), scoring defense (16.2), rushing offense (188.8), scoring offense (26.1), total defense (306.5) and pass efficiency (107.1), in conference games only. Individually, RB Shonn Greene ranked first in rushing (152.9), touchdowns (13), all-purpose yards (156.9) and scoring (9.8), and 10th in total offense (152.9), in league games only. WR Andy Brodell tied for seventh in receiving yards (54.1) and ranked seventh in punt returns (7.3). QB Ricky Stanzi ranked fourth in pass efficiency (132.2), seventh in passing (172.9) and eighth in total offense (169.6). P Ryan Donahue ranked fourth in punting (42.4). LB Pat Angerer ranked second in interceptions per game (0.5) and third in tackles (10.2), and PK Trent Mossbrucker ranked first in field goal percentage (.889).
TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2008
Iowa had seven true freshmen see action in 2008: 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 13 contests. The Hawkeyes had 11 true freshmen play in 2007. Iowa also had seven true freshmen play in 2003 and 2000. Cato was credited with 13 tackles, a forced fumble and a pass break-up, and Prater had 11 tackles and two pass break-ups. Hampton rushed 91 times for 463 yards and seven touchdowns and also returned 23 kickoffs for 537 yards (23.3). The seven rushing scores are believed to be an Iowa freshman single-season record. He rushed 22 times for a career-high 114 yards and three scores at Indiana. He rushed for 30 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown run, on only three carries and had two kickoff returns for 76 yards, including a career-long return of 52 yards, vs. Purdue. 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 connected on 31-33 PATs and 13-15 FGs. Mossbrucker ranked second in team scoring with 70 points. The 70 points is an Iowa freshman single-season record and ranks 20th in a single-season in the Iowa record books.
QUICK HITS
? Iowa has sold out 36 of its last 37 games, dating back to the 2003 season. The last Iowa game not sold out was vs. Purdue (11/15/08). Prior to the Purdue contest, Iowa’s last contest not sold out was vs. Buffalo (9/6/03).
? RB Shonn Greene amassed 916 yards after contact on his 307 rushing attempts.
? RB Shonn Greene and OL Seth Olsen were named first team all-Americans by rivals.com. DT Mitch King was a second team choice by the website.
? Iowa’s 24 second-quarter points at Minnesota are the most by the Hawkeyes in one period this year.
? Iowa notched seven Big Ten players of the week in 2008, the most since the Hawkeyes had seven in 2003 and eight in 2002.
? Iowa had four rushing touchdowns in back-to-back games (Indiana and Wisconsin) in 2008. 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 12, 34, 34 and 52 yards.
? 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).
? WR Andy Brodell cracked 1,000 career receiving yards with his totals from the Northwestern game (Sept. 27). The senior finished his career with 94 career passes for 1,369 yards and nine touchdowns. The 94 receptions and 1,369 yards rank 19th and 21st-best, respectively, in school history.
? Iowa only allowed 12 punt returns for a total of 60 yards in 2008. The 60 punt return yards are the fewest by Iowa opponents since the Hawkeyes only allowed 33 yards on 14 returns in 2006.
? RB Shonn 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.
? In the last seven years, Iowa is 48-7 when leading at the half and 53-6 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.
? Minnesota’s six first downs and seven yards rushing rank second-fewest by an opponent under Coach Ferentz, while the Gophers’ 134 total yards ranks as the third-fewest allowed.
? 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 seven institutions (Iowa, Florida, Florida State, Kansas, Maryland, SMU, Tennessee) to have a former football and men’s basketball National Coach of the Year currently coaching their respective team.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa posted 52 offensive plays (19 run, 33 pass) that resulted in 20 yards or more in 2008. 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. WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos had receptions of 29, 30, 48 and 50 yards at Minnesota. Greene had Iowa’s longest rush (75 yards — touchdown vs. Purdue). RB Jewel Hampton had the Hawkeyes’ longest kickoff return (52 yards vs. Purdue), while Johnson-Koulianos had 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 allowed only 32 offensive plays (5 run, 27 pass) of 20 yards or more in 2008. Iowa’s defense allowed only four big passing plays in its last three games combined (20 yards vs. Purdue, 26 yards at Minnesota, and 20 and 42 yards vs. South Carolina).
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa outscored its opponents 91-27 in the first quarter, 103-58 in the second, 78-35 in the third and 122-49 in the fourth period in 2008.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averaged 6.1 yards on 387 first down plays, 5.7 yards on 270 second down plays, 5.3 yards on 160 third down plays and 3.9 yards on 13 fourth down plays in 2008.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averaged 7.0 plays, 53.4 yards and 3:11 elapsed time on 65 scoring drives. Forty-six of the 65 scoring drives resulted in touchdowns. Iowa had a season-high six touchdown drives against Minnesota, FIU and Indiana and five vs. Wisconsin. Iowa posted season-high scoring drives in plays (16) and yards (91) at Minnesota. The Hawkeyes posted four scoring drives of nine plays or more vs. South Carolina in the Outback Bowl; all four drives consumed 4:56 or more elapsed time on each drive. Hawkeye opponents averaged 9.2 plays, 54.6 yards and 3:34 elapsed time on 32 offensive scoring drives. Penn State had three scoring drives cover over 70 yards in 11 plays or more and all over five minutes. The Nittany Lions maintained possession for 8:18 and 9:43 during two first-half scoring drives that both resulted in field goals.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa was 48-57 (84.2%) in the red zone (32 TD, 16 FG) in 2008. The Hawkeyes scored points on 31 of the last 33 (93.9%) red zone trips (19 touchdowns, 12 field goals), dating back to the Michigan State game. The Black and Gold were a perfect 7-7 (5 TD, 2 FG) and 5-5 (4 TD, 1 FG) in the red zone in the regular season finale at Minnesota and the Outback Bowl vs. South Carolina, respectively. The Hawkeye defense limited the opposition to 22-29 (76%) in the red zone in 2008, which was second-best in the conference and 19th-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, Illinois and South Carolina only reached the red zone once; the Badgers scored a field goal, while the Fighting Illini and Gamecocks each recorded a touchdown. Penn State scored on all five trips inside the red zone, but the Iowa defense held the Nittany Lions to field goals in three of the five red zone possessions. Maine, FIU and Minnesota’s offenses never reached the red zone.
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa scored 99 points following 32 opponent turnovers. Iowa scored a season-best 21 points after three Minnesota turnovers in the regular-season finale. The Hawkeyes turned five South Carolina turnovers into 17 points in the Outback Bowl. The Black and Gold scored 14 points following two interceptions vs. Maine, three points after two Pittsburgh and Penn State miscues, three points after a Northwestern interception, a touchdown after a Michigan State interception, 10 points after an Indiana interception and fumble and 10 more points against Wisconsin after three turnovers. The Black and Gold scored 11 points after three Illinois miscues on a field goal, a touchdown and a two-point conversion. The Hawkeyes failed to score after collecting three FIU and Iowa State miscues, and two Purdue turnovers. The Hawkeyes turned the ball over 22 times, allowing their opponents to score 46 points. Iowa did not turn the ball over in three games in 2008 (Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota). The Black and Gold had one turnover vs. Maine and Pittsburgh, two vs. FIU, Iowa State, Penn State, Purdue and South Carolina, five vs. Northwestern, and three in road games at Michigan State and Illinois. The Cyclones and Boilermakers each posted a field goal; the Wildcats turned Iowa miscues into 14 points, while the Spartans kicked two field goals. Illinois tallied 10 points after three Iowa miscues, scoring a field goal following an interception and returning an Iowa fumble seven yards for a score. Penn State scored 10 points after two turnovers in Iowa territory.
DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 38 of its last 46 games (.826) 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 32-7 (.821) home record from 2003 thru 2008 ties West Virginia for 15th nationally and third in the Big Ten.
HAWKEYES RANK HIGH IN GRADUATION RATES
The Hawkeyes were among the nation’s leaders in academic success for this season’s college football teams that competed in bowls. Iowa ranked 16th in graduation rate for its football student-athletes according to data collected earlier this fall by the NCAA among the 68 college football teams that participated in the 34 college football bowl games. The Hawkeyes ranked third among the seven Big Ten Conference football teams that competed in bowls.
IOWA ON A ROLL ON THE FIELD AND IN THE CLASSROOM
Previously, 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).
HAWKEYES EARN BIG TEN WEEKLY HONORS
Iowa had six student-athletes earn seven Big Ten Player of the Week accolades in 2008: Andy Brodell, Ryan Donahue, Karl Klug, Shonn Greene (twice), Pat Angerer and Tyler Sash. Iowa’s seven weekly honors are the most since 2003 (seven). The Hawkeyes had eight in 2002. 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. Donahue earned Special Teams Player of the Week accolades Nov. 24. He averaged 48.5 yards per punt and placed one inside the 20-yard line to help Iowa pick up a road victory at Minnesota. The sophomore punter booted four kicks for 194 yards, including a long of 57 yards. The Hawkeyes also collected a fumble on one of his punts that led to a short touchdown drive and a 34-0 lead. He has recorded at least one punt over 50 yards in eight of his last 10 games. Donahue picks up his second weekly laurel in as many seasons after being honored as a freshman on Oct. 29, 2007. 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 was named Offensive Player of the Week Oct. 20. The 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. Greene earned his second Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week award of the year after his performance in Iowa’s 22-17 win vs. Purdue on Nov. 15. Greene collected 211 yards and two touchdowns on 30 rushes vs. Purdue. He became only the third Hawkeye tailback to eclipse 200 yards rushing in a game twice in one season (Tavian Banks and Sedrick Shaw). The 211 yards is the ninth-most by an Iowa player in a single-game. Furthermore, the junior recorded a 75-yard touchdown, which is a career long and the 19th-longest rush in school annals. He rushed for multiple touchdowns in five of the last six games (Wisconsin, Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota and South Carolina). Angerer was named Defensive Player of the Week Oct. 20. The 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. Sash was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 10. He registered eight tackles and a crucial interception to set up Iowa’s final drive for a game-winning field goal to hand No. 3 Penn State its first loss. The freshman safety, who had four solo stops, was part of a Hawkeyes defense that held the Nittany Lions attack to only 23 points and 289 total yards. Penn State entered the game leading the Big Ten in both categories, ranking eighth in the country with 41.8 points per contest and 11th nationally with 459.8 yards per outing. Penn State drove inside Iowa’s 20-yard line on five occasions but was limited to field goals on three of those trips. After the hosts pulled within 23-21 in the fourth quarter, Penn State drove to the Hawkeyes’ 37-yard line before Sash picked off a pass at the 15-yard line and returned it 14 yards. Iowa then drove down the field to set up the game-winning field goal with only one second on the clock. Sash collects the first weekly award of his career.
HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE
All Iowa football games in 2008 were televised on either, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN Classic or the Big Ten Network. Iowa has appeared on television in its last 90 games. The last Iowa contest not televised was vs. Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001.
IOWA LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Iowa’s Leadership Council for the 2008 season included four seniors, four juniors, three sophomores, two redshirt freshmen and one true freshman. Permanent team captains were Matt Kroul, Mitch King, Rob Bruggeman, Shonn Greene and Gavin McGrath. The Leadership Council for 2008 included 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.
2009 SCHEDULE
Iowa will open the 2009 season with four of its first six games at Kinnick Stadium. After not playing Michigan and Ohio State the last two years, they will re-join Iowa’s conference schedule in 2009, while Purdue and Illinois come off Iowa’s schedule in 2009 and 2010. The Hawkeyes open the 2009 campaign vs. Northern Iowa (Sept. 5) in Iowa City, followed by their only non-conference road game at Iowa State (Sept. 12). Iowa returns home to entertain Arizona (Sept. 19) and then opens Big Ten play on the road at Penn State (Sept. 26). The Black and Gold return to Iowa City for a pair of games against Arkansas State (Oct. 3) and Michigan (Oct. 10). Then the Black Gold hit the road for two games at Wisconsin (Oct. 17) and at Michigan State (Oct. 24). Iowa then returns home to host Indiana (Oct. 31) and Northwestern (Nov. 7). The Hawkeyes round out the schedule at Ohio State (Nov. 14) and back home against Minnesota (Nov. 21).