Football / October 19, 2009

Iowa Travels to Michigan State in Battle for First Place

Oct. 19, 2009

IOWA TRAVELS TO MICHIGAN STATE
Iowa (7-0, 3-0) travels to Michigan State (4-3, 3-1) Saturday, Oct. 24, hitting the road for the second straight week and traveling to East Lansing for the second straight season. Game time is 6:02 p.m. (CDT) at Spartan Stadium (75,005). Roughly 2,000 tickets remain, but the game is expected to sellout.

ON THE TUBE
The Big Ten Network (HD) will televise the game to a national cable audience. Wayne Larrivee, Chris Martin and Lisa Byington will call the action.

RADIO BROADCAST
Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, with color commentator Ed Podolak and sideline reporter Rob Brooks. The Hawkeye Radio Network includes more than 40 stations throughout the state. The game can also be heard on Sirius channel 91 and XM channel 243.

IOWA OFF TO FAST START

Iowa has opened the season with seven straight wins for the first time since 1985. The Hawkeyes won their first seven games on the way to the 1985 Big Ten title. The loss, in the eighth game, was at Ohio State. Iowa also won its first seven games in 1900, 1921 and 1922. The Hawkeyes played just seven games in both 1921 and 1922 and posted a 7-0-1 record in 1900.
Iowa is 3-0 in Big Ten play for the first time since 2002 when the Hawkeyes won all eight conference games. Iowa has won 11 straight games, the second longest streak in the nation. Florida has 16 straight wins. The Iowa win streak is the longest since a 20-game streak between 1920 and 1923.
Iowa is ranked sixth in the initial BCS Rankings of the season, the highest ranking for Iowa since being fifth for three consecutive weeks in December, 2002.
Iowa is the only team in the BCS top 25 that has three wins over other teams in the top 25. Iowa has defeated Penn State (13), Wisconsin (21) and Arizona (22). Alabama has two wins over top 25 teams.
Iowa and Alabama are the only BCS teams with perfect 7-0 records. There are five additional teams still undefeated.
Iowa has won three of its seven games by a total of six points, with wins by one, two and three points.
Iowa has collected 22 turnovers in seven games, including 15 pass interceptions. Iowa leads the nation in interceptions, is second in total turnovers, fourth in turnover margin (+1.6) and 28th in fumble recoveries. The Hawkeyes had 23 interceptions in 13 games last season.
Iowa is tied for 10th in fewest fumbles lost (three), ranks fourth in fewest penalties per game (4.1), 10th in penalty yards per game (32.1) and 12th in time of possession (32:38).
Iowa has lost just three fumbles, two of those in the opening game. Iowa did not lose it’s only fumble at Iowa State in week two and lost its only fumble at Wisconsin.
Iowa did not allow a rushing touchdown for 33 consecutive quarters before Michigan had three and Wisconsin one. Iowa allowed seven rushing touchdowns in 2008.
Iowa has scored 30 points or more in two of six wins, with a high of 35 at Iowa State.
Five of Iowa’s opponents scored 17 points or less. The two opponents who scored over 20 points were aided by a defensive touchdown.
Iowa has won two prime time games on ABC national television, with victories at Penn State and at home over Michigan.
Iowa has had at least one player earn Big Ten Player of the Week honors in five of seven games.

IOWA IN BSC RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked sixth in the initial BCS rankings of the season. The Hawkeyes are the highest rated Big Ten team and the ranking is the highest for Iowa since the Hawkeyes were ranked fifth in the final three weeks of the 2002 season. The BCS rankings are a combination of the Harris Interactive poll, the USA Today coaches poll and computer rankings. Iowa is third in the computer rankings behind Florida and Alabama, seventh in the Harris poll and eighth in the coaches poll. Previously, Iowa has appeared in the BCS top 25 on 24 occasions, including eight weeks in both 2002 and 2003, seven weeks in 2004 and one week in 2006. Iowa’s highest ranking has been fifth, which took place in the final three rankings of the 2002 season. Iowa was ranked as high as 11th in 2003 and 2004 and 23rd in 2006.

IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked seventh by the Associated Press and eighth in the USA Today coaches poll. The Hawkeyes are also seventh in the Harris Poll and sixth in the initial BCS Standings. Michigan State is listed among teams receiving votes in the coaches poll. The current ranking is the highest for the Hawkeyes since they were third in both the AP ranking and the coaches poll in December, 2002. In pre-season rankings, Iowa was ranked 10th by College Football Insider, 15th by The Kickoff Magazine, 20th by Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, 21st in USA Today coaches poll, 22nd by the Associated Press, 23rd by Athlon Sports and 24th by Sports Illustrated. Iowa is ranked fifth in the latest Sagarin Ratings. Iowa’s strength of schedule is rated 20th toughest and Iowa is one of 11 teams that has registered two or more wins against Sagarin’s top 30. Around the Big Ten, Penn State is ranked No. 13/11 and Ohio State is 18/17. Iowa opponents Arizona, Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin are listed among teams receiving votes.

IOWA JOINS ANOTHER TOP 20
Iowa’s win over Wisconsin gave the Hawkeyes 66 wins since the start of the 2002 season, which ties as the 17th highest total in Division I football. The list includes the following: USC (88); Boise State (87); LSU (82); Oklahoma (81); Texas (80); Ohio State (79); Georgia (76); Virginia Tech (75); Utah (74); TCU (74); Florida (73); West Virginia (72); Auburn (69); Boston College (68); Wisconsin (67); Texas Tech (67); IOWA (66); Hawaii (64); California (63); and Missouri (59).

IOWA WIN STREAK

Iowa’s 11-game winning streak ranks second best in the nation. Florida holds the longest win streak at 16 games. The Hawkeyes are one of seven unbeaten Division I teams and join Alabama as the only teams with perfect 7-0 records.
Iowa won its final three regular season games a year ago (Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota) and defeated South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl before opening 2009 with wins over Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Arizona, Penn State, Arkansas State, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Iowa has the longest road winning streak in Big Ten play with wins in its last three conference road games (Minnesota, Penn State, Wisconsin).
Iowa has won its first seven games for the first time under Kirk Ferentz and the first time since 1985.
Iowa has won 11 straight games for the first time since winning 20 straight from Nov. 6, 1920 to Oct. 20, 1923. That streak began with a home win over Northwestern and ended with a 9-6 loss to Illinois in the 1923 homecoming contest. Iowa posted perfect 7-0 records in both 1921 and 1922. Iowa has had three nine-game win streaks under Ferentz.
Iowa is undefeated in 11 straight games for the first time since 1956 and 1957 (10-0-1). The Hawkeyes won their final four games in 1956 and the first five games of 1957 before a tie at Michigan. Iowa won the following week over Minnesota before losing at Ohio State.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,123 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 575-509-39 (.529). That includes a 363-198-16 (.643) record in home games, a 212-311-23 (.409) record in games away from Iowa City, a 282-343-25 (.454) mark in Big Ten games and a 246-162-15 (.599) record in Kinnick Stadium.

HAWKEYES EARN WEEKLY RECOGNITION

Several Iowa players have earned weekly honors during the first seven weeks of the season.
Iowa TE Tony Moeaki was named the John Mackey Tight End of the Week by the Nassau County (NY) Sports Commission for his play in Iowa’s 30-28 win over Michigan. He was also selected as Big Ten Offensive Player of the week. Moeaki caught six passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. He had scoring receptions of 34 and 42 yards. He was also named national Tight End of the Week by the College Football Performance Award committee and Offensive Player of the Week in the Big Ten by ESPN.com.
PK Daniel Murray was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week vs. Michigan by ESPN.com. Murray made a career-best three field goals against Michigan, connecting from 28, 40 and 41 yards.
LB Pat Angerer was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his play in the win at Penn State. Angerer was also named the national Defensive Player of the Week by the National Football Writers Association, the Lott Trophy IMPACT Player of the Week and was named Linebacker Performer of the Week by the College Football Performance Award committee. The IMPACT Player Award comes with a $1,000 check for the University’s general scholarship fund. Angerer had a team high 14 tackles, an interception (returned for 38 yards) that set up a touchdown and forced a fumble that helped seal Iowa’s 21-10 win.
DE Adrian Clayborn was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week for his play against Penn State. Clayborn also earned the AT&T All-America Player of the Week award vs. Penn State. Clayborn also was named ESPN.com’s Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week. He had two tackles and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown against fifth-ranked Penn State. His 53-yard touchdown return gave Iowa an 11-10 lead in the fourth quarter. Clayborn played a solid game in Iowa’s win over Arizona, being recognized on ESPN.com’s website as the defensive player of the week in the Big Ten.
DE Broderick Binns, was named ESPN.com’s Defensive Player of the Week following Iowa’s win at Penn State. Binns forced Penn State quarterback Darryl Clark to fumble in the endzone and that led to a second quarter safety. He had eight tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 quarterback sacks.
Punter Ryan Donahue was the Big Ten’s co-Special Teams Player of the Week following the win over Arizona. Donahue averaged 51 yards on five punts, with a long of 62 yards and four kicks of at least 50 yards. Two punts were inside the 20 and Arizona had just one return for four yards.
DB Tyler Sash was the Big Ten’s co-Defensive Player of the Week for his play in Iowa’s win at Iowa State. Sash was also named the national Defensive Performer of the Week by the College Football Performance Award committee. He tied Iowa’s school record with three interceptions (63 return yards). He also caused a fumble and recorded eight solo tackles and two assists, including two tackles for loss.
LB Jeremiha Hunter was the Big Ten’s co-Special Team Player of the Week following Iowa’s season-opening win over Northern Iowa. Hunter came up big at the end of the game, blocking Northern Iowa’s second field goal attempt on the last play after Broderick Binns had blocked the previous attempt. Hunter added nine tackles against the Panthers.

SUCCESS ON THE ROAD
Dating back to 2008, Iowa has won its last five games away from Iowa City. That includes wins at Minnesota, Iowa State, Penn State and Wisconsin, along with a victory over South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl. In those wins Iowa allowed just 33 total points. The road winning streak is the longest for Iowa since the Hawkeyes won all five of their road games during the 2002 regular season. That streak is six straight games away from home, including the 2001 Alamo Bowl. Iowa’s win at No. 4/5 ranked Penn State on Sept. 26 marked Iowa’s first road win over a team ranked in the top five in the nation since 1990. That season the Hawkeyes scored a 54-28 win at fifth-ranked Illinois.

IOWA UNDER THE LIGHTS
Iowa is playing its third game under the lights, in 2009, with the contest at Michigan State. Iowa won at Penn State (21-10 on ABC national) in its first night contest and defeated Michigan 30-28 in Kinnick Stadium on Oct. 10, also on ABC national television. The contest at Michigan State is being televised by the Big Ten Network.

IOWA RECORDS A DIVISION I FIRST
With two blocked field goals in the opening win over Northern Iowa, Iowa tied a school and NCAA Div. I record. Iowa became the only Division I football team to block field goal attempts on consecutive plays. Iowa previously blocked two kicks during a game on five occasions. Most recently, DE Kenny Iwebema blocked two Syracuse field goal attempts in Iowa’s 35-0 win over the Orange on Sept. 8, 2007. On the national scene, Iowa tied the Division I record for blocked field goals in a quarter. Of the previous four occasions, none occurred on consecutive plays. Also with two blocked field goals in a single period are Southern Cal vs. California (10/22/94) and Arizona State (10/11/08); Wyoming vs. Fresno State (11/18/95) and Central Michigan vs. Kent State (10/2/04).

LIVE BLOGGING FROM MICHIGAN STATE
Hawkeye fans not able to attend the Michigan State game Oct. 24 can log on to hawkeyesports.com and have a chance to be interactive. The Iowa Sports Information staff will be blogging live from the press box during the game. Hawkeye fans can log on to hawkeyesports.com and click on the blog story and follow along. Fans will have the opportunity to submit questions and comments, answer quick polls and get up-to-the-minute information about the game and Hawkeyes. hawkeyesports.com has averaged over 1,000 unique readers per week. The site registered over 3,000 reader comments during the football game day live blog of Iowa’s opening game of the season.

TICKET UPDATE
Tickets remain for all three remaining home games as Iowa hosts Indiana (Oct. 31), Northwestern (Nov. 7) and Minnesota (Nov. 21). An estimated 3,000 tickets remain for Indiana and 1,500 for Northwestern and Minnesota. Fans may purchase tickets online at hawkeyesports.com, by calling 1-800-IA-HAWKS or in person at the UI athletic ticket office in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Iowa sold over 10,000 student season tickets for the 2009 season. The Iowa record for average home attendance is 70,585, set in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

IOWA LEADERSHIP GROUP
Iowa’s Leadership Group for the 2009 season includes three seniors, four juniors, four sophomores, two redshirt freshmen and one true freshman. Permanent team captains are named at the conclusion of each season. The Leadership Group for this season includes seniors Pat Angerer, A.J. Edds and Tony Moeaki; juniors Bryan Bulaga, Adrian Clayborn, Brett Greenwood and Ricky Stanzi, sophomores Broderick Binns, Marvin McNutt, Tyler Nielsen and Tyler Sash, redshirt freshmen Greg Castillo and James Vandenberg and true freshman Keenan Davis.

ON THIS DATE
Iowa has posted a 6-8 record while playing on Oct. 24.

THE SERIES
Saturday will be the 41st meeting between Iowa and Michigan State. Iowa holds a 20-18-2 advantage in the series that began with a 21-7 Michigan State win in 1953. The Hawkeyes have won seven of the last 11 meetings, with the four losses coming at East Lansing. The home team has won the last nine meetings. Iowa’s 21-7 win at East Lansing in 1995 marks the most recent meeting in which the visiting team was victorious. The first meeting between the two teams, a 21-7 Michigan State win at Iowa City on Sept. 26, 1953, marked MSU’s first game as a member of the Big Ten Conference. Michigan State won last season, 16-13, after losing two straight to the Hawkeyes, both at Iowa City. The Spartans hold a 10-8-1 advantage in games played at East Lansing. The two teams did not meet in 2005 and 2006 and played at Iowa City in both 2004 and 2007. The Hawkeyes defeated the Spartans (34-27) in a double overtime thriller at Kinnick Stadium 2007. Kirk Ferentz recorded his first Big Ten win as Iowa’s head coach when the Hawkeyes topped Michigan State (21-16) in Iowa City, in 2000.

COACH Kirk Ferentz
Kirk Ferentz (pronounced FAIR-rintz, rhymes with parents) is in his 11th season as head football coach at the University of Iowa. His latest contract extension, signed this past summer, runs through the 2015 season. Ferentz was honored as the 2002 Associated Press and Walter Camp National Coach of the Year and was the AFCA Regional Coach of the Year that season as well. He was named Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year in both 2002 and 2004. 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 66-29 (.695) overall mark and a 39-20 (.661) Big Ten record the last seven-plus seasons. Ferentz has guided the Hawkeyes to seven first division finishes. Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 77-53 (.592) and a 46-37 (.554) mark in Big Ten games. In 13 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 89-74 (.546). 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-seven of Iowa’s 129 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (23-24) and 37 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (15-22). 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. Kirk received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut in May, 2009. He was inducted into the Upper St. Clair High School Hall of Fame in September, 2002 and the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in May, 2003.

MICHIGAN STATE COACH MARK DANTONIO
Mark Dantonio is in his third season on the Spartan sidelines and his sixth season as a college head coach. Dantonio has amassed a 38-30 (.559) overall mark and a 20-13 (.606) record at Michigan State. Dantonio led Michigan State to a 7-6 record and an invitation to the Champs Sports Bowl (lost to Boston College) in his first season. A year ago the Spartans ended the year in the Capital One Bowl (lost to Georgia) and compiled a 9-4 overall record. Prior to becoming Michigan State’s 24th head football coach, he was the head coach at Cincinnati for three seasons (2004-06). While coaching at Cincinnati, Dantonio led the Bearcats to two bowl appearances. Dantonio had Big Ten and Michigan State ties before being named MSU’s head coach. From 1995-2000, he served as secondary coach at Michigan State and was promoted to associate head coach in 2000. After six seasons as an assistant coach in East Lansing, he was named Ohio State’s defensive coordinator for three seasons (2001-03). The Buckeyes boasted a 32-6 mark during his three seasons in Columbus. He helped guide the Buckeyes to three bowl appearances, including winning the 2002 national championship. A native of Zanesville, OH, Dantonio was a three-year letterman as a defensive back at South Carolina (1976-78). MSU radio play-by-play announcer George Blaha was raised in Marshalltown, IA and attended the first-ever game between Michigan State and Iowa in 1953 (presumably as an Iowa fan).

IOWA, MICHIGAN STATE NOTES

Iowa DB Micah Hyde, a true freshman, will have a family reunion of sorts when Iowa travels to Michigan State, as his brother, Marcus, is a junior defensive back for the Spartans. Marcus is listed as MSU’s starting strong safety and he started five of MSU’s first seven games. Micah has seen action in Iowa’s seven games, primarily on special teams, as one of three true freshmen to play this season. The Hyde’s are from Fostoria, Ohio.
Both Iowa and Michigan State rallied in the second half in winning last week. Iowa trailed 10-3 at Wisconsin at intermission and Northwestern led MSU 7-0 at the halfway point.
Iowa leads the nation in interceptions (15), is fourth in turnover margin (+1.6), fifth in pass efficiency defense (88.7) and 16th in pass defense (167.0) and scoring defense (15.0). Michigan State ranks 17th in passing offense (280.4), 24th in pass efficiency (146.28) and 32nd in total offense (416.86).
Iowa is 15th nationally in net punting (38.66) and Michigan State is 26th (37.57).
Iowa has won three games by a combined six points. Michigan State’s three losses have been by two, three and eight points.
Iowa does not have any players from the state of Michigan on its current roster. MSU has one player from Iowa (Clive) on its roster.
Two Hawkeye players celebrate their 23rd birthdays this week, including DL Chad Geary (Wednesday) and TE Kyle Spading (Friday).
Iowa has allowed only one 100-yard rusher this season, as Iowa State’s Alexander Robinson rushed 19 times for 100 yards in Iowa’s 35-3 win. Last season Maine’s Jhamal Fluellen (21-104) was the only opponent to rush for 100 yards.

COACHING CONNECTIONS

Norm Parker, Iowa’s defensive coordinator, coached at Michigan State for 12 seasons (1983-94). During that time MSU appeared in seven bowl games and won the 1988 Rose Bowl. The Spartans won the Big Ten in 1987 and shared the league title (with Iowa) in 1990.
Iowa defensive backs Coach Phil Parker played at Michigan State, earning first team all-Big Ten honors from 1983-85. Parker was a graduate assistant coach when Michigan State won the 1987 league title and defeated Southern Cal 20-18 in the 1988 Rose Bowl.
Ted Gill, MSU’s defensive line coach, was the defensive line and linebacker coach at Iowa from 1990-94. Pat Narduzzi, MSU’s defensive coordinator, was the defensive coordinator at Miami, OH in 2003 when Iowa defeated the RedHawks 21-3.
MSU RB Coach Dan Enos was the quarterbacks coach at Western Michigan when the Broncos won 27-21 in Iowa City in 2000.
Dan Roushar, MSU’s offensive line coach, is a native of Clinton, IA and his father, Dan, previously was the head coach at Iowa City Regina HS.
Mark Staten, MSU’s tight end and tackles coach, was a graduate assistant coach at Miami, OH when Iowa defeated the RedHawks 44-19 in 2001.
Mike Tressel, MSU’s linebackers and special teams coach, was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Wartburg College in 2001. His uncle, Jim, is the head coach at Ohio State.

THE LAST MEETING
Iowa mounted a second-half comeback but came up short in a 16-13 loss at Michigan State. With Iowa trailing by three with just over two minutes remaining, Michigan State’s defense stopped the Hawkeyes on a fourth-and-one in Spartan territory to secure the victory. Michigan State scored the game’s first 13 points. TE Charlie Gantt caught a four-yard touchdown pass from QB Brian Hoyer in the first period for a 7-0 advantage. The Spartans increased their lead to 13-0 on a pair of PK Brett Swenson field goals (29 and 32 yards) in the second quarter. With three seconds remaining in the half, Iowa PK Trent Mossbrucker converted a 25-yard field goal to cut Iowa’s deficit to 13-3. Swenson, who was named Big Ten co-Special Teams Player of the Week, made his third field goal (25 yards) to regain a 13-point cushion. However, the Black and Gold continued to fight back, scoring a Mossbrucker 33-yard field goal and converting a Michigan State fourth-quarter interception into a touchdown to make the score 16-13. Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi connected with WR Andy Brodell for a 31-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone with 8:47 left in the fourth period. The game featured two of the nation’s top running backs. Iowa’s Shonn Greene finished the contest with a game-high 157 yards on a season-high 30 carries, while Iowa’s defense held Michigan State’s Javon Ringer to only 91 yards on 25 attempts, with 29 of the 91 yards coming on one play. Stanzi completed 15-22 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown. Hoyer completed 13-24 passes for 184 yards and a score for the Spartans. Brodell paced the Hawkeye receivers, catching five passes for a game-high 79 yards. WR B.J. Cunningham had a team-high four receptions and 76 yards for Michigan State. Defensively, LB Pat Angerer collected 11 tackles. DT Matt Kroul had eight stops and LB Jeremiha Hunter and DT Mitch King each had seven tackles.

IOWA RALLIES AT WISCONSIN
Iowa scored the final 20 points of the game for a 20-10 win at Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes trailed 10-3 at halftime before dominating play in the second half. Iowa forced three second half turnovers and held the Badgers to 58 yards total offense in the final two periods. Iowa used a 34-yard pass completion to get its offense going in the second period, collecting a 37-yard Daniel Murray field goal to cut Wisconsin’s advantage to 10-3 at halftime. Wisconsin had the first possession of the second half, but Iowa’s Amari Spievey came up with the first turnover of the game on his first interception of the season. That led to a 24-yard pass from Ricky Stanzi to TE Tony Moeaki that tied the score. Iowa took the lead early in the fourth period when Adam Robinson scored on a 10-yard run. That concluded a 79-yard Iowa drive that came after Wisconsin missed a field goal. Murray added a 48-yard field goal with 5:17 remaining to conclude the scoring. That marks the longest field goal of Murray’s career and marked his fifth made field goal in the last two games. OLB A.J. Edds had an interception in the fourth period and Spievey had his second theft of the day in the closing minutes to secure the win. Wisconsin had success running the ball early in the game, jumping to a 10-0 advantage by scoring on two of its first three drives. The Hawkeyes allowed Wisconsin just 58 yards total offense in the second half, including a negative two rushing yards, and came up with three interceptions. Wisconsin converted just three of 12 third downs. Spievey had six tackles to go with his interceptions and LB Pat Angerer led the team with nine tackles. DE Adrian Clayborn had two of Iowa’s seven tackles for loss. Stanzi completed 17-23 passes for 218 yards and the one touchdown. He completed 11-13 attempts in the second half. Robinson gained 91 rushing yards on 20 attempts and WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos led all receivers with eight catches for 113 yards. The eight receptions equal a career high for DJK, while Moeaki added 55 yards on three receptions.

EXTRA POINTS

With the win, Iowa leads the series against Wisconsin by a 42-41-2 margin. Iowa maintains possession of the Heartland Trophy and holds a 4-2 advantage in the series since the two teams began playing for the Heartland Trophy in 2004. Iowa has won five straight trophy games over the last two seasons.
Dating back to 2008, Iowa has won its last five games away from Iowa City, including wins at Minnesota, Iowa State, Penn State, Wisconsin and over South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl. Iowa has allowed just 33 points in those five games. Iowa’s three-game road winning streak in the Big Ten is longest among league teams.
Iowa is just the second Big Ten team to win at Penn State and Wisconsin in the same season. Michigan has won at both places in the same season in two different years.
Iowa did not score on its first possession of the game. Iowa scored a touchdown on its opening drive vs. Arizona and a field goal on its opening drive vs. Northern Iowa. Iowa did not score on its opening drives at Iowa State, at Penn State ad vs. Michigan.
Wisconsin did not score on its opening possession. Iowa has allowed just one opponent (Penn State, game four) to score on its opening drive in its last 20 games. The Badgers became the third Iowa opponent to score the first points of the game.
Iowa had just one change in its starting line-up, with WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos starting for the first time this season. DJK led Iowa’s receivers, tying a career-high with eight catches (113 yards). DJK’s career-high of eight receptions came in a 2007 win at Northwestern. He had seven catches against Penn State last year.
With eight catches against Wisconsin, DJK went over the 100-career catch mark. He now ranks 19th in career receiving at Iowa, with 101 catches for 1,435 yards. Iowa has had a receiver gain over 100 yards in two games, with Tony Moeaki collecting 105 yards vs. Michigan.
Iowa’s defense has collected four or more takeaways in three games this season (four at Penn State, five vs. Michigan and six at Iowa State) and had three at Wisconsin. For the season, Iowa has amassed 22 takeaways (plus one blocked punt).
PK Daniel Murray had a 37-yard field goal in the second period and added a career-best 48-yard kick in the fourth quarter. He made three field goals in four attempts, both career-bests, last week vs. Michigan. He made 2-3 field goals in a win at Penn State earlier this season. His previous career best was 47 yards, that at Wisconsin in 2007. Murray has made 11-15 field goal attempts this season and all 19 PAT kicks.
TE Tony Moeaki had a 24-yard touchdown reception in the third period, his third in two weeks and fourth of the season. He had three catches for 55 yards against Wisconsin.
Junior QB Ricky Stanzi completed 17-23 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown. Stanzi threw a career-best four touchdown passes earlier this season in a win at Iowa State. Stanzi ranks eighth in career passing yards (3,533) after passing Brad Banks against Michigan. His 25 career touchdown passes rank seventh best at Iowa.
Junior DB Amari Spievey had two pass interceptions, his first and second of the season. OLB A.J. Edds added an interception in the fourth quarter, his second of the year. Spievey had four thefts for 127 yards a year ago. Edds, a senior, now has five career interceptions.
Iowa’s opponents have scored the first points of the game in all three Iowa road games. Iowa State opened with a field goal and Penn State with a touchdown. Iowa scored 35 straight points at Iowa State, 21 at Penn State and 20 at Wisconsin.
Iowa outscored Wisconsin 17-0 in the second half while scoring the final 20 points of the game. Iowa has outscored its opponents 101-41 in the second half this season. The 20 points at Wisconsin mark the lowest total for Iowa this season (21 at Penn State).

MICHIGAN STATE STOPS NORTHWESTERN
Michigan State rallied for a 24-14 win over Northwestern to win its third straight game. The Spartans trailed 7-0 in their homecoming contest before coming to life in the second half. QB Kirk Cousins tossed scoring passes of 22 and 47 yards to WR Blair White to give the Spartans a 14-7 advantage. Cousins, in the game, completed 21-31 passes for 286 yards, while White had 12 catches for 186 yards. MSU RB Larry Caper added a 22-yard scoring run early in the fourth period before Northwestern scored a final touchdown with 10:28 remaining. Northwestern QB Mike Kafka completed 34-47 passes for 291 yards and two scores, but the Wildcats gained just 79 rushing yards and lost two fumbles. Eric Gordon led the Spartan defense with 15 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss. Greg Jones added 14 stops.

IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 109 of its last 124 games, including the last nine straight. Iowa games vs. Purdue (11/15/08), Penn State (11/08/08), Wisconsin (10/10/08), 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 111 of 130 games under Kirk Ferentz.

DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 42 of its last 50 games (.840) 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, which ended in the overtime loss to Michigan. Iowa’s 32-7 (.821) home record from 2003 thru 2008 ties West Virginia for 15th-best nationally and ranks third in the Big Ten. Iowa is 4-0 at home this season, with wins over Northern Iowa, Arizona, Arkansas State and Michigan. Iowa has home games remaining vs. Indiana, Northwestern and Minnesota.

IOWA DEFENSE SOLID

Iowa’s defense has been solid through seven games. Iowa leads the nation with 15 pass interceptions. The Hawkeyes rank fourth in turnover margin (+1.6), fifth in pass efficiency defense (88.7) and 16th in scoring defense (15.0) and pass defense (167.0). Iowa is also 22nd in total defense (294.6) and 15th in net punting (38.7).
After allowing one touchdown in the opening win (second period), the Hawkeye defense did not allow a touchdown for nine straight quarters. That streak ended late in the win over Arizona when the Wildcats scored with 1:53 to play.
Penn State scored a touchdown on its first offensive play, but was only able to add a field goal later in the first period before being shutout over the final three quarters.
Arkansas State scored 21 points, but seven of those were scored by the defense. ASU had just 80 rushing yards after entering the game averaging over 190 yards per game.
Wisconsin scored just 10 points (all in the second quarter), rushed for just 87 net yards and gained 230 yards total offense. The Badgers entered the game averaging 31.3 points, 200.7 rushing yards and 422.3 yards total offense. Wisconsin had negative two rushing yards and 58 yards total offense in the second half.
Dating back to 2008, Iowa’s defense did not allow a rushing touchdown in 33 consecutive quarters, including the final 13 quarters last season and 20 quarters this season. Michigan broke the string with a first period rushing touchdown.
Penn State had no first downs in the second period. In the fourth period, four consecutive PSU drives ended with a blocked punt (returned for an Iowa touchdown), interception, lost fumble and interception.
The Iowa defense held Arizona to eight first downs, 148 net rushing yards, 253 yards total offense and 2-12 on third down conversions.
Iowa is plus 11 in turnover margin, with 15 interceptions and seven fumble recoveries. Iowa had five interceptions at Iowa State and three at Penn State and Wisconsin.
Linebackers Pat Angerer and A.J. Edds are the only senior starters on the Iowa defense.

SPREADING THE OFFENSE

Iowa started the same 11 players on offense in wins over Arizona and Penn State before having two changes against Arkansas State. The starting offensive line has included senior center Rafael Eubanks, senior guard Dace Richardson, junior guard Julian Vandervelde and senior tackle Kyle Calloway in three games, with redshirt freshman tackle Riley Reiff starting three games for junior left tackle Bryan Bulaga, who returned to action vs. Arkansas State. Reiff, Richardson and Vandervelde alternated at the guard spots in the most recent two wins over Michigan and Wisconsin.
The offensive line led the way for the Hawkeyes to rush for 163 net yards in the win at Penn State, against a PSU defense that ranked among the national leaders and had not allowed a rushing touchdown in the first three games.
Iowa’s running back tandem of Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher gives the team a balanced attack. Robinson leads the team by averaging 74.3 yards per game, while Wegher averages 41.6. Robinson has scored five touchdowns and Wegher three. Both have proven to be capable receivers, combining for 17 receptions.
In the 35-3 win at Iowa State, Iowa quarterbacks Ricky Stanzi and James Vandenberg completed passes to 12 different receivers. That is the highest number of Iowa players to have at least one reception in a game since 13 different Hawkeyes had at least one reception in a 43-7 win over Iowa State Sept. 13, 1986 in Kinnick Stadium. Nine players had at least once reception against Michigan. Overall, seven Hawkeyes have at least one pass reception.
Earlier this season the 12 players included seven wide receivers, three tight ends, one running back and one fullback. In 1986 the 13 receivers included seven wide receivers, three running backs, two tight ends and one fullback.
WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos matched a career-high with eight receptions for 113 yards at Wisconsin in his first start of the season. DJK now has 101 career receptions for 1,435 yards. He ranks 17th in career receptions and 19th in yardage. In Iowa wins over Penn State in 2008 and 2009 DJK had 10 receptions, all giving Iowa a first down.
Iowa has had five different players lead the team in receiving in its seven games. Those players include TE Tony Moeaki vs. Northern Iowa (10-83-1 TD) and Michigan (6-105-2 TDs); WR Trey Stross at Iowa State (4-69); WR Colin Sandeman vs. Arizona (5-47); WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos at Penn State (3-50) and at Wisconsin (8-113-1 TD); and WR Marvin McNutt vs. Arkansas State (4-121-2 TDs). Moeaki, McNutt and Johnson-Koulianos have all had over 100 receiving yards in a game.
Iowa did not have a fumble in wins over Arizona, Penn State, Arkansas State and Michigan. The Hawkeyes lost both of their fumbles in the opening win over Northern Iowa and did not lose possession of their only fumble in the win at Iowa State. Iowa lost its only fumble in the win at Wisconsin.

FOOL ME ONCE . . .

Iowa has not been fooled in the kicking game this season, as two opponent fakes have failed to gain a first down. Arkansas State failed to convert a fake punt in the third period of its 24-21 loss at Iowa. Arizona attempted a fake field goal in a 27-17 loss at Iowa.
In addition, four opponents have tried an onside kick, with Iowa recovering in wins over Iowa State, Arizona and Arkansas State. Michigan’s onside attempt went out of bounds, giving Iowa possession.
Iowa has blocked three kicks. That included back-to-back field goal attempts by Northern Iowa in the closing seconds of a 17-16 win.
Iowa blocked a punt in the win at Penn State, with DE Adrian Clayborn blocking the kick and scoring on a 53-yard return.

TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2009
Iowa has used three true freshmen this season. They are DB Micah Hyde, RB Brandon Wegher and WR Keenan Davis. Wegher and Davis both scored touchdowns in Iowa’s win at Iowa State and Wegher added a touchdown vs. Arizona. Wegher (15-101 at ISU) became the second Iowa RB in two seasons to rush for over 100 yards in a game as a true freshman. Jewel Hampton had 114 rushing yards a year ago in a win at Indiana. The Hawkeyes had seven true freshmen play a year ago. Iowa also had seven true freshmen play in 2003 and 2000.

HAWKEYES OUT WITH INJURIES
Senior RB Jayme Murphy, sophomore RB Jewel Hampton and Junior DB Jordan Bernstine will miss the 2009 season due to injuries. In addition, wide receiver/return specialist Paul Chaney, Jr. was injured in the Oct. 10 win over Michigan and will also miss the remainder of the season. Bernstine (5-11, 205) was listed as a first team cornerback following spring practice before suffering an ankle injury at the start of fall drills. He saw action in seven games a year ago, recording 12 tackles. He had a pass interception against Michigan State. Bernstine did not use a redshirt at Iowa in 2007, recording nine tackles as a true freshman. Hampton (5-9, 210), who will miss the season with a knee injury, was listed as the first team running back following spring practice. He rushed 91 times for 463 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008 as a true freshman. The seven rushing touchdowns are an Iowa freshman record. Murphy (5-11, 210) will miss this season due to a back injury. Murphy had just seven rushing attempts a year ago but made his mark throughout his career with his outstanding play on Iowa’s special teams.

STANZI LEADS IOWA OFFENSE

Ricky Stanzi emerged as Iowa’s starting quarterback after four games in 2008, completing 150-254 (.591) passes for 1,956 yards and 14 touchdowns during his sophomore season. Iowa has posted a 15-3 record in games he has started.
Stanzi began his junior season by completing 22-34 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown in an opening win over Northern Iowa.
Stanzi had a career-best four TD passes against Iowa State. He previously had three scoring strikes in two games last season. He completed 18-34 passes for 197 yards at Iowa State and has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 13 of Iowa’s last 16 games.
Stanzi completed 17-23 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown at Wisconsin, with no interceptions. He completed 11-13 passes in the second half. Stanzi has six scoring passes of over 20 yards in Iowa’s last three games. His completions percentage (.739) at Wisconsin is the best of his career in games in which he had 15 or more pass attempts.
Stanzi completed 20-38 passes for 284 yards against Michigan, with scoring tosses of 34 and 42 yards. He completed 20-32 passes for 205 yards vs. Arizona, but did not have a touchdown pass.
Stanzi completed 18-26 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns vs. Arkansas State, throwing as many as three touchdowns for the fourth time in his career.
Stanzi ranks eighth in career passing with 3,533 yards. He has completed 276-471 career passes, with 25 touchdowns. He ranks seventh in scoring passes.
Stanzi 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 last year.
Stanzi completed 15-28 passes for a career-high 255 yards and three touchdowns in the regular season finale at Minnesota.
Stanzi completed 13-19 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in his first bowl game, a 31-10 win over South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl.

SASH SETS RETURN RECORD
Sophomore DB Tyler Sash has established a new Iowa record for career interception return yards with 264. The previous best of 202 yards (18 interceptions) was held by Devon Mitchell. Sash has five interceptions this season for 117 yards. He tied Iowa’s single game record with three interceptions in the win at Iowa State (63 return yards). He tied for the team lead last season with five interceptions for 147 yards, giving him 10 career thefts in 22 games. The Iowa single season record is eight interceptions and the career mark is 18.

DONAHUE IS TOP PUNTER
Junior punter Ryan Donahue started the season on a high note, averaging 42.8 yards on five punts in Iowa’s opening win. He averaged 39 yards on four punts at Iowa State and had a 51-yard average on five punts vs. Arizona. Donahue had a long of 56 yards against Northern Iowa and a 57-yard boot at Iowa State. He had a 62-yard punt vs. Arizona as four of his five punts covered at least 50 yards. Donahue averaged 50 yards on his three punts at Wisconsin, with a long of 58 yards. Iowa’s opponents have 13 punt returns for 46 net yards. He has at least one punt of over 50 yards in 14 of Iowa’s last 18 games. He is on the Ray Guy Watch List this season. He is averaging 42 yards on 32 punts, with 16 punts inside the 20 and just three touchbacks.

ROBINSON LEADS RUSHING ATTACK
Redshirt freshman Adam Robinson continues to lead Iowa’s rushing attack. Robinson gained 91 yards on 20 carries at Wisconsin and had 70 yards on 10 carries against Michigan. His 10-yard TD run in the third period at Wisconsin gave Iowa a 17-10 advantage as he had 71 yards in the second half. Robinson rushed 19 times for 88 yards in the win at Penn State. He had a 13-yard touchdown run in the fourth period to give Iowa an 18-10 advantage, which marked the first rushing touchdown allowed by Penn State this season. Robinson had all 24 yards in the scoring drive that gave Iowa an eight point advantage. Robinson had the first 100-yard game of his career against Arizona, rushing 18 times for 101 yards and two scores. He had a career-best 43 yard run vs. Arizona to set up an Iowa touchdown in the second period. For the season he has rushed 108 times for 520 yards and five touchdowns (4.8 per carry). He also has 66 yards on seven pass receptions and has two KO returns for 38 yards.

HAWKEYES TO WATCH
Seven Hawkeye players are listed on 10 different pre-season “Watch Lists” for individual national awards. Those players include senior LB Pat Angerer (Butkus Award, Chuck Bednarik Award and Lott Trophy), junior OL Bryan Bulaga (Outland Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award), junior P Ryan Donahue (Ray Guy Award), senior OLB A.J. Edds (Butkus Award), senior TE Tony Moeaki (John Mackey Award), junior DB Amari Spievey (Jim Thorpe Award) and junior QB Ricky Stanzi (Manning Award). Iowa is one of three football programs (joining Oklahoma and Texas) to have five different individual players earn national Player of the Year honors at their position since 2002.

HAWKEYE PLAYER NOTES

Senior TE Tony Moeaki is one of 22 players named to the John Mackey Award Mid-Season Watch List, which was announced Oct. 19. Moeaki collected a career-best 10 receptions in the win over Northern Iowa. Moeaki gained 83 receiving yards and scored on a six-yard reception early in the fourth period to give the Hawkeyes a 17-13 advantage. He returned to action against Michigan after missing three games and led Iowa with six receptions for 105 yards and two scores. He was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week. He had three catches for 55 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown, in the win at Wisconsin. Moeaki battled through injuries, again, in 2008, finishing with 13 catches for 144 yards and one touchdown, in nine contests. He has accumulated 66 receptions for 813 yards and 11 touchdowns during his injury-plagued collegiate career.
Junior WR Johnson-Koulianos led Iowa in receptions (44) and receiving yards (639) and was second in kickoff returns (9-178-19.8) in 2008. DJK’s career numbers include 101 receptions for 1,435 yards and six touchdowns, including an 18-yard scoring reception at Iowa State. He ranks 17th in career receptions and 19th in career receiving yards.
Junior DE Adrian Clayborn had a second straight solid week of play in Iowa’s win at Penn State. He blocked a Penn State punt and had a 53-yard return for the touchdown that gave Iowa an 11-10 advantage in the fourth period. Clayborn was named Big Ten and ESPN.com’s Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week.
Against Arizona he collected six tackles, including one QB sack, and he also had a forced fumble and three QB pressures. With Clayborn leading the way, Iowa held Arizona to 94 yards total offense in the second half of the 27-17 win. In a win over Arkansas State Clayborn recorded two QB sacks and a forced fumble as Iowa allowed just 80 net rushing yards. He collected five tackles and recovered a fumble in the win over Michigan. Clayborn had six tackles in the win at Wisconsin, including two of Iowa’s six tackles for loss.
Senior WR Trey Stross has improved on his season totals from last season through Iowa’s seven games. He has 19 receptions for 282 yards and one touchdown. He had three receptions for 61 yards against Northern Iowa. He led Iowa with four receptions for 69 yards at Iowa State and added four receptions for 37 yards against Arizona. He scored his first touchdown of the season against Arkansas State (33 yards) and ended the game with 64 yards on four receptions. His 33-yard catch against Michigan kept alive a touchdown drive. Stross ranked fifth in team receiving in 2008, collecting 13 receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown, in 11 games. He has 61 career receptions for 852 yards and seven scores.
DB Brett Greenwood collected 12 tackles against Northern Iowa, just two shy of his career high. Greenwood had five solo tackles and added one pass break-up. Greenwood collected two of Iowa’s five pass interceptions in the win at Iowa State and added two pass break-ups. He added his third theft of the season in the final minute of the win over Michigan and had seven tackles against the Wolverines. He is tied for fourth on the team with 43 tackles.
After leading the team in tackles a year ago, senior LB Pat Angerer has led the team in tackles in Iowa’s last four games. Angerer had 12 tackles in the win over Michigan. He led the team with nine tackles at Wisconsin, including one tackle for loss and a pass break-up. At Penn State he recorded 14 tackles (four solo) to lead the team. His interception and 38-yard return in the fourth quarter led to an Iowa touchdown and he also caused a fumble to stop another potential Penn State scoring drive. Angerer led Iowa with 11 tackles against Arkansas State, including six solo stops. He recorded 12 tackles vs. Northern Iowa and four stops against Iowa State. Angerer led Iowa with 107 tackles while playing in all 13 games in 2008. He leads the team with 68 tackles this season.
Junior CB Amari Spievey was a busy man for the Hawkeyes in the season opener. While starting his 14th straight game, Spievey recorded eight tackles and two pass break-ups. Spievey also was used on punt returns and KO returns. Spievey added four solo tackles and one KO return at Iowa State. He is on the pre-season Watch List for the Jim Thorpe Award. He added four tackles in the win over Arizona, including a tackle that saved a touchdown on a 58-yard run. Spievey made the tackle at the one and Arizona was forced to kick a field goal when the game was tied 7-7 in the second period. He added six tackles and a pass break-up in the win at Penn State and he had four tackles vs. Arkansas State. He has 32 tackles and is tied for the team lead with five break-ups. Spievey had two interceptions in the win at Wisconsin, his first two thefts of the season.
True freshman RB Brandon Wegher scored the first touchdown of his career in the third period on a one-yard run at Iowa State. Wegher ended the game with 15 carries for 101 yards and had two pass receptions for 17 yards. Iowa has had a true freshman rush for over 100 yards for the second straight season. Jewel Hampton had 114 yards at Indiana last season. Wegher is averaging 41.6 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry. He also has 10 receptions for 67 yards and is averaging 27.8 yards on five KO returns.
Sophomore DE Broderick Binns had a solid game in Iowa’s win at Penn State. His QB sack in the second period forced a PSU fumble in the endzone, which resulted in a safety for Iowa’s first points of the game. Binns collected eight tackles in the game, including 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 QB sacks, to go with his caused fumble. Binns had nine tackles in Iowa’s win at Iowa State and recovered a fumble in the win over Arkansas State. He collected four tackles and two pass break-ups in the win over Michigan.
Sophomore LB Bruce Davis is making a name for himself on Iowa’s special teams. Davis is on the front line on Iowa’s kickoff and kick return teams. He recovered an onside kick by Iowa State early in that game, which led to Iowa’s first touchdown of the day. Last season Davis recovered the mishandled kickoff at the end of the game, sealing Iowa’s upset win over Penn State.
Junior LB Jeremiha Hunter has been a steady performer through Iowa’s first seven games. He ranks second on the team with 52 tackles and recovered a fumble in wins over Iowa State and Michigan. He may have come up with the biggest play of the season so far when he blocked a second field goal attempt by Northern Iowa on the final play of a 17-16 Iowa win. The native of York, PA matched his career-best with 12 tackles in the win at Penn State, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Hunter also had 12 tackles in Iowa’s 2008 upset of the Nittany Lions in Iowa City. He added eight tackles and two pass break-ups in a win over Arkansas State. Along with a fumble recovery against Michigan Hunter again had 12 tackles and his pass interception in the first period led to an Iowa field goal. He added six tackles at Wisconsin and is second on the team with 58 tackles through seven games.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa posted six offensive plays (five pass completions, one rush) that resulted in 20 yards or more against Wisconsin, plus a 39-yard KO return. Iowa has 27 pass plays and five rushing attempts over 20 yards in its seven games. Iowa’s defense has allowed 15 offensive plays (12 passing, three rushing) of 20 yards or more.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents in all four quarters, including 41-37 in the first period, 32-27 in the second period, 41-10 in the third period and 60-31 in the fourth period. Iowa has a 101-41 advantage in second half scoring, including 43-14 in three league games.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averaged 4.2 yards on 25 first down plays, 4.4 yards on 20 second down plays and 6.4 yards on 15 third down plays against Wisconsin, while losing five yards on two fourth down attempts. For the season, Iowa is averaging 5.5 yards on first down, 4.1 yards on second down, 6.8 on third down and no gain on fourth down.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averaged eight plays, 51.8 yards and 4:19 in elapsed time on four scoring drives in the win at Wisconsin. Iowa’s two touchdown drives in that win averaged eight plays, 66.5 yards and 4:03 in elapsed time. In seven games, Iowa’s 30 scoring drives have averaged 7.2 plays, 50.6 yards and 3:25 in elapsed time. Iowa’s opponents have had 16 scoring drives, averaging 10.4 plays, 62.6 yards and 4:43 in elapsed time. In seven games, just three opponent possessions have started on Iowa’s side of the field. Northern Iowa scored a field goal after recovering an Iowa fumble at the Hawkeye 28. Arkansas State missed a field goal after an interception gave ASU possession at the Iowa 27. Wisconsin missed a field goal after recovering an Iowa fumble at the Iowa 25.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 18-22 in the red zone (13 TDs). Iowa failed to score from the red zone at the end of the 35-3 win at Iowa State, missed a field goal vs. Arkansas State and turned the ball over on downs vs. Michigan and Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes have scored on 49 of their last 53 red zone possessions (32 TDs and 17 FGs) dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 30-34 combined inside the red zone in its last 10 games. Iowa’s six opponents are 14-15 in the red zone, with eight touchdowns and six field goals. Northern Iowa was a perfect 4-4 in the red zone, collecting three field goals and one touchdown, while Iowa State did not reach the red zone in game two. Arizona was 2-2 in the red zone, with one passing touchdown and a field goal. Penn State scored a field goal on its only trip inside the red zone and Arkansas State was 2-3, with two touchdowns. Michigan scored a rushing touchdown on all three trips inside the Iowa red zone and Wisconsin collected a field goal and a rushing touchdown from within the red zone.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa scored seven points after collecting three turnovers (three interceptions) in the win at Wisconsin. For the season, Iowa has scored 67 points (eight TDs, four FGs) following 23 opponent turnovers (15 interceptions, seven fumbles, one blocked punt). Iowa has recorded at least one takeaway in 40 of its last 42, dating back to the 2006 campaign. Iowa has collected at least one turnover in 20 consecutive games, dating back to the final contest of the 2007 season. Iowa has been guilty of 11 turnovers (eight interceptions, three fumbles). Iowa opponents have scored 30 points (three touchdowns on interception returns, three field goals) following those turnovers.

DOWN TO THE WIRE FOR HAWKEYES

Five of Iowa’s eight 2008 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. Iowa’s 2009 opening win over Northern Iowa was not decided until the final play of the game and the win at Penn State was an eight point difference until eight seconds remained. Arkansas State pulled within the final three point margin with two minutes remaining and Michigan scored a touchdown with 3:16 to play to cut the final deficit to two points.
Michigan scored with just over three minutes remaining. The Wolverines attempted an onside kick, but Iowa gained possession when the kick went out of bounds. Michigan regained possession with 1:30 to play before an interception by DB Brett Greenwood secured the win.
Arkansas State scored a touchdown with 2:01 to play to cut its deficit to 24-21. Iowa recovered the onside kick and ran all but 10 seconds off the clock. ASU regained possession on its 18-yardline and threw two incomplete passes.
At Penn State, Iowa held an 18-10 advantage late in the fourth period before a late interception and a field goal with eight seconds remaining sealed the win.
In the win over Northern Iowa, the Hawkeyes blocked field goal attempts on UNI’s final two plays of the game, the second with one second remaining.
In a 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 a 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 a 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 seconds left in the game.
In a 24-23 win over No. 3 Penn State, Iowa scored the game winning 31-yard field goal with one second remaining.
In a 22-17 win over Purdue, the Boilermakers reached the Iowa 27-yard line 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.

IOWA NOTES

Iowa is one of 10 college football programs in the nation to compete in at least five January bowl games over the last seven seasons. Iowa has been bowl eligible in each of the last eight seasons. The Hawkeyes have played in seven bowl games since 2001, including the 2001 Alamo Bowl, 2003 Orange bowl, 2004 Outback Bowl, 2005 Capital One Bowl, 2006 Outback Bowl, 2006 Alamo Bowl and 2009 Outback Bowl.
Iowa is one of three football programs (joining Oklahoma and Texas) to have five different individual players earn national Player of the Year honors at their position since 2002. Iowa’s national award winners have been: Robert Gallery (2003 Outland, Top Lineman); Brad Banks (2002 Davey O’Brien, Top Quarterback; 2002 Associated Press National Player of the Year); Dallas Clark (2002 Mackey, Top Tight End); Nate Kaeding (2002 Groza, Top Kicker); Shonn Greene (2008 Doak Walker, Top Running Back).
Iowa has placed in the Big Ten Conference first division in seven of the past eight seasons, winning the league title in 2002 and 2004.
Over the past eight plus years, Iowa is 52-7 when leading at the half and 57-6 when leading after three quarters. Iowa has trailed in six of its seven wins this season. Iowa has trailed at halftime in three games. Iowa trailed after three quarters in wins over Northern Iowa and Penn State and was tied at Wisconsin.
Iowa sold out six of its seven home games in 2008 and three of four games in 2009. The Hawkeyes have sold out 39 of their last 41 games, dating back to the 2003 season. Iowa had a 36-game consecutive sellout streak from Sept. 6, 2003 until the final home game in 2008.
Iowa’s four losses in 2008 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. Iowa had lost 10 of 11 games that were decided by five points or less before a 24-23 win over Penn State last season.
Iowa won all three traveling trophy games in 2008 and the Hawkeyes have won both trophy games to date in 2009. The Hawkeyes defeated Iowa State 17-5 to gain possession of the Cy-Hawk Trophy, Wisconsin 38-16 to claim the Heartland Trophy and Minnesota 55-0 to keep Floyd of Rosedale. Iowa’s 35-3 win at Iowa State on Sept. 12 kept the Cy-Hawk Trophy in Iowa City and a 20-10 win at Wisconsin keeps the Heartland Trophy in Iowa’s possession.

STATION NAMED TO HALL OF FAME
Larry Station, the former University of Iowa linebacker who compiled nearly 500 career tackles and twice was named consensus All-American, has been elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. Station was recognized at halftime of Iowa’s Oct. 10 win over Michigan at Kinnick Stadium. Station is the 14th former Hawkeye player or coach to earn the honor and the first since Hayden Fry in 2003. Fry was Station’s coach at Iowa from 1982-85. The Hall of Fame class will be inducted at the National Football Foundation’s Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 8, 2009, in New York City. The recipients will be officially enshrined at the Hall of Fame in South Bend, IN, in the summer of 2010. Members of the latest Hall of Fame class are also being recognized throughout the season at home games of their alma mater.

BEST DECADE FOR IOWA FOOTBALL
Iowa’s football record in the 2000 decade stands at 76-43 (.639), a record that ranks among the best decades in the history of Iowa football. Iowa posted a record of 77-40-4 (.652) during the 1980’s and the Hawkeyes were 62-53-2 (.538) in the 1990’s. Part of the Hawkeye success is due to the stability in the program, as Iowa has had just two head coaches since 1979. Hayden Fry took over prior to the 1979 season and coached through the 1998 season, posting a record of 143-89-6. Current Coach Kirk Ferentz replaced Fry and is now in his 11th season. Ferentz also served as Iowa’s offensive line coach from 1981-89 under Fry.

THEY STARTED THEM ALL
Iowa has had 15 players start all seven games, plus punter Ryan Donahue and PK Daniel Murray. On offense, that list includes WR Trey Stross, OL Dace Richardson (at three different positions), OL Rafael Eubanks, QB Ricky Stanzi, FB Brett Morse. On defense, the list includes DE Adrian Clayborn, DT Karl Klug, DT Christian Ballard, DE Broderick Binns, OLB A.J. Edds, LB Pat Angerer, LB Jeremiha Hunter, CB Amari Spievey, SS Tyler Sash and FS Brett Greenwood.

KINNICK STADIUM TOPS BIG TEN
The Sporting News ranked Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium as the best college football stadium in the Big Ten Conference in its pre-season publication. Kinnick Stadium was also selected as the best stadium in the Big Ten by the Sporting News in 2007.

HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE
All Iowa football games this season will be televised on either ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Big Ten Network or Fox Sports Net. The last Iowa contest not televised was vs. Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001. Iowa has appeared on television in its last 97 games.

FAMILY AFFAIR
Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and his son, James, are believed to be one of only seven father-son duos in Division I in 2009. They join Bobby Petrino and sons Nick and Bobby from Arkansas, Dan Hawkins and his son Cody from Colorado, Pat Hill and his son Zak from Fresno State, Tommy West and his son Turner from Memphis, Scott Downing and his son Andrew from Northern Colorado, and Steve Spurrier and son Scott from South Carolina. In addition, Akron defensive coordinator Jim Fleming has a son, Will, playing at Akron, Oregon State assistant Joe Seumalo has a son, Andrew, playing at Oregon State, Rice assistant Darrell Patterson has a son, Michael, who plays for the Owls, Western Illinois def. coordinator Mark Hendrickson, a former Iowa assistant coach, has a son, Myers, who plays for WIU, Fresno State defensive coordinator Randy Steward has a son, Taylor, on the Fresno State team and San Jose State defensive coordinator Keith Burns has a son, Tanner, on the San Jose State team. Arizona State head Coach Dennis Erickson has a son, Bryce, who is the ASU running backs coach and Northern Colorado offensive coordinator Dennis Darnell has a son, Pete, who is the Northern Colorado quarterbacks coach. Tennessee Coach Lane Kiffin’s father, Monte, is the Tennessee defensive coordinator.

BEST IN THE BUSINESS
Iowa football Coach Kirk Ferentz (2002) and men’s basketball Coach Todd Lickliter (2007) have each been recognized as national Coach of the Year in their respective sports. Only six other Division I programs currently have coaches in those sports that have earned that distinction. The schools include Florida (Urban Meyer and Billy Donovan); Florida State (Bobby Bowden and Leonard Hamilton); Illinois (Ron Zook and Bruce Weber); Kansas (Mark Mangino and Bill Self): Maryland (Ralph Friedgen and Gary Williams) and Southern Methodist (June Jones and Matt Doherty).

ROSE BOWL EXPERIENCE
Four members of the Iowa coaching staff have coached or played in the Rose Bowl. Kirk Ferentz coached in two Rose Bowl games while on the Iowa staff. Norm Parker and Phil Parker both coached in the Rose Bowl while on the staff at Michigan State. Erik Campbell played in one Rose Bowl during his Michigan career and coached in four others while on the Wolverine coaching staff.

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 GT link. This feature is available for all home games and most road contests during the 2009 campaign.

IOWA FOOTBALL WITH Kirk Ferentz
The weekly television replay show, featuring Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz, is a 30-minute program, which includes Iowa football highlights and weekly features about the University of Iowa football program. Gary Dolphin, the radio play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes, hosts the show. Consult local listings for day and time.

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.

AFTER THIS
Iowa returns home to host Indiana Oct. 31 (11 a.m., ESPN/ESPN2) and Northwestern Nov. 7 (TBA).

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