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Hawkeyes Host Northwestern For Second Straight Season

Nov. 2, 2009

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IOWA TO HOST NORTHWESTERN
Iowa (9-0, 5-0) will host Northwestern (5-4, 2-3) Saturday, Nov. 7 as part of Family Weekend. Game time is 11:02 a.m. at Kinnick Stadium (70,585). A limited number of single seats remain.

ON THE TUBE
ESPN (HD) will televise the game to a national cable audience. Dave Pasch, Bob Griese and Chris Spielman 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 123 and XM channel 144.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,125 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 577-509-39 (.530). That includes a 364-198-16 (.644) record in home games, a 213-311-23 (.411) record in games away from Iowa City, a 284-343-25 (.455) mark in Big Ten games and a 247-162-15 (.600) record in Kinnick Stadium.

IOWA IN BCS RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked fourth in the BCS rankings this week. The Hawkeyes are the highest rated Big Ten team. The ranking, for the second straight week, is the highest ever for Iowa. The Hawkeyes were ranked sixth in the initial poll this season and fifth during 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 second in the computer rankings, sixth in the coaches poll and seventh in the Harris poll. Iowa was first in the computer poll in the Oct. 25 rankings. Prior to this season, Iowa 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 was ranked as high as 11th in 2003 and 2004 and 23rd in 2006.

IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked sixth in the USA Today coaches poll and eighth by the Associated Press. The Hawkeyes are also seventh in the Harris Poll and fourth in the BCS Standings. The current rankings are 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 eighth in the latest Sagarin Ratings. Iowa’s strength of schedule is rated 22nd toughest. Iowa is one of three teams that have registered three or more wins against Sagarin’s top 30 teams. Around the Big Ten, Penn State is ranked No. 10/11, Ohio State is 12/15 and Wisconsin is 22/24. In addition, Arizona is 19/21.

BEST DECADE FOR IOWA FOOTBALL
Iowa’s football record in the 2000 decade stands at 78-43 (.644), a record that ranks among the best decades in Iowa football history. 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.

TOP RECORDS OVER 20 GAMES
Iowa is 16-4 in its last 20 games, which matches the fourth best 20-game streak in school history. Iowa won 20 straight games from 1920-23. Iowa posted a 17-2-1 record over a 20-game span in 1956-58 and had a 16-3-1 mark over a 20-game period that began late in the 1984 season. Iowa also posted a 16-4 mark over a 20-game stretch in 2002-03.

IOWA WINNING THE CLOSE ONES
Iowa has won four games by three points or less for the first time ever. Iowa won three games by three points or less in 2004, 1987 and 1986. In 2004, Iowa won by margins of 6-4, 23-21 and 29-27, all in conference play. In 1987 Iowa had one point wins over Arizona and Wyoming and a two point decision over Ohio State. In 1986 the Hawkeyes defeated Michigan State and Minnesota by three points before a 39-38 Holiday Bowl win over San Diego State. Iowa, in 1996, won two games by a single point and one game by seven. In 1993 Iowa had victories by one, three and four points. The 1985 championship season included wins by two, three and four points. Iowa’s 9-1 season in 1956 included two wins by a single point and two six point victories.

IOWA OFF TO FAST START

  • Iowa has opened the season with nine straight wins for the first time ever. 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 5-0 in Big Ten play for the first time since 2002 when the Hawkeyes won all eight conference games. Iowa has won at least five conference games for the sixth time in 11 seasons under Kirk Ferentz.
  • Iowa has won 13 straight games, the second longest streak in the nation. Florida has 18 straight wins. The Iowa win streak is its longest since a 20-game streak between 1920 and 1923.
  • Iowa is the only BCS team with a perfect 9-0 record. There are six additional teams still undefeated.
  • Iowa’s strength of schedule is rated as seventh strongest in the nation, based on all 2009 opponents. Iowa trails Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Washington, Georgia, Arizona and Virginia Tech. Iowa’s nine opponents to date have compiled a 44-31 record.
  • Iowa has won four of its nine games by a total of eight points, with wins by one, two, two and three points. The Hawkeyes have trailed in eight of nine games, with the largest deficit being 14 points in the second half against Indiana. Iowa trailed by 10 points in wins over Northern Iowa, Penn State and Wisconsin. Iowa trailed Indiana by 10 points in the fourth period before winning 42-24.
  • Iowa has collected 25 turnovers in nine games, including 18 pass interceptions. Iowa leads the nation in interceptions, is fourth in total turnovers, 14th in turnover margin (+.89) and 55th in fumble recoveries. The Hawkeyes had 23 interceptions in 13 games last season.
  • Iowa is tied for 11th in fewest fumbles lost (four), second in penalty yards per game (33.7), third in fewest penalties per game (4.4), and 16th in time of possession (32:14).
  • Iowa has lost just four 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 in game seven. Iowa had two fumbles on punt returns vs. Indiana, losing one of the two.
  • Iowa did not allow a rushing touchdown for 33 consecutive quarters before Michigan had three and Wisconsin and Indiana one each. Iowa allowed seven rushing touchdowns in 2008.
  • Iowa has scored 30 points or more in three games, with a high of 42 vs. Indiana.
  • Six of Iowa’s opponents have scored 17 points or less. Two of three opponents who scored over 20 points were aided by a defensive touchdown.
  • Iowa has won three prime time games on national television. The Hawkeyes defeated Penn State and Michigan on ABC national television and won at Michigan State in a game televised by the Big Ten Network.
  • Iowa has had at least one player earn Big Ten Player of the Week honors in six of nine games.

IOWA JOINS ANOTHER TOP 20
Iowa’s win over Michigan State gave the Hawkeyes 68 wins since the start of the 2002 season, which ties as the 15th highest total in Division I football. The list includes the following: USC (89); Boise State (89); LSU (84); Oklahoma (83); Texas (82); Ohio State (81); Georgia (76); Utah (76); TCU (76); Florida (75); Virginia Tech (75); West Virginia (74); Auburn (70); Boston College (69); IOWA (68); Wisconsin (68); Texas Tech (68); California (65); Hawaii (64); and Missouri (60).

FOURTH QUARTER RALLY
Iowa rallied to a 42-24 win over Indiana by outscoring the Hoosiers 28-0 in the fourth period. The 28 points mark the highest scoring quarter for Iowa this season (Iowa scored 16 in final period at Penn State). Iowa had not scored 28 points in any one period since scoring 28 in the first period of a 56-0 win over Ball State in the opening game of 2005. In Big Ten games, Iowa scored 24 points in the second period of a 55-0 win at Minnesota a year ago and 28 points in the third period of a 59-16 win over Northwestern in 2001. In the fourth period against Indiana, Iowa had 265 yards total offense and no turnovers, while the Hawkeye defense held Indiana to 55 yards total offense (minus two rushing yards) and collected two pass interceptions.

TICKET UPDATE
A limited number of single tickets remain for remaining home games vs. Northwestern (Nov. 7) and Minnesota (Nov. 21). 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 has sold out Kinnick Stadium 40 of its last 42 games.

IOWA WIN STREAK
Iowa’s 13-game winning streak ranks second best in the nation. Florida holds the longest win streak at 18 games. The Hawkeyes are one of seven unbeaten Division I teams and are the only team with a perfect 9-0 record. 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, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Indiana. Iowa has the longest road winning streak in Big Ten play with wins in its last four conference road games (Minnesota, Penn State, Wisconsin and Michigan State). Iowa has won 13 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 streaks of nine or more consecutive wins under Ferentz.

MOEAKI ON MACKEY MID-SEASON LIST
Senior TE Tony Moeaki is one of 22 players named to the John Mackey Award Mid-Season Watch List, which was announced Oct. 20. Moeaki collected a career-best 10 receptions in a 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 and he had 23 yards on two catches vs. Indiana. Moeaki battled through injuries, again, in 2008, finishing with 13 catches for 144 yards and one touchdown, in nine contests. He has accumulated 69 receptions for 840 yards and 11 touchdowns during his injury-plagued career.

STANZI IS O’BRIEN SEMI-FINALIST
Junior QB Ricky Stanzi is a semi-finalist for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award. Narrowed down from all 120 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) quarterbacks, the list highlights 15 individuals who will vie for the oldest and most prestigious award honoring the nation’s best college quarterback. Stanzi (6-4, 218) is a native of Mentor, OH, who has quarterbacked the Hawkeyes to a 9-0 record and a fourth-place spot in the current BCS standings. Stanzi has passed for 2,052 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. He has posted a 17-3 record as Iowa’s starting quarterback. He is one of two Big Ten quarterbacks among the semi-finalists. Two Iowa quarterbacks have won the Davey O’Brien Award as the nation’s top quarterback. Chuck Long won the honor in 1985 and Brad Banks was recognized in 2002.

THREE NAMED TO MID-SEASON TEAM
Three Iowa players were named to the CBSSports.com Midseason all-America team released Oct. 22. That trio includes senior offensive lineman Dace Richardson, senior linebacker Pat Angerer and sophomore safety Tyler Sash. Richardson started Iowa’s first eight games in the offensive line after missing nearly two seasons due to injury. He started at right tackle in Iowa’s opening game. He then moved to left guard in Iowa’s next four games before starting at right guard in three games. Richardson is currently sidelined due to an injury suffered at Michigan State. Angerer had led an Iowa defense that ranks among the national leaders in several categories. A starter in 20 straight games, Angerer leads Iowa with 89 tackles and also has 3.5 tackles for loss, one pass interception and two forced fumbles. He has led Iowa in tackles in seven of nine games. Sash has started every game this season and 19 overall in his two seasons. He ranks among national leaders with six pass interceptions this season. He tied Iowa’s school record with three thefts in the win at Iowa State. Sash has 11 career interceptions (the career record is 18). He has already established a career record with 350 interception return yards and he ranks third on the team with 64 tackles. He had an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown in the win over Indiana.

HAWKEYES EARN WEEKLY RECOGNITION

  • Several Iowa players have earned weekly honors during the first nine weeks of the season.
  • 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.
  • Clayborn was also named Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week against Michigan State. In the 15-13 win at Michigan State, Clayborn had four tackles, two sacks for a minus 19 yards and three tackles for losses totaling 21 yards. He also forced a fumble.
  • 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 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 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. Sash was also named national Defensive Performer of the Week for his play vs. Indiana, as he had an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown and seven tackles.
  • 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.

HAWKEYES AMONG CAREER LEADERS
Two Iowa seniors, LB Pat Angerer and OLB A.J. Edds, rank among Iowa’s career tackle leaders, as Angerer has 202 career tackles and Edds 199. Angerer has 77 solo stops and 125 assists. With 12 tackles in the win over Indiana, he became the 61st Hawkeye to surpass 200 career tackles. Edds heads into this week with 199 career tackles, including 60 solo tackles and 139 assists. Angerer has six career interceptions and Edds five. Sophomore DB Tyler Sash is tied for sixth in career interceptions (11) and holds the career record for interception return yards (350). His total return yards rank fifth best all-time in the Big Ten Conference for all games. On offense, junior WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos has 1,611 career receiving yards on 107 receptions. DJK ranks 14th in career receiving yards and is tied for 14th in career receptions. Junior QB Ricky Stanzi ranks seventh in career passing yards (4,008) and passing touchdowns (28).

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 KINNICK STADIUM
Hawkeye fans not able to attend the Northwestern game Nov. 7 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 1,600 visitors during the football game day live blog of Iowa’s win at Michigan State and featured over 2,000 reader comments.

DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 43 of its last 51 games (.843) 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 5-0 at home this season, with wins over Northern Iowa, Arizona, Arkansas State, Michigan and Indiana. Iowa has home games remaining vs. Northwestern and Minnesota. Iowa is 11-1 at home the last two seasons, with the defeat being a 22-17 decision at the hands of Northwestern a year ago.

THE SERIES
Iowa holds a 46-21-3 advantage in the series that began with a 12-6 Iowa victory in 1897. Iowa boasts a 23-8 advantage in contests played in Iowa City, but the Wildcats have won the last two games in Kinnick Stadium and three of the last six. Northwestern scored a 22-17 win last season in the Big Ten opener for both teams at Iowa City. The Hawkeyes snapped a two-game losing streak to the Wildcats with a 28-17 triumph in Evanston in 2007. The visiting team has won the last three meetings. Iowa has won four of the last seven meetings, but Northwestern has won three of the last four. Iowa won 21 consecutive games over Northwestern prior to a 31-20 Wildcat win in 1995 in Evanston. The Wildcats hold a 7-5 advantage since snapping the Hawkeye win streak.

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 68-29 (.701) overall mark and a 41-20 (.672) 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 79-53 (.598) and a 48-37 (.565) mark in Big Ten games. In 13 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 91-74 (.552). 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-eight of Iowa’s 132 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (24-24) 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.

NORTHWESTERN COACH PAT FITZGERALD
Pat Fitzgerald is in his fourth season as a collegiate head coach, all at Northwestern. His record stands at 24-22 (.522). Fitzgerald led his team to a 9-4 record a year ago and the Wildcats were invited to the Alamo Bowl. The Wildcats posted a 6-6 record in 2007. Fitzgerald, who was a two-time first team all-American linebacker with the Wildcats (1995-96), began his coaching career as a defensive graduate assistant at Maryland (1998) and Colorado (1999). In 2000, Fitzgerald coached linebackers and special teams at Idaho before returning to his alma mater in 2001. The native of Orland Park, IL, coached the Wildcats’ defensive backs in 2001 before coaching the linebackers four years (2002-05). Fitzgerald won the Bronco Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik awards, as the nation’s top defensive player, and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, in 1995 and 1996. He became the first two-time winner of both the Nagurski and Bednarik awards. Fitzgerald earned his first career Big Ten victory against Iowa (21-7) on Nov. 4, 2006 in Iowa City.

IOWA, NORTHWESTERN NOTES

  • Iowa and Northwestern both average 25.7 points per game.
  • Northwestern has won two straight games in Kinnick Stadium (21-7 in 2006 and 22-17 in 2008). The Wildcats are the only visiting team to win two games in Kinnick Stadium since 2002.
  • Northwestern ranks 24th in the nation in passing offense (390.2), while Iowa leads the nation in interceptions (18), ranks 19th in pass efficiency defense (94.3) and 26th in pass defense (180.1).
  • Iowa has won four games by a combined eight points. Northwestern has won three games by a combined 10 points.
  • Iowa trailed Indiana 24-14 at the end of three quarters before winning 42-24 at Iowa City. Northwestern trailed the Hoosiers 28-19 after three period before winning 29-28 at Evanston.
  • In winning 22-17 last year, Northwestern started three drives inside the Iowa 40 while collecting five turnovers. Iowa had six turnovers last weekend in a win over Indiana.
  • 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.
  • The Iowa roster includes 17 players from the state of Illinois, including OL Bryan Bulaga (Crystal Lake), OL Kyle Calloway (Belleville), DL Scott Covert (Lake Forest), OL Dan Doering (Barrington), PK Ryan Donahue (Evergreen Park), OL Adam Gettis (Frankfort), TE Dakota Getz (Macon), LB Brad Herman (Metamora), DL Martin Hopkins (Chicago), FB Wade Leppert (Wauconda), TE Tony Moeaki (Wheaton), FB Brett Morse (Willowbrook), LB Terrance Pryor (South Holland), OL Dace Richardson (Wheaton), LS Andrew Schulze (Woodridge), QB John Wienke (Tuscola) and OL Markus Zusevics (Arlington Heights).
  • There are no Iowans on the Northwestern roster.
  • Four Hawkeye players celebrate birthdays this week. Jacob Reisen turned 20 on Nov. 1. Brett Van Sloten turns 19 on Nov. 2, William Lowe turns 20 on Nov. 4 and J.D. Griggs turns 19 on Nov. 5.

THE LAST MEETING
Northwestern scored 19 unanswered points and took advantage of five Iowa turnovers to beat the Hawkeyes, 22-17, on Iowa’s homecoming at Kinnick Stadium a year ago. Northwestern started three of its drives inside the Iowa 40-yard line. The Hawkeyes jumped out to a 17-3 advantage in the first half. PK Trent Mossbrucker converted a 30-yard field goal for the first quarter’s only points. RB Shonn Greene scored on an 18-yard run to give Iowa an early 10-point cushion. Northwestern PK Amando Villarreal split the uprights for a 37-yard field goal to make the score 10-3. WR Andy Brodell caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from QB Ricky Stanzi to give Iowa a 17-3 lead. However, Northwestern capitalized on an Iowa fumble late in the half. WR Rasheed Ward caught a one-yard scoring pass from QB C.J. Bacher with only 17 seconds remaining in the second period. Northwestern closed within 17-16 after WR Eric Peterman caught a 15-yard touchdown pass, but Villarreal missed the extra point. The Wildcats took the lead at the 7:54 mark of the fourth quarter on Peterman’s second touchdown reception, a three-yard scoring strike from Bacher. That scoring drive was a result of Iowa’s fifth turnover of the game. Iowa had an opportunity to reclaim the lead in the final 90 seconds. The Hawkeyes had the ball first-and-goal on the Northwestern eight-yard line, but were unable to find the end zone with four incomplete passes. Greene left the game early in the fourth quarter due to injury and was not available on Iowa’s final drive. Greene eclipsed the 100-yard plateau and scored at least one touchdown for the fifth-straight game, scampering a career-high 159 yards on 21 attempts and scoring a touchdown. In his third career start, Stanzi completed 21-30 passes for 238 yards and a touchdown. Brodell caught eight passes for a season-high 126 yards and a score, surpassing 1,000 career receiving yards. Defensively, LB Jeremiha Hunter, LB Pat Angerer and DT Matt Kroul paced the Hawkeyes. Hunter posted a game and career-high 12 tackles and returned an interception 21 yards. Angerer collected a career 11 stops, while Kroul had nine tackles. Christian Ballard added a blocked field goal.

IOWA RALLIES PAST INDIANA
Iowa dominated the fourth period in taking a 42-24 win over Indiana in Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes were guilty of six turnovers in the first three periods as Indiana built a 24-14 advantage heading into the final 15 minutes. Indiana held a 21-7 advantage at halftime and was threatening to expand the lead midway through the third period. Iowa stayed in the game on the strength of an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown by Tyler Sash. Iowa closed the gap to 24-21 on a 92-yard scoring strike from Ricky Stanzi to Marvin McNutt with 13 minutes remaining. After another stop by the Hawkeye defense, Iowa took the lead for the first time when Stanzi connected with wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos for a 66-yard touchdown. Freshman running back Brandon Wegher, who started for the first time in place of the injured Adam Robinson, added touchdown runs of six and 27 yards in the final period. Wegher ended the game with 25 carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns, all career bests. The Hawkeye defense played well, again. Indiana scored just 10 points following the six Iowa turnovers. After taking the lead in the final period Iowa added interceptions by Shaun Prater and A.J. Edds, increasing the team total to 18 thefts in nine games. In dominating the final period, Iowa had 88 rushing and 177 passing yards for 265 yards total offense. Indiana was held to minus two yards rushing and 55 yards total offense over the final period, along with two turnovers. Stanzi finished the game with a career-high 337 passing yards, completing 13-26 passes. McNutt had four receptions for 155 yards and Johnson-Koulianos had 117 yards on just three catches. LB Pat Angerer again led the Hawkeye defense, collecting 12 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Angerer surpassed 200 career stops against the Hoosiers. DL Karl Klug added nine tackles and joined Angerer with 1.5 tackles for loss. Prater had eight tackles and Sash seven.

EXTRA POINTS

  • Iowa overcame a 14-point second half deficit to beat Indiana, outscoring the Hoosiers 28-0 in the fourth period. Indiana’s 14 point advantage marked Iowa’s biggest deficit of the season.
  • Iowa has outscored its opponents 148-54 in the second half in nine games, including 107-41 in the fourth period. The 42 points scored against Indiana is Iowa’s season high (35 at Iowa State).
  • With Indiana leading 21-7 and inside Iowa’s red zone looking for more points in the third quarter, Iowa safety Tyler Sash intercepted a pass on a deflection. It is his team-best sixth interception of the season. He returned the theft 86 yards for an Iowa touchdown, the first of his career. Sash now has 11 career interceptions. He holds Iowa’s record for interception return yards with 350. The 86-yard touchdown is the fifth longest interception return in school history. His six thefts this season tie as the sixth highest total for a single season and he is tied for sixth in career interceptions.
  • True freshman Brandon Wegher started for the first time in his career at running back and responded with a career-high three touchdown runs. Wegher rushed 25 times for 118 yards in the game and had one reception for eight yards. He has six touchdowns this season.
  • QB Ricky Stanzi finished the game 13-26 for 337 yards and two touchdowns. Stanzi was 10-23 for 160 yards with five interceptions and zero touchdowns through three quarters, but was a perfect 3-3 for 177 yards and two scores in the final period. Stanzi surpasses 2,000 passing yards for the season and 4,000 career passing yards.
  • Iowa WR Marvin McNutt had a 92-yard reception for a touchdown, his second scoring reception in two weeks. McNutt ended the game with four receptions for 155 yards. The 92-yard play is the fourth-longest pass play in school history.
  • Iowa’s secondary collected three second-half interceptions, two in the fourth period. SS Tyler Sash returned a pick 86 yards for a score in the third quarter, while DB Shaun Prater and LB A.J. Edds collected thefts in the fourth.
  • LB Pat Angerer finished the game with a game-high 12 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and forced a fumble. DL Karl Klug totaled nine tackles, including 1.5 for loss.
  • Two of Indiana’s scoring drives in the first half began on the Iowa side of the field as Indiana drove 35 and 12 yards for touchdowns. Indiana scored its first touchdown of the second half after an interception return to the Iowa four-yard line and the Hoosiers added a field goal after taking over at the Iowa 24. In the first eight games, only three opponent possessions began in Iowa territory.

PENN STATE STOPS NORTHWESTERN
Penn State scored the final 24 points of the game in taking a 34-13 win at Northwestern last Saturday. Northwestern led 10-3 in the second period after a seven-yard run by QB Mike Kafka. The Wildcats used a 45-yard field goal by Stefan Demos with three seconds left in the second period to take a 13-10 advantage at the break. The Penn State defense shut down Northwestern in the second half. Penn State tied the game on a third period field goal before scoring three touchdowns in less than four minutes in the fourth period. The Nittany Lions drove 58 yards for the go-ahead touchdown with 12:27 to play. Penn State added to its lead with a 53-yard pass from Darryll Clark to Derek Moye and a 69-yard run by Evan Royster. Northwestern was held to 39 net rushing yards and 86 passing yards over the final two periods. The Wildcats also lost two fumbles in the game. Northwestern’s rushing game was led by quarterbacks Dan Persa and Kafka, as each rushed for 42 yards. Kafka completed 14-18 passes for 128 yards, while Persa completed 14-23 for 115 yards. Zeke Markshausen led the Wildcat receivers with nine receptions for 60 yards, while Andrew Brewer had 65 yards on six catches. Nate Williams and Quentin Davie led the Wildcat defense with seven tackles each.

IOWA DEFENSE SOLID

  • Iowa’s defense has been solid through nine games. Iowa leads the nation with 18 pass interceptions. The Hawkeyes rank 14th in turnover margin (+.89), third in pass efficiency defense (94.3), 13th in scoring defense (15.8) and 26th in pass defense (180.1). Iowa is also 19th in total defense (297.6) and 23rd in net punting (39.9).
  • 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.
  • Iowa held Michigan State to 85 net rushing yards and 13 points. MSU averaged 29.3 points and over 400 yards total offense in its first seven games.
  • Iowa held Indiana to just 79 rushing yards. The Hoosiers scored just 10 points following six Iowa turnovers. Similar to Wisconsin, Iowa allowed minus two rushing yards and 55 yards total offense in the fourth period, while collecting two pass interceptions.
  • 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 eight in turnover margin, with 18 interceptions and seven fumble recoveries. Iowa had five interceptions at Iowa State and three in wins over Penn State, Wisconsin and Indiana. There were no turnovers in the win at Michigan State.
  • 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 three wins. Richardson was injured at Michigan State, with Vandervelde returning to the starting line-up at right guard vs. Indiana.
  • 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 is averaging nine minutes of possession time in the fourth period. Iowa has had over 10 minutes of possession in the fourth period of three games, with a season best 11:33 at Michigan State. Iowa also had 10:55 in fourth quarter possession at Wisconsin and 10:29 possession time vs. Arizona in the final period.
  • Iowa’s running back tandem of Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher gives the team a balanced attack. Robinson leads the team by averaging 78.6 yards per game, while Wegher averages 48.8. Wegher has scored six touchdowns and Robinson five touchdowns. Both have proven to be capable receivers, combining for 20 receptions. Robinson rushed for over 100 yards vs. Arizona and Michigan State, but was injured late in the win at MSU. Wegher started for the first time vs. Indiana and responded with 25 carries for 118 yards and three scores. He also had over 100 rushing yards at Iowa State.
  • 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, 13 Hawkeyes have at least one pass reception. Iowa established a school-record with 19 players having at least one reception in 2004.
  • 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.
  • Iowa has had five different players lead the team in receiving in its nine 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), at Wisconsin (8-113-1 TD) and at Michigan State (3-59); and WR Marvin McNutt vs. Arkansas State (4-121-2 TDs) and Indiana (4-155-1 TD). 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 and lost one of two fumbles on punt returns vs. Indiana.

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.

FOUR HAWKEYES INJURED AT MSU
Four additional Iowa players were injured in the win at Michigan State and will miss some playing time over the final month of the season. Senior OL Dace Richardson and redshirt freshman RB Adam Robinson both suffered injuries against the Spartans. Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz acknowledged both will likely miss the remainder of the regular season as Iowa closes with games against Northwestern, Ohio State and Minnesota. In addition, WR Colin Sandeman did not play in the win over Indiana. Safety Brett Greenwood played the opening series vs. Indiana but missed the remainder of the game as well. Both Sandeman and Greenwood were also injured in the win at Michigan State.

IOWA DEFEATS TWO FORMER PLAYERS
The 2009 college football season will feature 14 Division I games in which a head coach is facing his alma mater. Iowa is the only team to face two opponents that are coached by former players. Former Hawkeye Bret Bielema (1989-92) is the head coach at Wisconsin and former Hawkeye Mike Stoops (1981, 1983-84) is the head coach at Arizona. Iowa defeated Arizona 27-17 Sept. 19 in Iowa City and defeated Wisconsin 20-10 Oct. 17 in Madison. Both Stoops and Bielema are having success this season, as Wisconsin is 6-2 and Arizona 5-2.

SUCCESS ON THE ROAD
Dating back to 2008, Iowa has won its last six games away from Iowa City. That includes wins at Minnesota, Iowa State, Penn State, Wisconsin and Michigan State, along with a victory over South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl. In those wins Iowa allowed just 46 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 was 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.

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 17-3 record in games he has started, including a 10-3 Big Ten record and a 10-1 mark in Kinnick Stadium.
  • Through nine games Stanzi has completed 150-266 attempts for 2,052 yards, with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The passing yards rank 17th best for a single season. He has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 15 of Iowa’s last 18 games.
  • 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.
  • While struggling with five interceptions in the win over Indiana, Stanzi completed all three of his pass attempts in the fourth period for 177 yards and two touchdowns. He had scoring strikes of 92 and 66 yards. Stanzi has eight scoring passes over 20 yards in Iowa’s last five 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. His completions percentage (.739) at Wisconsin is the best of his career in games in which he had 15 or more pass attempts.
  • While his completion percentage was not as high at Michigan State (11-27), Stanzi led Iowa on a 10 play, 70-yard scoring drive in the final 1:32, capping the drive with a seven-yard scoring toss on the final play of the game in Iowa’s 15-13 win.
  • 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 seventh in career passing with 4,008 yards and seventh in passing touchdowns (28). He has completed 300-524 (.573) career passes.

MURRAY ON A ROLE
Junior PK Daniel Murray has made nine of his last 11 field goal attempts in Iowa’s last five games. Murray made 3-4 kicks against Michigan to establish career-bests in both categories. Murray connected from 28, 41 and 40 yards against Michigan. He made both of his attempts at Wisconsin, a 37-yard kick in the first half and a career-long 48-yard kick late in the fourth period to extend Iowa’s advantage to 20-10. Murray tied his career-best by making all three attempts at Michigan State. He made a 37-yarder in the first half and added two 20-yard field goals in the fourth period. His final kick gave Iowa a 9-6 advantage with 2:56 left in the game. Murray has made 14-19 field goal attempts this season and all 25 PAT kicks. His career numbers include 27-38 field goals. He had made 55-57 PAT kicks, including 39 straight over the last two seasons. His 67 points in 2009 tie for 23rd best for a season. He ranks 15th in career scoring with 136 points.

SASH SETS RETURN RECORD
Sophomore DB Tyler Sash has established a new Iowa record for career interception return yards with 350 yards on 11 interceptions. The previous best of 202 yards (18 interceptions) was held by Devon Mitchell. Sash has six interceptions this season for 203 yards. He had an 86-yard touchdown return in the win over Indiana, the fifth longest return in school history. His six thefts in 2009 tie for sixth best in a season and his 203 return yards are a single season record. 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. The Iowa single season record is eight interceptions and the career mark is 18.

ANGERER LEADS DEFENSE
After leading the team in tackles a year ago, senior LB Pat Angerer has led Iowa in tackles in the last six games. Angerer had 12 tackles in wins over Indiana and Michigan and nine at Michigan State. Angerer recorded four solo stops and eight assists vs. Indiana, including 1.5 tackles for loss. He also had a forced fumble vs. the Hoosiers as he surpasses 200 career tackles. 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 89 tackles this season.

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. Donahue averaged 44.7 yards on six punts at Michigan State, with three kicks inside the 20. Iowa’s opponents have 16 punt returns for 70 net yards. He has at least one punt of at least 50 yards in 15 of Iowa’s last 20 games. He is on the Ray Guy Watch List this season. He is averaging 41.7 yards on 40 punts, with 19 punts inside the 20 and just four touchbacks.

DJK AMONG CAREER LEADERS
WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos ranks among Iowa’s career leaders in receptions (T-14th) and receiving yards (14th) with 107 receptions for 1,611 yards and seven touchdowns. He leads Iowa in 2009 with 25 receptions for 490 yards and two scores. He matched a career-high with eight receptions for 113 yards at Wisconsin in his first start of the season. He added 117 yards on three receptions against Indiana. His 66-yard scoring reception, a career-long, gave Iowa a 28-24 advantage in the fourth quarter. All three of his catches vs. the Hoosiers gave the Hawkeyes a first down. In Iowa wins over Penn State in 2008 and 2009 DJK had 10 receptions, all giving Iowa a first down. He led Iowa in receptions (44) and receiving yards (639) and was second in kickoff returns (9-178-19.8) in 2008.

ROBINSON LEADS RUSHING ATTACK
Redshirt freshman Adam Robinson continues to lead Iowa’s rushing attack. He had career-bests in attempts (27) and yards (109) at Michigan State, surpassing 100 yards for the second time this season (Arizona). 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 135 times for 629 yards and five touchdowns (4.7 per carry). He also has 67 yards on eight pass receptions and has two KO returns for 38 yards. Robinson is currently sidelined with an injury, sustained in the win at Michigan State. He did not play in the win over Indiana.

WEGHER STEPS UP
True freshman Brandon Wegher started at running back for the first time vs. Indiana and responded with 25 carries for 118 yards and three touchdowns, all career-bests. He scored on a four-yard run in the second period, but saved the best for last. He scored on a six-yard run to give Iowa a 35-24 advantage in the fourth period. He added a 27-yard scoring run for Iowa’s last points in the closing minutes. For the season he has rushed 112 times for 439 yards and six scores. He also had 101 yards on 15 carries in the win at Iowa State, where he scored his first career touchdown. 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 48.8 rushing yards per game and 3.9 yards per carry. He also has 12 receptions for 98 yards and is averaging 25 yards on seven KO returns.

HAWKEYES TO WATCH
Seven Hawkeye players are listed on 11 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 (Davey O’Brien Award and 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

  • Three Hawkeyes have surpassed 800 career receiving yards. Junior Derrell Johnson-Koulianos leads the way with 107 catches for 1,611 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior WR Trey Stross has 64 catches for 893 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior TE Tony Moeaki has 840 yards on 69 receptions, with 11 touchdowns.
  • 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. Clayborn had six tackles in the win at Wisconsin, including two of Iowa’s six tackles for loss. Clayborn led Iowa’s defense at Michigan State, recording three tackles for loss and two QB sacks. He was named co-Defensive Player of the Week by the Big Ten as Iowa held MSU to 85 net rushing yards. He recorded seven tackles in the win over Indiana.
  • Senior WR Trey Stross has improved on his season totals from last season through Iowa’s nine games. He has 22 receptions for 323 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 and his 21-yard catch at Michigan State led to Iowa’s winning touchdown.
  • 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 fifth on the team with 47 tackles and played just briefly in the win over Indiana.
  • Junior CB Amari Spievey has been a steady performer throughout the season. Spievey, who has started 23 straight games, recorded eight tackles and two pass break-ups in Iowa’s opening win. Spievey has also been 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 36 tackles and six pass break-ups. Spievey had two interceptions in the win at Wisconsin, his first two thefts of the season. He added four tackles and a pass break-up, along with eight yards on three punt returns, vs. Indiana.
  • 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. Binns had eight tackles in the win at Michigan State, including one QB sack, and two pass break-ups. Binns leads Iowa with eight pass break-ups and he has 41 tackles in nine games.
  • 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 throughout the season. He ranks second on the team with 70 tackles and recovered a fumble in wins over Iowa State and Michigan. He came up with one of the biggest plays of the season 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 has recorded six tackles in each of Iowa’s last three games, wins over Wisconsin, Michigan State and Indiana.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa posted five offensive plays (four pass completions, one rush) that resulted in 20 yards or more against Indiana, plus three kickoff returns over 20 yards and an 86-yard interception return. Iowa has 34 pass plays and six rushing attempts over 20 yards in its nine games. Iowa’s defense has allowed 22 offensive plays (18 passing, four rushing) of 20 yards or more.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has been outscored 47-41 in the first period. Iowa holds a 42-41 advantage in the second period, a 48-16 margin in the third period and a 100-38 margin in the fourth period. Iowa has a 148-54 advantage in second half scoring, including 90-27 in five league games.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averaged 9.7 yards on 31 first down plays, 4.0 yards on 19 second down plays and 7.8 yards on 13 third down plays against Indiana. For the season, Iowa is averaging 5.7 yards on first down, 4.3 yards on second down, 6.7 on third down and 0.7 yards on fourth down. The fourth down conversion for the touchdown on the final play at Michigan State is Iowa’s only fourth down conversion in seven attempts this season.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa averaged 4.4 plays, 70.8 yards and 2:36 in elapsed time on five scoring drives in the win over Indiana, all resulting in touchdowns. In nine games, Iowa’s 39 scoring drives have averaged seven plays, 55.9 yards and 3:17 in elapsed time. Iowa’s opponents have had 20 scoring drives, averaging 9.5 plays, 56.1 yards and 4:06 in elapsed time. In nine games, just seven 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. Indiana scored 10 points after four drives began in Iowa territory following Hawkeye turnovers.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 24-28 in the red zone (16 touchdowns). 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 55 of their last 59 red zone possessions (35 TDs and 20 FGs) dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 36-40 combined inside the red zone in its last 12 games. Iowa’s opponents are 20-23 in the red zone, with 11 touchdowns and nine 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. Michigan State collected two field goals on its only two drives inside the Iowa 20. Indiana was 4-6 in the red zone, with three touchdowns and a field goal, along with throwing an interception and missing a field goal.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa scored 14 points following three pass interceptions in the win over Indiana, returning one of the thefts for a touchdown. For the season, Iowa has scored 81 points (10 TDs, four FGs) following 26 opponent turnovers (18 interceptions, seven fumbles, one blocked punt). Iowa has recorded at least one takeaway in 41 of its last 44 games, dating back to the 2006 campaign. Iowa had collected at least one turnover in 20 consecutive games, dating back to the final contest of the 2007 season, before the win at MSU. Iowa has been guilty of 17 turnovers (13 interceptions, four fumbles). Iowa opponents have scored 40 points (four touchdowns, four field goals) following those turnovers. Three interceptions have been returned for touchdowns.

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. That trend has continued in 2009, as Iowa has won four games by three points or less for the first time ever in a single season.
  • 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.
  • Iowa’s winning touchdown at Michigan State came on fourth down on the final play of the game as Iowa prevailed 15-13. MSU scored with 1:37 to play before Iowa rallied, moving 70 yards in 10 plays. The Hawkeyes won the game on a seven yard pass from Ricky Stanzi to Marvin McNutt.
  • 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 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 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 nine seasons, including 2009. 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 eight of its nine wins this season. Iowa has trailed at halftime in three games and was tied at Michigan State. Iowa trailed after three quarters in wins over Northern Iowa, Penn State, Michigan State and Indiana. The Wisconsin game was tied after three periods.
  • Iowa sold out six of its seven home games in 2008 and four of five games in 2009. The Hawkeyes have sold out 40 of their last 42 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 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.

HAWKEYES BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa returns 48 lettermen from 2008, including 22 on offense, 22 on defense and four specialists. The 48 lettermen are four less than the 52 that returned in 2008. The Hawkeyes return six starters on offense, eight on defense and their place kicker and punter. The lettermen breakdown includes five three-year lettermen, 22 two-year lettermen and 21 one-year lettermen. The total roster has 117 players, and includes 15 seniors, 30 juniors, 25 sophomores, 23 redshirt freshmen and 24 true freshmen. The depth chart includes 10 seniors, 20 juniors, 14 sophomores and five redshirt freshmen.

THEY STARTED THEM ALL
Iowa has had 14 players start all eight games, plus punter Ryan Donahue and PK Daniel Murray. On offense, that list includes WR Trey Stross, OL Rafael Eubanks, QB Ricky Stanzi and 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.

EXPERIENCE IN OFFENSIVE LINE
Iowa’s returning offensive linemen have combined to start 144 games throughout their careers. Seniors Rafael Eubanks has started 34 games and senior Kyle Calloway has 33 starts. Others with starting experience include Bryan Bulaga (24), Julian Vandervelde (20), Dace Richardson (17), Riley Reiff (7), Dan Doering (6), Andy Kuempel (2) and Adam Gettis (1). In addition, senior Travis Meade started five games as an offensive lineman before moving to defense for his final season.

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).

HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 117 players includes 56 players from Iowa. The roster includes 17 players from Illinois; 13 from Ohio; four from Florida; three from Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri and New Jersey; two from Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Texas and Wisconsin, one from Connecticut, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Montana, South Dakota and Canada.

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 travels to Ohio State Nov. 14 for its final road game (2:30 p.m. CT, ABC). The Hawkeyes close the season Nov. 21, hosting Minnesota (TBA) in the annual battle for Floyd of Rosedale.