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Iowa Earns FedEx Orange Bowl Date Against Georgia TechIowa Earns FedEx Orange Bowl Date Against Georgia Tech
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Iowa Earns FedEx Orange Bowl Date Against Georgia Tech

Dec. 8, 2009

Complete Release in PDF Format

IOWA TO MEET GEORGIA TECH IN ORANGE BOWL
Iowa (10-2, 6-2) will meet Georgia Tech (11-2, 7-1) of the Atlantic Coast Conference in the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl. The Orange bowl will be played Jan. 5 at 7:05 p.m. (CST) in Land Shark Stadium (72,230) in Miami, FL. A sellout is expected. The Hawkeyes tied for second in the Big Ten standings. Georgia Tech earned the Atlantic Coast Conference title with a 39-34 win over Clemson Dec. 5 in the ACC championship game.

ON THE TUBE
FOX (HD) will televise the game to a national cable audience. Dick Stockton, Charles Davis and Chris Myers will call the action.

RADIO BROADCAST
The FedEx Orange Bowl will be 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 Orange Bowl can also be heard on The BCS on ESPN Radio. Sean McDonough, Matt Millen and Holly Rowe will call the action for ESPN Radio.

HAWKEYE HUDDLE AT FEDEX ORANGE BOWL
The National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association invite all fans to the “Hawkeye Huddle” on Monday, Jan. 4, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The Orange Bowl Hawkeye Huddle is open to all Iowa fans and includes cash refreshments and snacks, Hawk Shop merchandise, special guest speakers, the Iowa Marching Band, UI Spirit Squad and Herky. Ticket purchasers will be notified of the Huddle event details by an insert when tickets are mailed. In addition, a press release will be sent out at a later date with details. For more information, contact the National I-Club office at (800) 648-6973, or the UI Alumni Association at (800) 469-2586.

IOWA IN BCS RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked 10th in the BCS rankings and Georgia Tech is ninth. Iowa was ranked as high as fourth earlier this season, its highest BCS ever. The Hawkeyes were ranked 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 10th in the computer rankings and 11th in the coach’s poll and 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 10th in the Associated Press rankings and 11th in the USA Today coaches’ poll. The Hawkeyes are 10th in the BCS Standings and 11th in the Harris Poll. Georgia Tech is ninth in the BCS and AP rankings and 10th in the coach’s poll. Iowa ranked as high as sixth in the coaches poll and eighth in the AP earlier this season, the highest for the Hawkeyes since they were third in both the AP ranking and the coaches poll in December, 2002. Around the Big Ten, Ohio State is eighth in both polls, Penn State is 11/9 and Wisconsin is 24/22. In addition, Arizona is 22/23 and Northwestern is listed among teams receiving votes. 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 coach’s poll, 22nd by the Associated Press, 23rd by Athlon Sports and 24th by Sports Illustrated. Iowa is ranked 19th in the latest Sagarin Ratings and Georgia Tech is ninth.

IOWA JOINS ANOTHER TOP 20
Iowa has earned 69 wins since the start of the 2002 season, which ties as the 16th highest total in Division I football. The list includes the following: Boise State (93); USC (90); Texas (90); Ohio State (86); Oklahoma (85); LSU (81); Georgia (81); Virginia Tech (79); TCU (79); Florida (79); West Virginia (76); Utah (73); Boston College (72); Auburn (71); Wisconsin (71); IOWA (69); Texas Tech (69); Miami, FL (69), California (67) and Penn State (66).

BEST DECADE FOR IOWA FOOTBALL
Iowa’s football record in the 2000 decade stands at 79-45 (.637), 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.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,128 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 578-510-39 (.530). That includes a 365-199-16 (.643) record in home games, a 213-312-23 (.410) record in games away from Iowa City, a 285-344-25 (.455) mark in Big Ten games and a 248-163-15 (.600) record in Kinnick Stadium.

IOWA’S BOWL HISTORY
Iowa will be playing in its 24th bowl game. The Hawkeyes hold a 12-10-1 (.543) all-time bowl record. Iowa is competing in its eighth bowl game in nine years, including its sixth January bowl game since the 2002 season. Iowa is one of seven teams in the nation to appear in six January bowl games in the last eight years. Ohio State Southern Cal and Florida have played in seven, while Iowa, LSU, Georgia and Oklahoma have played in six. Iowa is 4-3 in bowl games since 2001. Iowa defeated Texas Tech (19-16) in the 2001 Alamo Bowl. The Hawkeyes used the 2001 Alamo Bowl win as a springboard to four consecutive January bowl games; Iowa lost to USC (38-17) in the 2003 Orange Bowl, defeated Florida (37-17) in the 2004 Outback Bowl and LSU (30-25) in the 2005 Capital One Bowl, and lost to Florida (31-24) in the 2006 Outback Bowl. Iowa returned to the Alamo Bowl in 2006, falling (26-24) to Texas. Iowa appeared in its fifth January bowl game under Coach Kirk Ferentz at the conclusion of the 2008 season, defeating South Carolina 31-10 in the 2009 Outback Bowl. The Hawkeyes have competed in the Rose (five times), Alamo (four), Holiday (three), Peach (two), Sun (two), Outback (three) and the Orange, Capital One, Gator and Freedom Bowls once.

HAWKEYES THIRD IN BOWL APPEARANCES
Iowa ranks third in Big Ten bowl appearances. Ohio State has received a conference-best 41 bowl bids, followed by Michigan (39) and the Hawkeyes (24). Wisconsin ranks fourth with 21. Iowa, Penn State (26-13-2, .659) and Purdue (8-7, .533) are the only Big Ten teams with a winning percentage in bowl games. Iowa is one of seven Big Ten Conference teams that will play in a bowl game. The Big Ten has two teams competing in BCS games for the ninth time in 12 seasons. Since the inception of the BCS in 1998, the Big Ten has qualified 21 teams for BCS bowls, more than any other conference. Seven different Big Ten programs have played in BCS bowl games. The Big Ten is sending at least seven teams to bowl games for the fifth straight season, the longest streak in conference history. Additional bowl games for the Big Ten this season include Ohio State vs. Oregon in the Rose Bowl; Penn State vs. LSU in the Capital One Bowl; Northwestern vs. Auburn in the Outback Bowl; Wisconsin vs. Miami, FL in the Champs Bowl, Michigan State vs. Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl and Minnesota vs. Iowa State in the Insight Bowl.

IOWA IN THE ORANGE BOWL AND FLORIDA
Iowa has played in the Orange Bowl once previously, falling to Southern California by a 38-17 margin in the 2003 event. That is Iowa’s only previous game at Land Shark Stadium (previously named Pro Player Stadium). The Hawkeyes have played nine games (3-6) in the state of Florida. Iowa’s 2004 Outback Bowl victory over Florida was the Hawkeyes’ first victory in the state of Florida. In 2005, Iowa won its second-straight game in Florida, edging LSU (30-25) in the 2005 Capital One Bowl in Orlando. Iowa won its second Outback Bowl with a 31-10 win over South Carolina in January, 2009. Florida beat the Hawkeyes (31-24) in the 2006 Outback Bowl. USC defeated Iowa in the 2003 Orange Bowl. The Hawkeyes lost three games to Miami in Orange Bowl Stadium during the 1950, 1966 and 1990 regular seasons. Iowa also lost the 1983 Gator Bowl, dropping a 14-6 decision to Florida.

LIVE BLOGGING FROM BOWL SITE
Hawkeye fans not able to attend the FedEx Orange Bowl game 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. Iowa 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.

IOWA MEETS TOUGH BOWL OPPONENTS
In four of its most recent bowl games, Iowa has played an opponent who was in the national title picture. Southern Cal defeated Iowa in the 2003 Orange Bowl and went on to win the Associated Press national title the following season. Iowa defeated LSU 30-25 in the 2005 Capital One Bowl after the Tigers had won the 2003 coaches national title. Florida defeated Iowa in the 2006 Outback Bowl then won both the AP and coaches title the following season. Iowa ended the 2006 season with a loss to Texas in the Alamo Bowl. The Longhorns had won the AP and coaches national titles in 2005.

IOWA POSTS 10-2 REGULAR SEASON RECORD
The 2009 University of Iowa football team completed the regular season with one of the best records in Iowa football history. It is only the fourth time in Iowa football history the Hawkeyes have won 10 games in the regular season. For the first time ever, the Hawkeyes won their first nine games of a season. And, for the sixth time in eight years, Iowa will be playing in a January bowl game. Coach Kirk Ferentz has led the Hawkeyes to 10 or more victories in four of 11 seasons (2002, 2003, 2004, 2009). The Hawkeyes finished the 2009 regular season with a 10-2 overall record and a 6-2 Big Ten mark, good enough for a second place tie with Penn State. The Hawkeyes have won at least nine games for the fifth time in the last eight years. Iowa has won as many as 10 games in the regular season for just the fourth time. Iowa won 11 regular season games in 2002 and 10 in 1985 and 1991. Taking care of business with what most called a murderous road schedule was a primary reason for this season’s success. Iowa posted road wins at Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Iowa State. An overtime loss at eventual league champion Ohio State was the only road blemish. A seven point home loss to Northwestern was Iowa’s only other loss. The Hawkeyes did post four wins by three points or less for the first time in school history. Still, 10 points is all that kept this team, predicted to finish in the middle of the Big Ten, from a perfect regular season. Iowa posted a 6-2 record against teams that advanced to bowl games and the Hawkeyes were 3-1 against teams ranked in the top 25 final rankings. Another road block during the 2009 season was an unusually high number of injuries to several starters. The loss of two offensive linemen, tight end, quarterback, running backs, receivers, defensive backs and a linebacker were all part of the scenario Iowa’s coaching staff had to deal with. All of the above mentioned positions lost starters for at least part of the season. Two potential starters, Jewel Hampton (RB) and Jordan Bernstine (DB), were lost for the year in pre-season practice. The Hawkeyes enter bowl play ranked 10 in the BCS and Associated Press rankings and 11th in the coaches poll. And, the Hawkeyes reaped the rewards of a successful season. Coach Kirk Ferentz was named Big Ten Coach of the Year for the third time. Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga was picked as the league’s Offensive Lineman of the Year. He joined Dace Richardson (OL), Tony Moeaki (TE), Adrian Clayborn (DE), Pat Angerer (LB), Tyler Sash (DB) and Amari Spievey (DB) on the first all-Big Ten team. Five other Hawkeyes were named to the league’s second unit. A class of 17 seniors was instrumental in Iowa’s success. The really good news is that only seven of those seniors are listed as starters for the Fed Ex Orange Bowl.

IOWA PLACES SECOND IN BIG TEN
Iowa won six Big Ten conference games for the third time under Coach Kirk Ferentz. Iowa tied for second place in the final conference standings. Ohio State won the league with a 7-1 record while Penn State was also 6-2. Iowa lost at Ohio State, 27-24, in overtime. The Hawkeyes opened conference action with a 21-10 win at Penn State. Iowa did not play league opponents Illinois and Purdue. The second place finish is the best for the Hawkeyes since they shared the Big Ten title in 2004. Iowa was third in 2005 and has finished in the Big Ten’s first division eight of the past nine seasons.

FERENTZ NAMED COACH OF THE YEAR
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz has been named the Dave McClain Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year for the third time. He is also one of 15 semi-finalists for the George Munger Award, presented by the Maxwell Football Club to the College Coach of the Year. The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) has named Ferentz its 2009 Region Three Coach of the Year. Ferentz was also the league Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2004. He was the Associated Press and Walter Camp National Coach of the Year in 2002. Ferentz has led nine straight Iowa teams to bowl eligibility and the Hawkeyes have finished in the Big Ten’s first division eight of the past nine seasons. Ferentz has an 80-55 (.593) record at Iowa, including a 69-31 (.690) record and a 42-22 (.656) conference record the last eight seasons.

BULAGA HONOR HEADS ALL-BIG TEN
Junior tackle Bryan Bulaga has been named Big Ten Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year. Bulaga’s award, voted on by league media, highlights Iowa’s selections on the all-conference teams. In addition, Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz was tabbed, by Big Ten media, Dave McClain Coach of the Year. Bulaga (6-6, 312) is the first Hawkeye offensive lineman to earn the honor since Robert Gallery was recognized in 2003. Mitch King was the Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2008. Bulaga was named first team all-Big Ten by both the coaches and media. Other Hawkeyes named to the first team by both media and coaches include DE Adrian Clayborn, LB Pat Angerer and DB Tyler Sash. Senior Dace Richardson (offensive guard), tight end Tony Moeaki and DB Amari Spievey were also on the coaches first team. The coaches also named WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, center Rafael Eubanks and OLB A.J. Edds to their second team. The media second team included Eubanks, Moeaki, Richardson, Spievey, OT Kyle Calloway and DB Brett Greenwood. Hawkeye players earning honorable mention recognition include defensive tackles Christian Ballard and Karl Klug, P Ryan Donahue, RB Adam Robinson, DE Broderick Binns, PK Daniel Murray, and QB Ricky Stanzi. Edds was also honored with the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.

HAWKEYES EARN ACADEMIC HONORS
Thirteen members of the Iowa football program have earned academic all-Big Ten honors for the 2009 fall semester. Those players include senior A.J. Edds (Management); senior Josh Koeppel (Sociology); junior Nick Kuchel (Health & Sports Studies); senior Travis Meade (Elementary Education); junior Brett Morse (Marketing); senior Jayme Murphy (Interdepartmental Studies/Health & Sports Studies); junior Daniel Murray (Mechanical Engineering); sophomore Tyler Nielsen (Management); redshirt freshman Jack Swanson (Computer Science); junior Jeff Tarpinian (Accounting); redshirt freshman James Vandenberg (Health Promotions Interest/Pre-Chiropractic); junior Julian Vandervelde (English/Religious Studies); and redshirt freshman Jason White (Interdepartmental Studies). The academic honor is the third for Edds, Morse, Murphy, Murray, Tarpinian and Vandervelde. Kuchel and Nielsen were recognized for the second time. To be eligible for academic all-Big Ten, student-athletes must be letterwinners and be in at least their second academic year at the institution. They must also carry a career grade point average of 3.0 or better.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS FOR FOOTBALL
The graduation rate for student-athletes who enrolled at the University of Iowa in the fall of the 2002-03 academic year was 70 percent, six percentage points better than the national average and two point better than a year ago. The Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for student-athletes at Iowa was 85 percent. The national GSR was 79 percent. The GSR calculation takes into consideration a number of factors, including, most importantly, student-athletes who left the UI in good academic standing. The graduation rate for Iowa’s nationally ranked football program was 67 percent for the second consecutive year. The national average was 55 percent. GSR measures graduation rates at Division I institutions and includes students transferring into the institutions. The GSR also allows institutions to subtract student-athletes who leave their institutions prior to graduation as long as they would have been academically eligible to compete had they remained.

FLORIDA CONNECTIONS

  • Iowa’s roster includes four players from the state of Florida, including RB Jeff Brinson and RB Josh Brown (St. Petersburg), LB Troy Johnson (Lakeland) and DB Jack Swanson (Naples).
  • Georgia Tech does not have any Iowan’s on its roster.
  • Iowa has just one player from Georgia. Tom Donatell, is from Atlanta (Peachtree Ridge HS), the home of the Yellow Jackets. Georgia Tech has two players from Atlanta in Cooper Taylor (Marist HS) and Jason Hill (Douglass HS).
  • Iowa’s Jonathan Gimm and Georgia Tech’s Carl Miles are both from Houston, but attended different high schools.
  • Iowa’s A.J. Edds and Georgia Tech’s Jordan Luallen are both from Greenwood, IN, but attended different high schools.

IOWA NOTES

  • Georgia Tech is the home team in the FedEx Orange Bowl. Georgia Tech will wear white jerseys in the bowl game, while Iowa will wear black jerseys.
  • Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz (Iowa, 2002) and Georgia Tech Coach Paul Johnson (Navy, 2004) have both earned national Coach of the Year recognition. Ferentz in the Big Ten and Johnson in the Atlantic Coast have both been named 2009 league Coach of the Year.
  • Iowa and Georgia Tech have each lost just six games over the last two seasons. Iowa was 9-4 in 2008 and 10-2 in 2009. The Yellow Jackets are 11-2 this season after a 9-4 mark a year ago.
  • Iowa has been bowl eligible the last nine seasons, playing in eight bowl games. Georgia Tech is playing in its 13th straight bowl game. Iowa defeated South Carolina (31-10) in the Outback Bowl following the 2008 season, while Georgia Tech lost to LSU (38-3) in the Chick-fil-A-Bowl.
  • Both Iowa and Georgia Tech defeated a team that was ranked fourth in the nation during the regular season. Iowa won at Penn State 21-10 on Sept. 26 and the Yellow Jackets defeated Virginia Tech 28-23 Oct. 17 at home.
  • Georgia Tech Coach Paul Johnson was the offensive coordinator at Hawaii from 1987-94. Iowa lost at Hawaii (27-24) in 1988 and defeated Hawaii 53-10 at Iowa City in 1991. Georgia Tech wide receivers coach Al “Buzz” Preston and co-offensive line Coach Mike Sewak were both on the Hawaii staff for those games as well. Preston served as the wide receivers coach, while Sewak was an assistant coach.
  • Iowa is 5-5 all-time in games played in January. The Hawkeyes are 5-3 on January 1 and 0-2 on Jan. 2.
  • Iowa 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. 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 won 13 straight games before a loss to Northwestern. The Iowa win streak was its longest since a 20-game streak between 1920 and 1923. Iowa won its final three regular season games in 2008 (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 had the longest road winning streak in Big Ten play with wins at Minnesota, Penn State, Wisconsin and Michigan State over the past two years before the overtime loss at Ohio State.
  • Iowa has finished in the Big Ten’s first division eight of the past nine seasons. Iowa shared the league title in 2002 and 2004, placed second this season and third in 2005.
  • Iowa’s 12 opponents compiled a regular season record of 81-61 (.570) record. Iowa played eight games in 2009 against teams that are participating in bowl games, posting a 6-2 record. Those opponents include Iowa State (Insight), Arizona (Holiday), Penn State (Capital One), Wisconsin (Champs Sports), Michigan State (Alamo), Northwestern (Outback), Ohio State (Rose) and Minnesota (Insight). Iowa was also 3-1 against teams that are ranked in the final BCS, Associated Press and coaches rankings. That includes an overtime loss at Ohio State and wins over Arizona, Penn State and Wisconsin.
  • Iowa posted a 4-1 road record while playing at Iowa State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State. Those five teams were a combined 26-9 (.743) at home this season. Outside of the home game against Iowa, those five teams were 25-5 (.833) at home.
  • In Big Ten play, Iowa’s eight opponents posted a 58-38 overall record. Iowa did not play Illinois and Purdue. Among the top five teams in the final Big Ten standings, Ohio State’s league opponents were 52-44, Penn State’s 52-44, Wisconsin’s 54-42 and Northwestern’s 53-43.
  • Iowa won four games by a total of eight points, with wins by one, two, two and three points. The Hawkeyes trailed in 10 of 12 games, with the largest deficit being 14 points in the second half against both Indiana and Ohio State. 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’s six losses in the past two seasons have all been by seven points or less. This season, Iowa lost at Ohio State by three (in overtime) and by seven to Northwestern. In 2008, Iowa lost by one point at Pittsburgh, lost at home to Northwestern by five and lost road games at Michigan State and Illinois by three points each.
  • Iowa scored 30 points or more in three games, with a high of 42 vs. Indiana.
  • Eight of Iowa’s opponents scored 17 points or less, including a shutout win over Minnesota. Two of four opponents who scored over 20 points were aided by a defensive touchdown.
  • Iowa is playing its fourth night game of the season (7 p.m. CT). Iowa won three prime time games on national television during the regular season. 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 had eight players earn Big Ten Player of the Week honors.
  • Iowa won all three traveling trophy games this season, for the second straight year. The Hawkeyes defeated Iowa State 35-3 (Sept. 12) to maintain possession of the Cy-Hawk Trophy. Iowa won 20-10 at Wisconsin (Oct. 17) to keep the Heartland Trophy and defeated Minnesota 12-0 (Nov. 21) to keep Floyd of Rosedale. Overall, Iowa has won seven straight trophy games.
  • Iowa’s seven first team all-Big Ten honorees are the most since the Hawkeyes placed 11 on the first team in 2002.
  • Iowa scored on its opening possession in four of 12 games, collecting touchdowns against Arizona and Arkansas State and field goals vs. Northern Iowa and Minnesota.
  • Iowa has allowed just two opponents to score on their opening possession in the last 25 games. Indiana and Penn State both opened with a touchdown drive this season.
  • Iowa’s current offensive linemen have combined to start 159 games throughout their careers. Seniors Rafael Eubanks has started 37 games and senior Kyle Calloway has 36 starts. Others with starting experience include Bryan Bulaga (27), Julian Vandervelde (23), Dace Richardson (17), Riley Reiff (10), 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 in 2009.

STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

  • Iowa collected 29 turnovers, including 20 pass interceptions. Iowa is tied for fifth in the nation in interceptions. Eight different Hawkeyes have intercepted at least one pass this season. The Hawkeyes had 23 interceptions in 13 games last season.
  • Iowa is tied for 17th in fewest fumbles lost (seven), fourth in penalty yards per game (35.2), sixth in fewest penalties per game (4.4), and 34th in time of possession (30:52).
  • Iowa has lost seven fumbles, two of those in the opening game and two vs. Northwestern. 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’s second fumble against Northwestern was just the second this season by an Iowa running back. Iowa lost its only fumble vs. Minnesota.
  • Iowa has committed 26 turnovers, with 17 of those taking place in the seven home games. Iowa committed nine turnovers in five road games.
  • Iowa did not allow a rushing touchdown for 33 consecutive quarters before Michigan and Ohio State had three and Wisconsin and Indiana one each. Iowa allowed seven rushing touchdowns in 2008.
  • LB Pat Angerer led the Big Ten in tackles (12.8) during conference play. He is fifth nationally and was second in the Big Ten for all games. In Iowa’s last three games he had 17 tackles vs. Northwestern, 13 at Ohio State and 16 vs. Minnesota.
  • Iowa has recorded at least one takeaway in 42 of its last 46 games, dating back to the 2006 season.
  • In the last eight years, Iowa is 52-7 when leading at the half and 57-6 when leading after three quarters.
  • Iowa has held Iowa State without a touchdown the last 14 quarters, dating back to the second quarter of Iowa’s win in 2006. Minnesota has not scored a point in eight consecutive periods over the last two games.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

  • In national statistics, Iowa is fourth in pass efficiency defense (91.9) and eighth in pass defense (164.7), while GA Tech is eighth in pass efficiency offense (157.4).
  • Iowa is 10th in scoring defense (15.5) and GA Tech is 11th in scoring offense (35.3).
  • Iowa is 11th in total defense (286.7) and GA Tech is 11th in total offense (442.7).
  • Iowa is 36th in QB sacks (2.33) and GA Tech is third in fewest sacks allowed (.69).
  • GA Tech is second in rushing offense (307.2) and Iowa is 33rd in rushing defense (122.0).
  • Iowa is 27th in net punting (37.4) and GA Tech is 10th in punt returns (14.3).
  • Iowa is tied for fifth with 20 interceptions, while GA Tech has thrown just five interceptions.

DEPTH CHART INCLUDES ELEVEN WALK-ONS
Iowa’s bowl depth chart includes 11 walk-ons, four on offense and defense and three on special teams. That list includes RB Paki O’Meara, OL Josh Koeppel, FB Wade Leppert, OL Kyle Haganman, DL Travis Meade, DB Joe Conklin, DB Brett Greenwood, DE Chad Geary, PK Daniel Murray, P Eric Guthrie and long snapper Andrew Schulze. The Iowa depth chart has 12 seniors (seven offense, five defense) among the 50 players listed (not including special teams). PK Daniel Murray and P Ryan Donahue are both juniors.

IOWA IN CONFERENCE ONLY STATS
Individually, in Big Ten games only, LB Pat Angerer led the league in tackles per game (12.8). WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos ranked second in kickoff returns (32.2), third in receiving yards per game (74.9) and tied for fourth in all-purpose yards (119.1). PK Daniel Murray tied for first in field goals per game (1.75) and fifth in kick scoring (7.0). DE Adrian Clayborn ranked second in tackles for loss (1.8) and tied with DE Broderick Binns for third in QB sacks (.81). DB Shaun Prater tied for second in pass break-ups (1.25) and WR Colin Sandeman ranked second in punt returns (8.7). RB Adam Robinson ranked third in rushing yards (74.0) and OLB A.J. Edds tied for second in interceptions (.5). As a team, Iowa ranked first in pass defense (159.0) and pass efficiency defense (90.94), second in KO returns (25.3), total defense (290.4), fewest penalties (4.5), first downs allowed (16.0) and KO returns (25.3). Iowa was third in scoring defense (16.1) and fewest penalty yards (36.5), tied for third in QB sacks (2.8) and fourth in rushing defense (120.2) and punt returns (8.7).

THE SERIES
Iowa and Georgia Tech have not met on the football field. Iowa is 0-7 all-time against the Atlantic Coast Conference, including 0-4 vs. Miami, FL and 0-3 vs. North Carolina State. However, the four games against Miami occurred before the Hurricanes joined the ACC. Ironically, Iowa played N.C. State and Miami in consecutive games to open the 1992 season, losing to N.C. State 24-14 in the Kickoff Classic and falling to Miami 24-7 at Iowa City. North Carolina State defeated Iowa 28-23 in the 1988 Peach Bowl, Iowa’s only previous bowl game against a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Georgia Tech is 11-2 after defeating #25 Clemson 39-34 in the ACC championship game Dec. 5 at Tampa, FL. The Yellow Jackets posted a 7-1 record in ACC action. Losses came at the hands of Miami, FL (17-33) and Georgia (24-30). In non-conference action, Tech defeated Jacksonville State, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. In conference play Tech defeated Clemson, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest at home and won road games at Florida State, Virginia and Duke. Georgia Tech features an option offensive attack that averages 35.3 points, 307.2 rushing yards per game and over 34 minutes per game in time of possession. The Tech defense allowed 24.8 points per game, including 150.1 rushing yards and 206.9 passing yards per game. Tech quarterbacks threw just five interceptions in 13 games.

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 has been named the 2009 Dave McClain Big Ten Conference Coach of the year and is one of 15 semi-finalists for the 2009 George Munger Award, presented by the Maxwell Football Club to the College Coach of the Year. He is the 2009 AFCA Region Three Coach of the Year. 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 2002, 2004 and 2009. Ferentz guided Iowa to Big Ten titles twice in the last eight years and six 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 69-31 (.690) overall mark and a 42-22 (.656) Big Ten record the last eight seasons. Ferentz has guided the Hawkeyes to eight first division finishes, including a second place finish this season. Ferentz, at Iowa, holds an overall record of 80-55 (.593) and a 49-39 (.557) mark in Big Ten games. In 13 seasons as a college head coach his career mark is 92-76 (.548). Ferentz boasts the second-most victories by a Hawkeye head coach. Fifty of Iowa’s 135 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (24-26) and 38 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (15-23). Ferentz joined the Iowa staff after serving as assistant head coach and offensive line coach of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. 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.

GEORGIA TECH COACH PAUL JOHNSON
Paul Johnson is completing his second year as the head coach at Georgia Tech. He has posted a 20-6 record with the Yellow Jackets, winning the 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference championship. Johnson is completing his 13th season as a college head coach, posting a record of 127-45. He was the 2004 Bobby Dodd national Coach of the Year after leading Navy to a 10-2 mark. His career includes a 62-10 record in five seasons at Georgia Southern and a six-year record of 45-29 at Navy. Georgia Southern won Division I-AA national titles in 1999 and 2000 after reaching the championship game in 1998. His Georgia Southern teams won five straight Southern Conference titles. At Navy he led his last five teams to bowl games and Navy claimed the Commander-In-Chief Trophy five straight years. Johnson has led to Georgia Tech to two straight bowl games, including its first BCS contest this season.

HAWKEYES ON WATCH LISTS

  • Seven Hawkeye players were named to 11 different pre-season “Watch Lists” for individual national awards. Those players included 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 programs (joining Oklahoma and Texas) to have five different individual players earn national Player of the Year honors at their position since 2002.
  • LB Pat Angerer was one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Award, which honors the top defensive player in the nation. The award was presented Dec. 7 in Charlotte, NC. Angerer was named first team all-Big Ten by both league coaches and media. After led the team in tackles in both 2008 and 2009. He is tied for 27th in career stops with 248, including 135 this season, which ranks 12th best for a single season. He has led Iowa in tackles in the last nine games. Angerer had 16 tackles vs. Minnesota and 12 tackles in wins over Indiana and Michigan and nine at Michigan State. He collected a career-high 17 tackles in the loss to Northwestern. He had five solo stops among his 13 tackles at Ohio State. At Penn State he recorded 14 tackles (four solo). 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 107 tackles while playing in all 13 games in 2008.
  • Senior TE Tony Moeaki was named one of eight semi-finalists for the John Mackey Award. He was named first team all-Big Ten by both league coaches and media. 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. 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 72 receptions for 868 yards and 11 touchdowns during his injury-plagued career.
  • Junior QB Ricky Stanzi was named one of 15 semi-finalists for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award. Stanzi quarterbacked the Hawkeyes to a 9-1 record before missing Iowa’s final two regular season games due to injury. Stanzi has passed for 2,186 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. He has posted a 17-4 record as Iowa’s starting quarterback. He was injured in the second period vs. Northwestern and did not return. Two Iowa quarterbacks have won the Davey O’Brien Award. Chuck Long won the honor in 1985 and Brad Banks was recognized in 2002.
  • Sophomore DB Tyler Sash was named one of 12 semi-finalists for the 2009 Jim Thorpe Award, which goes each season to the top defensive back in the nation. He was named first team all-Big Ten by both league coaches and media. 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. He 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 is second on the team in tackles (84) and fifth in tackles for loss (5.5). 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.
  • Junior punter Ryan Donahue was named one of 10 semi-finalists for the Ray Guy Award, which goes to the top punter in the nation. He is averaging 41.3 yards on 57 punts, with 24 punts inside the 20 and just five touchbacks. Iowa’s opponents have 21 punt returns for 122 net yards, as Iowa ranks 25th in the nation in punt return defense (5.8). He has at least one punt of at least 50 yards in 17 of Iowa’s last 23 games. Donahue holds three of the 10 longest punts (82, 76 and 73 yards) in school history.
  • Donahue had a 51-yard average on five punts vs. Arizona. 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. He averaged 47 yards on five punts vs. Northwestern, with a season-long 73 yard boot. Three of his kicks were inside the 20 and Northwestern had just one return for five yards.
  • Coach Kirk Ferentz is a semi-finalist for the George Munger Coach of the Year award. He is the 2009 Dave McClain Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year and the AFCA Region Three Coach of the Year.

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 missed Iowa’s last four games due to an injury suffered at Michigan State. He earned first team all-Big Ten honors. Angerer had led an Iowa defense that ranks among the national leaders in several categories. A starter in 23 straight games, Angerer leads Iowa with 135 tackles and also has four tackles for loss, one pass interception and two forced fumbles. He has led Iowa in tackles in 10 of 12 games. Sash has started every game this season and 23 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 second on the team with 84 tackles. He had an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown in the win over Indiana.

VANDERVELDE NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT
Junior offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde has been selected to the ESPN The Magazine/COSIDA Academic all-District Seven second all-America team. Vandervelde is a religious studies and English major boasting a 3.47 GPA. This marks the second time the Davenport, IA, native has earned the honor; he was recognized on the academic all-district first team a year ago. He is also a two-time academic all-conference honoree. He has played in 11 games this year at offensive guard for the Hawkeyes, playing both the left and right guard spots. He did not play in the opening game due to injury.

IN THE RECORD BOOKS

  • Both as a team and individually, several Hawkeyes etched their names in the record books for accomplishments during the 2009 season. Below are some of the achievements by the Black and Gold:
  • Tyler Sash tied the single-game record for interceptions with three in the win at Iowa State.
  • Tyler Sash set a single-season record with 203 yards in interception returns.
  • Adam Robinson set a single-season record for rushing yards by a freshman with 775. That total ranks 28th best overall for a single season.
  • Brandon Wegher tied the freshman record for rushing touchdowns with seven.
  • Redshirt freshman Adam Robinson has 775 rushing yards, which ranks 28th best for a single season. His total is the most ever for an Iowa freshman.
  • QB Ricky Stanzi ranks 15th in passing yards (2,186) and 16th in total offense (2,145).
  • For just the ninth time in school history, Iowa had two players with over 600 receiving yards in a season, as Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (41-687) and Marvin McNutt (30- 653) both surpassed 600 yards. DJK is on target to become just the third Iowa receiver to lead the team in receiving for three straight seasons. His 687 yards ranks 26th best for a single season and McNutt’s 653 yards ranks 29th. McNutt’s team-leading seven touchdown receptions tie for eighth best in a season.
  • PK Daniel Murray is tied for 15th in scoring with 83 points.
  • DB Tyler Sash is tied for sixth with six interceptions. His 203 return yards are a single-season record.
  • LB Pat Angerer ranks 12th with 135 tackles.
  • Iowa’s long plays included a 99-yard kickoff return (ties fourth longest) by Derrell Johnson-Koulianos at Ohio State; a 92-yard pass completion (fourth longest) from Ricky Stanzi to Marvin McNutt vs. Indiana; an 86-yard interception return (fifth longest) by Tyler Sash vs. Indiana; and a 73-yard punt (10th longest) by Ryan Donahue vs. Northwestern.

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 248 career tackles and Edds 221. Angerer is tied for 27th and Edds is tied for 45th.
  • Angerer has 87 solo stops and 161 assists. With 12 tackles in the win over Indiana, he became the 61st Hawkeye to surpass 200 career tackles. Edds has 72 solo tackles and 149 assists, surpassing 200 career stops vs. Northwestern.
  • 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 1,808 career receiving yards on 123 receptions. DJK ranks eighth in receptions and 11th in receiving yards.
  • Junior QB Ricky Stanzi ranks seventh in career passing yards (4,142) and passing touchdowns (28) and junior PK Daniel Murray ranks 13th in career scoring with 152 points.

IOWA WINNING THE CLOSE ONES
Iowa won four games by three points or less for the first time ever in opening the season with nine straight wins. The two Iowa losses were by seven and three points in overtime. 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.

DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 44 of its last 53 games (.830) in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2002 season. The nine 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, 22-17 in 2008 and 17-10 in 2009), Wisconsin (24-21 in 2006) and Iowa State (36-31 in 2002). Iowa recorded a school-record 22-game home winning streak from 2002-05, which ended in the overtime loss to Michigan. Iowa’s 44-9 (.830) home record from 2002 thru 2009 is the 11th-best winning percentage in the nation and ranks second in the Big Ten to Ohio State. Iowa was 6-1 at home this season, with wins over Northern Iowa, Arizona, Arkansas State, Michigan, Indiana and Minnesota and a loss to Northwestern. Iowa is 12-2 at home the last two seasons.

MORE HAWKEYE NOTES

  • Iowa played three games under the lights in 2009 and won all three. Iowa won at Penn State (21-10 on ABC national) in its first night contest. The Hawkeyes defeated Michigan 30-28 in Kinnick Stadium on Oct. 10, also on ABC national television. The 15-13 win at Michigan State (Oct. 24) was televised by the Big Ten Network. Iowa has won five straight night games since a 2006 loss to Ohio State.
  • Iowa has not been fooled in the kicking game this season, as two opponent fakes 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 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 blocked three kicks in 2009. 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.
  • Iowa scored the first points in seven of 12 games. The opponent scored first in all four road games before Iowa opened the scoring at Ohio State with a field goal. Iowa State, Wisconsin and Michigan State opened with a field goal and Penn State opened with a touchdown. Iowa scored 35 straight points at Iowa State, 21 at Penn State and 20 at Wisconsin.
  • Iowa scored on 61 of the last 66 red zone possessions (38 TDs and 23 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 42-47 combined inside the red zone its last 15 games.
  • Iowa trailed in 10 of its 12 regular season games, winning eight of the 10. Iowa trailed at halftime in four games and was tied at Michigan State. Iowa trailed after three quarters in wins over Northern Iowa, Penn State, Michigan State and Indiana, and the loss to Northwestern. Games at Wisconsin (win) and Ohio State (loss) were tied after three periods.
  • Iowa had 11 players start all 12 games, plus punter Ryan Donahue and PK Daniel Murray. On offense, that list includes WR Trey Stross, OL Rafael Eubanks 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, CB Amari Spievey and SS Tyler Sash. Free safety Brett Greenwood started 29 straight games before missing the Northwestern game.

IOWA PROGRAM NOTES

  • Iowa is one of seven college football programs in the nation to compete in at least six January bowl games over the last eight seasons (Southern Cal, Ohio State, Florida, LSU, Georgia, Oklahoma). Iowa has been bowl eligible in each of the last nine seasons. The Hawkeyes are playing in their eighth bowl game since 2001. Iowa played in 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 eight of the past nine seasons, winning the league title in 2002 and 2004.
  • Over the past eight years, Iowa is 54-7 when leading at the half and 57-6 when leading after three quarters.
  • Iowa sold out six of its seven home games in both 2008 and 2009. The Hawkeyes have sold out 42 of their last 44 games, dating back to 2003. Iowa had a 36-game consecutive sellout streak from Sept. 6, 2003 until the final home game in 2008. The Hawkeyes averaged 70,214 this season (fifth best in Iowa history). Road attendance at Penn State (109,316, fourth) and Ohio State (105,455, 14th) rank among the highest ever to watch Iowa football.
  • Iowa is one of six institutions (Iowa, Florida, Florida State, Illinois, Maryland, SMU) to have a former football and men’s basketball National Coach of the Year currently coaching their respective team.
  • 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.

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 continued in 2009, as Iowa won four games by three points or less for the first time ever in a single season. Iowa is 4-1 this season when trailing after three periods and 1-1 when tied after three quarters.
  • 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 the loss at Ohio State, Iowa tied the game with 2:42 remaining before Ohio State won on a field goal in overtime.

IOWA DEFENSE SOLID

  • Iowa’s defense has been solid through the season. Iowa is tied for fifth in the nation with 20 pass interceptions. The Hawkeyes rank fourth in pass efficiency defense (91.9), eighth in pass defense (164.7), 10th in scoring defense (15.5) and KO coverage (18.6) and 11th in total defense (286.7) and first downs allowed (15.5).
  • 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.
  • The Iowa defense held Arizona to eight first downs, 148 net rushing yards, 253 yards total offense and 2-12 on third down conversions.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Northwestern had just 130 net rushing yards and 109 passing yards. Its scoring drives were a 46-yard touchdown drive and a 52-yard field goal drive. The Wildcats scored one touchdown on a fumble recovery in the endzone.
  • Iowa posted a shutout win over Minnesota (12-0) for the second straight season, allowing the Golden Gophers just 201 yards total offense.
  • 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. Iowa has allowed eight this season.
  • Iowa is plus three in turnover margin, with 20 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries. Iowa had five interceptions at Iowa State and three in wins over Penn State, Wisconsin and Indiana. There were no turnovers against Michigan State and Ohio State.
  • Linebackers Pat Angerer and A.J. Edds are the only senior starters on 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 the last four games in his place.
  • 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 77.5 yards per game, while Wegher averages 48. Wegher has scored seven touchdowns and Robinson five. Both have proven to be capable receivers, combining for 23 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. Robinson missed two games (Indiana and Northwestern) and Wegher did not play at Ohio 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 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, 14 Hawkeyes have at least one pass reception this season. Iowa established a school-record with 19 players having at least one reception in 2004.
  • Iowa has had five different players lead the team in receiving in its 12 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), at Michigan State (3-59), vs. Northwestern (6-63) and Minnesota (7-63); and WR Marvin McNutt vs. Arkansas State (4-121-2 TDs), Indiana (4-155-1 TD) and Ohio State (6-78-2 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 and the loss at Ohio State. 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. Iowa lost both of its fumbles against Northwestern and its only fumble vs. Minnesota.

TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2009
Iowa 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 three touchdowns vs. Indiana in his first career start and rushed for over 100 yards for the second time this season. Wegher (15-101 at ISU) became the second Iowa running back 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. Wegher also tied Hampton’s freshman record of seven rushing touchdowns. The Hawkeyes had seven true freshmen play in 2008. Iowa also had seven true freshmen play in 2003 and 2000.

SUCCESS ON THE ROAD
Dating back to 2008, Iowa has won six of its last seven games away from Iowa City, with the six-game streak snapped in an overtime loss at eighth-ranked Ohio State. The streak included 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 points. The road winning streak was 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 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 17-4 record in games he has started, including a 10-4 Big Ten record and a 10-2 mark in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa led the Northwestern game when he left due to injury and he did not play vs. Ohio State and Minnesota.
  • In 10 games Stanzi completed 154-275 attempts for 2,186 yards, with 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The passing yards rank 15th best for a single season and the 15 touchdowns ties as 12th best. He has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 16 of his last 19 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 nine scoring passes over 20 yards in his last six 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 4,142 yards and seventh in passing touchdowns (29). He has completed 304-533 (.570) career passes.

MURRAY LEADS IN SCORING
Junior PK Daniel Murray has made 12 of 16 field goal attempts in Iowa’s last seven 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. He was 2-2 vs. Minnesota, connecting from 30 and 45 yards. 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 remaining. He made one of two attempts vs. Northwestern and Ohio State. Murray has made 18-25 FG attempts this season and 29-30 PAT kicks (blocked). His career numbers include 31-44 field goals. He had made 59-62 PAT kicks. His 83 points in 2009 rank 15th best for a season. He ranks 13th in career scoring with 152 points.

DJK AMONG CAREER LEADERS
WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos ranks among Iowa’s career leaders in receptions (eighth) and receiving yards (11th) with 123 receptions for 1,808 yards and seven touchdowns. He leads Iowa in 2009 with 41 receptions for 687 yards and two scores. He is averaging 32.2 yards on 11 KO returns, including a 99-yard touchdown return at Ohio State, which ties as the fourth longest in school history. 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. DJK led Iowa in the Northwestern game with 63 yards on six receptions and he had seven catches for 63 yards vs. Minnesota. He is on target to become just the third receiver to lead Iowa in receiving for three consecutive years. He led Iowa in receptions (44) and receiving yards (639) and was second in kickoff returns (9-178-19.8) in 2008. He totaled 1,022 all-purpose yards in 2007 and has 1,041 all-purpose yards this season.

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. After missing the Indiana and Northwestern games, Robinson returned at Ohio State and had 20 carries for 74 yards. He added 72 yards on 12 carries in the first half against Minnesota before being injured and missing the second half. For the season he has rushed 167 times for 775 yards and five touchdowns (4.6 per carry). He also has 80 yards on 10 pass receptions and has two KO returns for 38 yards. His 775 rushing yards are the most ever for an Iowa freshman. The previous mark of 679 yards was help by Ladell Betts (1998). Robinson’s 893 all-purpose yards ranks sixth best among Iowa freshmen all-time.

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. He added 63 yards on 19 carries vs. Northwestern and had a 66-yard scoring run negated by a penalty. He did not play at Ohio State due to injury. For the season he has rushed 146 times for 528 yards and seven scores. He also had 101 yards on 15 carries in the win at Iowa State, where he scored his first career touchdown. The seven rushing touchdowns ties Iowa’s season record for a freshman. 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 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry. He also has 13 receptions for 112 yards and is averaging 25 yards on seven KO returns.

HAWKEYE PLAYER NOTES

  • Three Hawkeyes have surpassed 800 career receiving yards. Junior Derrell Johnson-Koulianos leads the way with 123 catches for 1,808 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior WR Trey Stross has 72 catches for 975 yards and seven touchdowns. Senior TE Tony Moeaki has 868 yards on 72 receptions, with 11 touchdowns. DJK is just the third Iowa receiver to lead the team in receiving in three consecutive seasons.
  • Junior DE Adrian Clayborn has been a solid performer each week for the Iowa defense. He was named first team all-Big Ten by both league coaches and media. He recorded a career-high 12 tackles at Ohio State, including three tackles for loss (-18) and a QB sack. 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. 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. His five tackles vs. Northwestern included 2.5 tackles for loss and he had 1.5 tackles for loss vs. Minnesota. He has 18 tackles for loss and 9.5 QB sacks.
  • Senior WR Trey Stross has improved on his season totals from 2008. He has 30 receptions for 405 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. Stross had three catches for 45 yards vs. Northwestern.
  • Junior CB Amari Spievey has been a steady performer all the season. He was on the pre-season Watch List for the Jim Thorpe Award. Spievey, who has started 25 straight games, recorded eight tackles and two pass break-ups in Iowa’s opening win. Spievey added four solo tackles and one KO return at Iowa State. 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 has 53 tackles and seven pass break-ups. He had seven tackles vs. Northwestern and six vs. Minnesota. Spievey had two interceptions in the win at Wisconsin, his first two thefts of the season.
  • 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. Binns had eight tackles in the win at Michigan State, including one QB sack, and two pass break-ups. Binns leads Iowa with nine pass break-ups and he has 58 tackles. He collected nine tackles vs. Northwestern.
  • Junior LB Jeremiha Hunter has been a steady performer throughout the season. He did not play against Minnesota and left the Ohio State game in the first half. He ranks third on the team with 83 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 added 10 tackles vs. Northwestern.

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 five 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); Maryland (Ralph Friedgen and Gary Williams) and Southern Methodist (June Jones and Matt Doherty).

HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 116 players includes 56 players from Iowa. The roster includes 17 players from Illinois; 12 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.

MORE THAN ONE
Twelve high schools have contributed more than one player to the current Iowa football roster. The leaders are Iowa City High (Iowa) with four and Humboldt (Iowa) and Glenville (Ohio) with three. Nine additional Iowa high schools, along with Cretin-Derham Hall (Minnesota), have two players on the roster.

THE NAME GAME
Kyle and Tyler are the most popular first names. There are four Kyle’s (Calloway, Haganman, Spading and Steinbrecher) and four Tyler’s (Christensen, Harrell, Nielsen and Sash). There are three players named Brett (Greenwood, Morse and Van Sloten), James (Ferentz, Hurt and Vandenberg), Joe (Conklin, Forgy and Gaglione) and Nick (Kuchel, Murphy and Nielsen). There are two named Adam (Gettis and Robinson), Andrew/Andy (Schulze and Kuempel), Brad (Herman and Rogers), Colin/Collin (Sandeman and Sleeper), Dan/Daniel (Doering and Murray), Jeff (Brinson and Tarpinian), John/Jonathon (Wienke and Gimm), Jordan (Bernstine and Cotton), Josh (Brown and Koeppel), Matt (Murphy and Tobin), Steve/Steven (Bigach and Staggs), Thomas/Tom (Nardo and Donatell) and Zach (Derby and Furlong). Two current Hawkeye players have twin brothers. Those include sophomore DB Shaun Prater (Shane) and junior DT Karl Klug (Kevin).

THE HAWKEYES, SIZE WISE
Junior WR Paul Chaney, Jr. is the lightest Hawkeye player at 167 pounds. Senior OL Kyle Calloway and junior OL Bryan Bulaga are the heaviest at 315 pounds. A total of eight Hawkeye players are listed over 300 pounds. The tallest players, at 6-7, are Calloway and OL Andy Kuempel, while the shortest players, at 5-9, are Chaney, Jr., sophomore RB Jewel Hampton and redshirt freshman RB Adam Robinson. The average Hawkeye player is 6-2 and weighs 231 pounds. That is the exact same height and two pounds lighter than the average Iowa player in 2008.