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Hawkeyes Match School Record with 11 Football Wins

Jan. 25, 2010

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    IOWA MATCHES SCHOOL RECORD WITH 11 WINS
    The 2009 University of Iowa football team will be remembered as one of the most entertaining, talented and successful teams in Hawkeye history. The 11 wins equal (2002) the program record for victories in a season. The regular season win total of 10 was achieved for only the fourth time. For the first time ever, the Hawkeyes won the first nine games of a season. And, for the sixth time in eight years, Iowa played in a January bowl game. And, more importantly, Iowa won a BCS caliber bowl game for the first time since 1959. The Hawkeyes finished the 2009 season with an 11-2 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 and it’s the seventh time in school history the program has won 10 games or more. Taking care of business with what most called a murderous road schedule was a primary reason for the team’s success.

    In addition to Iowa’s 24-14 win over ninth-ranked Georgia Tech in the FedEx Orange Bowl, the Hawkeyes 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 season. 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 were ranked seventh in both major polls at the conclusion of the season, the highest final ranking for the program since 1960. And, the Hawkeyes reaped the rewards of a successful season. Defensive end Adrian Clayborn was named MVP of the FedEx Orange Bowl. 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), Clayborn (DE), Pat Angerer (LB), Tyler Sash (DB) and Amari Spievey (DB) on the first all-Big Ten team. Five additional 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 six of those seniors were listed as starters for the final game of the season. Bulaga will be a big loss as well, as he’s indicated he’ll forego his senior year and enter the 2010 NFL draft.

    HAWKEYES RANKED SEVENTH
    Iowa concluded the season ranked seventh by the Associated Press and in the USA Today coaches poll. The ranking is Iowa’s highest at the end of a season since 1960 when the Hawkeyes were ranked third. Iowa ranked eighth nationally at the conclusion of the 2002, 2003 and 2004 seasons, giving the Hawkeyes four top 10 rankings over the last eight seasons. Iowa was ninth in the BCS Standings prior to the bowl season. Iowa ranked as high as sixth in the coaches poll and eighth in the AP during the season, the highest for the Hawkeyes since they were third in both the AP rankings and the coaches poll in December, 2002. The Hawkeyes were ninth in the final Sagarin Ratings. Around the Big Ten, Ohio State ranked fifth in both final polls, Penn State ranked 8/9 and Wisconsin concluded the year 16/16. In addition, Iowa opponents listed among teams receiving votes included Arizona and Northwestern.

    IOWA IN BCS RANKINGS
    Iowa ranked ninth in the final BCS rankings prior to the bowl season. Iowa was ranked as high as fourth earlier in the 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. 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.

    BIG TEN RANKS HIGH
    The Big Ten Conference led all conferences with four teams ranked among the top 16 and three among the top 10 in the final Associated Press poll. The SEC was the only other conference with multiple teams (two) in the final top 10. The Big Ten placed at least one team among the final AP top 10 for the eighth consecutive year and produced three top-10 programs for the fourth time in the last eight seasons (2009, 2006, 2003, 2002).

    IOWA JOINS ANOTHER TOP 20
    Iowa has 70 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 (91); Texas (89); Ohio State (87); Oklahoma (86); LSU (81); Georgia (82); Virginia Tech (80); TCU (79); Florida (80); West Virginia (75); Utah (74); Boston College (72); Auburn (72); Wisconsin (71); IOWA (70); Texas Tech (70); Miami, FL (69), Penn State (67) and California (67).

    BEST DECADE FOR IOWA FOOTBALL
    Iowa’s football record in the 2000 decade was 80-45 (.640), a record that ranks as the best decade in Iowa football history, based on total wins. 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, leading the program for the last 11 seasons. Ferentz also served as Iowa’s offensive line coach from 1981-89 under Fry.

    IOWA WINS FEDEX ORANGE BOWL
    Iowa turned in another dominating defensive performance in defeating ninth-ranked Georgia Tech, 24-14, in the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl. The Hawkeyes won their second straight January bowl game and evened their record at 1-1 in BCS games. The Iowa defense limited Georgia Tech to 155 yards total offense, including just 12 passing yards. The Yellow Jackets entered the game ranked second in the nation in rushing offense. Georgia Tech was held to just 32 net yards on 20 offensive plays in the first half. Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi, after missing the final two games of the regular season due to injury, completed his first eight pass attempts in leading the Hawkeyes to a 14-0 advantage in the first period. Stanzi connected with TE Tony Moeaki for a 54-yard gain to set up the first score of the game, a four-yard completion to WR Marvin McNutt. Iowa added a second touchdown on its next possession, as Stanzi connected with WR Colin Sandeman on a 21-yard scoring play. Stanzi completed 17-29 passes for 231 yards and the two scores. Georgia Tech used a pass interception return for its only points of the first half, leaving Iowa with a 14-7 advantage at the break. The Hawkeyes increased the advantage to 17-7 late in the third period on a 33-yard field goal by Daniel Murray. After Tech narrowed the margin to 17-14 early in the final period, Iowa again turned to its defense. Senior LB A.J. Edds had a pass interception and the Iowa defense forced another Tech punt with 4:54 remaining. Freshman RB Brandon Wegher sealed the win with a 32-yard scoring run with 1:56 left to play. Wegher ended the game with 113 rushing yards on 16 carries. Moeaki had 85 yards on four receptions, Sandeman had four receptions for a career-best 53 yards and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos had four receptions for 63 yards before leaving the game in the second quarter due to injury. DE Adrian Clayborn had nine solo tackles and was named the Most Valuable Player. Senior LB Pat Angerer added 10 tackles and Clayborn had two of Iowa’s three QB sacks.

    ORANGE BOWL GAME NOTES

  • Iowa is now 1-1 in the Orange Bowl. The Hawkeyes lost to Southern Cal, 38-17 in 2003 Orange Bowl. Iowa improves to 13-10-1 in bowl games, with wins in five of eight bowl games under Coach Kirk Ferentz.
  • Iowa finished the season with an 11-2 overall record, matching the school record for victories. The Hawkeyes posted double-figure wins for the fourth time under Ferentz, including the third time in the regular season.
  • Temperature at game time was 49 degrees, the coldest Orange Bowl ever. The previous low at game time was 57 degrees. Iowa also played in the coldest Gator Bowl (1983) in Jacksonville, FL, where the wind chill was minus 13 degrees. Iowa was 6-0 in 2009 when the temperature was 50 degrees or less at game time.
  • Iowa has scored the first 14 points of the game in its last three bowl games. Iowa led Texas 14-0 in the first period of the 2006 Alamo Bowl before falling to the Longhorns, 26-24. Iowa scored 31 straight points in a 31-10 win over South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl.
  • Iowa scored the first points in eight of 13 games. The opponent scored first in the first 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.
  • DE Adrian Clayborn had eight solo tackles in the first half, matching a career-best (at Ohio State, 2009). He ended the game with nine tackles. His career high of 12 tackles came at Ohio State earlier this season. He also had two QB sacks, which matches his career best (at Michigan State, 2009). Clayborn was named the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl Most Valuable Player.
  • WR Marvin McNutt had his eighth touchdown reception of the season in the first period. McNutt is tied for fourth in TD receptions in a single season. He trails Maurice Brown (11 in 2002), Quinn Early (10 in 1987) and Tim Dwight (9 in 1995) and is tied with Bill Happel (1985), Kahlil Hill (2001), Danan Hughes (1991) and Dwight (1997).
  • Junior QB Ricky Stanzi returned to the starting line-up for the first time since the 10th game of the season vs. Northwestern. Stanzi, with two touchdown passes in the first period, had 17 TD passes in 2009 and has 31 in his career. He is tied for ninth in season scoring passes and ranks sixth in career touchdown passes. In the game he completed 17-29 passes for 231 yards and two scores. His season total of 2,417 yards ranks 11th best for a single season and his career total of 4,373 ranks sixth.
  • Senior OLB A.J. Edds had his fifth interception of the season in the fourth period. Edds finished his career with seven interceptions.
  • Adam Robinson finished with 14 carries for 59 yards. Robinson led Iowa’s rushing attack for the season with 834 yards. His yardage is the most ever for an Iowa freshman. The previous mark of 679 yards was held by Ladell Betts (1998).
  • Iowa freshman RB Brandon Wegher scored his eighth rushing touchdown of the season in the fourth period. The eight touchdowns is a new Iowa record for a freshman. The previous record was seven, set in 2008 by Jewel Hampton.
  • Georgia Tech’s pass completions (two), pass attempts (nine) and passing yards (12) are the lowest totals allowed by Iowa’s defense during the 11-year Ferentz era.

  • IOWA SETS TWO BOWL GAME RECORDS
    Iowa set two team bowl records on defense in the Orange Bowl. The Hawkeyes allowed just 12 passing yards and 155 yards total offense, which are the lowest totals in Iowa bowl history. The previous mark of 92 passing yards was set against Florida in the 1983 Gator Bowl. The previous low for total offense was 206 yards against Texas Tech in the 1996 Alamo Bowl. Both of those numbers are also season bests for the Hawkeye defense.

    CLAYBORN EARNS MVP HONORS
    Junior DE Adrian Clayborn was named the Most Valuable Player in Iowa’s 24-14 win over Georgia Tech in the FedEx Orange Bowl. Clayborn recorded nine solo tackles as the Hawkeye defense held the Yellow Jackets to just 155 yards total offense. Clayborn did most of his damage in the first half, as Georgia Tech gained just 32 yards total offense in the first two periods. Clayborn recorded eight of his tackles, including both QB sacks, in the first two periods. Clayborn had a career-best nine solo tackles and matched his career best with the two sacks.

    IOWA’S BOWL HISTORY
    Iowa has played in 24 bowl games. The Hawkeyes hold a 13-10-1 (.563) all-time bowl record. Iowa has competed in eight bowl game the last nine years, including six January bowl games since the 2002 season. Iowa is one of seven teams in the nation to appear in six January bowl games 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 5-3 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 2010 Orange Bowl marked Iowa’s second BCS bowl appearance under Ferentz. The Hawkeyes have competed in the Rose (five times), Alamo (four), Holiday (three), Outback (three) Orange (two), Peach (two), Sun (two), and the Capital One, Gator and Freedom Bowls once.

    BIG TEN BOWL NOTES

  • 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 (27-13-2, .667) and Purdue (8-7, .533) are the only Big Ten teams with a winning percentage in bowl games.
  • Iowa, in 2009, was one of seven Big Ten Conference teams to play in a bowl game, as league teams posted a 4-3 record. It marked the seventh time Big Ten teams have won as many as four bowl games. Along with Iowa, Ohio State, Penn State and Wisconsin posted bowl wins, while Minnesota, Northwestern and Michigan State were defeated.
  • The four Big Ten bowl wins each came against teams ranked in the top 15, making the Big Ten the first conference to win four bowl games over top 15 opponents since the Big Ten accomplished that feat during the 1998-99 bowl season.
  • The Big Ten had 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. Big Ten teams have won 10 BCS bowl games, second only to the SEC (14).
  • Iowa improved to 1-1 in the Orange Bowl, improving the Big Ten record to 4-2 in the event. Iowa is 4-6 when playing in Florida.
  • Penn State Coach Joe Paterno leads Big Ten coaches with 10 bowl wins, while Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz and Ohio State’s Jim Tressel both have five. All three coaches rank among the top five in Big Ten history in bowl wins.
  • Four of the seven highest rated bowl games featured Big Ten Conference teams.

  • HAWKEYE HISTORY
    Iowa has played 1,129 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 579-511-39 (.530). That includes a 365-199-16 (.643) record in home games, a 214-312-23 (.411) 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 MATCHES BEST OVERALL RECORD
    Iowa completed the season with a 24-14 win over ninth-ranked Georgia Tech in the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl. Iowa posted an 11-2 overall record and a 6-2 mark in Big Ten Conference action. The Hawkeyes won 11 games in a season for just the second time in school history (11-2 in 2002). Coach Kirk Ferentz has led the Hawkeyes to 10 or more victories in four of 11 seasons (2002, 2003, 2004, 2009). Iowa, in 2009, 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. Iowa trailed in 10 of its 13 games in 2009, 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 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 was named the Dave McClain Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year for the third time. Ferentz was a finalist for the Liberty Mutual national Coach of the Year award and was 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) 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 81-55 (.596) record at Iowa, including a 70-31 (.693) overall record and 42-22 (.656) conference record the last eight seasons.

    BULAGA HONOR HEADS ALL-BIG TEN
    Junior tackle Bryan Bulaga was named Big Ten Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year. Bulaga’s award, voted on by league media, highlighted Iowa’s selections on the all-conference teams. In addition, Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz was named Dave McClain Coach of the Year by Big Ten media. Bulaga 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 included 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 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.

    IOWA WON THE CLOSE ONES
    Iowa won four games by three points or less for the first time ever in 2009. 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.

    IOWA OPENED WITH NINE STRAIGHT WINS

  • 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 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 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’s regular season strength of schedule rated 27th strongest in the nation. Iowa’s 12 opponents compiled a 77-61 (.558) record. Including its Orange Bowl win, Iowa was 8-2 against bowl eligible opponents.
  • 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. Outside of the game against Iowa, those five teams were 25-5 (.833) at home.
  • 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 13 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 two losses were by seven and three points in overtime.
  • Iowa collected 30 turnovers, including 21 pass interceptions. Iowa tied for fifth in the nation in interceptions and tied for 11th in total turnovers. The Hawkeyes had 23 interceptions in 2008.
  • Iowa ranked third in pass efficiency defense (89.9), fourth in pass defense (152.9) and fewest penalty yards per game (34.4), tied for fifth in fewest penalties (4.4) and interceptions (21), ranked eighth in scoring defense (15.4) and first downs allowed (15.0), ninth in KO coverage (18.4) and 10th in total defense (276.5).
  • Iowa lost eight 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 and one of two vs. Georgia Tech.
  • Iowa committed 28 turnovers, with 17 of those taking place in the seven home games. Iowa committed 11 turnovers in six road games.
  • Iowa did not allow a rushing touchdown for 33 consecutive quarters before Michigan and Ohio State had three and Wisconsin, Indiana and Georgia Tech had one each. Iowa allowed seven rushing touchdowns in 2008.
  • Iowa scored 30 points or more in three games, with a high of 42 vs. Indiana.
  • Nine 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 won four 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. The Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech was a FOX national telecast.
  • Iowa had eight players earn Big Ten Player of the Week honors in seven games.

  • 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 between 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 in 2009, 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.

    FOURTH QUARTER RALLY
    Iowa scored 28 points in the fourth period of the 42-24 win over Indiana. The 28 points mark the highest scoring quarter of the season for 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 in 2008 and 28 points in the third period of a 59-16 win over Northwestern in 2001. Iowa also rallied in the fourth period at Ohio State, after the teams were tied (10-10) after three periods. OSU took a 24-10 advantage with 11:11 remaining before Iowa tied the score on a 99-yard KO return and a 10-yard scoring strike. The last score came with 2:42 remaining. Ohio State eventually won with a field goal in overtime.

    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.

    HAWKEYES AMONG SINGLE SEASON LEADERS
    Several Hawkeyes ranked among Iowa’s single-season leaders in 2009.

  • Redshirt freshman Adam Robinson rushed for 834 yards, which ranks 24th best for a single season. His total is the most ever for an Iowa freshman and his all-purpose total of 952 yards ranks fifth best for a freshman.
  • True freshman Brandon Wegher set an Iowa freshman record with eight rushing touchdowns. His rushing total (641 yards) ranks third best for an Iowa freshman and his all-purpose total (967 yards) ranks fourth best.
  • QB Ricky Stanzi tied for ninth in touchdown passes (17) and ranks 11th in passing yards (2,417) and 16th in total offense (2,386).
  • WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (750) and WR Marvin McNutt (674) rank 17th and 27th, respectively, in receiving yards. McNutt is tied for fourth with eight receiving touchdowns.
  • PK Daniel Murray tied for 11th in scoring with 89 points.
  • DB Tyler Sash tied for sixth with six interceptions. His 203 return yards are a single-season record.
  • LB Pat Angerer ranks fifth with 145 tackles.

  • 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 258 career tackles and Edds 226. Angerer ranks 25th and Edds is tied for 42nd.
  • Angerer totaled 94 solo stops and 164 assists. With 12 tackles in the win over Indiana, he became the 61st Hawkeye to surpass 200 career tackles. Edds collected 76 solo tackles and 150 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 1,871 career receiving yards on 127 receptions. DJK ranks seventh in receptions and receiving yards.
  • Junior QB Ricky Stanzi ranks sixth in career passing yards (4,373) and passing touchdowns (31) and junior PK Daniel Murray ranks 13th in career scoring with 158 points.

  • ANGERER WAS NAGURSKI FINALIST
    Senior linebacker Pat Angerer was one of five finalists for the 2009 Bronko Nagurski Award, which honors the top defensive player in the nation. He was named first team all-Big Ten by both league coaches and media. Angerer led Iowa in tackles in the last 10 games and, in total tackles in both 2008 (107) and 2009 (145). Angerer had 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 and he added 16 tackles in the shutout win over Minnesota. He had 10 in the Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech. 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 ranks 25th in career stops with 258. 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). 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 had 11 tackles against Arkansas State. He recorded 12 tackles vs. Northern Iowa and four stops against Iowa State. His 145 tackles this season ranks fifth best for a single season.

    MOEAKI ON MACKEY SEMI-FINAL LIST
    Senior TE Tony Moeaki was one of eight semi-finalists for the John Mackey Award. He was named first team all-Big Ten by both league coaches and media. He concluded the season with 30 receptions for 387 yards and four touchdowns. 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. His career totals include 76 receptions for 953 yards and 11 touchdowns.

    STANZI WAS O’BRIEN SEMI-FINALIST
    Junior QB Ricky Stanzi was named one of 15 semi-finalists for the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award. Stanzi (6-4, 218) is a native of Mentor, OH, who quarterbacked the Hawkeyes to a 9-1 record before missing Iowa’s final two regular season games due to injury. He returned for the FedEx Orange Bowl, completing 17-29 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-14 win over Georgia Tech. He ended the season with 2,417 passing yards and 17 touchdowns. He has posted an 18-4 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.

    SASH WAS JIM THORPE AWARD SEMI-FINALIST
    Sophomore DB Tyler Sash was 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 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 had six interceptions in 2009 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 ranked third on the team in tackles (85) 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.

    DONAHUE A GUY SEMI-FINALIST
    Junior punter Ryan Donahue was one of 10 semi-finalists for the Ray Guy Award, which goes to the top punter in the nation. He averaged 40.9 yards on 61 punts, with 27 punts inside the 20 and just five touchbacks. Iowa’s opponents had 23 punt returns for 131 net yards, as Iowa ranked 25th in the nation in punt return defense (5.7). He has at least one punt of at least 50 yards in 17 of Iowa’s last 24 games and holds three of the 10 longest punts (82, 76 and 73 yards) in school history. Donahue averaged 42.8 yards on five punts in Iowa’s opening win and 51 yards 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. He 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.

    VANDERVELDE NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT
    Junior offensive lineman Julian Vandervelde was named 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 in 2008. He is also a two-time academic all-conference honoree. He played in 12 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.

    HAWKEYES EARN WEEKLY RECOGNITION
    Several Iowa players earned weekly honors in 2009.

  • Junior LB Troy Johnson was named co-Defensive Player of the Week for his play against Minnesota. Starting for the first time in his career, Johnson had three solo tackles and eight assists vs. the Gophers, including one tackle for loss and a pass break-up. He caused and recovered a Minnesota fumble in the second period.
  • 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.
  • 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 and 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 over MSU, Clayborn had four tackles, two sacks for a minus 19 yards and three tackles for losses totaling 21 yards. He also forced a fumble.
  • 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 score 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.
  • WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was named national Kick Return Performer of the Week by the College Football Performance Award committee for his play at Ohio State. DJK had a 99-yard KO return for a touchdown as Iowa rallied in the fourth period. He had three KO returns for 154 yards and added three pass receptions for 71 yards.

  • IN THE RECORD BOOKS
    Both as a team and individually, the 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 834 yards.
  • Brandon Wegher set an Iowa freshman record for rushing touchdowns with eight.
  • For just the ninth time in school history, Iowa had two players with over 600 receiving yards in a season, including Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (750) and Marvin McNutt (674).
  • 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.

  • 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 fir 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).

    IOWA DEFENSE SOLID

  • Iowa’s defense was solid through the season. Iowa tied for fifth in the nation with 21 pass interceptions. The Hawkeyes ranked third in pass efficiency defense (89.9), fourth in pass defense (152.9), eighth in scoring defense (15.4) and first downs allowed (15.0), ninth in KO coverage (18.4) and 10th in total defense (276.5).
  • 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.
  • Iowa held ninth-ranked Georgia Tech to 143 rushing yards and 155 yards total offense in a 24-14 Orange Bowl win. Georgia Tech entered the game ranked second in the nation in rushing yards (307.2) and averaged over 35 points per game while winning the Atlantic Coast Conference.
  • Dating back to 2008, Iowa’s defense did not allow a rushing touchdown in 33 consecutive quarters, including the final 13 quarters in 2008 and 20 quarters this season. Michigan broke the string with a first period rushing touchdown. Iowa allowed nine this season.
  • Iowa collected 21 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.
  • Iowa will return eight defensive starters, losing LB Pat Angerer, OLB A.J. Edds and DB Amari Spievey.

  • 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 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 regular season games in his place. Iowa moved Vandervelde to left guard, Calloway to right guard and Reiff to right tackle for the Orange Bowl.
  • 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. The Hawkeyes concluded the season with 172 net rushing yards in the Orange Bowl win.
  • Iowa’s running back tandem of Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher gave Iowa a balanced attack. Robinson led the team by averaging 75.8 yards per game, while Wegher averaged 53.4. Wegher scored a freshman-record eight touchdowns and Robinson five. Both have proven to be capable receivers, combining for 23 receptions. Robinson averaged 86.5 all-purpose yards and Wegher 80.6. 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 and vs. Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. 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 had at least one reception in 2009. Iowa established a school record with 19 players having at least one reception in 2004.
  • Iowa had five different players lead the team in receiving. Those players include TE Tony Moeaki vs. Northern Iowa (10-83-1 TD), Michigan (6-105-2 TDs) and Georgia Tech (4-85); 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 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 before losing one of two vs. Georgia Tech.

  • TRUE FRESHMEN IN 2009
    Iowa used three true freshmen in 2009. They were DB Micah Hyde, RB Brandon Wegher and WR Keenan Davis. Wegher and Davis both scored touchdowns in Iowa’s win at Iowa State. Wegher added three touchdowns vs. Indiana in his first career start and rushed for over 100 yards for the second time. 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 in a 2008 win at Indiana. Wegher also broke Hampton’s freshman record by scoring eight rushing touchdowns. He concluded the year with 113 yards on 16 carries in the Orange Bowl, including a 32- yard touchdown scamper in the fourth period, his longest run of the season. The Hawkeyes played seven true freshmen in 2008. Iowa also had seven true freshmen play in 2003 and 2000.

    FINAL DEPTH CHART NOTES
    Iowa’s final depth chart included 10 walk-ons, three on offense, four on defense and three on special teams. That list includes RB Paki O’Meara, OL Josh Koeppel, FB Wade Leppert, DL Travis Meade, DB Joe Conklin, DB Brett Greenwood, DE Chad Geary, PK Daniel Murray, P Eric Guthrie and long snapper Andrew Schulze. The final depth chart included 11 seniors (six offense, five defense) among the 50 players listed (not including special teams). PK Daniel Murray and P Ryan Donahue are both juniors. Junior OL Bryan Bulaga and junior DB Amari Spievey declared for the 2010 NFL draft.

    THEY STARTED THEM ALL
    Iowa had 10 players start all 12 games, plus punter Ryan Donahue and PK Daniel Murray. On offense, that list includes 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.

    STARTERS RETURNING IN 2010
    Iowa is expected to return six starters on offense, eight on defense and two specialists. The returning starters on offense include: guard Julian Vandervelde and tackle Riley Reiff, receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, quarterback Ricky Stanzi, fullback Brett Morse and RB Adam Robinson. The defensive starters returning include: ends Adrian Clayborn and Broderick Binns; tackles Christian Ballard and Karl Klug; linebacker Jeremiha Hunter and backs Shaun Prater, Brett Greenwood and Tyler Sash. Punter Ryan Donahue and place kicker Daniel Murray also return, along with long snapper Andrew Schulze.

    EXPERIENCE LEAVES OFFENSIVE LINE
    Iowa’s offensive line is the area of the team that loses the most experience following the 2009 season. The players leaving combined to start 133 games throughout their careers. That list includes seniors Rafael Eubanks (38), Kyle Calloway (37), Dace Richardson (17), Dan Doering (6), Travis Meade (5 before moving to defense) and Andy Kuempel (2) and junior Bryan Bulaga (28). TE Tony Moeaki, also a 2009 senior, had 14 career starts. Returning linemen with career starts include Julian Vandervelde (24), Riley Reiff (11), Adam Gettis (1) and TE Allen Reisner (3).

    SUCCESS ON THE ROAD
    Dating back to 2008, Iowa has won seven of its last eight games away from Iowa City. A six-game streak was snapped in the 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. 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. Iowa concluded the 2009 season with a neutral site win over ninth-ranked Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl.

    IOWA SCHEDULE STRENGTH
    The Hawkeyes won road games at Iowa State, Penn State, Wisconsin and Michigan State, along with the Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech. Nine of Iowa’s 2009 opponents competed in bowl games, with Iowa posting a 7-2 record in those games. Five of the nine opponents played in January bowl games. In Big Ten play, Iowa’s eight opponents posted a 57-38 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 51-43, Penn State’s 52-43, Wisconsin’s 54-42 and Northwestern’s 52-42.

    STANZI LEADS IOWA OFFENSE

  • Ricky Stanzi emerged as Iowa’s starting quarterback after four games in 2008. Iowa has posted an 18-4 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. He passed for over 4,300 yards and 31 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
  • In 11 games in 2009 Stanzi completed 171-304 attempts for 2,417 yards, with 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. The passing yards rank 11th best for a single season and the 17 touchdowns ties as ninth best. He has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 17 of his last 20 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 in 2008. 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 10 scoring passes over 20 yards in his last seven 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 sixth in career passing yards (4,373) and passing touchdowns (31). He has completed 321-562 (.571) career passes.

  • MURRAY LEADS IN SCORING
    Junior PK Daniel Murray made 13 of 17 field goal attempts in Iowa’s last eight games and led the team in scoring with 89 points. 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, and made his only attempt (33 yards) in the Orange Bowl win. 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 made 19-26 FG attempts in 2009 and 32-33 PAT kicks (blocked). His career numbers include 32-45 field goals. He had made 62-65 PAT kicks. His 89 points in 2009 tie as 11th best for a season. He ranks 13th in career scoring with 158 points.

    DJK AMONG CAREER LEADERS
    WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos ranks seventh in career receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,871). He has seven touchdowns. He led Iowa in 2009 with 45 receptions for 750 yards and two scores and is just the third player in school history to lead the team in receiving for three straight seasons. He also averaged 31.5 yards on 12 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 had four receptions for 63 yards in the Orange Bowl before leaving the game in the second period due to injury. His 31-yard reception led to Iowa’s second touchdown in the first period. He led Iowa in receptions (44) and receiving yards (639) and was second in kickoff returns (9-178-19.8) in 2008. He has totaled over 1,000 all-purpose yards in each of his three seasons, including a career best 1,128 yards in 2009.

    ROBINSON LED RUSHING ATTACK
    Redshirt freshman Adam Robinson led Iowa’s rushing attack with 834 yards on 181 carries in 11 games. The yardage is the most ever for an Iowa freshman. He had career-bests in attempts (27) and yards (109) at Michigan State, surpassing 100 yards for the second time (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. 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. He also had 80 yards on 10 pass receptions and two KO returns for 38 yards. Robinson’s 952 all-purpose yards rank fifth 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. Wegher led Iowa’s ground game in the Orange Bowl win, rushing 16 times for 113 yards. His 32-yard touchdown run in the fourth period sealed Iowa’s win. He also had 101 yards on 15 carries in a win at Iowa State, where he scored his first career touchdown. For the season he rushed 162 times for 641 yards and eight touchdowns in 12 games. The eight rushing touchdowns are an Iowa season record for a freshman. He averaged 8.6 yards on 13 receptions and 23.8 yards on nine KO returns. His rushing total ranks third best among Iowa freshmen and his all-purpose yardage (967 yards) ranks fourth best.

    HAWKEYE PLAYER NOTES

  • The Hawkeye receivers featured balance in 2009 as four players had 30 or more catches and all four had over 350 receiving yards. That group included junior Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (45-750-2 TDs), sophomore Marvin McNutt (34-674-8 TDs), senior WR Trey Stross (31-414-1 TD) and senior TE Tony Moeaki (30-387-4 TDs). DJK becomes just the third Iowa receiver to lead the team in receiving in three consecutive seasons. Stross ended his career with 73 catches for 964 yards and seven touchdowns, while Moeaki totaled 953 yards on 76 receptions, with 11 touchdowns.
  • Junior DE Adrian Clayborn was a solid performer each week for the Iowa defense. He was named first team all-Big Ten by both league coaches and media and was named Most Valuable Player in Iowa’s Orange Bowl victory. 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. Against Georgia Tech he recorded nine solo tackles, including two QB sacks. His season totals include 70 tackles, including 20 for loss and 11.5 QB sacks.
  • Sophomore DE Broderick Binns had a solid game in Iowa’s win at Penn State and started all 13 games. 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 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 his 63 tackles included 10 tackles for loss.
  • Senior OLB A.J. Edds concluded his career by starting the final 38 games over his last three seasons. Edds was fourth on the team with 78 tackles in 2009 and his five interceptions ranked second. He had a season-best 10 tackles in an overtime loss at Ohio State and recorded nine stops in wins over Northern Iowa and Michigan. He ended his career with 226 tackles and seven interceptions.
  • Junior LB Jeremiha Hunter had a solid season and returned from injury to record six tackles in Iowa’s Orange Bowl win. He did not play against Minnesota and left the Ohio State game in the first half. He ranked second on the team with 89 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 to start the season. 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.

  • BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
    Iowa posted four pass completions and had two rushing attempts that resulted in 20 yards or more against Georgia Tech. Iowa had 45 pass plays and 10 rushing attempts over 20 yards in its 13 games. Iowa’s defense allowed 26 offensive plays (19 passing, seven rushing) of 20 yards or more in 13 games. Georgia Tech had no offensive plays of 20 yards or more in the Orange Bowl.

    IOWA BY QUARTERS
    Iowa outscored its opponents 71-54 in the first period, but was outscored 65-48 in the second period. Iowa held a 61-16 margin in the third period and a 121-62 margin in the fourth period. Iowa was outscored 3-0 in its only overtime game. Iowa had a 182-78 advantage in second half scoring, including 114-44 in eight Big Ten games. Iowa failed to score points in the second half for the only time this season vs. Northwestern.

    ON THE AVERAGE
    Iowa averaged 3.4 yards on 27 first down plays, 5.2 yards on 20 second down plays and minus two yards on 13 third down plays vs. Minnesota. For the season, Iowa averaged 5.6 yards on first down, 4.5 yards on second down, 5.7 yards on third down and 0.5 yards on fourth down.

    AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
    Iowa’s 51 scoring drives averaged 6.8 plays, 55.1 yards and 3:18 in elapsed time. Iowa’s opponents had 27 scoring drives, averaging 9.7 plays, 58 yards and 4:11 in elapsed time. For the season, 15 opponent possessions started on Iowa’s side of the field, with 12 of those 15 taking place in the last five games. 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. Northwestern scored seven points after starting four drives on the Iowa side of the field. Northwestern also scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery in the end zone. Ohio State scored seven points on its only possession that began in Iowa territory. Minnesota failed to score after starting two drives in Iowa territory and Georgia Tech did not score after recovering a fumble in Iowa territory.

    IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
    Iowa was 32-38 in the red zone (20 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 Ohio State and turned the ball over on downs vs. Michigan, Wisconsin and Georgia Tech. The Hawkeyes have scored on 63 of their last 69 red zone possessions (39 TDs and 24 FGs) dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 44-49 combined inside the red zone in its last 16 games. Iowa’s opponents in 2009 were 24-29 in the red zone, with 14 touchdowns and 10 field goals.

    POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
    Iowa scored 87 points (11 TDs, four FGs) following 31 opponent turnovers (21 interceptions, nine fumbles, one blocked punt). Iowa has recorded at least one takeaway in 44 of its last 48 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 Michigan State. Iowa was guilty of 28 turnovers (20 interceptions, eight fumbles). Iowa opponents scored 61 points (seven touchdowns, four field goals) following those turnovers. Four interceptions were returned for touchdowns and Northwestern recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.

    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 was 4-1 in 2009 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-yard line 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 NOTES

  • Iowa posted an 80-45 overall record and a 51-14 home record during the last decade. Iowa ranks second only to Ohio State among Big Ten Conference teams in total wins and home winning percentage.
  • Iowa’s 80 victories from 2000-09 are the most for the Hawkeye program in any decade.
  • Iowa finished seventh in the final Associated Press and coaches polls in 2009. Iowa has finished in the national top 10 in four of the past eight seasons.
  • 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. Iowa has been bowl eligible in each of the last nine seasons. The Hawkeyes have played in eight bowl games since 2001. Iowa played in the 2001 Alamo Bowl, 2003 FedEx Orange Bowl, 2004 Outback Bowl, 2005 Capital One Bowl, 2006 Outback Bowl, 2006 Alamo Bowl and 2009 Outback Bowl and 2010 FedEx Orange 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 nine plus years, Iowa is 54-7 when leading at the half and 59-6 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). Attendance at Penn State (109,316, fourth) and Ohio State (105,455, 14th) rank among the largest crowds ever to watch Iowa football.

  • SPRING FOOTBALL FINALE
    Iowa will conclude spring football practice with a final scrimmage on Saturday, April 17.

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