Sept. 12, 2011
- 2011 Game Day Central
- 2011 Fall Camp Central
- America Needs Farmers
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
- gohawks.com
- Iowa Football Wallpaper
HAWKEYES HOST PITTSBURGH
Iowa (1-1) returns home for the first of two straight non-conference home games, hosting Pittsburgh (2-0) Saturday in Kinnick Stadium (70,585). Game time is 11:01 a.m. CT. A limited number of tickets remain. Iowa opened the season with a 34-7 win over Tennessee Tech in Iowa City before dropping a 44-41 triple overtime contest at Iowa State. Pittsburgh is playing its first road game after home wins over Buffalo (35-16) and Maine (35-29).
ON THE TUBE
ESPN2 (HD) will televise the contest to a national cable audience. The game is also available online at ESPN3.com. Beth Mowins and Mike Bellotti will call the action.
RADIO BROADCAST
Iowa games are broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network. Gary Dolphin handles the play-by-play, with color commentator Ed Podolak and sideline reporter Rob Brooks. The Hawkeye Radio Network includes more than 40 stations throughout the state. The game can also be heard on Sirius channel 112 and XM channel 197.
ON THIS DATE
Iowa has posted a 4-2 record when playing on Sept. 17. Iowa defeated Arizona 31-20 in 1966, Iowa State 12-10 in 1977, Penn State 42-34 in 1983 and Northern Iowa 45-21 in 2005. The Hawkeyes lost to Colorado 24-21 in 1988 and at Penn State 61-21 in 1994.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,144 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 588-517-39 (.531). That includes a 371-201-16 (.645) record in home games, a 217-316-23 (.411) record in games away from Iowa City, a 289-348-25 (.455) mark in Big Ten games and a 254-165-15 (.603) record in Kinnick Stadium.
TWO HAWKEYES EARN NATIONAL HONOR
Sophomore PK Mike Meyer was named national Placekicker of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards for his play in Iowa’s 44-41 three-overtime loss at Iowa State. Meyer is also one of three kickers to earn “Stars of the Week” recognition from the Lou Groza Collegiate Place Kicker Award. In addition, sophomore LB Christian Kirksey earned honorable mention as Linebacker of the Week. Meyer made all four field goal attempts, connecting from 42, 20, 50 and 34 yards. The 50-yard kick is a career best and the 34-yard effort came in the third overtime period. Meyer is perfect through two games (6-6 FGs, 7-7 PATs) and leads the team in scoring with 25 points. Kirksey had a career-high 13 tackles at Iowa State, including 11 solo stops. He had two tackles for loss and one QB sack. He also caused and recovered an Iowa State fumble while making a tackle and had one pass break-up. Kirksey leads Iowa with 23 tackles in two games.
HAWKEYE GAMEDAY LIVE
The UI Department of Athletics is introducing a new-and-improved “Hawkeye Gameday Live” page each Saturday for Hawkeye fans. The page will feature game information such as notes, rosters, TV and radio information, etc.; live stats and blog, and twitter and facebook feeds. It’s the one-stop-shop for the ultimate Hawkeye fan who wants to check stats of their favorite player and participate in the conversation during the football game. Check the front page of hawkeyesports.com each Saturday for access to “Hawkeye Gameday Live”.
FOUR TO BE ADDED TO MEDIA WALL OF FAME
Four members of the media, who covered University of Iowa athletics over the past 40 years, will be inducted into the Kinnick Stadium Media Wall of Fame on Sept. 16-17, in conjunction with Iowa’s home football contest against Pittsburgh. The inductees are Phil Haddy, a member of the UI athletic staff for 41 years and Iowa’s sports information director from 1993-2010; Chuck Schoffner, who covered Iowa events for both United Press and the Associated Press (1972-05); Kevin Evans, sportswriter and sports editor at the Waterloo Courier (1965-2006), and John Campbell, current sports director at KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids (1979-present). Haddy joined the Iowa athletic staff as assistant sports information director in 1971. He became the third sports information director in school history in 1993. He began a two-year phased retirement in 2010. Haddy joins former Iowa SIDs Eric Wilson (1923-68) and George Wine (1968-93) as members of the Wall of Fame. Schoffner began his career at United Press International (1972-79). He joined the Associated Press as a sportswriter in 1979 and later served as AP Iowa sports editor until his retirement in November, 2005. Schoffner continues to work as a freelance writer, covering women’s college basketball, the Drake Relays, NCAA Track and Field Championships, and professional golf and auto racing events. Campbell has been involved in sports broadcasting for 41 years, including the last 32 years at KCRG. He was named sports director at KCRG-TV in June, 1979, following a 10-year stint as a sports reporter for WBAY-TV in Green Bay, Wis. Evans began his sports writing career at the Waterloo Courier in 1965, working part-time as a high school senior. He served as the Courier’s sports editor for 15 years before his retirement in 2006. During his career, Evans covered Iowa football through five coaching regimes, beginning with Ray Nagel. He covered Hawkeye football on a fulltime basis the last 15 years of his career. The inaugural class of 20 members was recognized in 2006, the first year the Paul W. Brechler Press Box was in use following the Kinnick Stadium renovation. The Wall of Fame, located in the media section of the press box, recognized individuals who have covered Hawkeye football with integrity, accuracy and fairness over a long period of time.
#HAWKEYES AND TWITTER
Hawkeye fans join the twitter conversation each game by including #Hawkeyes in your gameday tweets. By including #Hawkeyes in your tweets, in addition to showing your Hawkeye pride you will help the #Hawkeyes trend. Also, if you are not already following @TheIowaHawkeyes and @HawkeyeFootball, visit twitter.com and follow both feeds. Also, Hawkeye fans are encouraged to tweet their photos on gameday to @theiowahawkeyes.
IOWA LEADERSHIP GROUP
Iowa’s Leadership Group for the 2011 season includes four seniors, five juniors, four sophomores and one redshirt freshman. A member of the incoming freshman class will be added this fall. Permanent team captains are named at the conclusion of each season. The Leadership Group includes seniors Broderick Binns, Mike Daniels, Marvin McNutt, Jr. and Tyler Nielsen; juniors Greg Castillo, James Ferentz, Micah Hyde, Riley Reiff and James Vandenberg; sophomores Marcus Coker, Casey Kreiter, James Morris and Brett Van Sloten; and redshirt freshman Brandon Scherff.
THE SERIES
Saturday’s game will be the fifth meeting between Iowa and Pittsburgh. The Panthers lead the series, 3-1. Pitt won the most recent meeting, 21-20, Sept. 20, 2008, in Pittsburgh. Iowa’s lone win in the series came by a 34-17 margin in 1951, in Iowa City. Pitt won the first meeting 20-0 (Oct. 3, 1931) and also won 26-14 (Sept. 26, 1952) in Pittsburgh. Iowa plays at Pittsburgh in 2014 and the Panthers return to Iowa City in 2015.
COACH Kirk Ferentz
Kirk Ferentz (pronounced FAIR-rintz, rhymes with parents) is in his 13th season as head football coach at the University of Iowa. His latest contract extension runs through the 2020 season. Ferentz was named the 2009 Dave McClain Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year. He was 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 was the 2009 AFCA Region Three Coach of the Year and was one of 10 finalists for the Liberty Mutual national 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 in 2002 and 2004. Iowa has made two BCS bowl appearances, including a 24-14 win in the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl. Iowa has played in six January bowl games and has four January bowl victories (2004 Outback Bowl, 2005 Capital One Bowl, 2009 Outback Bowl and 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl). Iowa has posted an 86-42 (.672) overall mark and a 50-30 (.625) Big Ten record the last 10-plus seasons. Ferentz has guided the Hawkeyes to nine first division finishes, including a second-place finish in 2009. Iowa was bowl eligible in 2010 for the 10th straight season. The Hawkeyes are 6-3 in bowl games under Ferentz. His six bowl wins tie as third most among all-time Big Ten coaches and he has led Iowa to three straight bowl victories. At Iowa, Ferentz holds an overall record of 90-61 (.596) and a 53-43 (.552) mark in Big Ten games. In his 16th season as a college head coach, he holds a career mark of 102-82 (.554). Fifty-eight of Iowa’s 151 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (26-32) and 46 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (20-26). Ferentz joined the Iowa staff after serving as assistant head coach and offensive line coach of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. He was 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 at Iowa. Iowa appeared in eight bowl games during the time Ferentz was an Iowa assistant. Ferentz was born in Royal Oak, Mich., and attended high school in Pittsburgh, Pa. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English Education from 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.
FERENTZ SIXTH IN LONGEVITY
Now in his 13th season as Iowa’s head football coach, Kirk Ferentz ranks sixth in longevity among FBS head coaches. Ferentz is second among Big Ten coaches and nationally ranks behind Penn State’s Joe Paterno, Frank Beamer of Virginia Tech, Larry Blakeney of Troy, Pat Hill of Fresno State and Mack Brown of Texas.
PITT COACH TODD GRAHAM
Todd Graham is 2-0 in his first season as the Pittsburgh head coach. Graham is in his sixth year as a college head coach with a 45-23 career mark. Graham most recently served as the head coach at Tulsa (2007-10), posting a 36-17 record in four years. He was 7-6 in one season (2006) as the head coach at Rice. Graham previously was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Tulsa (2003-05). He was on the staff at West Virginia in 2001 and 2002 under former Michigan Coach Rich Rodriguez and served as defensive coordinator at East Central University (Okla.), his alma mater, from 1991-93. He also has extensive coaching experience in the prep ranks in Texas. Tulsa led the nation in total offense in 2007 and 2008 and ranked fifth last season.
IOWA/PITT NOTES
- Coach Kirk Ferentz coached game No. 150 as Iowa’s head coach in Iowa’s 34-7 win over Tennessee Tech. The Hawkeyes were also victorious in game No. 50 under Ferentz (56-7 over Buffalo, 9/6/03) and in game No. 100 (35-0 over Syracuse, 9/8/07).
- Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz attended Upper St. Clair High School in Pittsburgh (He was born in Royal Oak, Mich.). Ferentz served as a graduate assistant offensive line coach at Pittsburgh during the 1980 season. That Pitt team (coached by Jackie Sherrill) finished with an 11-1 record and a No. 2 national ranking.
- Iowa is one of 21 teams in the nation to have allowed just one quarterback sack through two games.
- Iowa is tied for 18th nationally in turnovers gained, with five (three fumbles, two interceptions in two games.
- Iowa’s roster includes three players from Pennsylvania, including senior DL Tom Nardo, freshman DL John Raymon and freshman LB Marcus Collins.
- Iowa defensive line coach Rick Kaczenski is a native of Erie, Pa. He was inducted into the Erie chapter of the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame in 2007.
- Pitt assistant head coach Calvin Magee was the associate head coach and offensive coordinator at Michigan the last three seasons. Iowa defeated the Wolverines in both 2009 and 2010.
- Pitt assistant coach Tony Dews was the wide receiver coach at Michigan the past three seasons.
- Pitt assistant coach Tony Gibson served as assistant head coach at defensive secondary coach at Michigan the past three seasons.
- Pitt assistant coach Todd Dodge played college football at Texas, and was the Longhorn quarterback in 1985 when Iowa defeated Texas 55-17 in the 1984 Freedom Bowl. Dodge completed 16-32 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns in that contest.
- Pitt assistant coach Randall McCray was on the coaching staff at Wisconsin from 2006-09.
IOWA VS. THE BIG EAST
Iowa holds an all-time record of 5-4 (.556) against current members of the Big East Conference, having played Cincinnati (1-0), Pitt (1-3) and Syracuse (3-1). Iowa has not played a Big East opponent since the 2008 loss at Pittsburgh.
PITT VS. THE BIG TEN
Pittsburgh is 81-113-9 (.421) vs. the Big Ten, having played all 12 teams at least once.
PITT FEATURES TOP RUSHER
Pittsburgh RB Ray Graham leads the nation in rushing (161 yards per game). Graham is tied for the national lead with six rushing touchdowns and his average of 18 points per game ranks second in the nation. Graham has scored three rushing touchdowns in each of Pitt’s two wins.
IOWA FALLS IN THREE OT
Iowa drove 80 yards for a go-ahead touchdown with 5:50 remaining, but could not get a defensive stop in the final minutes and eventually dropped a 44-41 contest in three overtimes at Iowa State. The loss snapped Iowa’s three-game winning streak in the series. Iowa drove 82 yards for a touchdown on its first drive of the game and added a 42-yard field goal from Mike Meyer in the second for a 10-0 advantage. A 12-yard Iowa State touchdown drive following an Iowa fumble and a 54-yard field goal late in the second period left the teams tied at 10-10 at the break. Meyer connected on field goals of 20 and 50 yards in the third period to give Iowa a 16-10 advantage. The 50-yard field goal marked a career-best for Meyer. ISU answered with a five-play touchdown drive to take its first least with two minutes remaining in the third period. Following a missed field goal attempt by ISU in the final period, the Hawkeye drove 80 yards in 11 plays, taking the lead on a one-yard run by Marcus Coker. Quarterback James Vandenberg connected with WR Keenan Davis on the two-point conversion and Iowa led 24-17 with 5:50 remaining. Iowa State tied the score with 1:17 to play on a four-yard touchdown pass as the Cyclones converted three times on third down and a fourth and one. Coker scored on a four-yard run in the first overtime, but ISU answered. The Cyclones scored a touchdown in the second overtime and Iowa answered with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Vandenberg to Davis. Iowa was held to a 34-yard Meyer field goal in the third extra period before ISU scored the winning points on a four-yard run. Coker led Iowa’s rushing attack with 140 yards and two scores on a career-best 35 attempts. Vandenberg completed 16-28 passes for 207 yards and two scores, with no interceptions. Davis led Iowa receivers with five receptions for 95 yards. Sophomore LB Christian Kirksey led Iowa’s defense, recording 13 tackles (11 solo), two tackles for loss, one QB sack, a pass break-up and a caused and recovered fumble. The game was Iowa’s first triple overtime ever and leaves the Hawkeyes with a 4-3 record in overtime games.
EXTRA POINTS
- Saturday’s game was the first time in the 59-game series against Iowa State that a contest went to overtime. Iowa’s last overtime game was a 27-24 loss at Ohio State in 2009.
- Iowa is now 4-3 in overtime games.
- Junior FB Jonathan Gimm started for the first time in his career, while TE C.J. Fiedorowicz had his first pass reception and redshirt freshman WR Kevonte Martin-Manley had his first reception and first touchdown. Senior DL Tom Nardo had the first forced fumble of his career and sophomore LB Christian Kirksey had career firsts in causing and recovering an ISU fumble. Redshirt freshman DL Carl Davis also saw his first career action.
- Iowa was a perfect 5-5 in the red zone, collecting three TD’s and two FG’s.
- Iowa scored 10 points following three Iowa State turnovers. The Hawkeyes converted a touchdown after a fumble recovery and a field goal after another fumble recovery. Iowa has scored 20 points in two games following five opponent turnovers (three fumbles, two interceptions).
- Sophomore RB Marcus Coker led Iowa’s rushing game with a career-high 35 carries for 140 yards, surpassing 100 yards in a game for the third time in his career. He also tied a career-high with two touchdowns. His only other two TD game was against Missouri in the 2010 Insight Bowl.
- Sophomore PK Mike Meyer made a 50-yard field goal in the third quarter, a career best. He had a 42-yard field goal in the second period that had tied his previous long (at Indiana, 2010). Meyer also had a 20-yard field goal in the third period and a 34-yard field goal in the third overtime. He is 6-6 on the season and 7-7 on PAT kicks in two games. He has made 20-23 career field goals.
- The 50-yard field goal is the first for Iowa of 50 yards or more since the 2005 season, when Kyle Schlicher had a 52-yard field goal in a loss to Ohio State.
- Junior QB James Vandenberg started for the fourth time in his career and two of those games have ended in overtime. He completed 16-28 attempts for 207 yards and two scores, with no interceptions. Saturday was Vandenberg’s second game with two TDs (Ohio State, 2009).
- Junior Keenan Davis notched career highs in receptions (5) and yards (95) against Iowa State. He also collected his third career touchdown catch.
- Sophomore LB Christian Kirksey had a career-high 13 tackles, his first career sack and his first two TFL’s. He also had his first pass breakup, his first caused fumble and first recovered fumble.
- Senior DE Broderick Binns had the third fumble recovery of his career in the first period, helping stop ISU’s first drive of the game. Binns later had a pass break-up and ended the day with four tackles.
- Senior punter Eric Guthrie, a native of Nevada, Iowa, averaged 46.8 yards on four punts. He had a career-best 60-yard punt in the third period. He had just one career punt prior to this season.
- Excluding the overtime periods, Iowa State began three possessions in Iowa territory. Last season, just seven of 142 opponent possessions began on the Iowa side of the field.
OVERTIME MEANS EXTRA STATS
Iowa’s loss at Iowa State came in three overtimes, which provided both teams three additional possessions to add to their total statistics. As an example, at the point Iowa took a 24-17 lead with 5:50 remaining in the game, the Hawkeye defense had performed well. At that point, Iowa State had 282 yards total offense and had scored 10 of its 17 points on scoring drives that covered 12 yards (following a turnover) and 21 yards. The final totals of 44 points and 473 yards total offense included 17 points and 75 yards of total offense.
PITT GETS SECOND WIN
Pittsburgh scored on a 76-yard drive to open the game and never trailed in taking a 35-29 home win over Maine. The Panthers added two field goals by Kevin Harper to lead 12-0 before Maine cut the deficit to 12-7. A three-yard run by Ray Graham and a two-point conversion with 1:45 left in the half gave Pitt a 20-7 advantage at the break. Maine scored the first touchdown of the third quarter to cut the deficit to five, but Pitt answered with short scoring runs by Graham and Zach Brown to take a 35-15 lead midway through the final period. Maine responded with another touchdown at the 3:12 mark and a final score with just three seconds left to play to cut into the Pitt margin of victory. Graham led the Pitt ground game, rushing for 121 yards on 28 carries and scoring three times. Quarterback Tino Sunseri completed 21-35 passes for 224 yards, while Devin Street led the Panther receivers with 74 yards on six receptions. The Pittsburgh defense was led by K’Waun Williams and Shane Gordon, who each collected six tackles. The Panther defense, while allowing 371 yards total offense, collected eight tackles for loss and three QB sacks.
THE LAST MEETING
Pittsburgh scored an early fourth-quarter touchdown to reclaim the lead and held on to defeat Iowa 21-20, at Heinz Field. The Panthers scored a touchdown with 6:06 remaining in the opening period. Pittsburgh scored touchdowns on two of its first three possessions to grab an early 14-3 advantage. Iowa RB Shonn Greene had a six-yard scoring run to close the deficit to 14-10 at halftime. QB Jake Christensen gave Iowa a 17-14 lead with 5:33 left in the third period after finding the end zone from two yards out. Following an exchange of punts, Pittsburgh answered with its third touchdown drive of the afternoon, capped by a RB LeSean McCoy 27-yard scoring run to put the Panthers up 21-17. Iowa PK Trent Mossbrucker, who converted a 26-yard field goal to end Iowa’s second drive of the game, split the uprights from a career-long distance of 39 yards to close within one point (21-20) with 10:58 remaining in the game. However, Iowa’s last three offensive possessions stalled and Pittsburgh held on for the victory. Greene sparked the Hawkeyes offensively, rushing 23 times for 147 yards. TE Brandon Myers had four receptions for 35 yards. Christensen started the game at quarterback, completing 12-24 passes for 124 yards. Ricky Stanzi also saw time under center, completing 7-10 passes for 79 yards. Pittsburgh QB Bill Stull completed 11-25 passes for 129 yards. McCoy was held to 78 yards rushing, 27 of which came on his game-winning touchdown scamper. Defensively, Iowa was led by LB Pat Angerer, LB Jeremiha Hunter and DB Amari Spievey. Angerer had a team-high seven tackles, while Hunter had six stops, including one for loss. Spievey was credited with five tackles.
HAWKEYES TO WATCH
A number of Iowa players were named to preseason all-Big Ten and All-America teams over the summer. Those named to preseason Watch Lists include the following:
- DL Broderick Binns and DL Mike Daniels, inaugural Pony Express Award
- DL Broderick Binns, Ted Hendricks Award
- RB Marcus Coker, Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award
- DL Mike Daniels, CFPA Defensive Lineman Trophy
- OL James Ferentz, Rimington Trophy
- P Eric Guthrie, AFCA Community Service Award
- DB Micah Hyde, CFPA Defensive Back Trophy
- WR Marvin McNutt, Jr., Biletnikoff Award and CFPA Wide Receiver Trophy
- OLB Tyler Nielsen, Butkus Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy
- PK Mike Meyer, College Football Performance Award for PK and KO Specialist
- DB Shaun Prater, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Bednarik Award and CFPA Defensive Back Trophy
- OL Riley Reiff, Rotary Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy
OL Riley Reiff
- First team preseason All-America by Playboy
- Second team preseason All-America by Consensus Draft Services
- Third team preseason All-American by Phil Steele’s College Football and Athlon Sports
- Started at left tackle in first two games in 2011 and has started 23 consecutive games
WR Marvin McNutt, JR.
- Second team All-Big Ten in 2010
- Fourth team preseason All-America by Phil Steele’s College Football
- 53 receptions for 861 yards and eight touchdowns in 2010, averaging 16.2 yards per catch. Receiving yardage ranks 10th-best for single season
- 18 career touchdown receptions third on career list. Career totals include 98 receptions for 1,747 yards to rank 13th in career yards and 18th in career receptions
- Eight touchdown receptions in both 2009 and 2010
- Six receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns in opening win over Tennessee Tech
- Earned honorable mention from College Football Performance Awards for his play vs. Tennessee Tech
- Four receptions for 61 yards at Iowa State, including 29-yard reception that led to an Iowa touchdown and 24-17 fourth quarter advantage
DB Shaun Prater
- First team All-Big Ten in 2010 by both league coaches and media
- Second team preseason All-America by Lindy’s, Athlon Sports and GoDaddy.com
- Tied for second in the Big Ten and tied for 40th nationally with four interceptions
- Ranked fifth on the team with 68 tackles, while playing in 12 of 13 games
- Has 89-yard interception return for a touchdown vs. Tennessee Tech, the second of his career
- Earned honorable mention recognition from College Football Performance Awards for his play vs. Tennessee Tech
- Recorded five solo tackles and two assists at Iowa State
- Has seven career interceptions and ranks seventh at Iowa with 173 career interception return yards
DT Mike Daniels
- Honorable mention All-Big Ten
- Second on team in tackles for loss (11-56) and QB sacks (4-31) in 2010
- Named Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week for his play vs. Ball State in 2010. Also named national Defensive Player of the Week by College Football Performance Awards
- Recorded six solo tackles, one assist and two QB pressures at Iowa State
- Recorded five tackles in opening win, including 1.5 tackles for loss and a QB sack
DB Micah Hyde
- Defensive Player of the Game, 2010 Insight Bowl
- Recorded three tackles and a pass break-up in opening game after moving from cornerback to safety
- Recorded six solo tackles, one assists and two pass break-ups at Iowa State
COKER LEADS RUSHING ATTACK
Sophomore RB Marcus Coker leads the Iowa rushing attack, with 46 carries for 181 yards and two touchdowns. He rushed a career-high 35 times for 140 yards at Iowa State, scoring on runs of one and four yards. He is tied for second in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (90.5). As a true freshman in 2010, Coker started for the fourth time in Iowa’s Insight Bowl win over Missouri. He set Iowa bowl records for rushing attempts (33) and rushing yards (219) in the win. He scored on touchdown runs of one and 62 yards and was named Offensive Player of the Game. He is the Sports Illustrated preseason selection for Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. His season totals in 2010 included 114 carries for 622 yards and three touchdowns, while playing in just seven games. Coker rushed for over 100 yards in his first career start (22-129) in a win at Indiana. His rushing total a year ago ranks fourth best for an Iowa freshman.
VANDENBERG STEPS IN AT QB
Junior James Vandenberg has stepped into the starting role as Iowa’s quarterback. In two games Vandenberg has completed 29-49 (.592) passes for 426 yards and four touchdowns, with no interceptions. Vandenberg was 16-28 for 207 yards at Iowa State, with two touchdowns. He led a fourth quarter touchdown drive and added the two-point conversion to give Iowa a 24-17 lead late in the game. He then led the Hawkeyes to 17 points in the three overtime periods. Vandenberg has been sacked just once in two games and has 11 rushing attempts for 32 yards and a touchdown. Vandenberg is 2-2 in four games as Iowa’s starting quarterback, with the two losses both coming in overtime (at Ohio State, 2009). He ranks fourth in the Big Ten in passing yards per game (213.0).
MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Sophomore PK Mike Meyer has made all six field goal attempts and is 7-7 in PAT kicks through Iowa’s first two games. He is tied for third nationally (Maikon Bonani, South Florida) in field goals per game (3.0) and he is 14th nationally in scoring (12.5 points per game). He leads the Big Ten in kick scoring and is third in overall scoring. He had a career-best 50-yard field goal at Iowa State, while also connecting from 42, 20 and 34 yards. Meyer made four field goals in a game for the second time in his career, as he made 4-5 in an 18-13 win at Indiana in 2010. Meyer leads Iowa in scoring with 25 points and he has made 20-23 career field goal attempts.
KIRKSEY LEADS IN TACKLES
Sophomore LB Christian Kirksey leads the Iowa defense with 23 tackles (17 solo) in two games. Kirksey ranks third in the Big Ten in tackles. He is sixth nationally in solo tackles and tied for 13th overall in tackles per game. Kirksey has 17 solo tackles, two tackles for loss and one QB sack. He led the Hawkeyes with 11 solo tackles and two assists at Iowa State, while also causing and recovering an Iowa State fumble on the same play. He recorded 10 tackles (six solo stops) against Tennessee Tech in his first game as a starter.
TOP HAWKEYE PERFORMERS
- Senior Eric Guthrie has taken over the punting duties in 2011 and is averaging 43.4 yards on seven punts. Guthrie has four punts inside the 20 and opponents have just two returns. He had a career-long 59-yard punt at Iowa State, where he averaged 46.8 yards on four punts.
- Senior DL Mike Daniels has collected 12 tackles in two games, including 1.5 tackles for loss and one of Iowa’s two QB sacks. He also has two QB pressures. Junior WR Keenan Davis had the best day of his career at Iowa State with five receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. He had a 23-yard scoring catch in the second overtime period. Davis has seven receptions for 125 yards in two games as a starter. Davis has recorded six of Iowa’s 14 plays that have covered over 20 yards, including four pass receptions and two KO returns. Sophomore LB James Morris has collected 17 tackles in two games, including 10 tackles and a pass interception in Iowa’s opening win. Morris had seven solo tackles at Iowa State.
STARTERS RETURNING
Iowa’s five returning starters on offense include: center James Ferentz, tackle Riley Reiff, wide receiver Marvin McNutt, Jr., tackle Markus Zusevics and running back Marcus Coker. The returning defensive starters include: end Broderick Binns, tackle Mike Daniels, linebacker Tyler Nielsen and backs Micah Hyde and Shaun Prater. PK Mike Meyer and PK Trent Mossbrucker, also return. Among the returning starters, only Hyde on defense and Ferentz, McNutt, Jr., Reiff and Zusevics started every game in 2010.
RETURNING WITH HONORS
Iowa returns five players who earned All-Big Ten honors a year ago. Among those returning, DB Shaun Prater was a first team selection by both league coaches and media. WR Marvin McNutt, Jr., and Riley Reiff were second team selections. DT Mike Daniels and DB Micah Hyde earned honorable mention recognition. In addition, Hyde was the Defensive Player of the Game in Iowa’s 27-24 Insight Bowl win over 12th-ranked Missouri and RB Marcus Coker was the Offensive Player of the Game. Coker rushed 33 times for 219 yards and two touchdowns, while Hyde scored the winning touchdown on a 72-yard interception return in the fourth quarter and recorded six tackles.
AMONG CAREER LEADERS
Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr., ranks third in career touchdown receptions (18) and is 13th in receiving yards and 18th in career catches (98-1,747). Senior DB Shaun Prater has 173 career interception return yards and junior DB Micah Hyde has 142 yards. Prater ranks seventh among Iowa’s career interception leaders and Hyde is 11th. Prater and Hyde each have two touchdown returns. Among Iowa’s career leaders, only Tom Knight (three) and Plez Atkins (two) have more than one touchdown return.
THREE HAWKEYES OUT OF ACTION
Sophomore LB Shane DiBona, true freshman RB Mika’il McCall and sophomore LB Dakota Getz will miss the remainder of the 2011 season. DiBona suffered an achilles injury during preseason practice. He underwent successful surgery at the UI Hospitals and Clinics following the injury and is expected to make a full recovery. After a redshirt season in 2009, the Duxbury, Mass. native saw action in all 13 games a year ago, with two starts. He recorded six solo tackles and seven assists. McCall suffered a broken bone in his right leg in Iowa’s opening win over Tennessee Tech. He had rushed for 61 yards on nine carries before suffering the injury. Getz, who missed Iowa’s opening win due to injury, suffered a major knee injury on the opening kick of the Iowa State game and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 50 of its last 61 games (.820) in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2002 season. Iowa recorded a school-record 22-game home winning streak between 2002-05, which ended with an overtime loss to Michigan. Iowa is 18-4 at home since the start of the 2008 season and 22-1 in its last 23 non-conference home games.
HAWKEYES ON THE TUBE
All Iowa football games this season will be televised on either ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FSN or the BTN. The last Iowa contest not televised was vs. Minnesota on Nov. 17, 2001. Iowa has appeared on television in its last 118 games.
RETURNING STAT LEADERS
Iowa returns just two players who led the team in statistical categories in 2010. PK Mike Meyer led the team in scoring with 73 points, hitting 14-17 field goal attempts and 31-33 PAT attempts. WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. led the Hawkeyes in receptions (53), receiving yards (861) and touchdown receptions (8).
COLLECTING INTERCEPTIONS
Iowa’s defense has ranked among national leaders in causing turnovers in recent seasons. Over the last three-plus seasons Iowa has collected 65 interceptions, a total that ranks second in the nation over that span (Florida, 68). The Hawkeyes have had an interception return for a touchdown in each of the last four years, including four last season. Iowa has had an interception return for a score in nine of the last 11 seasons and 9-13 seasons under Kirk Ferentz. Iowa had six non-offensive touchdowns in 2010 and had an 89-yard interception return for a touchdown in the opening win this season. In addition, in each of the last four seasons, Iowa has had more interceptions than touchdown passes allowed.
PRESTIGIOUS HONORS GIVEN TO HAYDEN FRY
Former University of Iowa Football Coach Hayden Fry has been named recipient of two distinguished national awards. Fry, along with three others, was inducted into the United States Marine Corps Hall of Fame in late August. The ceremony was held at the Quantico Marine base at Quantico, Virginia. Fry has also been named recipient of the 2012 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, given by the American Heart Association. The Award recognizes the career accomplishments of some of college’s finest football coaches. It’s the only award of its kind in the college football arena. The award highlights the outstanding achievements and extraordinary contributions which have reflected honor and sportsmanship to the game of football throughout the coach’s career. He’ll receive the award at a banquet Jan. 12th in Houston, Tex. Fry was Iowa’s head football coach for 20 years, posting a 143-89-6 record (96-61-5 in the Big Ten). When he retired he was the dean of Big Ten coaches and was just the sixth football coach in Big Ten history to coach 20 seasons. His career record was 232-178-10. In 2003 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He has also been honored with the prestigious Amos Alonzo Stagg Lifetime Achievement Award. Since that time he has also been inducted into Iowa’s Athletic Hall of Fame, the Baylor Wall of Fame, The Peach and Holiday Bowl Halls of Fame, the Rose Bowl and Sun Bowl Halls of Fame, and the North Texas State University Hall of Fame (formerly NTSU).
FERENTZ JOINS CHALLENGE
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz and Iowa State Coach Paul Rhoads have joined forces with the Iowa Mentoring Partnership for the 2011 Coaches’ Challenge. The Coaches’ Challenge runs from Aug. 1-Nov. 21 and is a competition between Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas to see which state can recruit the most mentors. For three years, Kansas and Nebraska have competed in a “Coaches Mentoring Challenge”, with Bo Pelini (Nebraksa), Bill Snyder (Kansas State) and Turner Gill (Kansas) taking part in the competition. Ferentz and Rhoads have joined the competition this season. According to The National Mentoring Partnership, there are 15 million children in the nation in need of caring and quality mentors. In Iowa, it is estimated that nearly 5,000 young people are currently in need of a mentor. Many of these children and youth are young men who would strongly benefit from a positive male role model. The Iowa Mentoring Partnership, an initiative of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, upholds the commission’s mission to “improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering” by supporting quality mentoring services and by working to close the mentoring gap in our state. The Iowa Mentoring Partnership currently supports a network of more than 80 local, certified mentoring programs. Any new mentor application received between Aug. 1-Nov. 21 will count towards the score of the respective state, with cumulative totals updated each month. To find out more information or join the Coaches’ Challenge, visit www.iowamentoring.org or call 1-800-308-5987.
GLANCE AT THE SCHEDULE
Iowa plays three of its first four games in Kinnick Stadium, returning home the next two weekends. Iowa hosts Pittsburgh (Sept. 17, 11 a.m., ESPN2) and Louisiana-Monroe (Sept. 24, TBA) to close the non-conference slate. The Hawkeyes open Big Ten play at Penn State Oct. 8. This season marks the 10th time in Kirk Ferentz’ 13 years at Iowa that the Hawkeyes will open the conference season on the road. Iowa returns home to host Northwestern and Indiana before a road game at Minnesota. The second half of the conference slate has Iowa hosting Michigan and Michigan State before traveling to Purdue and Nebraska. Six of Iowa’s 2011 opponents competed in bowl games last season. The Hawkeyes do not face Big Ten opponents Illinois, Ohio State and Wisconsin in 2011 and 2012.
TICKET UPDATE
Iowa has sold all tickets for its seven home games. Iowa has issued over 59,000 season tickets, which includes more than 10,000 student tickets. The Iowa record for average home attendance is 70,585, set in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010. Iowa has sold out Kinnick Stadium 49 of the last 51 games heading into the 2011 season. In addition, Iowa has sold its allotment of tickets to road games at Iowa State, Penn State, Minnesota and Nebraska.
DIVISION CHAMPS TO MEET IN TITLE GAME
The Big Ten Conference will stage its first conference football championship game Dec. 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The prime time contest will be televised by FOX to a national audience. The Big Ten’s Legends Division includes Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska and Northwestern. The Leaders Division includes Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue and Wisconsin.
HAWKEYES BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa returns 37 lettermen from 2010, including 17 on offense, 18 on defense and two specialists. The 37 returning lettermen are 11 less than a year ago. The Hawkeyes return five starters on both offense and defense and two specialists. The lettermen breakdown includes six three-year lettermen, 11 two-year lettermen and 20 one-year lettermen. The total roster has 114 players, and includes 18 seniors, 20 juniors, 22 sophomores, 19 redshirt freshmen and 35 true freshmen. Iowa’s depth chart includes 17 seniors, 17 juniors, 11 sophomores and six redshirt freshmen.
IOWA FOOTBALL AND THE NFL
- For the second straight year, Iowa had six players selected in the 2011 NFL Draft, and for the second straight year that list included a first round selection (DE Adrian Clayborn).
- Iowa was one of eight schools to have as many as six players selected in the 2011 NFL Draft.
- Only two schools, USC (16) and Florida (13), have had more players selected in the past two seasons.
- The Iowa football program was represented by 33 players on opening day NFL rosters. As many as eight additional former Hawkeyes with NFL experience are listed as free agents, on injured reserve or on practice squads.
- Iowa ranks eighth nationally (second among Big Ten teams) in number former players currently active in the NFL, behind Miami, FL, USC, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio State, Georgia and LSU.
- All 11 members of Iowa’s starting defensive unit in 2008 were either drafted in the last three NFL drafts or signed to NFL free agent contracts following the drafts.
- Over the past 12 years, 98 of 114 (86%) of Iowa’s senior starters have been drafted in the NFL or signed NFL free agent contracts.
IOWA VS. RANKED OPPONENTS
Iowa posted a 4-3 record while facing seven ranked opponents in 2010, the most for a Kirk Ferentz coached Hawkeye team. Iowa played six ranked teams in 1999 and 2003. The four wins over ranked teams are the most for Iowa since posting a 4-2 record vs. six ranked opponents in 2003. Three of Iowa’s seven opponents were ranked in the top 10, while Missouri was 12th. Iowa lost to No. 10 Wisconsin (31-30), defeated No. 5 Michigan State (37-6) and lost to No. 7 Ohio State (20-17), all in Kinnick Stadium. In 2009, Iowa defeated No. 4 Penn State and No. 9 Georgia Tech, while losing at No. 8 Ohio State in overtime. With the 37-6 win over fifth-ranked Michigan State (10/30/10), Iowa has recorded a victory over a top-five ranked team in each of the last three seasons. Iowa defeated fourth-ranked Penn State (21-10) on the road in 2009 and defeated the third-ranked Nittany Lions (24-23) in Kinnick Stadium in 2008. Along with defeating Michigan State, Iowa defeated Missouri (#12), Penn State (#20) and Michigan (#24). Along with losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State, Iowa lost at No. 18 Arizona. In Big Ten play, Iowa’s eight opponents posted an overall record of 62-34 during the regular season. Iowa did not play Illinois and Purdue.
IOWA VS. BOWL TEAMS
Eight of Iowa’s 13 opponents in 2010 earned bowl invitations. Iowa’s 13 opponents posted a 92-71 (.564) overall record. Wisconsin (Rose) and Ohio State (Sugar) earned BCS bowl bids, while Arizona, Michigan State, Penn State, Michigan, Northwestern and Missouri played in the post-season.
HAWKEYE NOTES FROM 2010
- Iowa ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense (17.0), sixth in rushing defense (101.5), 25th in total defense (332.1) and 24th in pass efficiency defense (115.1). The Iowa defense was the last unit in the nation to allow a rushing touchdown last season, that coming in Iowa’s sixth game.
- The Hawkeyes ranked seventh in the nation in turnover margin (+1.0) and tied for 11th with 19 pass interceptions. Iowa had four interception returns for touchdowns.
- Six Iowa opponents scored one touchdown or less, including two who scored no touchdowns. For the second straight season, eight of Iowa’s 12 regular season opponents scored 17 points or less.
- For the third straight season, in 2010, Iowa allowed only one individual opponent to rush for over 100 yards.
- Iowa ranked 11th in the nation in pass efficiency (155.72) and the Hawkeyes were 50th in scoring offense (28.9). The Hawkeyes were 49th in passing offense (234.5), 57th in total offense (382.9) and 70th in rushing offense (148.4). Iowa scored 30 or more points in three consecutive Big Ten Conference games (Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State) for the first time since 2005. Iowa scored 30 or more points in six games overall, matching the second highest number of games under Kirk Ferentz. Iowa scored 30 or more points in nine games in 2002.
- Iowa had just 11 turnovers (five lost fumbles, six interceptions), which ranked second in the nation. Iowa lost just two fumbles in eight Big Ten games, both in the regular season finale at Minnesota.
- Iowa was 8-0 in 2010 when rushing for over 120 yards and 0-5 when the rushing total was less than 120 yards.
- Iowa ranked sixth in fewest penalty yards per game (37.4) and tied for 19th in fewest penalties per game (4.9).
- On special teams, Iowa ranked sixth in the nation in punt return defense (3.9 average on 21 returns) and 12th in KO returns (25.3).
- Iowa’s opponents had 142 possessions, and just seven started in Iowa territory. Arizona and Minnesota had two possessions start in Iowa territory and Iowa State, Northwestern and Ohio State started one possession on Iowa’s end of the field.
- Iowa’s 100 first half points in 2010 led the Big Ten Conference.
IOWA PROGRAM NOTES
- Iowa was bowl eligible in 2010 for the 10th straight season. The Hawkeyes played in their ninth 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, 2009 Outback Bowl, 2010 Orange Bowl and 2010 Insight Bowl.
- Iowa has posted a 6-3 bowl record under Kirk Ferentz. Ferentz is tied for third on the all-time list of Big Ten coaches with six bowl victories. Iowa’s .667 (6-3) winning percentage in bowl games in the BCS era ranks as the best in the Big Ten Conference.
- Four of Iowa’s six bowl wins under Kirk Ferentz have been in January. Under Ferentz, the Hawkeyes have bowl wins over teams from the Southeastern (three), Big 12 (two) and Atlantic Coast conferences.
- Iowa is one of four programs in the nation to win a bowl game at the conclusion of each of the last three seasons, with two of the three being January bowl wins. Among Big Ten teams, only Penn State (1993-96), Michigan (1997-2000) and Ohio State (2002-2005) have won four straight bowl games in as many seasons.
- Iowa has defeated a team ranked in the top five in the nation, in the Associated Press rankings, in each of the past three seasons (Penn State in 2008 and 2009, Michigan State in 2010).
- Iowa earned Big Ten Conference championships in 2002 and 2004 and placed second in 2009. Iowa (8-0, 2002) is one of two Big Ten teams to post a perfect mark in conference play since 1998 (BCS era).
- Iowa has ranked in the top 10 in the final Associated Press and CNN/USA Today coaches polls in four of the past nine seasons, including a ranking of seventh in both polls at the conclusion of the 2009 season. Iowa ranked eighth in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the Hawkeyes were also 20th in 2008.
- Iowa established a school record with 11 wins in 2002 (11-2) and matched that record in 2009. In 2009, Iowa won 10 regular season games for just the fourth time in school history.
- Iowa won 10 or more games in three consecutive years (2002-04) for first time in school history.
- Iowa compiled an eight-year record of 78-36 (.684), 2002-10, third best in the Big Ten. The 78 victories rank as the 18th best total in the nation.
- Iowa posted a 46-26 Big Ten record from 2002-10, which ranks second among league teams over that span.
- Kirk Ferentz has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year three times (2002, 2004 & 2009) and he was named National Coach of the Year in 2002. Ferentz joins Michigan’s Bo Schembechler (four), Iowa’s Hayden Fry (three) and Penn State’s Joe Paterno (three) as the only coaches to be honored in more than two seasons.
- Iowa has had national award winners in: 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 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 PLAYS THEM CLOSE
Iowa has not lost a football game by more than nine points in its last 45 games, a streak that currently ranks as the longest in the nation (31-6, at Purdue, 10/20/07). In addition, The Hawkeyes have not lost a game by more than a touchdown in their last 41 games (28-19, Western Michigan, 11/17/07).
HAWKEYES THIRD IN BOWL APPEARANCES
Iowa ranks third in Big Ten bowl appearances. Ohio State has received a conference-best 42 bowl bids, followed by Michigan (40) and the Hawkeyes (25). Wisconsin ranks fourth with 22. Iowa (14-10-1, .580), Penn State (27-14-2, .651) and Purdue (8-7, .533) are the only Big Ten teams with a winning percentage in bowl games. Iowa was one of eight Big Ten Conference teams to participate in a bowl game following the 2010 season. The Big Ten had two teams compete in BCS games for the 10th time in 13 seasons. Since the inception of the BCS in 1998, the Big Ten has qualified 23 teams for BCS bowls, more than any other conference. Seven different Big Ten programs have played in BCS bowl games. The Big Ten sent eight teams to bowl games for the third time (2003 & 2007). Big Ten Conference teams posted a 4-3 record in bowl games following the 2009 season and a 3-5 mark in 2010.
IOWA AMONG TOP 20 IN WINS, 2002-10
Iowa has 79 wins since the start of the 2002 season, which ranks as the 18th highest total in Division I football. The list includes the following: Boise State (108); USC (101); Ohio State (101); Oklahoma (99); Texas (97); LSU (94); TCU (93); Virginia Tech (93); Florida (90); Georgia (88); Auburn (88); West Virginia (87); Utah (85); Wisconsin (83); Alabama (81); Boston College (80); Texas Tech (80); IOWA (79); Miami, FL (76); and Penn State (75).
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 12 seasons. Ferentz also served as Iowa’s offensive line coach from 1981-89 under Fry.
BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa had five pass plays against Iowa State that covered over 20 yards, plus four field goals and two KO returns of at least 20 yards. In two games, Iowa has seven pass plays and one rushing play, along with two interception returns, four KO returns and six field goals, of at least 20 yards. Iowa’s two opponents have four passing plays, one punt return and eight KO returns of 20 yards or more.
IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its two opponents in the first (10-0), second (27-10) and third (13-7) quarters, but has been outscored in the fourth quarter (14-8) and in three overtime periods (20-17). Last season, Iowa held a scoring advantage in the first (92-47), second (123-53), third (74-42) and fourth (87-79) quarters, with no overtime games.
ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averaged 4.1 yards on 31 first down plays, 5.0 yards on 26 second down plays and 7.1 yards on 15 third down plays in the triple-overtime loss at Iowa State. In two games, Iowa is averaging 4.9 yards on 60 first down plays, 6.9 yards on 48 second down plays and 5.7 yards on 23 third down plays. Iowa has no fourth down attempts.
AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s five scoring drives against Iowa State averaged nine plays, 55.4 yards and 4:09 in elapsed times. In two games, Iowa’s 10 scoring drives have averaged 8.3 plays, 56.2 yards and 4:11 in elapsed time. Iowa has five touchdown drives in two games, with four of those covering over 80 yards. Iowa’s averaged touchdown drive is 8.6 plays, 76.4 yards and 4:27 in elapsed time. Iowa’s opponents have five scoring drives, averaging 9.2 plays, 48.2 yards and 3:52 in elapsed time. The above scoring drive figures do not include overtime.
IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa was 5-5 in the red zone (including OT) at Iowa State, collecting two field goals and three touchdowns (one passing, two rushing). In two games, Iowa is 8-9 (88.9%) in the red zone, with three rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns and three field goals. Iowa has scored on 114 of the last 125 (.912) red zone possessions (75 TDs and 39 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 95-106 (.896) combined inside the red zone its last 31 games. Iowa State was 6-9 (66.7%) in the red zone (including OT), with four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns. Iowa State missed a field goal and lost two fumbles in the red zone. Iowa opponents are 7-11 (.636) in the red zone, with three rushing touchdowns and four passing touchdowns.
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa scored 10 points following three fumble recoveries at Iowa State. The Hawkeyes have scored 20 points following five opponent turnovers (three fumbles, two interceptions). The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in 58 of its last 64 games, dating back to 2006. Iowa State scored seven points after recovering one Iowa fumble, while Tennessee Tech did not score after one Iowa turnover in the opening game. Iowa had just 11 turnovers (five fumbles, six interceptions) in 13 games last season, allowing 28 points following those turnovers.
HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 113 players includes 43 players from Iowa. The roster includes 16 players from Illinois; 11 from Ohio; five from Maryland; four from Florida and Texas; three from Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin; two from Minnesota, Nebraska; one from California, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New York and South Dakota; and one from Australia and Canada.
MORE THAN ONE
Nine high schools have contributed more than one player to the current Iowa football roster. The leader is Iowa City High (Iowa) with four, while three players attended DeMatha Catholic in the Washington, D.C. area and Solon, Iowa HS. Those with two include Assumption HS in Davenport, Iowa; Cretin-Derham Hall HS in St. Paul, Minn., Hazelwood East HS in the St. Louis area; Humboldt, Iowa HS; Mount Pleasant, Iowa HS and Glenville, Ohio HS.
BROTHER ACT
Iowa has three sets of brothers on the roster. That includes A.J. and Zach Derby from Iowa City, Nick and Tyler Nielsen from Humboldt and Broderick and Marcus Binns from St. Paul, Minnesota. A.J. and Zach’s father, John, was an Iowa linebacker (1988-91).
DAD IN THE NFL
The father of DB Tom Donatell and the father of DB Greg Castillo are coaches in the NFL. Ed Donatell is the defensive secondary coach for the San Francisco 49’ers and Juan Castillo is the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.
IOWA FOOTBALL WITH Kirk Ferentz
The weekly television replay show, featuring Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz, is a 30-minute program, which includes Iowa football highlights and weekly features about the University of Iowa football program. Gary Dolphin, the radio play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes, hosts the show. Consult local listings for day and time.
Kirk Ferentz RADIO SHOW
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz is featured on “Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz” each week. The 90-minute radio call-in show is hosted by Gary Dolphin, the play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The show airs each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. from Carlos O’Kelly’s in Iowa City.
AMERICA NEEDS FARMERS
The University of Iowa Athletics Department is working with the Iowa Farm Bureau on efforts to help consumers understand the challenges and opportunities today’s farmers embrace, and to do so under the banner, “America Needs Farmers,” the initiative undertaken by former UI football coach Hayden Fry during the Farm Crisis of the 1980s and embraced by the Hawkeyes’ current head coach Kirk Ferentz. To learn more, visit AmericaNeedsFarmers.org.
AFTER THIS
Iowa is home for a second straight Saturday, hosting Louisiana-Monroe (11 a.m., BTN) Sept. 24 before an open week. Iowa opens Big Ten play Oct. 8 at Penn State (TBA).
AMERICA NEEDS FARMERS
The University of Iowa Athletics Department is working with the Iowa Farm Bureau on efforts to help consumers understand the challenges and opportunities today’s farmers embrace, and to do so under the banner, “America Needs Farmers,” the initiative undertaken by former UI football coach Hayden Fry during the Farm Crisis of the 1980s and embraced by the Hawkeyes’ current head coach Kirk Ferentz. To learn more, visit AmericaNeedsFarmers.org.