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Iowa Has Open Week Before Starting Big Ten Action

Sept. 26, 2011

Open Week Game Notes

HAWKEYES IDLE
Iowa (3-1) is idle this week after winning three of four non-conference games. The Hawkeyes defeated Tennessee Tech (34-7), Pittsburgh (31-27) and Louisiana-Monroe (45-17), all in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa was defeated, 44-41 in three overtimes, at Iowa State.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,146 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 590-517-39 (.532). That includes a 373-201-16 (.646) 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 256-165-15 (.604) record in Kinnick Stadium.

NARDO IS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior DL Tom Nardo was named Big Ten Conference defensive Player of the Week for his play in Iowa’s 45-17 win over Louisiana-Monroe. The Big Ten honor is the first for Nardo and Iowa’s second Player of the Week honor in 2011. QB James Vandenberg was named offensive Player of the Week following Iowa’s win over Pittsburgh. Nardo (6-3, 277) is a native of Lancaster, Pa., where he attended Catholic High School. He joined the Iowa program as a walk-on and during his career has earned a scholarship. Nardo started for the second time in Iowa’s win over ULM. He recorded a career-high 12 tackles in the win over ULM, including six solo tackles, two tackles for loss and a shared QB sack. Nardo and his defensive teammates held ULM to just 59 net rushing yards and the Warhawks had just one rushing play gain over six yards. In four games, Nardo has recorded eight solo tackles and 16 assists. He has three tackles for loss, one pass break-up and one forced fumble. Nardo is the first Hawkeye to earn the defensive award since last Nov. 1 when DB Shaun Prater was recognized. Nardo is Iowa’s first defensive lineman to earn Player of the Week honors since DE Adrian Clayborn was honored Oct. 4, 2010.

VANDENBERG, GUTHRIE GAIN NATIONAL HONOR
Junior quarterback James Vandenberg and senior punter Eric Guthrie have received recognition for their play in Iowa’s win over Louisiana-Monroe. The duo earned honorable mention recognition from the College Football Performance Awards for their respective positions. Vandenberg completed 21-32 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns in Iowa’s 45-17 win over ULM. He also scored on a one-yard run, his third rushing touchdown of the season. His scoring strikes covered 13, 17 and 23 yards. Vandenberg has three touchdown passes in each of Iowa’s last two games and 10 total scoring passes in four games. His season stats include 81-129 (.628) for 1,095 yards and 10 touchdowns, with just one interception. Guthrie has taken over Iowa’s punting duties in his senior season and averaged 48 yards on his two punts in the win over ULM. He has at least one punt of 50 yards or more in Iowa’s last three games. For the season, he is averaging 44.9 yards on 15 punts. He has three punts of at least 50 yards and a best of 59 yards. He has six punts inside the opponent 20 and no touchbacks. Iowa opponents are averaging just 5.2 yards on five returns.

#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, one redshirt freshman and one true freshman. 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; redshirt freshman Brandon Scherff and true freshman Jake Rudock.

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 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 in 2002 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 88-42 (.677) overall mark and a 50-30 (.625) Big Ten record the last 10-plus seasons. Ferentz has guided Iowa 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 92-61 (.601) 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 104-82 (.559). Fifty-nine of Iowa’s 153 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (27-32) 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 while 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.

IOWA IN NCAA STATS
As a team, Iowa is sixth nationally in net punting (43.1), tied for 13th in turnover margin (+4), 18th in fewest penalty yards per game (36.3), tied for 21st in fewest penalties per game (4.5), tied for 21st in red zone defense (.710), 28th in pass efficiency (154.08) and tied for 29th in takeaways (eight). Individually, PK Mike Meyer is tied for sixth in field goals per game (2.0) and 23rd in scoring (10.3), P Eric Guthrie is 17th in punting (44.9), DB Micah Hyde is tied for 21st with two interceptions, LB James Morris is 27th in tackles (10.0), WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. is 22nd in receiving yards per game (103.2) and 33rd in receptions per game (6.3), and QB James Vandenberg is 21st in pass efficiency (158.12) and 23rd in passing offense (273.8).

FAST START PROPELS IOWA PAST ULM
Iowa scored touchdowns on three of its first four possessions in taking control early and went on to a 45-17 win over Louisiana-Monroe. The Hawkeyes had scoring drives of 74 and 60 yards on its first two drives before taking advantage of a 30-yard punt return by Micah Hyde to drive just 29 yards for their third touchdown. An 80-yard scoring drive in the middle of the second period left Iowa with a 28-3 halftime advantage. The visitors drove for a field goal on their opening drive, but ran no more than six plays on their remaining drives of the first half. Iowa’s opening score came on a one-yard run by QB James Vandenberg, his third of the season. Vandenberg then connected with WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. for a 13-yard scoring strike and RB Marcus Coker added a four-yard touchdown run. McNutt, Jr. hauled in a 17-yard scoring pass from Vandenberg late in the second period, increasing his career total to 20 touchdown receptions, just one shy of the school record. ULM responded with two touchdown drives in the third period, but Iowa also scored a touchdown on its opening drive of the second half and ULM was never closer than 17 points. Coker added a two-yard scoring run in the third period and Vandenberg connected with WR Keenan Davis for a 23-yard touchdown later in the period. The only points in the fourth quarter came on a Mike Meyer 23-yard field goal. Vandenberg led the Iowa offense by completing 21-32 passes for 270 yards, as eight Hawkeyes had at least one reception. McNutt, Jr. led the way with seven receptions for 100 yards, reaching the 100-yard mark for the third time in four games. Davis had his third touchdown reception in as many games and Kevonte Martin-Manley had 82 yards on six receptions. Coker rushed 18 times for 113 yards, surpassing the century mark for the second time this season and fourth time in his career. DT Tom Nardo led the Iowa defense with 12 tackles, earning Big Ten defensive Player of the Week honors. Nardo had six solo stops, including two tackles for loss and a shared QB sack. LB James Morris added 10 tackles and LB Christian Kirksey recorded eight.

EXTRA POINTS

  • Iowa scored a touchdown on its opening drive for the second time in four games (at Iowa State, pass TD).
  • ULM scored a field goal on its first possession. The Warhawks scored a field goal, becoming the second Iowa foe to score on its first possession and second to score in the first period as Iowa has allowed just 10 first quarter points.
  • Iowa has allowed only 10 opponents to score on their opening drive in its last 43 games.
  • QB James Vandenberg scored his third rushing touchdown of the season in the first quarter. All have been one-yard runs. The three rushing touchdowns are the most in a season by an Iowa quarterback since Nathan Chandler had six in 2003.
  • Vandenberg’s stats on the day included three touchdown passes, two to Marvin McNutt, Jr., and one to Keenan Davis. Vandenberg has 10 passing touchdowns in four games, with at least two in each game and three in each of the last two.
  • Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. grabbed seven passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns. McNutt, Jr. now has 113 receptions for 1,959 yards. McNutt, Jr. now has 20 career scoring receptions, one shy of the school record. The record of 21 is held by Tim Dwight (1994-97) and Danan Hughes (1989-92). McNutt now ranks 12th in career receptions and sixth in career yards. He has at least 100 yards receiving in three of four games in 2011.
  • Senior Tom Nardo had his best game as a Hawkeye after starting at defensive tackle for the second straight week. He had a career-best six tackles in the first half alone. He ended the game with a career-high 12 stops. He also recorded one-half sack and two tackles for loss.
  • Sophomore RB Marcus Coker led Iowa’s ground game with 18 carries for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Coker surpassed 100 rushing yards for the second time this season and for the fourth time in his career. Coker rushed a career-high 35 times for 140 yards at Iowa State. Coker surpassed 100 yards rushing twice as a freshman. He rushed 33 times for 219 yards against Missouri and rushed 22 times for 129 yards in a win at Indiana. He previously scored two touchdowns at Iowa State this season and a year ago vs. Missouri in the Insight Bowl.
  • Iowa has scored over 30 points in its first four games: Tennessee Tech (34), Iowa State (41), Pittsburgh (31) and ULM (45). Iowa had not scored over 30 points in four straight games since 2002, when Iowa surpassed 30 in five straight games. Iowa last scored over 30 points in the first four games of the season in 1997.
  • Iowa’s 28 points in the first half are a season high. Iowa led Tennessee Tech 27-0 at halftime in the first game of the year.
  • Junior WR Keenan Davis had a 23-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter, giving him at least one touchdown catch in three straight games.
  • Micah Hyde had a 30-yard punt return in the second quarter, giving Iowa its first punt return yards of the season. He ended the day with two returns for 43 yards.
  • Sophomore PK Mike Meyer made a 23-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, improving to 8-10 on the season after making his first seven attempts. He is 17-17 on PAT kicks. He has made 22-27 career field goals.
  • Junior TE Zach Derby started for the first time in his career. The only other change in Iowa’s line-up from the previous week was at fullback, where Matt Meyers started for the second time in four games. Jonathan Gimm had started the last two games at fullback, but did not play against ULM.
  • RB Jordan Canzeri and LB Quinton Alston saw the first action of their careers. Ten true freshmen have played for the Hawkeyes this season.

DOMINANT AT HOME
Iowa has won 52 of its last 63 games (.825) 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 20-4 (.833) at home since the start of the 2008 season and 24-1 (.960) in its last 25 non-conference home games. Iowa has won 12 straight non-conference home games since the final game of 2007.

IOWA COMEBACKS
Iowa’s rally for a 31-27 win over Pittsburgh (Sept. 17) is believed to be the largest comeback for a win in Hawkeye history, as the Hawkeyes trailed by 21 points (24-3) with 3:11 remaining in the third quarter. Following is a list of previous Iowa rallies that are believed to be the largest in school history:

  • Iowa rallied from an 18-point deficit in a 34-31 win over Oregon in 1949 in Iowa City. Iowa trailed 24-6 with 2:30 left in the third quarter against the Ducks.
  • Iowa rallied from a 17-0 first half deficit for a 30-27 win at Minnesota in 1986, winning on a 37-yard field goal with one second remaining.
  • Iowa rallied from a 17-0 first half deficit for a 37-30 home win over Michigan State in 1996. Iowa rallied to tie the game at 23 and 30 before scoring the winning touchdown early in the fourth period.
  • Iowa rallied from a 14-point deficit for a 42-24 win over Indiana in 2009 at Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes trailed 21-7 in the third period when an 86-yard interception return sparked Iowa’s rally.

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:

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 four games in 2011 and has started 25 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
  • 20 career touchdown receptions ranks third on career list, just one shy of Danan Hughes (1989-92) and Tim Dwight (1994-97). Career totals include 113 receptions for 1,959 yards to rank sixth in career yards and 12th in career receptions
  • Eight touchdown receptions in both 2009 and 2010 and four in four games in 2011
  • 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
  • Career-high eight receptions for 112 yards in win over Pittsburgh
  • Seven receptions for 100 yard and two touchdowns in win over ULM

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 in 2010
  • Ranked fifth on the team with 68 tackles in 2010, 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
  • Recorded two forced fumbles and three tackles in win over Pittsburgh
  • Recorded six tackles in win over ULM
  • 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
  • Recorded three tackles in win over Pittsburgh, including a QB sack in the fourth quarter
  • Three tackles vs. ULM, including a shared QB sack, as defense allowed just 59 net rushing yards

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
  • Moved to cornerback and recorded two interceptions and 10 tackles in win over Pittsburgh
  • Recorded five tackles in win over ULM and had 43 yards on two punt returns
  • Earned defensive back honorable mention recognition from College Football Performance Awards for his play in win over Pittsburgh

COKER LEADS RUSHING ATTACK
Sophomore RB Marcus Coker leads the Iowa rushing attack, with 87 carries for 380 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed a career-high 35 times for 140 yards at Iowa State, scoring on runs of one and four yards, and he added 113 yards and two scores on 18 carries against ULM. He is fourth in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (95.0). He has rushed for over 100 yards twice in four games this season and four times in his career. 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’s 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, leading Iowa to a comeback win over Pittsburgh and impressive wins over Tennessee Tech and Louisiana-Monroe. He completed 31-48 passes for 399 yards and three touchdowns against Pitt, with the three scoring passes coming in the fourth period. He was named Big Ten Conference offensive Player of the Week after reaching career-high marks in completions, attempts, passing yards and touchdowns. He also scored on a one-yard run and completed 17 of his last 20 passes in the second half. In Iowa’s most recent win over ULM, Vandenberg completed 21-32 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for one score. In four games, Vandenberg has completed 81-129 (.628) passes for 1,095 yards and 10 touchdowns, with one interception. He is second in the Big Ten in passing yards (273.8) and third in pass efficiency (158.1) and total offense (282.0). 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 is 4-2 as Iowa’s starting quarterback, with the two losses both coming in overtime (at Iowa State, 2011 and at Ohio State, 2009). He is 21st in the nation in pass efficiency and 23rd in passing yards per game.

MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Sophomore PK Mike Meyer has made 8-10 field goal attempts and is 17-17 in PAT kicks. He is tied for sixth nationally in field goals per game (2.0). Meyer is tied for the Big Ten lead in field goals per game, ranks second in field goal percentage (80%) and kick scoring (10.2) and is fifth in total scoring. He made a 22-yard field goal in the win over Pitt before missing from 40 and 50 yards and made his only attempt (23 yards) in the win over ULM. Meyer 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 41 points and has made 22-27 (.815) career field goal attempts.

MORRIS LEADS IN TACKLES
Sophomore LB James Morris has collected 40 tackles in four games to lead the team. He has 22 solo stops and 18 assists, along with one pass interception. Morris collected five solo stops and five assists in Iowa’s win over ULM. He matched his career high with 13 tackles in the win over Pittsburgh and ranks second in the Big Ten in tackles per game.

KIRKSEY STEADY ON DEFENSE
Sophomore LB Christian Kirksey has recorded 39 tackles (24 solo) in four games. Kirksey ranks third in the Big Ten in tackles and is 20th nationally in solo tackles. He also has two tackles for loss, one QB sack, a pass break-up, one caused fumble and one fumble recovery. 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 and had eight stops in the win over Pittsburgh.

TOP HAWKEYE PERFORMERS

  • Senior Eric Guthrie has taken over the punting duties in 2011 and is averaging 44.9 yards on 15 punts. Guthrie has six punts inside the 20, with no touchbacks, and opponents have averaged just 5.2 yards on five returns. He had a career-long 59-yard punt at Iowa State, where he averaged 46.8 yards on four punts, and has at least one punt of 50 yards or more in three straight games.
  • Senior DL Mike Daniels has collected 18 tackles, including three tackles for loss and 2.5 QB sacks. He also has two QB pressures.
  • Senior DL Tom Nardo had a career-high 12 tackles in Iowa’s win over ULM, earning Big Ten defensive Player of the Week honors. Nardo has started the last two games at tackle and in four games has 24 tackles, including three tackles for loss, a pass break-up and a caused fumble.
  • Junior WR Keenan Davis recorded career bests in catches and yards in Iowa’s win over Pittsburgh. He led Iowa receivers with 10 receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown against Pittsburgh. He collected five receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown at Iowa State, including a 23-yard scoring catch in the second overtime period. He had a 23-yard scoring reception in the most recent win over ULM. Davis has 19 receptions for 286 yards and three touchdowns in four games as a starter and he is averaging 20.7 yards on three KO returns. Davis has nine of Iowa’s plays that have gained over 20 yards, include seven of 22 plays from scrimmage and two of nine KO returns.
  • Senior DB Jordan Bernstine has played well in three games, while missing the Iowa State game due to illness. Bernstine started for the first time in his career in the win over Pittsburgh, recording five solo stops, two tackles for loss and a QB sack among his eight tackles. He added two tackles in the win over ULM and is averaging 23 yards on eight KO returns.
  • Redshirt freshman WR Kevonte Martin-Manley has three touchdown receptions. He had scoring catches of 25 and 22 yards in the win over Pittsburgh, scoring Iowa’s last two touchdowns in the fourth quarter rally. He also had a touchdown at Iowa State. He added six receptions for 82 yards in the win over ULM and for the season has 14 receptions for 181 yards.

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 67 interceptions, a total that ranks second in the nation over that span (Florida, 71). 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.

AMONG CAREER LEADERS
Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr., ranks third in career touchdown receptions (20) and is sixth in receiving yards and 12th in career catches (113-1,959). He needs just one scoring reception to tie Danan Hughes (1989-92) and Tim Dwight (1994-97) in career scoring receptions. 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.

NEW PREP FOR COACHING STAFF
Along with the addition of Nebraska to the schedule, Iowa will face four additional Big Ten teams that the Hawkeyes have not played under the current coaching staff. Indiana, Michigan and Minnesota all have new head coaches. Iowa is also playing Purdue for the first time since Danny Hope took over as the Boilermaker head coach.

NEW FACES ON THE FIELD
Iowa has played 10 true freshmen in 2011, including RB Mika’il McCall, RB Damon Bullock, WR Marcus Grant, TE Ray Hamilton, LB John Lowdermilk, DB Nico Law, DB Jordan Lomax, LB Marcus Collins RB Jordan Canzeri and LB Quinton Alston. Iowa played nine true freshmen in 2010, but just three true freshmen in 2009. The Hawkeyes played seven true freshmen in 2000, 2003 and 2008. Hawkeyes who have seen the first action of their career this season, in addition to the eight true freshmen, included QB A.J. Derby, FB Matt Meyers, WR Kevonte Martin-Manley, RB De’Andre Johnson, LB Terrance Pryor, OL Andrew Donnal, OL Tommy Gaul, WR Steven Staggs, DL Mike Hardy and DL Carl Davis. Twelve Hawkeyes have started for the first time in 2011, including FB Jonathan Gimm, OL Matt Tobin, TE Brad Herman, FB Matt Meyers, WR Keenan Davis, DL Lebron Daniel, DL Tom Nardo, DL Dominic Alvis, LB Christian Kirksey, DB Jordan Bernstine, DB Collin Sleeper and DB Tanner Miller.

IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 127 of its last 147 games, including wins over Tennessee Tech, Pittsburgh and Louisiana-Monroe this season. Iowa is 13-7 in those games it has started on defense. Iowa has started the game on offense in 129 of 153 games under Kirk Ferentz, including 12 of 13 games in 2010 and 11 of 13 games in 2009

GLANCE AT THE SCHEDULE
Iowa played three of its first four games in Kinnick Stadium, closing the non-conference schedule last weekend by defeating Louisiana-Monroe. Iowa is one of two Big Ten Conference teams (Ohio State) to play two non-conference games against teams from BCS conferences. 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 (6 p.m., BTN HD) and Indiana (11 a.m., TBA) 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 52 of the last 54 games. In addition, Iowa has sold its allotment of tickets to remaining road games at Penn State, Minnesota and Nebraska.

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 ADDS TROPHY GAME WITH NEBRASKA
When Iowa and Nebraska resume their series in November, the two teams will be playing “The Heroes Game”, with the winner claiming the Heroes Trophy. The trophy game between the Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers is the latest trophy game for the Hawkeyes, who also play trophy games with Iowa State (Cy-Hawk Trophy), Minnesota (Floyd of Rosedale) and Wisconsin (Heartland Trophy).

HEROES CAN BE NOMINATED
One hero from both Iowa and Nebraska will be honored when Iowa and Nebraska play the inaugural Heroes Game presented by Hy-Vee, on Friday, Nov. 25 in Lincoln, Neb. A nominee must be at least 18 years of age and live, work or go to school in either Iowa or Nebraska. However, the act of heroism or good deed need not have occurred in either state. One person from both Iowa and Nebraska will be selected to represent each state at the Heroes Game. They will receive four tickets to the football game, participate in an on-field presentation, and have their name and hometown inscribed on the Heroes Game trophy. Nominations will be accepted from Sept. 23 to Oct. 31. Nomination forms, rules, and further information can be found online at www.Hy-Vee.com or may be picked up at Hy-Vee store locations in Iowa and Nebraska. Nominations may also be mailed to the American Red Cross Des Moines office, 2116 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312, or faxed to (515) 244-8012 by midnight on October 31, 2011. Nominations not recognized at the Heroes Game will be considered for recognition at the American Red Cross Heroes of the Heartland events in selected Iowa and Nebraska cities and towns in March 2012.

HAWKEYE FOOTBALL NOTES

  • Dating back to 2008, Iowa has won 10 of its last 15 games away from Iowa City, with two of the five losses coming at the hands of ranked teams and two of the five coming in overtime. A six-game streak was snapped in the overtime loss at eighth-ranked Ohio State in November, 2009. The road winning streak was the longest for Iowa since winning all five of its road games during the 2002 regular season. That streak was six straight games away from home, including the 2001 Alamo Bowl.
  • Iowa’s 2009 win at No. 4/5 ranked Penn State 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 has defeated a team ranked in the top five in each of the last three seasons, including home wins over Penn State (2008) and Michigan State (2010).

IOWA PLAYS THEM CLOSE
Iowa has not lost a football game by more than nine points in its last 47 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 43 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 80 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 (110); Ohio State (102); USC (102); Oklahoma (101); Texas (98); LSU (96); TCU (95); Virginia Tech (95); Florida (92); Georgia (90); Auburn (90); West Virginia (88); Wisconsin (85); Utah (85); Alabama (83); Texas Tech (82); IOWA (81); Boston College (81); Penn State (77) and Miami, FL (77).

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa had five pass plays and one running play against Louisiana-Monroe that covered at least 20 yards, plus one field goal, one punt return and three KO return of at least 20 yards. In four games, Iowa has 20 pass plays and two rushing plays, along with two interception returns, eight KO returns, one punt return and eight field goals, of at least 20 yards. Iowa’s opponents have 10 passing plays, three rushing plays, one punt return, one interception return and 15 KO returns of 20 yards or more.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents in the first (24-13), second (44-10) and fourth (32-17) quarters, but has been outscored in the third quarter (35-34). Iowa was outscored in three overtime periods (20-17) at Iowa State.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averaged 6.9 yards on 32 first down plays, 6.6 yards on 21 second down plays, 8.1 yards on 11 third down plays and 1.5 yards on two fourth down plays in the win over Louisiana-Monroe. In four games, Iowa is averaging 6.4 yards on 131 first down plays, 6.4 yards on 95 second down plays, 5.0 yards on 49 third down plays and -1.0 yards on three fourth down plays. Iowa is 2-3 on fourth down conversions.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s seven scoring drives against Louisiana-Monroe averaged 7.4 plays, 56.7 yards and 3:17 in elapsed times. In four games, Iowa’s 22 scoring drives have averaged 8.0 plays, 59.4 yards and 3:24 in elapsed time. Iowa has 15 touchdown drives, with five of those covering over 80 yards. Iowa’s opponents have 13 scoring drives, averaging 8.9 plays, 55.7 yards and 3:38 in elapsed time. The above scoring drive figures do not include overtime.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa was 6-6 in the red zone against Louisiana-Monroe, collecting a field goal and five touchdowns (two passing, three rushing). In four games, Iowa is 17-18 (94.4%) in the red zone, with seven rushing touchdowns, five passing touchdowns and five field goals. Iowa has scored on 123 of the last 134 (.918) red zone possessions (82 TDs and 41 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 104-115 (.904) combined inside the red zone its last 33 games. Louisiana-Monroe was 2-3 in the red zone, with one two rushing touchdowns and a field goal. Iowa opponents are 12-17 (70.6%) in the red zone, with five rushing touchdowns, five passing touchdowns and two field goals.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa did not collect any turnovers in the win over Louisiana-Monroe. The Hawkeyes have scored 20 points following eight opponent turnovers (four fumbles, four interceptions). The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in 59 of its last 66 games, dating back to 2006. Louisiana-Monroe did not score points following one fumble recovery. Iowa’s four opponents have scored seven points following four Iowa turnovers. 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 112 players includes 43 players from Iowa. The roster includes 16 players from Illinois; 10 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.

DAD IN THE NFL
The fathers of DB Tom Donatell and 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 opens Big Ten play Oct. 8 at Penn State (ABC, 2:36 p.m. CT). The Hawkeyes return home Oct. 15, hosting Northwestern (6 p.m., BTN) in their only night contest of the season.

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.

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