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Iowa Returns Home to Host Northwestern Saturday Night

Oct. 10, 2011

Game Notes vs. NW

IOWA HOSTS NORTHWESTERN
Iowa (3-2, 0-1) is home for the first of two straight games in Kinnick Stadium, hosting Northwestern (2-3, 0-2) in its only night game of the season. Game time is 6:01 p.m. in Kinnick Stadium (70,585). The game is sold out. The Hawkeyes have 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 and last week dropped a 13-3 decision at Penn State. Northwestern has recorded wins over Boston College (24-14) and Eastern Illinois (42-21), while dropping decisions to Army (21-14), Illinois (38-35) and Michigan (42-24).

BLACK AND GOLD SPIRIT NIGHT, “CARD STUNT”
Saturday’s game against Northwestern is the UI’s annual Black and Gold Spirit Game. To “stripe” Kinnick Stadium, fans in even sections are asked to wear gold and fans in odd sections of the stadium are asked to wear black. UI students are encouraged to wear black. These instructions are the same used for last year’s Spirit Game against Penn State. The UI is also working with the Iowa Farm Bureau to stage “ANF Day at Kinnick.” Included among the activities for this salute to America’s farmers is a “card stunt” involving all 70,000 fans in attendance. Two card stunts are scheduled, one during the national anthem and another immediately afterward. The UI is asking fans to arrive early at their seats in time to participate in the event.

ON THE TUBE
BTN (HD) will televise the contest to a national cable audience. Eric Collins, Chris Martin and Dionne Miller 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 93.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,147 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 590-518-39 (.531). That includes a 373-201-16 (.646) record in home games, a 217-317-23 (.410) record in games away from Iowa City, a 289-349-25 (.455) mark in Big Ten games and a 256-165-15 (.604) record in Kinnick Stadium.

OPENING CONFERENCE PLAY
Iowa has opened Big Ten conference play on the road in 10 of 13 seasons under Coach Kirk Ferentz, posting a 3-7 record. Overall, Iowa is 5-8 under Ferentz in the first conference game of the year and 8-4 in its first Big Ten home game.

Fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes will once again have the opportunity to “stripe” historic Kinnick Stadium for the enjoyment of a prime time television audience Saturday when Iowa entertains Northwestern on BTN.

If you’re going to Kinnick, the same rules apply: Even numbered sections wear GOLD, odd numbered sections wear BLACK, and UI students in the student section wear BLACK.

Go Hawks!

BIG TEN TOUR ON IOWA CAMPUS
The Big Ten’s Honoring Legends. Building Leaders. Mobile Tour will visit the 12 conference campuses in 12 weeks, leading up to the Big Ten Football Championship Game on Dec. 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Mobile Tour will visit Iowa City Thursday through Saturday this week as the Hawkeyes host Northwestern. The Stagg-Paterno Championship trophy is a featured element of the mobile tour. The purpose of the tour is to entertain and educate fans about the new era of Big Ten football – – two divisions, the championship weekend in Indianapolis, 18 new trophies and the path to the Rose Bowl or BCS National Championship Game. Fans will have the opportunity to see and have their pictures taken with the trophy. The Mobile Tour will be located in the Krause Family Plaza Saturday. The plaza opens at noon. Follow the tour online at www.bigten.org/blog/mobile-tour or on Twitter @B1GMobileTour. Video will be posted at www.YouTube.com/B1GMobileTour.

IOWA UNDER THE LIGHTS
Iowa’s only night game of the season is Saturday when the Hawkeyes host Northwestern. Iowa was 2-1 in night games a year ago, winning at home against Penn State (24-3) and defeating Missouri (27-24) in the Insight Bowl, while losing at Arizona (34-27). Iowa is 8-1 in night games over the last four seasons. Northwestern is playing the second of three straight night games, having lost to Michigan 42-24 last weekend in Evanston and hosting Penn State Oct. 22. Iowa’s games against Indiana and at Nebraska will start at 11 a.m. Game times for four additional Hawkeyes games have not yet been announced.

HAWKEYE EXPRESS STARTS EARLY
Due to the late start for the Northwestern game (Oct. 15), the Hawkeye Express, which transports fans attending Iowa home games from the west edge of Coralville to Kinnick Stadium, will begin operations four hours prior to kickoff (2 p.m.). The train runs for 90 minutes following games. The Hawkeye Express recorded an all-time high for the Tennessee Tech at Iowa game to open the season. A total of 5,240 fans rode the train, surpassing the previous high of 4,931 riders for the Ball State at Iowa game last season. The Hawkeye Express is operated by the Iowa Northern Railroad Company.

MEN’S BASKETBALL OPEN PRACTICE
Coach Fran McCaffery’s men’s basketball team will hold an open practice Saturday in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Hawkeyes will work out from 1-4 p.m. and fans are welcome to attend. The Hawkeyes open the season with an exhibition contest on Sunday, Nov. 6 and begin the regular season by hosting Chicago State Friday, Nov. 11 (7 p.m.).

HAWKEYES EARN WEEKLY HONORS
Several Iowa players have earned weekly honors this season:

  • Junior DB Micah Hyde earned honorable mention honors from the College Football Performance Award for his play at Penn State. Hyde had his third interception of the season in the second half, stopping a PSU drive inside the Iowa red zone. Hyde was also credited with eight tackles, including one tackle for loss, and two pass break-ups.
  • 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 on Sept. 24. The Big Ten honor is the first for Nardo. Nardo recorded a career-high 12 tackles (six solo, six assists), including two tackles for loss and a shared QB sack.
  • Junior QB James Vandenberg earned honorable mention honors from the College Football Performance Awards for his play vs. Louisiana-Monroe. Vandenberg completed 21-32 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns in Iowa’s 45-17 win. His scoring strikes covered 13, 17 and 23 yards and he scored on a one-yard run.
  • Senior P Eric Guthrie received honorable mention honors from the College Football Performance Awards for his play vs. Louisiana-Monroe. Guthrie averaged 48 yards on his two punts vs. ULM. He has at least one punt of 50 yards or more in three straight games.
  • QB James Vandenberg was named Big Ten Conference offensive Player of the Week for his play in leading Iowa to a 31-27 win over Pittsburgh. The Big Ten honor is the first for Vandenberg. He led Iowa’s second half rally against Pittsburgh, rushing for one touchdown and throwing three touchdown passes in the final 17 minutes. His totals against Pitt included 31-48 passes for 399 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception.
  • QB James Vandenberg was one of eight quarterbacks named by the Manning Award as its “Stars of the Week” following Iowa’s win over Pittsburgh. The award was established by the Allstate Sugar Bowl in 2004. Vandenberg has also been nominated for the Quarterback Performance of the Year honor, which is also based on fan voting.
  • QB James Vandenberg earned honorable mention recognition for quarterbacks from the College Football Performance Awards for his play in Iowa’s win over Pittsburgh.
  • Junior DB Micah Hyde earned honorable mention recognition from the College Football Performance Awards for his play in Iowa’s 31-27 win over Pittsburgh. Hyde collected two interceptions, the second coming with 1:41 remaining in the game to end Pitt’s final possession. Hyde also had 10 tackles, including nine solo stops.
  • 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 was also one of three kickers to earn “Stars of the Week” recognition from the Lou Groza Collegiate Place Kicker Award. 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.
  • Sophomore LB Christian Kirksey earned honorable mention recognition from the College Football Performance Awards for his play at Iowa State. He had a career-high 13 tackles at Iowa State, including 11 solo stops, two tackles for loss and a QB sack. He also caused and recovered an Iowa State fumble while making a tackle and had one pass break-up.
  • Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. earned honorable mention recognition from the College Football Performance Awards for his play in a win over Tennessee Tech. McNutt, Jr. had six receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Senior DB Shaun Prater earned honorable mention recognition from the College Football Performance Awards for his play against Tennessee Tech. Prater had an 89-yard touchdown return in Iowa’s win, the fifth longest on school history.

WINNING 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. Three of the 11 losses since 2002 and two of the four since 2008 have been to Northwestern.

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”.

#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 IN NCAA STATS
As a team, Iowa is seventh nationally in net punting (42.4), fifth in fewest penalty yards per game (32.0), tied for 11th in red zone offense (95%), tied for 14th in red zone defense (.710), 13th in fewest penalties per game (4.2), tied for 21st in fewest turnovers (seven) and 38th in pass efficiency (147.3). Individually, DB Micah Hyde is tied for ninth with three interceptions, PK Mike Meyer is tied for ninth in field goals per game (1.8) and is 40th in scoring (8.8), LB James Morris is 14th in tackles (10.6), P Eric Guthrie is 22nd in punting (43.7), LB Christian Kirksey is tied for 23rd in tackles (9.8) and WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. is 28th in receiving yards per game (97.2) and tied for 45th in receptions per game (5.8).

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 88-43 (.672) overall mark and a 50-31 (.617) 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 92-62 (.597) and a 53-44 (.546) mark in Big Ten games. In his 16th season as a college head coach, he holds a career mark of 104-83 (.556). Fifty-nine of Iowa’s 154 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.

NORTHWESTERN COACH PAT FITZGERALD
Pat Fitzgerald is in his sixth season as a collegiate head coach, all at Northwestern. His record stands at 36-32 (.529). The Wildcats have been bowl eligible the last four seasons and five of the last six. Fitzgerald, who was a two-time first team all-American linebacker with the Wildcats (1995-96), began his coaching career as a defensive graduate assistant at Maryland (1998) and Colorado (1999). In 2000, Fitzgerald coached linebackers and special teams at Idaho before returning to his alma mater in 2001. The native of Orland Park, Ill. coached the Wildcat defensive backs in 2001 before coaching the linebackers four years (2002-05). Fitzgerald won the Bronco Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik awards, as the nation’s top defensive player, and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, in 1995 and 1996. He became the first two-time winner of both the Nagurski and Bednarik awards. Fitzgerald earned his first career Big Ten victory against Iowa (21-7) on Nov. 4, 2006 in Iowa City.

IOWA/NORTHWESTERN NOTES

  • 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 and Northwestern are among national leaders in fewest penalties and yards. Iowa is fifth in fewest penalty yards (32.0) and 13th in fewest penalties (4.2). Northwestern is 26th in fewest penalties and 34th in fewest yards.
  • Northwestern ranks eighth in the nation in punt return defense (1.5), while Iowa is 37th (5.2). The Wildcats also rank sixth nationally in punt returns (18.0), while Iowa is seventh in net punting (42.4).
  • Northwestern is tied for fifth in the nation with just four turnovers, while Iowa is tied for 21st with seven. Three of Iowa’s seven turnovers came in the fourth quarter of the most recent loss at Penn State, while two of Northwestern’s four turnovers came in the second half of its most recent loss to Michigan.
  • The current contracts of Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz and Northwestern Coach Pat Fitzgerald each run through the 2020 season.
  • Northwestern has nine players with at least 20 career starts, while Iowa has four (OL Riley Reiff, 28; DB Shaun Prater, 26, DE Broderick Binns, 22, WR Marvin McNutt, Jr., 22).
  • The Iowa roster includes 14 players from the state of Illinois, including, FB Adam Cox (Chana); TE C.J. Fiedorowicz (Johnsburg); OL Adam Gettis (Frankfort); LB Dakota Getz (Macon); TE Brad Herman (Metamora); RB Mika’il McCall (Dolton); DL Riley McMinn (Rochester); FB Matt Meyers (Plainfield); LB Terrance Pryor (South Holland); DL Louis Trinca-Pasat (Chicago); OL Jordan Walsh (Glendale Heights); FB Mark Weisman (Buffalo Grove), QB John Wienke (Tuscola) and OL Markus Zusevics (Arlington Heights).
  • There are no Iowans on the Northwestern roster.
  • Coach Norm Parker (Oct. 9), Eric Guthrie (12th) and Jordan Lomax (13th) celebrate birthdays this week.

THE SERIES
Iowa holds a 46-23-3 advantage in the series that began with a 12-6 Iowa victory in 1897. Northwestern has won the last three games and five of the last six, including a 21-17 decision a year ago in Evanston. In addition, Northwestern holds a three-game winning streak in Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes snapped a two-game losing streak to the Wildcats with a 28-17 triumph in 2007, but the Wildcats have won the last three meetings by a combined 16 points. The visiting team has won four of the last five meetings. Iowa boasts a 23-9 advantage in contests played in Iowa City, but the Wildcats have won the last three in Kinnick Stadium and four of the last seven. Northwestern won 17-10 in 2009 on its last visit to Iowa City, handing the Hawkeyes their first loss in the 10th game of the season and ending Iowa’s 13-game winning streak. Iowa won 21 consecutive games over Northwestern prior to a 31-20 Wildcat win in 1995 in Evanston. The Wildcats hold a 9-5 advantage since snapping that Hawkeye win streak.

NORTHWESTERN RALLIED A YEAR AGO
Northwestern used two long scoring drives in the fourth quarter to rally to a 21-17 win over Iowa in Evanston on Nov. 13, 2010. The Hawkeyes had the ball in Wildcat territory in the final minute, reaching the 39-yard line before a fourth down pass to the end zone was knocked away. Trailing 7-3 at halftime, Iowa took control in the third period, driving 75 yards for a touchdown in seven plays. Iowa took the lead on a five-yard pass from QB Ricky Stanzi to WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. The Hawkeyes increased the advantage on their next possession as Stanzi connected with WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos for a 70-yard score to give Iowa a 17-7 advantage through three quarters. The teams exchanged interceptions early in the fourth period, with Northwestern taking over at its own 15 with 10:56 remaining following Iowa’s only turnover. The Wildcats drove 85 yards in 13 plays to cut the deficit to 17-14 with 6:21 to play. Iowa picked up a first down on its next possession, but was forced to punt with 4:08 remaining. The Wildcats drove 91 yards in 11 plays for the winning score, a 20-yard pass from QB Dan Persa to WR Demetrius Fields with 1:22 left in the game. Iowa moved 41 yards before turning the ball over on downs in the final seconds. Northwestern scored a touchdown on its first drive of the game and held the Iowa offense in check throughout most of the first half. Iowa drove 55 yards on its final possession of the second quarter, getting on the scoreboard with a 32-yard field goal by PK Mike Meyer in the final minute of the half. Stanzi led the Iowa offense by completing 23-41 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. RB Adam Robinson returned to action to rush for 108 yards on 22 carries. McNutt, Jr. had seven receptions for 72 yards and Johnson-Koulianos had 104 yards on five receptions. Freshman LB James Morris led Iowa’s defense with 13 tackles. DB Micah Hyde added 12 tackles and OLB Jeff Tarpinian had eight stops. P Ryan Donahue averaged 42.9 yards on seven punts, including a long of 73 yards.

PENN STATE STOPS IOWA
Penn State took advantage of three Iowa turnovers in the fourth quarter in taking a 13-3 win at University Park. Iowa had won three straight meetings against Penn State and the last two games at PSU. The series is now even at 12 wins each. Penn State drove to a field goal on its first drive, taking a 3-0 advantage after an opening drive that lasted over eight minutes. Iowa responded with its only scoring drive of the game, as Mike Meyer tied the game with a 23-yard field goal that completed a 12 play, 72-yard drive. Due to time consuming drives, each team had just two possessions in the first period. The Nittany Lions took the lead with 4:59 remaining in the second period when Anthony Fera booted his second 20-yard field goal of the half. Iowa still trailed by just a field goal late in the third period when CB Micah Hyde came up with an interception in the end zone to stop a Penn State scoring threat. The theft was Hyde’s third of the season. Iowa moved across midfield after collecting the only PSU turnover of the game, but a QB sack by Penn State resulted in a Hawkeye fumble and the home team took over at the Iowa 49-yard line. Penn State drove for the only touchdown of the game from there, scoring on a two-yard pass on third down. Iowa’s next two possessions ended with PSU pass interceptions, the second coming on a tipped pass with just 3:42 remaining. The Nittany Lions held Iowa on downs on its last possession and ran out the clock to earn the win. The Hawkeye offense was held to just 114 yards total offense in the second half. LB James Morris led the Iowa defense with 13 tackles and LB Christian Kirksey recorded 10 stops and a forced fumble. DL Mike Daniels recorded eight tackles, including a tackle for loss. Hyde added eight tackles and two pass break-ups to go with his interception and DB Jordan Bernstine added eight tackles and one pass break-up. QB James Vandenberg completed 17-34 passes for 169 yards, but did not have a touchdown pass for the first time in five games. WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. led the Iowa receivers with four catches for 73 yards. RB Marcus Coker led the ground game with 18 attempts for 74 yards.

DEFENSIVE CHANGES FROM PENN STATE
There were two plays during the first half of Iowa’s contest at Penn State in which a shared tackle was recorded for the wrong Iowa player (tackles were credited to Marcus Coker and Don Shumpert). Due to the errors, LB James Morris has been credited with an additional assisted tackle, giving him 13 total tackles, which equals his career high. Additionally, DL Tom Nardo was given credit for two additional assisted tackles, including a shared tackle for loss. Nardo is now credited with six tackles against the Nittany Lions.

EXTRA POINTS VS. PENN STATE

  • Despite allowing 395 yards total offense in the loss at Penn State, the Iowa defense did not allow a touchdown until early in the fourth period. Iowa held Penn State to two field goals through the first three periods before PSU scored its only touchdown following an Iowa turnover. The touchdown was the first allowed to Penn State by the Iowa defense in 10 quarters, dating back to Penn State’s first offensive play in Iowa’s 21-10 win in 2009.
  • Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. grabbed four passes for 73 yards at Penn State. McNutt, Jr. now has 117 receptions for 2,032 yards. McNutt, Jr. 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 is tied for 10th in career receptions and ranks fifth in career yards. He has at least 100 yards receiving in three of five games in 2011.
  • Sophomore PK Mike Meyer made a 23-yard field goal in the second quarter, improving to 9-11 on the season. He is 17-17 on PAT kicks this season and has made 23-28 career field goals.
  • Junior CB Micah Hyde came up with his third interception of the season in the third period, stopping a Penn State red zone opportunity. His first two thefts of the season both came in Iowa’s win over Pittsburgh. Hyde now has seven career interceptions. Hyde added eight total tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass break-ups at Penn State.
  • Sophomore LB James Morris led Iowa with 13 tackles (5 solo, 8 assists), while Christian Kirksey added 10 (6 solo, 4 assists) and a forced fumble.
  • Eric Guthrie had two 49-yard punts. The senior had at least one punt of 50 yards or more in three straight games before Penn State. He finished the game with four punts for 158 yards (39.5 avg.). He had two kicks inside the 20 and Penn State had no return yards.
  • FB Jonathan Gimm had his first career reception in the third period.
  • FB Brad Rogers saw his first action of the season. Rogers had not played for the Hawkeyes since the final regular season game of 2010.
  • DE Lebron Daniel returned to the starting line-up, again splitting time with Dominic Alvis. Redshirt freshman WR Kevonte Martin-Manley had his first career start as Iowa used a three-receiver offense during its opening possession.

TEN IS BIGGEST LOSS
Iowa’s 13-3 loss at Penn State marks the first Iowa loss by more than nine points in 48 games, dating back to a 31-6 loss at Purdue on Oct. 20, 2007. Iowa had not lost a game by more than a touchdown in 43 games, dating back to a 28-19 loss to Western Michigan on Nov. 17, 2007. Both streaks ranked as the longest in the nation. In the loss at Penn State, Iowa failed to score a touchdown for the first time since that 2007 loss at Purdue.

MICHIGAN RALLIES AT NORTHWESTERN
Michigan outscored Northwestern 28-0 in the second half in taking a 42-24 victory last Saturday night in Evanston. The Wildcats took advantage of three pass interceptions to build a 24-14 halftime advantage, including a 20-yard field goal on the final play of the half. Michigan QB Denard Robinson led the Michigan offense in the second half, concluding the game with 338 passing yards and 113 rushing yards. The Wolverines scored touchdowns on their first three possessions of the second half to take control. Northwestern QB Dan Persa completed 32-44 passes for 331 yards. WR Jeremy Ebert led the Wildcats with 11 receptions for 86 yards. Northwestern was held to just 107 net rushing yards and two of the Wildcats’ first three possession of the second half ended with turnovers. Jordan Mabin led the Northwestern defense with 12 tackles, while David Nwabuisi added 11 and Bryce McNaul had 10. Ibraheim Campbell had two interceptions and nine tackles.

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.
  • Iowa’s rally ties as the second largest this season among FBS teams. Houston rallied from a 27-point deficit to take a win over Louisiana Tech, while Nebraska rallied from 21 points down to defeat Ohio State last weekend.

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 five games in 2011 and has started 26 consecutive games

WR Marvin McNutt, Jr.

  • Second team All-Big Ten in 2010
  • Fourth team preseason All-America by Phil Steele’s College Football
  • Fifty-three receptions for 861 yards and eight touchdowns in 2010, averaging 16.2 yards per catch. Receiving yardage ranks 10th-best for single season
  • Twenty career touchdown receptions ranks third on career list, just one shy of Danan Hughes (1989-92) and Tim Dwight (1994-97). Career totals include 117 receptions for 2,032 yards to rank fifth in career yards and 10th in career receptions
  • Eight touchdown receptions in both 2009 and 2010 and four in five 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
  • Four catches for 73 yards at Penn State to surpass 2,000 career receiving yards

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 in 2010
  • 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
  • Eight tackles at Penn State, including a tackle for loss

DB Micah Hyde

  • Defensive Player of the Game, 2010 Insight Bowl
  • Leads team with three interceptions in 2011 and has seven career thefts
  • Ranks first in the Big Ten and is tied for ninth in the nation with three interceptions
  • Recorded three tackles and a pass break-up in opening win 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 and in loss at Penn State
  • Recorded eight tackles at Penn State, along with third interception of the season and two pass break-ups

COKER LEADS RUSHING ATTACK
Sophomore RB Marcus Coker leads the Iowa rushing attack, with 105 carries for 454 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 sixth in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (90.8). He has rushed for over 100 yards twice in five 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 win over ULM, Vandenberg completed 21-32 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for one score. He completed 17-34 passes for 169 yards in the loss at Penn State, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. In five games, Vandenberg has completed 98-163 (.601) passes for 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns, with three interceptions. He is second in the Big Ten in passing yards (252.8) and fifth in pass efficiency (141.8) and total offense (261.4). 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 4-3 as Iowa’s starting quarterback, with two of the losses in overtime (at Iowa State, 2011 and at Ohio State, 2009) and the third at Penn State.

MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Sophomore PK Mike Meyer has made 9-11 field goal attempts and is 17-17 in PAT kicks. He is tied for ninth nationally in field goals per game (1.8). Meyer is second in the Big Ten in field goals per game (1.8) and kick scoring (8.8), ranks fourth in field goal percentage (81.8%), 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 vs. ULM and Penn State (both from 23 yards). 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 44 points and has made 23-27 (.821) career field goal attempts.

MORRIS LEADS IN TACKLES
Sophomore LB James Morris has collected 53 tackles in five games to lead the team. He has 27 solo stops and 26 assists, along with one pass interception. Morris collected five solo stops and eight assists in Iowa’s loss at Penn State to again equal his career-high of 13 tackles. He collected 10 tackles vs. ULM. Morris also had 13 tackles in the win over Pittsburgh. He leads the Big Ten and is 14th in the nation in tackles per game.

KIRKSEY STEADY ON DEFENSE
Sophomore LB Christian Kirksey has recorded 49 tackles (30 solo) in five games. Kirksey ranks second in the Big Ten in tackles and is tied for 12th nationally in solo tackles. He also has two tackles for loss, one QB sack, a pass break-up, two caused fumbles 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 and Penn State and had eight stops in the win over Pittsburgh. He added his second forced fumble of the season at Penn State.

TOP HAWKEYE PERFORMERS

  • Senior Eric Guthrie has taken over the punting duties in 2011 and is averaging 43.7 yards on 19 punts. Guthrie has eight 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. He had at least one punt of 50 yards or more in three straight games before having two punts of 49 yards at Penn State.
  • Senior DL Mike Daniels has collected 26 tackles, including four 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 three games at tackle and in five games has 30 tackles, including 3.5 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 22 receptions for 312 yards and three touchdowns in five games as a starter and he is averaging 20.7 yards on three KO returns. Davis was recently added to the Watch List for the Biletnikoff Award.
  • Senior DB Jordan Bernstine has played well in four 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 had eight tackles and a pass break-up at Penn State. He is also averaging 22.4 yards on 10 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 had three receptions for 21 yards at Penn State. For the season he has 17 receptions for 202 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 68 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 fifth in receiving yards and tied for 10th in career catches (117-2,032). 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 in return yards and Hyde is 11th. They both have seven career thefts and each have two touchdown returns. Among Iowa’s career leaders, only Tom Knight (three) and Plez Atkins (two) have more than one touchdown return.

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 121 games.

NEW FACES ON THE FIELD
Iowa has played 10 true freshmen in 2011, including five on offense and five on defense. The list includes 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. The high mark for true freshman under Coach Kirk Ferentz is 11 in 2007. Hawkeyes who have seen the first action of their career this season, in addition to the 10 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. Fourteen Hawkeyes have started for the first time in 2011, including TE Zach Derby, 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, DB Tanner Miller and WR Kevonte Martin-Manley.

IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 128 of its last 148 games, including four of five games this season (all but Iowa State). Iowa is 13-7 in those games it has started on defense. Iowa has started the game on offense in 131 of 154 games under Kirk Ferentz, including 12 of 13 games in 2010 and 11 of 13 games in 2009.

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.

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.

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.

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. A total of 12 former Hawkeyes were rookies in 2011 NFL training camps.
  • Iowa was the only program to have three defensive linemen selected in the 2011 NFL Draft, and all three are on NFL rosters.
  • 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 35 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 10 years, 90 of 100 (90%) of Iowa’s senior starters have been drafted in the NFL or signed NFL free agent contracts.
  • At least one Iowa Hawkeye has been selected in every NFL Draft since 1978.
  • Iowa has had the most offensive linemen (11) drafted in the NFL since the 2003 NFL Draft.
  • Iowa has placed 20 defensive linemen in the NFL under Kirk Ferentz. Every senior starter (seven) under defensive line Coach Rick Kaczenski has gone on to the NFL.
  • Defensive secondary Coach Phil Parker has coached 14 Iowa defensive backs to the NFL.

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 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 16 games away from Iowa City, with two of the six losses coming at the hands of ranked teams and two of the six 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 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.

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.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa had three pass plays against Penn State that covered at least 20 yards, plus one field goal and two KO returns of at least 20 yards. In five games, Iowa has 23 pass plays and two rushing plays, along with two interception returns, 10 KO returns, one punt return and nine field goals, of at least 20 yards. Iowa’s opponents have 13 passing plays, three rushing plays, one punt return, one interception return and 16 KO returns of 20 yards or more.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents in the first (24-16), second (47-13) and fourth (32-24) 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 4.3 yards on 25 first down plays, 2.5 yards on 20 second down plays, 3.9 yards on 16 third down plays and 11 yards on three fourth down plays in the loss at Penn State. In five games, Iowa is averaging 6.1 yards on 156 first down plays, 5.7 yards on 115 second down plays, 4.7 yards on 65 third down plays and 5.0 yards on six fourth down plays. Iowa is 3-6 on fourth down conversions.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s lone scoring drive against Penn State totaled 12 plays, 72 yards and 5:39 in elapsed time. In five games, Iowa’s 23 scoring drives have averaged 8.2 plays, 59.9 yards and 3:35 in elapsed time. Iowa has 15 touchdown drives, with five of those covering over 80 yards. Iowa’s opponents have 16 scoring drives, averaging 9.8 plays, 58.9 yards and 4:12 in elapsed time. The above scoring drive figures do not include overtime.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa scored a field goal on its only trip into the red zone at Penn State. In five games, Iowa is 18-19 (94.7%) in the red zone, with seven rushing touchdowns, five passing touchdowns and six field goals. Iowa has scored on 124 of the last 135 (.919) red zone possessions (82 TDs and 42 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 105-116 (.905) combined inside the red zone its last 34 games. Penn State was 3-4 in the red zone, with one passing touchdown, two field goals and an interception. Iowa opponents are 15-21 (71.5%) in the red zone, which ranks the Hawkeyes 14th in the nation in red zone defense. Iowa has allowed five rushing touchdowns, six passing touchdowns and four field goals.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa forced one turnover at Penn State (interception in the end zone), but did not score following the takeaway. The Hawkeyes have scored 20 points following nine opponent turnovers (five interceptions, four fumbles). The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in 60 of its last 67 games, dating back to 2006. Penn State scored a touchdown following an Iowa fumble, but did not convert following two interceptions. Iowa’s opponents have scored 14 points following seven Iowa turnovers. Iowa had just 11 turnovers (five fumbles, six interceptions) in 13 games last season, allowing 28 points following those turnovers.

IOWA STATS ON THE INTERNET
Statistics and play-by-play accounts of every Iowa football game are available live on the Internet. The statistical program allows viewers to read the play-by-play action just moments after it takes place, and to view all individual and team statistics while the game is in progress. The program can be accessed through hawkeyesports.com and then clicking on the GT link. This feature is available for all games during the 2011 campaign.

IOWA FOOTBALL WITH Kirk Ferentz
The weekly television replay show, featuring Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz, is a 30-minute program, which includes Iowa football highlights and weekly features about the University of Iowa football program. Gary Dolphin, the radio play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes, hosts the show. Consult local listings for day and time.

Kirk Ferentz RADIO SHOW
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz is featured on “Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz” each week. The 90-minute radio call-in show is hosted by Gary Dolphin, the play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The show airs each Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. from Carlos O’Kelly’s in Iowa City.

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 will celebrate homecoming Oct. 22, hosting Indiana (11 a.m., BTN). The Hawkeyes play at Minnesota Oct. 29 (time and TV, TBA) before hosting Michigan (Nov. 5) and Michigan State (Nov. 12) to close the home 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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