Sponsored by US Cellular
Open Search
Football

Iowa Hosts Indiana in Homecoming Contest

Oct. 17, 2011

Game Notes vs. Indiana

IOWA HOSTS INDIANA FOR HOMECOMING
Iowa (4-2, 1-1) celebrates a century of Homecoming Saturday, hosting Indiana (1-6, 0-3). Game time is 11:01 a.m. in Kinnick Stadium (70,585). The game is sold out. The Hawkeyes have defeated Tennessee Tech (34-7), Pittsburgh (31-27), Louisiana-Monroe (45-17) and Northwestern (41-31), all in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa was defeated, 44-41 in three overtimes, at Iowa State and at Penn State, 13-3. Indiana owns a 38-21 win over South Carolina State. The Hoosiers have lost to Ball State (27-20), Virginia (34-31), North Texas (24-21), Penn State (16-10), Illinois (41-20) and Wisconsin (59-7).

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 117 and XM channel 196.

HOMECOMING #100 FOR IOWA
Iowa holds a 53-41-5 (.561) record in 99 homecoming games. Iowa has won its last two homecoming games, defeating Penn State 24-3 last season and Michigan 30-28 in 2009 after losing its homecoming contest in 2007 and 2008. Iowa won seven straight from 2000-06. Iowa will play Indiana for the 15th time on homecoming. The Hawkeyes are 8-5-1 against the Hoosiers on homecoming. The Hoosiers won each of the last two games when visiting for Iowa’s homecoming, including a 38-20 win in 2008 and a 38-31 victory in 1999. Iowa’s most recent homecoming win over Indiana was a 62-0 decision in 1997.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,148 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 591-518-39 (.532). That includes a 374-201-16 (.646) record in home games, a 217-317-23 (.410) record in games away from Iowa City, a 290-349-25 (.456) mark in Big Ten games and a 257-165-15 (.605) record in Kinnick Stadium.

MILLER EARNS NATIONAL HONOR
Sophomore DB Tanner Miller was named national Defensive Back of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards for his play in Iowa’s win over Northwestern. Miller collected the first interception of his career in the first quarter and returned the theft 98 yards for a touchdown to give Iowa an early 10-0 advantage. Miller recorded a career-high eight tackles in the game, including five solo stops. The 98-yard return ties Iowa’s record for longest interception return. Adam Shada had a 98-yard touchdown in a win over Purdue in 2006.

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.

HAWKEYES EARN MIDSEASON RECOGNITION
Fourteen Hawkeye players were named to Phil Steele’s College Football midseason all-Big Ten team. Senior DB Shaun Prater was the only Iowa player named to the first team. Those earning second team recognition included sophomore RB Marcus Coker and senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. on offense, senior DE Broderick Binns and sophomore LB James Morris on defense, and senior punter Eric Guthrie and sophomore PK Mike Meyer. Third team recognition was given to junior WR Keenan Davis, junior center James Ferentz, junior tackle Riley Reiff on offense and senior tackle Mike Daniels, sophomore linebacker Christian Kirksey, junior cornerback Micah Hyde and senior safety Jordan Bernstine on defense. Iowa and Wisconsin led all teams with 14 players named to the three teams.

WINNING AT HOME
Iowa has won 53 of its last 64 games (.828) 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 21-4 (.840) 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 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.

IOWA IN NCAA STATS
As a team, Iowa is fifth nationally in fewest penalty yards per game (33.3), seventh in net punting (41.2), tied for seventh in red zone offense (95.7%), tied for 10th in red zone defense (69.2%), tied for 12th in fewest penalties per game (4.2), and tied for 21st in fewest turnovers (eight). Individually, DB Micah Hyde is tied for 13th with three interceptions, PK Mike Meyer is tied for sixth in field goals per game (1.8) and tied for 23rd in scoring (9.2), LB James Morris is tied for 13th in tackles (10.6), P Eric Guthrie is 24th in punting (43.2), LB Christian Kirksey is tied for 24th in tackles (9.7) and tied for 13th in solo tackles (5.8), WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. is 30th in receiving yards per game (95.5) and tied for 43rd 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 89-43 (.674) overall mark and a 51-31 (.622) 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 93-62 (.600) and a 54-44 (.551) mark in Big Ten games. In his 16th season as a college head coach, he holds a career mark of 105-83 (.559). Fifty-nine of Iowa’s 155 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.

INDIANA COACH KEVIN WILSON
Kevin Wilson is 1-6 in his first season as a college head coach. Wilson most recently served as an assistant coach at Oklahoma (2002-10). He was the offensive coordinator at Northwestern (1999-2001) before joining the Sooners. He has also served as an assistant coach at Miami, Ohio, North Carolina AT&T, Winston Salem State and North Carolina, his alma mater. Wilson helped Oklahoma post a 6-1 record in Big 12 championship games while playing in seven BCS bowl games and 10 straight bowl games.

IOWA/INDIANA NOTES

  • Indiana Coach Kevin Wilson was on the staff at Northwestern for three years (1999-2001), with Iowa winning two of three meetings with the Wildcats in those seasons.
  • Indiana assistant Doug Mallory played college football at Michigan (1984-87), where he was a teammate of Iowa assistant Erik Campbell. Iowa and Michigan split four games during those seasons. Mallory also coached at Indiana from 1994-96, with Iowa winning two of three meetings with the Hoosiers in those years. Mallory’s father, Bill, is the winningest football coach in Indiana history.
  • Indiana assistant Kevin Johns was a graduate assistant at Northwestern (1999-01) and later served on the Wildcat staff from 2004-10. Northwestern won six of nine meetings with Iowa when Johns was on the Wildcat staff.
  • Indiana assistants Rod Smith and Greg Frey were on the Michigan staff from 2008-10. Iowa defeated the Wolverines in 2009 and 2010.
  • Indiana assistant Brett Diersen was an assistant coach at the University of Dubuque from 2001-03.
  • Indiana assistant Mark Hagen played for the Hoosiers from 1987-91, with Iowa winning two of three games over Indiana during that time frame. Hagen was on the Hoosier staff from 1992-95, helping the Hoosiers split four games with Iowa. Hagen was an assistant coach at Northern Illinois in 1999 when Iowa defeated the Huskies, earning Coach Kirk Ferentz his first win as the Hawkeye head coach. Hagen later coached at Purdue (2002-10). Iowa defeated the Boilermakers in five of seven games during that time.
  • Will Peoples, a strength and conditioning assistant at Indiana, served in that same capacity with the Iowa football program in 2006.
  • Four Hawkeye players celebrate birthdays this week. Marcus Binns and Brad Rogers were born Oct. 18 and C.J. Fiedorowicz and Kevonte Martin-Manley will celebrate their birthdays Saturday.
  • PK Trent Mossbrucker (Mooresville) is the only Hawkeye player from Indiana. The Indiana roster includes no Iowans.

IOWA WON A YEAR AGO
Iowa led for most of the game, but had to rally in the fourth quarter for an 18-13 win at Indiana, giving Coach Kirk Ferentz career win No. 100. Iowa drove to a field goal on its first possession of the game and added another three-pointer in the second period, but still found the score tied 6-6 at halftime. The Hoosiers answered both of Iowa’s first half field goal drives with field goals of their own. Iowa took a 9-6 advantage with 5:33 remaining in the third period on a 27-yard field goal by Mike Meyer, who had connected from 23 and 27 yards in the first half. The Hoosiers answered again, taking the lead with 42 seconds remaining in the quarter on a one-yard run by QB Ben Chappell. The Hawkeyes responded with another field goal, as Meyer connected on a 42-yard kick with 8:33 remaining to cut the Iowa deficit to a single point. Iowa regained possession with 3:42 remaining and took just three plays to drive 88 yards for the winning score. QB Ricky Stanzi completed consecutive passes to WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos for 21 and 15 yards. Stanzi then hit WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. down the middle for a 52-yard touchdown and the winning margin with 2:50 remaining. Iowa’s two-point pass attempt was incomplete. Still, the Hawkeyes had to hold off one last Indiana scoring threat. The Hoosiers started from their own 41 and quickly moved to a first down at the Iowa 18. After three straight incompletions and a timeout with 35 seconds remaining, Chappell’s final pass into the end zone was incomplete and Iowa had its third straight win over the Hoosiers. Stanzi was again outstanding for Iowa, completing 22-33 passes for 290 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. McNutt, Jr. led Iowa receivers with six catches for 126 yards. RB Marcus Coker, in his first career start, rushed 22 times for 129 yards to lead the ground game. The Iowa defense limited Indiana to 222 passing yards, nearly 100 yards below its season average. DB Micah Hyde and DB Shaun Prater each collected 10 tackles, while LB James Morris added nine stops. Iowa collected a season-high nine pass break-ups. Meyer was named special teams Player of the Week in the Big Ten after becoming the first Hawkeye with four field goals in a game since 2005. Meyer tied Iowa’s single-game record with five field goal attempts.

THE SERIES
Iowa holds a 41-27-4 advantage in the series that began with a 13-6 Iowa victory in 1912. The Hawkeyes have won 17 of the last 25 games, including six of the last eight, but few have been easy. Indiana won three straight meetings between 1998-00. The most recent meetings have included some high scoring affairs, as the winning team has scored 30 or more points in eight of the last 10 games. The losing team has scored at least 20 points in four of the last six. Iowa holds a 22-10-3 advantage in Iowa City, having won five of the last seven in Kinnick Stadium. Indiana’s most recent win in Iowa City was a 38-20 victory in 2007. Indiana led throughout much of the game in 2009, including 21-7 late in the third quarter, before Iowa rallied for a 42-24 win.

STRONG FINISH PROPELS IOWA
Iowa scored 24 points in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 41-31 win over Northwestern in Kinnick Stadium last Saturday night. Iowa built a 17-0 advantage in the first half, only to see the Wildcats rally to tie the score with 4:19 left in the third quarter. The Hawkeyes then scored points on four straight possessions to earn their fourth win of the season. Iowa started fast, driving 52 yards on its first possession, which ended in a 27-yard Mike Meyer field goal. The Hawkeye defense then came up with a big play on Northwestern’s second possession. DE Broderick Binns recorded a QB pressure to force a bad pass and DB Tanner Miller collected his first career interception and scored on a 98-yard return. Iowa increased its advantage to 17-0 in the second period when QB James Vandenberg connected with WR Keenan Davis on a 47-yard scoring strike. Northwestern scored on a six-yard scoring pass late in the quarter and the half ended with Iowa on top 17-7. Northwestern drove to a second touchdown on its opening possession of the second half. After a three-play Iowa possession the Wildcats tied the game on a 47-yard field goal. That’s when the Iowa offense answered. The Hawkeyes drove 64 yards on their next possession, which culminated with a Marcus Coker one-yard touchdown. Northwestern missed a field goal on its following possession and Iowa answered with a 35-yard scoring strike from Vandenberg to WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. The scoring reception was the 21st career touchdown catch for McNutt, Jr., equaling Iowa’s career record. Binns forced a fumble on Northwestern’s next possession and Meyer booted a 40-yard field goal, giving Iowa a 34-17 advantage. Coker scored on a second one-yard run later in the game for Iowa’s final points. Coker led Iowa’s rushing game with 124 yards on 22 carries. Vandenberg completed 14-22 passes for 224 yards and McNutt, Jr. (6-87) and Davis (5-109) led Iowa’s receivers. Iowa’s defense was forced to play without normal starters in LB James Morris and DT Tom Nardo. Senior Tyler Nielsen stepped in at middle linebacker and led the team with a career-high 12 tackles. DB Micah Hyde and LB Christian Kirksey each had nine tackles and Miller added a career-best eight stops to his interception return.

EXTRA POINTS VS. NORTHWESTERN

  • Iowa improves to 47-23-3 all-time against Northwestern, including a 24-9 mark in Iowa City. Iowa is 9-4 under Ferentz in its first Big Ten home game.
  • Iowa has scored 31 points or more in five of its first six games. The last time the Hawkeyes accomplished this was 2002.
  • Sophomore DB Tanner Miller had his first career interception in the opening period, returning the theft 98-yards for a touchdown. The 98-yard return ties the Iowa school record for longest interception return. Adam Shada had a 98-yard return vs. Purdue (10/07/06). Miller also collected a personal-best eight tackles in the victory.
  • Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. tied the Iowa career record for touchdown receptions with a 35-yard touchdown in the fourth period. The record of 21 is shared with Tim Dwight (1994-97) and Danan Hughes (1989-92). McNutt, Jr. had six receptions for 87 yards against Northwestern and now has 123 receptions for 2,119 yards. McNutt, Jr. ranks ninth in career receptions and fourth in yards. He has at least 100 yards receiving in three of six games in 2011. For the season, McNutt, Jr. has 35 receptions for 573 yards (16.4 avg.) and five scores.
  • Junior WR Keenan Davis scored on a 47-yard pass reception in the second quarter, giving him a touchdown reception in four of Iowa’s last five games. The 47-yard reception is the longest of his career and marks the second longest offensive play for Iowa this season. Davis ended the game with five catches for a team-high 109 yards and a score.
  • Senior Tyler Nielsen moved from his normal position at outside linebacker to play middle linebacker against Northwestern. He responded with a team and career-best 12 tackles. His previous high of 10 tackles came against Wisconsin in 2010.
  • Iowa’s average starting field position was its own 40-yard line, while Northwestern’s average starting field position was its own 27-yard line.
  • The game featured three runs of 17 straight points. Iowa scored the first 17 points before Northwestern tied the game in the second half. Iowa responded with 17 straight points in the fourth quarter.
  • Senior DE Broderick Binns had the third forced fumble of his career in the fourth period and junior DT Steve Bigach recovered the loose ball for his first career recovery. Binns also had three tackles, including two for loss and a sack, and had three QB pressures. Bigach also had five tackles, including a sack.
  • Senior Jordan Bernstine equaled a career high with eight total tackles.
  • Iowa scored points on its opening possession for the third time in six games, collecting an early field goal. Iowa scored a touchdown on its opening drive vs. Iowa State and ULM.
  • Northwestern did not score on its first possession. Iowa has allowed three of six opponents to score on their opening drive, all collecting field goals. Iowa has allowed 13 first-quarter points in six games. Iowa has allowed 11 opponents to score on their opening drive in its last 45 games.
  • Sophomore PK Mike Meyer made a 27-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 40-yard kick in the fourth quarter, improving to 11-13 on the season. He is 22-22 on PAT kicks. He has made 25-30 career field goals.
  • Two Hawkeyes started for the first time in their career vs. Northwestern. Junior OLB Tom Donatell and junior DT Steve Bigach both started for the Iowa defense. Senior LB Tyler Nielsen started at middle linebacker after starting Iowa’s first five games at outside linebacker.
  • Junior QB James Vandenberg had touchdown passes of 47 and 35 yards. He has 12 touchdown passes in six games and seven of the 12 have been over 20 yards. He had three scoring strikes in wins over Pittsburgh and Louisiana-Monroe. For the night he completed 14-22 passes for 224 yards.
  • Sophomore RB Marcus Coker led the Iowa rushing attack with 22 carries for 124 yards (5.6 avg.). He scored on a one-yard run to give Iowa a 24-17 advantage early in the fourth period and added another one-yard scoring run in the final minutes. Coker surpassed 100 rushing yards for the third time this season and for the fifth time in his career. 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.

IOWA EFFICIENT IN FOURTH
Iowa’s offense was efficient in the fourth quarter of the 41-31 win over Northwestern. The Hawkeyes scored points on four straight drives after the score was tied at 17 and ended the game at the Wildcat 15-yard line. Iowa drove 64 yards in 11 plays to take a 24-17 lead and later moved 71 yards in just three plays for a 14-point advantage. The Hawkeyes added a field goal after a Northwestern fumble and added their final points on a 24-yard drive after recovering an on-side kick.

HIGH SCORING FOURTH QUARTER
Iowa’s 24 points in the fourth quarter matched the highest scoring quarter of the season. Iowa scored 24 points in the second quarter in the 34-7 season-opening win over Tennessee Tech. Iowa has not scored more than 24 points in any quarter since the 2009 season, when it scored 28 points in the final quarter of a 42-24 win over Indiana. Iowa, twice, scored 21 points in a quarter during the 2010 season.

INDIANA FALLS AT WISCONSIN
Fourth-ranked Wisconsin scored 38 points in the first half en route to a 59-7 win over Indiana last Saturday in Madison. The Hoosier defense forced a punt on Wisconsin’s first possession, but the Badgers scored on their next six possessions to remain undefeated. Indiana’s only score came on a 67-yard run by RB Stephen Houston with four minutes remaining in the second period, but Wisconsin was able to answer with 10 straight points before the end of the half. Houston led Indiana’s offense with 135 rushing yards on 19 carries. QB Edward Wright-Baker completed 6-15 passes for 54 yards, but also threw two interceptions. Freshman QB Tre Roberson completed 2-5 attempts. No Hoosier receiver had more than two receptions. Indiana was held to 287 yards total offense and was guilty of three turnovers. Freshman linebacker Mark Murphy led Indiana’s defense with 10 tackles and a pass break-up. LB Jeff Thomas added 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.v
  • 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.

HAWKEYES TO WATCH
A number of Iowa players were named to preseason all-Big Ten and All-America teams. 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 six games in 2011 and has started 27 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-one career touchdown receptions ties Iowa’s career record, shared by Danan Hughes (1989-92) and Tim Dwight (1994-97). Career totals include 123 receptions for 2,119 yards to rank fourth in career yards and eighth in career receptions
  • Eight touchdown receptions in both 2009 and 2010 and five in six 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
  • Six receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown in win over Northwestern

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
  • Seven tackles in win over Northwestern, including two tackles for loss, a QB sack and a QB pressure

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 13th 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
  • Nine tackles and two pass break-ups in win over Northwestern

COKER LEADS RUSHING ATTACK
Sophomore RB Marcus Coker leads the Iowa rushing attack, with 127 carries for 578 yards and six 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. Coker surpassed 100 yards for the third time in 2011 in the win over Northwestern, rushing 22 times for 124 yards and two scores. He is sixth in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (96.3). He has rushed for over 100 yards five times in his career and his career totals include 241 carries for 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns. 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, Louisiana-Monroe and Northwestern. 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. Vanderberg was efficient in the win over Northwestern, completing 14-22 attempts for 224 yards. He had scoring strikes of 47 and 35 yards, as seven of his 12 touchdown passes have covered over 20 yards. In six games, Vandenberg has completed 112-185 (.651) passes for 1,488 yards and 12 touchdowns, with four interceptions. He is second in the Big Ten in passing yards (248.0), third in pass efficiency (145.2) and fourth in total offense (257.8). 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 5-3 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 11-13 field goal attempts and is a perfect 22-22 in PAT kicks. He is tied for sixth nationally in field goals per game (1.8). Meyer is tied for first in the Big Ten in field goals per game (1.83), second in kick scoring (9.2), third in field goal percentage (84.6%), and is fourth 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). He was perfect against Northwestern, with field goals of 27 and 40 yards while converting five PATs. 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 55 points and has made 25-30 (.833) career field goal attempts. He is tied for 18th in career scoring with 128 points.

MORRIS LEADS IN TACKLES
Sophomore LB James Morris leads Iowa and the Big Ten with 10.6 tackles per game. He has 27 solo stops and 26 assists, along with one pass interception, in five games. 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 is tied for 13th in the nation in tackles per game. He missed the Northwestern game due to injury.

KIRKSEY STEADY ON DEFENSE
Sophomore LB Christian Kirksey has recorded 58 tackles (35 solo) in six games. Kirksey is tied for second in the Big Ten in tackles and is tied for 13th 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. He had nine tackles in the most recent win over Northwestern.

TOP HAWKEYE PERFORMERS

  • Senior Eric Guthrie has taken over the punting duties in 2011 and is averaging 43.2 yards on 22 punts. Guthrie has eight punts inside the 20, with just one touchback, and opponents are averaging just 4.2 yards on six 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 33 tackles, including six tackles for loss and 3.5 QB sacks. He also has three 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 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. He missed the Northwestern game due to injury.
  • 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 a win over ULM. He led Iowa receivers with 109 yards on five catches vs. Northwestern, including a 47-yard scoring grab that ranks as the longest reception of his career. Davis has 27 receptions for 421 yards and four touchdowns 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 five 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 added eight tackles and a pass break-up in the win over Northwestern and is also averaging 23 yards on 13 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 18 receptions for 208 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 69 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 scoring returns of 89 and 98 yards this season. Iowa had four touchdown returns 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. 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., has tied the Iowa record for career touchdown receptions (21) and is fourth in receiving yards and eighth in career catches (123-2,119). He is tied with 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 (tie for 25th) 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. Sophomore PK Mike Meyer is tied for 18th in career scoring with 128 points and junior QB James Vandenberg is 22nd in career passing yards (1,796).

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 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. Sixteen 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, WR Kevonte Martin-Manley, OLB Tom Donatell and DL Steve Bigach.

DEPTH CHART INCLUDES 10 WALK-ONS
Iowa’s depth chart includes 10 players who originally joined the program as a walk-on. That includes four on offense (OL Matt Tobin, RB Jason White, WR Steven Staggs, TE Zach Derby), three on defense (DL Thomas Nardo, OLB Tom Donatell, DB Collin Sleeper), and three specialists (P Eric Guthrie, PK Mike Meyer and LS Casey Kreiter).

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 virtually 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 53 of the last 55 games. In addition, Iowa has sold its allotment of tickets to remaining road games at 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. 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 and Iowa defensive backs have earned all-Big Ten honors 25 times.

IOWA VS. BOWL TEAMS
Eight of Iowa’s 13 opponents in 2010 earned bowl invitations. Iowa’s 13 opponents posted a 92-71 (.564) overall record. Wisconsin (Rose) and Ohio State (Sugar) earned BCS bowl bids, while Arizona, Michigan State, Penn State, Michigan, Northwestern and Missouri played in the post-season.

HAWKEYE NOTES FROM 2010

  • Iowa ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense (17.0), sixth in rushing defense (101.5), 25th in total defense (332.1) and 24th in pass efficiency defense (115.1). The Iowa defense was the last unit in the nation to allow a rushing touchdown last season, that coming in Iowa’s sixth game.
  • The Hawkeyes ranked seventh in the nation in turnover margin (+1.0) and tied for 11th with 19 pass interceptions. Iowa had four interception returns for touchdowns.
  • Six Iowa opponents scored one touchdown or less, including two who scored no touchdowns. For the second straight season, eight of Iowa’s 12 regular season opponents scored 17 points or less.
  • For the third straight season, in 2010, Iowa allowed only one individual opponent to rush for over 100 yards.
  • Iowa ranked 11th in the nation in pass efficiency (155.72) and the Hawkeyes were 50th in scoring offense (28.9). The Hawkeyes were 49th in passing offense (234.5), 57th in total offense (382.9) and 70th in rushing offense (148.4). Iowa scored 30 or more points in three consecutive Big Ten Conference games (Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State) for the first time since 2005. Iowa scored 30 or more points in six games overall, matching the second highest number of games under Kirk Ferentz. Iowa scored 30 or more points in nine games in 2002.
  • Iowa had just 11 turnovers (five lost fumbles, six interceptions), which ranked second in the nation. Iowa lost just two fumbles in eight Big Ten games, both in the regular season finale at Minnesota.
  • Iowa was 8-0 in 2010 when rushing for over 120 yards and 0-5 when the rushing total was less than 120 yards.
  • Iowa ranked sixth in fewest penalty yards per game (37.4) and tied for 19th in fewest penalties per game (4.9).
  • On special teams, Iowa ranked sixth in the nation in punt return defense (3.9 average on 21 returns) and 12th in KO returns (25.3).
  • Iowa’s opponents had 142 possessions, and just seven started in Iowa territory. Arizona and Minnesota had two possessions start in Iowa territory and Iowa State, Northwestern and Ohio State started one possession on Iowa’s end of the field.
  • Iowa’s 100 first half points in 2010 led the Big Ten Conference.

IOWA 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.

IOWA AMONG TOP 20 IN WINS, 2002-10
Iowa has posted 82 wins since the start of the 2002 season, which is the 17th highest total in Division I football. The list includes the following: Boise State (113); USC (104); Oklahoma (104); Ohio State (103); Texas (99); LSU (99); TCU (96); Virginia Tech (97); Georgia (93); Florida (92); Auburn (92); West Virginia (90); Wisconsin (87); Utah (86); Alabama (86); Texas Tech (83); IOWA (82); Boston College (81); Penn State (79) and Miami, FL (79).

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa had two pass plays and one running play against Northwestern that covered at least 20 yards, plus one interception return, two field goals and three KO returns of at least 20 yards. In six games, Iowa has 25 pass plays and three rushing plays, along with three interception returns, 13 KO returns, one punt return and 11 field goals, of at least 20 yards. Iowa’s opponents have 17 passing plays, four rushing plays, one punt return, one interception return and 20 KO returns of 20 yards or more.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents in the first (34-16), second (54-20) and fourth (56-38) quarters, but has been outscored in the third quarter (45-34). Iowa was outscored in three overtime periods (20-17) at Iowa State.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averaged 9.3 yards on 27 first down plays, 6.0 yards on 15 second down plays, 3.6 yards on seven third down plays and 14 yards on one fourth down play in the win over Northwestern. In six games, Iowa is averaging 6.5 yards on 183 first down plays, 5.7 yards on 130 second down plays, 4.6 yards on 72 third down plays and 6.3 yards on seven fourth down plays. Iowa is 4-7 on fourth down conversions.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s six scoring drive against Northwestern averaged 5.8 plays, 46.8 yards and 2:41 in elapsed time. In six games, Iowa’s 29 scoring drives have averaged 7.7 plays, 57.2 yards and 3:15 in elapsed time. Iowa has five scoring drives that have covered over 80 yards. Iowa’s opponents have 21 scoring drives, averaging 9.8 plays, 60.4 yards and 4:06 in elapsed time. The above scoring drive figures do not include overtime.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa was 4-4 inside the red zone vs. Northwestern, scoring two one-yard rushing touchdowns and connecting on two field goals. In six games, Iowa is 22-23 (95.7%) in the red zone, with nine rushing touchdowns, five passing touchdowns and eight field goals. Iowa has scored on 128 of the last 139 (.921) red zone possessions (84 TDs and 44 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 109-120 (.908) combined inside the red zone its last 35 games. Northwestern was 2-4 in the red zone, scoring a passing and rushing touchdown. The Wildcats were intercepted by the Iowa defense and punted on their other two red zone possessions. Iowa opponents are 18-26 (69.2%) in the red zone, which ranks the Hawkeyes 10th in the nation in red zone defense. Iowa has allowed six rushing touchdowns, seven passing touchdowns and five field goals.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa forced two turnovers vs. Northwestern, scoring on both takeaways. Iowa scored a touchdown on a 98-yard interception return and added a field goal following a Wildcat fumble. Iowa has scored 30 points in six games following 11 opponent turnovers (five fumbles, six interceptions). The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in 61 of its last 68 games, dating back to 2006. Northwestern did not score after a second quarter interception. Iowa opponents have scored 14 points following eight 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 travels to 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.

related STORIES

4 Hawkeyes Named to 2024 NFF Hampshire Honor Society
4 Hawkeyes Named to 2024 NFF Hampshire Honor Society
Football Open Practice Set for April 20
Football Open Practice Set for April 20
Kirk Ferentz Spring News Conference Transcript | March 26
Kirk Ferentz Spring News Conference Transcript | March 26