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Iowa travels to Minnesota Saturday

Iowa travels to Minnesota Saturday

Oct. 24, 2011

Iowa at Minnesota Game Notes

IOWA TRAVELS TO MINNESOTA
Iowa (5-2, 2-1) visits Minnesota (1-6, 0-3) Saturday, traveling to Minneapolis for the second straight season. Game time is 2:42 p.m. in TCF Bank Stadium (50,805). A few thousand tickets remain. The Hawkeyes have defeated Tennessee Tech (34-7), Pittsburgh (31-27), Louisiana-Monroe (45-17), Northwestern (41-31) and Indiana (45-24), all in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa was defeated, 44-41 in three overtimes, at Iowa State and at Penn State, 13-3. Minnesota owns a win over Miami, Ohio (29-23) and has lost to USC (19-17), New Mexico State (28-21), North Dakota State (37-24), Michigan (58-0), Purdue (45-17) and Nebraska (41-14).

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 112 and XM channel 203.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,149 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 592-518-39 (.532). That includes a 375-201-16 (.647) record in home games, a 217-317-23 (.410) record in games away from Iowa City, a 291-349-25 (.456) mark in Big Ten games and a 258-165-15 (.606) record in Kinnick Stadium.

BIG TEN IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa is listed among teams receiving votes in the USA Today coaches’ poll and the Harris Poll. Iowa was 28th in the Sporting News’ preseason rankings. Around the Big Ten, Michigan State is ranked 9/10 (AP/Coaches), Wisconsin is 12/11 Nebraska is 13/13, Michigan is 17/17 and Penn State is 21/19. Illinois is listed among teams receiving votes in both polls. In the second BCS rankings, Michigan State is 11th, followed by Nebraska (14), Wisconsin (15), Michigan (18) and Penn State (19).

FLOYD OF ROSEDALE
As a result of a bet between the governors of the two states in 1935, possession of Floyd of Rosedale is at stake Saturday. The bronze pig traveling trophy is currently in the hands of the Gophers as a result of their 27-24 win in Minneapolis last season. Minnesota holds a 40-34-2 advantage in the series with Floyd of Rosedale on the line. Iowa has won eight of the last 10 meetings.

HAWKEYE HUDDLE IN MINNEAPOLIS
Iowa fans traveling to Minnesota for Saturday’s contest against the Golden Gophers should make plans to attend the “Hawkeye Huddle” prior to kickoff. The Hawkeye Huddle is presented by the National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association. The Huddle will be held from 11:30-1:30 p.m. at the University Hotel, 615 Washington Ave. SE, in Minneapolis. The University Hotel is located within walking distance of TCF Bank Stadium. Admission to the Hawkeye Huddle is free and includes cash refreshments, snacks, door prizes, cheerleaders and Herky. Visit www.jointheiclub.com for additional information.

BRETT GREENWOOD FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED
Former Iowa DB Brett Greenwood (2007-10) collapsed during a routine workout in early September. His heart stopped due to an abnormal heart-rhythm, which resulted in injuries to his brain. Brett is recovering and working hard to regain his strength and mobility. Many have expressed a desire to support Brett in a tangible way. As a result, the Brett Greenwood Foundation has been established to accept contributions that will be used to directly support Brett as he continues to recover. Individuals who would like to contribute to the Brett Greenwood Foundation can make a donation at any of the 74 Wells Fargo banking stores in Iowa or the 6,300 locations across the nation. Donations also can be made online at www.brettgreenwoodfoundation.com or by mail at attn: Brett Greenwood Foundation, Wells Fargo, 2001 Spruce Hills Dr., Bettendorf, Iowa, 52722.

MCNUTT, JR. SETS SCORING RECORD
Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. set the Iowa record for career touchdown receptions with an 80-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Iowa’s 45-24 win over Indiana. He added scoring receptions of 24 and 29 yards in the second period. McNutt, Jr. has 24 career scoring receptions, breaking the previous mark of 21, held by Tim Dwight (1994-97) and Danan Hughes (1989-92). McNutt, Jr. had six receptions for a personal-best 184 yards vs. Indiana, raising his career totals to 129 receptions for 2,303 yards. McNutt, Jr. ranks eighth in career receptions and second in career yards. He has at least 100 yards receiving in four of seven games in 2011 and is just 313 yards from becoming Iowa’s career leader in that category. For the season, McNutt, Jr. has 41 receptions for 757 yards (18.5 avg.) and eight scores. He is averaging 18.5 yards per reception and has 12 catches of 20 yards or more. His receiving total against Indiana (6-184) ranks eighth best for a single game at Iowa and McNutt, Jr. has eight receiving touchdowns in each of the last three seasons.

MCNUTT, JR. EARNS BIG TEN HONOR
Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. has been named co-offensive Player of the Week in the Big Ten Conference for his play in Iowa’s 45-24 win over Indiana. McNutt, Jr. led Iowa receivers with six receptions for 184 yards and three touchdowns. The receiving yards and touchdown receptions are career bests. The 184 yards ranks eighth best ever for a single game at Iowa. His scoring receptions covered 80, 24 and 29 yards, with the 80-yard reception matching the ninth longest in school history. The honor is the first for McNutt, Jr. and the third for an Iowa player this season. DL Tom Nardo was named defensive Player of the Week for his play vs. Louisiana-Monroe and QB James Vandenberg was named offensive Player of the Week following Iowa’s win over Pittsburgh. Along with the Big Ten honor, McNutt, Jr. was named the national Wide Receiver of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards. He is also a candidate for the Receiver Performance of the Year, an award sponsored by the All-Star Football Challenge that will be announced in early February.

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

  • QB James Vandenberg was named honorable mention Quarterback of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards for his play in Iowa’s win over Indiana. Vandenberg completed 12-16 passes for 253 yards and a career-high four touchdowns vs. the Hoosiers. Vandenberg has 16 touchdown passes in seven games.
  • 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. Miller is also nominated for the GEICO Play of the Year. Fans vote for the GEICO Play of the Year, with the winner being announced on GEICO Best of College Football 2011 (Nov. 25, 1:30 p.m. ET, CBS).
  • 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 wins over Tennessee Tech and Indiana. McNutt, Jr. had six receptions for 140 yards and two touchdowns in the opening win and added six catches for 184 yards and three scores in the win over Indiana.
  • 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.

HAWKEYE GAMEDAY LIVE
The UI Department of Athletics has a new-and-improved “Hawkeye Gameday Live” page each Saturday for Hawkeye fans. The page features 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 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 tied for third nationally in red zone offense (96%), seventh in net punting (43.0), eighth in fewest penalty yards per game (36.7), tied for ninth in red zone defense (71%), tied for 12th in fewest turnovers (eight), tied for 14th in fewest penalties per game (4.2) and 18th in punt return defense (4.2). Individually, PK Mike Meyer is tied for eighth in field goals per game (1.7), LB Christian Kirksey is tied for eighth in solo tackles (6.0), WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. is 12th in receiving yards per game (108.1), LB James Morris is 12th in tackles per game (10.5), QB James Vandenberg is 13th in pass efficiency (156.7), DB Micah Hyde is tied for 19th with three interceptions, Kirksey is 19th in tackles per game (10.0), RB Marcus Coker is 21st in rushing yards per game (102.4), Meyer is tied for 23rd in scoring (9.1). In addition, punter Eric Guthrie would rank 24th in punting (43.0), but he is under the minimum number of attempts per game. All Iowa team and individual statistical rankings, both in the Big Ten and the NCAA, can be found as a side bar within the weekly game notes.

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 a 90-43 (.677) overall mark and a 52-31 (.627) 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 94-62 (.603) and a 55-44 (.556) mark in Big Ten games. In his 16th season as a college head coach, he holds a career mark of 106-83 (.561). Fifty-nine of Iowa’s 156 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.

MINNESOTA COACH JERRY KILL
Jerry Kill is in his first season as the Minnesota head coach and his 18th year as a college head coach. Kill holds a career mark of 128-79, including a 1-6 mark with Minnesota. He most recently was the head coach at Northern Illinois, leading the Huskies to three straight bowl games while posting a 23-16 mark. He was named the 2010 national Coach of the Year by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Prior to his stint at Northern Illinois, Kill was the head coach at Southern Illinois, posting a seven-year record of 55-32. He posted an 11-11 mark in two seasons as the head coach at Emporia State and was 38-14 in five seasons as the head coach at Saginaw Valley State.

IOWA/MINNESOTA NOTES

  • Iowa is 0-1 in trophy games in 2011. Iowa was defeated at Iowa State, 44-41 in three overtimes in the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. Iowa and Nebraska will meet later in the season, seeking possession of the Heroes Trophy. Iowa and Wisconsin do not meet during the regular season in 2011 and 2012. The teams play for possession of the Heartland Trophy.
  • Iowa has two players on its roster from the state of Minnesota. DE Broderick Binns and RB Marcus Binns are from St. Paul, where they attended Cretin-Derham Hall.
  • Minnesota DL Brandon Kirksey is the nephew of Iowa linebacker Christian Kirksey.
  • The Minnesota roster includes just one player from Iowa. TE John Rabe is a native of Iowa Falls and attended Ellsworth Community College before joining the Minnesota program.
  • Three current Hawkeyes were born during the week of Nov. 23-29, including Shaun Prater (27th), Ray Hamilton (28th) and Mark Weisman (28th).

COACHING CONNECTIONS

  • The Iowa coaching staff (nine full-time assistants and head strength and conditioning coach) has 110 years of combined years of service under Coach Kirk Ferentz, which ranks fifth in the nation behind Joe Paterno (Penn State), Gary Pinkel (Toledo/Missouri), Frank Beamer (Murray State/Virginia Tech) and Jim Grobe (Elon/Wake Forest). The Minnesota staff has 94 years of combined service under Coach Jerry Kill, which includes all five of his head coaching stops.
  • Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker was the defensive line coach at Minnesota from 1972-76.
  • Minnesota assistant Bill Miller was on the coaching staff at Western Michigan in 2007 when Western Michigan won in Kinnick Stadium and he was on the Florida staff in 2003 when Iowa defeated the Gators in the 2004 Outback Bowl. Miller has also previously coached at Michigan State (1999-2002), Minnesota (1986-88) and Drake (1981-82).
  • Minnesota assistant Jeff Phelps was on the staff at Northern Illinois in 2007 when Iowa defeated the Huskies in Chicago to open the season.
  • Minnesota assistant Matt Limegrover was a graduate assistant at Northwestern in 1995-96.
  • Minnesota assistant Pat Poore was on the coaching staff at Iowa Wesleyan from 1992-95.

THE SERIES
Saturday will be the 105th meeting between Iowa and Minnesota. Minnesota holds a 60-42-2 advantage in the series that began with a 42-4 Gopher victory in 1891. The Gophers won the first 12 games in the series before Iowa earned a 6-0 win in 1918. Iowa has won eight of the last 10 meetings, but the Golden Gophers scored a 27-24 decision last season in Iowa’s first visit to TCF Bank Stadium. The Hawkeyes defeated Minnesota 55-0 in 2008 at Minneapolis in the last Minnesota game played in the HHH Metrodome. Minnesota holds a 37-15-1 advantage in games played at Minneapolis, with the majority of those games played in Memorial Stadium, the previous on-campus home to Gopher football. Iowa has won three of the last five meetings in Minneapolis and won eight of the last 14 meetings played in the dome. Iowa is playing consecutive games at Minnesota for the first time since playing in Memorial Stadium in both 1949 (L, 55-7) and 1950 (W, 13-0).

MINNESOTA WON A YEAR AGO
Minnesota scored the winning touchdown on a six-yard run by Duane Bennett with 4:31 remaining to take a 27-24 win over Iowa Nov. 27, 2010. The game marked Iowa’s first visit to TCF Bank Stadium. Temperature at game time was 23 degrees for Iowa’s first outdoor game at Minnesota since 1980. After trailing throughout most of the contest, Iowa took the lead with 11:35 remaining on an 18-yard pass from QB Ricky Stanzi to WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. Iowa gained possession on a fumble recovery by DB Brett Greenwood. The fumble, Minnesota’s only turnover of the game, was caused by DE Broderick Binns. Minnesota controlled the opening quarter of action. The Gophers drove 58 yards and took a 3-0 advantage on a 26-yard Eric Ellestad field goal. Minnesota followed the score with a successful onside kick. The Gophers ended their second drive with a 14-yard touchdown run by QB MarQueis Gray. Iowa responded with a scoring drive of 70 yards for its first score, as Stanzi connected with WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos on a seven-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 10-7. Minnesota took advantage of an Iowa fumble to drive just 23 yards for its next score, an 11-yard run by DeLeon Eskridge. Iowa came right back, as Johnson-Koulianos returned the kickoff 88 yards for a score to again trim the deficit to three points. Each team added a field goal later in the second period, with Iowa’s Mike Meyer connecting from 35 yards in the final minute. Trailing for the first time early in the fourth period, Minnesota responded by covering 77 yards in just six plays. The Gophers had pass completions of 19 and 40 yards on the first two plays of the drive before Bennett scored for the final points of the game. Iowa’s final possession ended with a lost fumble at the Iowa 45-yard line with 4:14 remaining. Minnesota was able to maintain possession for the remainder of the contest. RB Marcus Coker led Iowa’s rushing game with 90 yards on 21 carries. Stanzi completed 10-22 passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns. McNutt, Jr. had three catches for 46 yards to lead Iowa’s receivers. Binns led the Iowa defense, collecting nine tackles and a pass break-up to go with his caused fumble. LB Troy Johnson and LB Jeremiha Hunter each added nine tackles, while LB James Morris added eight tackles and a pass break-up.

IOWA RACES PAST INDIANA
Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. stole the show as Iowa celebrated homecoming with a 45-24 win over Indiana. Iowa scored touchdowns on each of its five first-half possessions and added a field goal to cap its first drive of the third period. McNutt, Jr. led the Iowa offense with six receptions for 184 yards and three touchdowns. He had an 80-yard scoring reception on Iowa’s second possession to give the Hawkeyes a 14-7 lead. That play ties as the ninth-longest scoring pass in school history and gives McNutt, Jr. three of the 10 longest scoring receptions at Iowa (92, 88 and 80 yards). He added a 24-yard scoring catch on Iowa’s next possession as Iowa took a 21-14 advantage and never looked back. McNutt, Jr. had his third score in the final minute of the first half, with his 29-yard reception giving Iowa a 35-14 advantage at the break. He now holds the Iowa record for career touchdown receptions (24). The Hawkeyes drove 69 yards on their first possession, ending a seven-minute drive with a one-yard run by RB Marcus Coker. Coker added his second score, a two-yard run, to give Iowa a 28-14 lead with 1:38 remaining in the half. Coker led Iowa’s ground game with 23 carries for 139 yards. Coker has rushed for over 100 yards in four of seven games in 2011. Iowa’s only scoring of the third period came on a 47-yard field goal by Mike Meyer. The Hawkeyes ended their scoring with 3:10 remaining in the game when TE Brad Herman grabbed a one-yard pass from QB James Vandenberg. Meyer made all six PAT attempts to remain perfect (28-28) on the season. Vandenberg had the most efficient day of his career, completing 12-16 passes for 253 yards, with no interceptions. The four scoring passes are a career high. Iowa gained 456 yards total offense, with 203 rushing yards to go with Vandenberg’s passing total. Indiana scored touchdowns on its first two drives of the day, but from that point was held to just a field goal until adding a third touchdowns in the final minute of play. Sophomore LB Christian Kirksey led the Hawkeye defense with 12 tackles, just one shy of his career best. DB Tanner Miller and LB James Morris each added 10 tackles, while DE Broderick Binns had two tackles for loss and DB B.J. Lowery had two pass break-ups.

EXTRA POINTS VS. INDIANA

  • Iowa has won 54 of its last 65 games in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2002 season. The Hawkeyes are a perfect 5-0 at home this season, and 22-4 since the start of the 2008 season. Iowa improves to 42-27-4 all-time against Indiana, including a 23-10-3 mark in Iowa City.
  • Iowa’s homecoming record improves to 54-41-5, including a 9-5-1 record against Indiana. Iowa has won three straight homecoming games. Iowa has scored over 40 points in three of the last four meetings with the Hoosiers. Additionally, the Hawkeyes have scored 45 points or more six times all-time against Indiana.
  • Iowa has scored 31 points or more in six of its first seven games. The last time the Hawkeyes accomplished this was 2002. Iowa scored touchdowns on all five possessions in the first half against Indiana and added a field goal on its first drive of the third quarter. Iowa has scored a combined 86 points in its last two games (41 vs. Northwestern and 45 vs. Indiana). The last time Iowa scored 41 points or more in consecutive games was in its first two games of the 2008 season (46 vs. Maine and 42 vs. Florida International).
  • Iowa outscored Indiana 21-7 in the second quarter. Iowa has outscored its opponents 75-27 in the second period this season.
  • Sophomore RB Marcus Coker led the Iowa rushing attack with 23 carries for 139 yards. He scored on two short runs in the first half. He has scored two touchdowns in four games in his career, including the last two games. Coker surpassed 100 rushing yards for the fourth time this season and for the sixth time in his career.
  • Junior QB James Vandenberg had an 80-yard touchdown strike in the first quarter and added scoring strikes of 24 and 29 to WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. in the second quarter and a one-yard touchdown pass to TE Brad Herman in the fourth period. The last time an Iowa QB tossed four touchdowns in a contest was Ricky Stanzi in a 35-3 win at Iowa State in 2009.
  • Vandenberg has 16 touchdown passes this season, with 11 of the 16 covering 20 yards or more.
  • Iowa scored points on its opening possession for the fourth time in seven games, collecting an early touchdown. Iowa also scored a touchdown on its opening drive vs. Iowa State and ULM.
  • Senior Tyler Nielsen did not play after starting Iowa’s first six games. OLB Tom Donatell started for the second straight week. DL Steve Bigach also started for the second straight week.
  • LB James Morris returned to the starting line-up after missing the Northwestern game. DL Tom Nardo missed his second straight game and LB Anthony Hitchens has missed three straight games.
  • The 7:10 time of possession on Iowa’s opening drive of the game is its longest touchdown drive of the season, by time. The drive covered 69 yards in 12 plays.
  • DB Jordan Bernstine had a 62-yard KO return in the third quarter, the longest for Iowa this season and the longest of Bernstine’s career. He finished the game with three returns for 115 yards (38.3 avg.).
  • Sophomore PK Mike Meyer made a 47-yard field goal in the third quarter, improving to 12-14 on the season. He is 28-28 on PAT kicks. He has made 26-31 career field goals.

IOWA EFFICIENT IN FOURTH
Iowa’s offense was efficient in the fourth quarter of a 41-31 win over Northwestern on Oct. 15. 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.

EFFICIENCY CONTINUED . . .
Iowa scored touchdowns on all five first half possessions in the win over Indiana and added a field goal on its first drive of the third quarter. Dating back to the Northwestern game the previous week, Iowa scored on 10 of 11 possessions in the two games, with the only non-scoring drive coming at the conclusion of the Northwestern game when Iowa reached the Wildcat 15-yard line as time expired in the 41-31 win. Against Indiana, Iowa’s opening drive took over seven minutes and covered 69 yards. The Hawkeyes ended the second period with a 53-yard drive that took just four plays and 44 seconds.

HIGH SCORING FOURTH QUARTER
Iowa’s 24 points in the fourth quarter of the 41-31 win over Northwestern 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 and added 21 points in the second quarter of the most recent win over Indiana.

NEBRASKA WINS AT MINNESOTA
Nebraska took control early in recording a 41-14 win at Minnesota last Saturday. The Huskers had 346 rushing yards and built a 34-0 advantage by halftime. Nebraska ended the day with 515 yards of total offense, while limiting the Gophers to just 254 yards total offense. Nebraska scored on its first six possessions, beginning the game with a field goal and adding touchdowns on its next two drives. The consecutive scoring streak ended when the Huskers missed a field goal on their first drive of the second half. Minnesota came back in the second half with two scores, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Nebraska’s dominant ground game. The Gophers drove 57 yards in four plays for their first score in the third quarter. Minnesota later ended the game with a 16-play scoring drive that covered 89 yards. For the game, nine of 11 Minnesota possessions were six plays or less. QB MarQueis Gray led the Minnesota offense, rushing 17 times for 67 yards and completing 9-18 passes for 122 yards. Duane Bennett added 55 yards on 12 rushing attempts and DaJon McKnight had 77 yards on just two pass receptions. The Golden Gopher defense was led by Keanon Cooper, who totaled 12 tackles and a pass break-up. Kim Royston added 10 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.

TEN IS BIGGEST LOSS
Iowa’s 13-3 loss at Penn State marked 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.

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 seven games in 2011 and has started 28 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-four career touchdown receptions is Iowa’s career record, with eight scores in three straight seasons
  • Career totals include 129 receptions for 2,303 yards to rank second in career yards and eighth in career receptions
  • 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
  • Career-bests of 184 yards and three touchdowns vs. Indiana on just six receptions
  • Big Ten offensive Player of the Week vs. Indiana, with scoring receptions of 80, 24 and 29 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
  • 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
  • Tied for second in the Big Ten and tied for 19th 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 150 carries for 717 yards and eight 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 led Iowa’s ground game in the win over Indiana with 23 carries for 139 yards and two scores. He is fifth in the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (102.4). He has rushed for over 100 yards six times in his career and his career totals include 264 carries for 1,339 yards and 11 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, Northwestern and Indiana. 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. Vandenberg was efficient in the win over Northwestern, completing 14-22 attempts for 224 yards. He had scoring strikes of 47 and 35 yards. He increased his efficiency in a win over Indiana, completing 12-16 passes for 253 yards and a career-best four touchdowns. Ten of his 16 touchdown passes this season have covered over 20 yards. In seven games, Vandenberg has completed 124-201 (.617) passes for 1,741 yards and 16 touchdowns, with four interceptions. He is second in the Big Ten in passing yards (248.7) and pass efficiency (156.7) and fourth in total offense (258.7). 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 6-3 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. The second career start of Vandenberg’s career came in Iowa’s 12-0 win over Minnesota at Iowa City in 2009. His totals in that game included 11-24 for 117 yards, with one interception.

MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Sophomore PK Mike Meyer has made 12-14 field goal attempts and is a perfect 28-28 in PAT kicks. He is tied for eighth nationally in field goals per game (1.7). Meyer is second in the Big Ten in field goals per game, second in kick scoring (9.1), third in field goal percentage (85.7%) and 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. His only field goal attempt in the win over Indiana was good from 47 yards and he added 6-6 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 64 points and has made 26-31 (.839) career field goal attempts. He ranks 16th in career scoring with 137 points.

MORRIS LEADS IN TACKLES
Sophomore LB James Morris returned to the starting line-up in Iowa’s win over Indiana after missing the Northwestern game due to injury. Morris leads Iowa and the Big Ten with 10.5 tackles per game, ranking 12th in the nation. He has 29 solo stops and 34 assists, along with one pass interception, in six 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 in wins over ULM and Indiana. Morris also had 13 tackles in the win over Pittsburgh.

KIRKSEY STEADY ON DEFENSE
Sophomore LB Christian Kirksey has recorded 70 tackles (42 solo) in seven games. Kirksey ranks third in the Big Ten in tackles. He is tied for eighth nationally in solo tackles and is 19th in total tackles per game. He also has two tackles for loss, one QB sack, two pass break-ups, 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 a win over Northwestern and led the Iowa defense with 12 tackles in the win over Indiana.

TOP HAWKEYE PERFORMERS

  • Senior Eric Guthrie has taken over the punting duties in 2011 and is averaging 43.0 yards on 23 punts. Guthrie has nine punts inside the 20, with just one touchback, and opponents are averaging just 4.9 yards on seven 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. He would rank 24th in the nation in punting average, but he is under the minimum of punts per game.
  • Senior DL Mike Daniels has collected 36 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and four 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 Iowa’s last two games 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 30 receptions for 463 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 six 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 a win over Northwestern and had six tackles vs. Indiana. Bernstine is also averaging 25.9 yards on 16 KO returns. He had a career-long 62-yard return in the win over Indiana, averaging 38.3 yards on three 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). Iowa has six interceptions this season, with two of those being returned for touchdowns (89 yards by DB Shaun Prater and 98 yards by DB Tanner Miller). LB James Morris also has a 52 yard return that led to a field goal. 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 of 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 set the Iowa record for career touchdown receptions (24) and is second in receiving yards and eighth in career catches (129-2,303). 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 16th in career scoring with 137 points and junior QB James Vandenberg is 19th in career passing yards (2,049).

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa had five pass plays and two running play against Indiana that covered at least 20 yards, plus one field goal and four KO returns of at least 20 yards. In seven games, Iowa has 30 pass plays and five rushing plays, along with three interception returns, 17 KO returns, one punt return and 12 field goals, of at least 20 yards. Iowa’s opponents have 19 passing plays, five rushing plays, one punt return, one interception return and 23 KO returns of 20 yards or more.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents in the first (48-23), second (75-27) and fourth (63-45) quarters, but has been outscored in the third quarter (48-37). Iowa was outscored in three overtime periods (20-17) at Iowa State.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averaged 4.3 yards on 28 first down plays, 13.5 yards on 22 second down plays and 4.9 yards on eight third down plays in the win over Indiana. In seven games, Iowa is averaging 6.2 yards on 211 first down plays, 6.9 yards on 152 second down plays, 4.6 yards on 80 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 seven scoring drives against Indiana averaged 6.9 plays, 59.3 yards and 3:29 in elapsed time. In seven games, Iowa’s 36 scoring drives have averaged 7.5 plays, 57.6 yards and 3:18 in elapsed time. Iowa has six scoring drives that have covered 80 yards or more. Iowa’s opponents have 25 scoring drives, averaging 10.1 plays, 63.1 yards and 4:16 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. Indiana, scoring two short rushing touchdowns, a passing touchdown and one field goal. In seven games, Iowa is 26-27 (96.3%) in the red zone, with 11 rushing touchdowns, six passing touchdowns and nine field goals. Iowa’s only non-scoring red zone possession this season came at the very end of the 34-7 opening win over Tennessee Tech. Iowa has scored on its last 22 red zone trips and 132 of the last 143 (.923) red zone possessions (87 TDs and 45 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 113-124 (.911) combined inside the red zone its last 36 games. Indiana was 4-5 in the red zone, scoring two rushing touchdowns, one passing touchdown and a field goal. The Hoosiers failed to convert on fourth down on one red zone possession. Iowa opponents are 22-31 (71%) in the red zone. Iowa has allowed eight rushing touchdowns, eight passing touchdowns and six field goals. Iowa is tied for third in the nation in red zone offense and is tied for ninth in red zone defense.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 30 points in seven games following 11 opponent turnovers (five fumbles, six interceptions). The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in 61 of its last 69 games, dating back to 2006, but did not have a takeaway in the most recent win over Indiana. 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.

HAWKEYE INJURY UPDATE
Sophomore LB Shane DiBona 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. 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. In addition, true freshman RB Mika’il McCall has been out of action since the first game of the season. 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. He could return to action this 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, include QB/LB 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.

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.

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 and Iowa defensive backs have earned all-Big Ten honors 25 times.

IOWA VS. RANKED OPPONENTS
Iowa posted a 4-3 record while facing seven ranked opponents in 2010, the most for a Kirk Ferentz coached Hawkeye team. Iowa played six ranked teams in 1999 and 2003. The four wins over ranked teams are the most for Iowa since posting a 4-2 record vs. six ranked opponents in 2003. Three of Iowa’s seven opponents were ranked in the top 10, while Missouri was 12th. Iowa lost to No. 10 Wisconsin (31-30), defeated No. 5 Michigan State (37-6) and lost to No. 7 Ohio State (20-17), all in Kinnick Stadium. In 2009, Iowa defeated No. 4 Penn State and No. 9 Georgia Tech, while losing at No. 8 Ohio State in overtime. With the 37-6 win over fifth-ranked Michigan State (10/30/10), Iowa has recorded a victory over a top-five ranked team in each of the last three seasons. Iowa defeated fourth-ranked Penn State (21-10) on the road in 2009 and defeated the third-ranked Nittany Lions (24-23) in Kinnick Stadium in 2008. Along with defeating Michigan State, Iowa defeated Missouri (#12), Penn State (#20) and Michigan (#24). Along with losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State, Iowa lost at No. 18 Arizona. In Big Ten play, Iowa’s eight opponents posted an overall record of 62-34 during the regular season. Iowa did not play Illinois and Purdue.

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

IOWA TO MEET NEBRASKA ON FRIDAY
Iowa’s regular season finale will be played on Friday, Nov. 25 at Nebraska, the day after Thanksgiving. That contest will be televised by ABC (11 a.m. CT) to a national audience. Iowa and Nebraska will also meet in Kinnick Stadium on the Friday following Thanksgiving to end the 2012 regular season.

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, 2002-11
Iowa has posted 83 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 (114); USC (105); Oklahoma (104); Ohio State (103); LSU (100); Texas (99); Virginia Tech (98); TCU (97); Georgia (93); Florida (92); Auburn (92); West Virginia (90); Wisconsin (87); Alabama (87); Utah (86); Texas Tech (84); IOWA (83); Boston College (81); Penn State (80) and Miami, FL (80).

COLLEGEPRESSBOX.COM
collegepressbox.com is the official media website for Big Ten Conference football. Access and download weekly game notes, quotes, statistics, media guides, headshots, logos and more for the conference and each of its member schools. Login information will be distributed to accredited media, or you can apply for a password by sending an e-mail to password@collegepressbox.com.

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 returns home to host nationally ranked opponents Michigan (Nov. 5) and Michigan State (Nov. 12) to close the home season. Iowa’s final two games are at Purdue (Nov. 19, TBA) and at Nebraska (Friday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m., ABC).

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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