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Iowa to Host Michigan Saturday

Oct. 31, 2011

Michigan at Iowa Game Notes

IOWA HOSTS MICHIGAN
Iowa (5-3, 2-2) hosts Michigan (7-1, 3-1) Saturday in the first of consecutive home games to close out the home season. 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), Northwestern (41-31) and Indiana (45-24), all in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa was defeated, 44-41 in three overtimes, at Iowa State, at Penn State 13-3 and at Minnesota, 22-21. Michigan owns wins over Western Michigan (34-10), Notre Dame (35-31), Eastern Michigan (31-3), San Diego State (28-7), Minnesota (58-0), Northwestern (42-24) and Purdue (36-14). Michigan’s only loss was a 28-14 decision at Michigan State.

ON THE TUBE
ESPN (HD) will televise the contest to a national cable audience. Dave Pasch, Chris Spielman and Quint Kessenich 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 113 and XM channel 194.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,150 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 592-519-39 (.532). That includes a 375-201-16 (.647) record in home games, a 217-318-23 (.409) record in games away from Iowa City, a 291-350-25 (.456) mark in Big Ten games and a 258-165-15 (.606) record in Kinnick Stadium.

IN THE RANKINGS
Michigan is ranked 13th in both the Associated Press and coaches poll. Iowa, this weekend, is playing its first game this season against a ranked opponent. The Hawkeyes have remaining games with ranked foes Michigan State and Nebraska. Around the Big Ten, Nebraska is ranked 9/9 (AP/Coaches), Michigan State is 15/16, Penn State is 16/15 and Wisconsin is 19/17. Ohio State is listed among teams receiving votes in both polls. In the third BCS rankings, Nebraska is 10th, followed by Michigan (15), Penn State (16), Michigan State 17th and Wisconsin (20).

WINNING AT HOME
Iowa has won 54 of its last 65 games (.831) 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 22-4 (.846) 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. The Hawkeyes are 5-0 at home this season.

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.

COKER EARNS RUSHING HONOR
Sophomore RB Marcus Coker was named the national Running Back of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards for his play in Iowa’s 22-21 loss at Minnesota. Coker rushed 32 times for a career-best 252 yards against the Gophers, scoring on two one-yard runs. Coker’s previous career best was 219 yards (33 carries) vs. Missouri in the 2010 Insight Bowl.

The 252 rushing yards ranks third best for a single game at Iowa, behind Tavian Banks (29-314 vs. Tulsa, 1997) and Ed Podolak (17-286, Northwestern, 1968). Coker joins Banks (314 and 204), Sedrick Shaw (250 and 214) and Shonn Greene (217 and 211) as the only Iowa running backs to gain over 200 yards in more than one game. Coker’s efforts against Minnesota included a season-best 50-yard run in the first quarter. His season totals now include 182 attempts for 969 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 10 touchdowns tie as the seventh best season total in Iowa history. Shonn Greene in 2008 (307-1,850-20 TDs) is Iowa’s most recent running back to gain over 1,000 yards in a season.

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

  • RB Marcus Coker was named national Running Back of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards for his play at Minnesota. Coker rushed 32 times for 252 yards and two scores against the Gophers.
  • WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. was named Big Ten co-offensive Player of the Week for his play in Iowa’s win over Indiana. McNutt, Jr. had six receptions for 184 yards and three touchdowns (80, 24 and 29 yards). He became Iowa’s career leader in touchdown receptions (24) with the 80-yard reception.
  • 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. 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. Miller was 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.

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 (Oct. 22). He added two more scores against the Hoosiers and had one touchdown reception in a loss at Minnesota. McNutt, Jr. has 25 career scoring receptions, breaking the previous mark of 21, held by Tim Dwight (1994-97) and Danan Hughes (1989-92). McNutt, Jr. had seven receptions for 101 yards at Minnesota, raising his career totals to 136 receptions for 2,404 yards. McNutt, Jr. ranks seventh in career receptions and second in career yards. He has at least 100 yards receiving in five of eight games in 2011 and is just 212 yards from becoming Iowa’s career leader in yardage. He had 184 receiving yards (six catches) vs. Indiana, the eight best single-game total at Iowa. For the season, McNutt, Jr. has 48 receptions for 858 yards (17.9 avg.) and nine scores. He is averaging 18.5 yards per reception and has 13 catches of 20 yards or more. His 858 yards ranks 11th best for a single season, just three yards shy of his 2010 total (53-861). McNutt, Jr. had eight receiving touchdowns in both 2009 and 2010. The Iowa record for touchdown receptions in a season is 11.

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.

IOWA IN NCAA STATS
As a team, Iowa is sixth nationally in fewest penalty yards per game (33.6), tied for 11th in fewest turnovers (nine) and fewest penalties per game (4.2), tied for 12th in net punting (43.0), 13th in punt return defense (4.2), tied for 16th in red zone defense (72%) and 27th in red zone offense (88%). Individually, RB Marcus Coker is ninth in rushing yards per game (121.1), WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. is 12th in receiving yards per game (107.3), LB James Morris is 10th in tackles per game (10.9) and 17th in solo tackles (5.5),), LB Christian Kirksey is tied for 15th in solo tackles (5.6) and 27th in tackles per game (9.5), QB James Vandenberg is 15th in pass efficiency (155.2), PK Mike Meyer is tied for 19th in field goals per game (1.5) and DB Micah Hyde is tied for 27th with three interceptions. 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 90-44 (.672) overall mark and a 52-32 (.619) 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 94-63 (.599) and a 55-45 (.550) mark in Big Ten games. In his 16th season as a college head coach, he holds a career mark of 106-84 (.558). Sixty of Iowa’s 157 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (27-33) and 46 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (20-26). Ferentz joined the Iowa staff after serving as assistant head coach and offensive line coach of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. He was part of the Baltimore (Cleveland Browns prior to the move) staff for six years. Ferentz was named head coach of the Maine Bears in 1990 and held that position for three years. Ferentz was a member of Hayden Fry’s Iowa staff for nine years as offensive line coach (1981-89). He coordinated Iowa’s running game during his first coaching stint at Iowa. Iowa appeared in eight bowl games while Ferentz was an Iowa assistant. Ferentz was born in Royal Oak, Mich., and attended high school in Pittsburgh, Pa. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English Education from Connecticut in 1978, where he was a football captain. Kirk received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut in May, 2009. He was inducted into the Upper St. Clair High School Hall of Fame in September, 2002 and the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in May, 2003.

FERENTZ SIXTH IN LONGEVITY
Now in his 13th season as Iowa’s head football coach, Kirk Ferentz ranks sixth in longevity among FBS head coaches. Ferentz is second among Big Ten coaches and nationally ranks behind Penn State’s Joe Paterno, Frank Beamer of Virginia Tech, Larry Blakeney of Troy, Pat Hill of Fresno State and Mack Brown of Texas.

IOWA STAFF HAS STAYED TOGETHER
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).

MICHIGAN COACH BRADY HOKE
Brady Hoke is in his first season as the Michigan head coach and his ninth year as a college head coach. Hoke holds a career mark of 54-51, including a 7-1 mark at Michigan. He most recently was the head coach at San Diego State, posting a 13-12 mark in two seasons. He was the head coach at Ball State for six years, posting a 34-38 record. Hoke previously was a Michigan assistant (1995-02), helping the Wolverines win three Big Ten titles and the 1997 national title while posting a 76-23 mark during those years. He was named the 2010 Mountain West Coach of the Year after leading San Diego State to a 9-4 record. His final team at Ball State won a school-record 12 games while posting a perfect league record. Prior to his stint as a Michigan assistant, Hoke served as an assistant coach at Grand Valley State, Western Michigan, Toledo and Oregon State.

NOTES AND CONNECTIONS

  • Iowa and Michigan are tied for 27th in the nation in red zone offense (88%), with both teams scoring points on 29 of 33 red zone possessions.
  • Michigan leads the nation in red zone defense (59%, 13-22), while Iowa is tied for 16th at 72% (26-36).
  • Iowa RB Marcus Coker leads the Big Ten and ranks ninth in the nation in rushing yards per game (121.1), while Michigan QB Denard Robinson is fifth in the Big Ten and 17th in the nation.
  • The last six Iowa-Michigan games were televised by ABC, including a primetime contest in 2009.
  • Iowa’s highest victory over a ranked opponent was against second-ranked Michigan (12-10) on Oct. 19, 1985 in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa was ranked No. 1 at that time. Last season marked the first time since 1985 that Iowa was ranked higher than Michigan when the teams met.
  • Iowa has three players on its roster from the state of Michigan, including WR Kevonte Martin-Manley, DL Carl Davis and TE Jake Duzey. There are no Iowans on the Michigan roster.
  • Two current Hawkeyes were born during the week of Oct. 30-Nov. 5, including FB Jacob Reisen (Nov. 1) and OL Brett Van Sloten (Nov. 2).
  • Erik Campbell, in his fourth year as Iowa’s wide receiver coach, is a Michigan graduate and a four-year letterman (1984-87). Campbell was on the Michigan coaching staff from 1995-07 after serving as a student assistant coach in 1988.
  • Michigan assistant Greg Mattison is the father of former Iowa DL Bryan Mattison. He was also the defensive coordinator at Florida when the Gators defeated Iowa 31-24 in the 2006 Outback Bowl and previously served on the Michigan staff from 1993-97.
  • Michigan Coach Brady Hoke was the head coach at Ball State when Iowa defeated the Cardinals 56-0 in the opening game of the 2005 season at Iowa City. Hoke was an assistant at Michigan for eight seasons (1995-02), helping the Wolverines post a 3-1 record against Iowa during that time. Hoke’s first year on the Wolverine staff was also the first year for Erik Campbell on the Michigan Staff. Campbell is now Iowa’s wide receivers coach.
  • Michigan assistant Jerry Montgomery was a four-year letterman (1998-2001) as a defensive lineman at Iowa, playing his final three seasons under Coach Kirk Ferentz.
  • Michigan assistants Jeff Hecklinski and Mark Smith were on the staff at Ball State in 2005 when Iowa defeated the Cardinals 56-0.
  • Michigan assistant Al Borges was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Indiana in 2002-03.
  • Michigan assistant Curt Mallory is the son of former Indiana Coach Bill Mallory. Curt has also coached at Indiana and Illinois before returning to Michigan, his alma mater.

THE SERIES
Michigan holds a 40-12-4 advantage in the series that began with a 28-5 Iowa win in 1900. Iowa has won the last two meetings and four of the last seven, but the Hawkeyes have never won three straight over the Wolverines. Iowa won 38-28 last year in Ann Arbor and prevailed 31-28 in Kinnick Stadium in 2009. The first meeting between the two teams was played in Detroit and the second in Chicago. Iowa and Michigan did not play in 2007 and 2008 and the Wolverines won three straight from 2004-06. Michigan holds a 16-5-1 record in Iowa City. Iowa has won two of the last three meetings at Iowa City (2003 and 2009). The Wolverines won 23-20 in overtime at Kinnick Stadium in 2005, ending Iowa’s school-record 22-game home winning streak.

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.

HAWKEYES WON IN ANN ARBOR
Iowa took advantage of Michigan turnovers in building a 28-7 advantage and held on during a wild fourth quarter to defeat the 24th-ranked Wolverines 38-28 in Ann Arbor, Oct. 16, 2010. Michigan drove 75 yards for a touchdown on its first possession to take a 7-0 advantage. Iowa answered later in the first period with a 14-yard scoring pass from QB Ricky Stanzi to WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos to tie the score after one period. Iowa took the lead for good early in the second period on a 31-yard scoring strike from Stanzi to Johnson-Koulianos. Iowa’s scoring opportunity followed an interception and 36 yard return by DB Tyler Sash. Michigan seemed poised to cut into the Iowa advantage later in the second period, but a field goal attempt was blocked by DE Adrian Clayborn and Sash returned the kick to the Michigan 48. Iowa RB Adam Robinson would later score on a four-yard run to give Iowa a 21-7 advantage and that was the score at the break. Michigan had the first scoring threat of the third period, driving inside the Iowa 20. DL Karl Klug forced a Michigan fumble and DE Lebron Daniel made the recovery. Iowa took advantage of the turnover, driving to the Michigan 11-yard line, where Robinson rushed for his second touchdown. Michigan closed the gap to 28-14 early in the fourth period, but Iowa responded with a four play, 60-yard scoring drive to restore the 21-point advantage. The score came on a 19-yard pass from Stanzi to Johnson-Koulianos. Michigan closed the gap again, scoring consecutive touchdowns in a four minute stretch to trail 35-28 with 6:55 remaining. Iowa took over and controlled the ball for just over four minutes, concluding the drive with a Mike Meyer 30-yard field goal. Michigan’s final possession ended with a pass interception by LB Troy Johnson, as Iowa claimed its fourth turnover of the day. DB Micah Hyde joined Sash and Johnson with an interception. Stanzi had an efficient day in leading the Iowa offense, completing 17-24 passes for 248 yards and three scores, with no interceptions. Robinson added 143 rushing yards on 31 carries and added 61 yards on four receptions. Stanzi was named offensive Player of the Week in the Big Ten. Johnson and LB Jeremiha Hunter led the Hawkeye defense with 13 tackles each. DB Shaun Prater added nine stops.

MINNESOTA RALLY TOPS IOWA
Minnesota scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to rally for a 22-21 win over Iowa in Minneapolis. The Gophers scored the winning points on a fourth down, three-yard run with 2:48 remaining in the game. Iowa’s defense held Minnesota out of the end zone on the two-point conversion attempt, but the Hawkeyes were unable to move into field goal position on their last possession. Iowa dominated much of the game, but the Hawkeyes were able to convert just three of six red zone possessions into points. The Hawkeyes missed two field goals in the first half before taking a 7-0 advantage on a 12-yard pass from QB James Vandenberg to WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. The play completed a 53-yard scoring drive following a fumble recovery by DB Jordan Bernstine. Minnesota answered with a touchdown with 1:13 left in the half, leaving the score tied at seven at the midway point. Iowa drove 63 yards on its first possession of the second half, taking a 14-7 lead on a one-yard run by RB Marcus Coker. After the Iowa defense forced a second straight three-and-out, the Hawkeyes seemed poised for another score after reaching the Gopher 14. But a Vandenberg fumble was recovered by the Gophers and Minnesota drove to a 28-yard field goal. Iowa increased its advantage on its following possession, covering 71 yards in just seven plays. Vandenberg completed a 12-yard pass to OL Woody Orne (tackle eligible) on third down before Coker scored his second touchdown from the one, and Iowa led 21-10 with 13:51 to play. Minnesota closed the gap to 21-16 with 8:22 remaining, driving 80 yards in 11 plays. The two-point conversion failed, but Minnesota kept momentum by recovering an onside kick to maintain possession. The Gophers drove to fourth down at the three, where QB MarQueis Gray scored the winning points. Iowa’s offense dominated much of the first three quarters. Despite just seven offensive plays in the final quarter, Iowa gained 446 yards total offense and had just one punt. Minnesota gained 371 yards total offense, with 155 yards coming in the final period. In addition, 100 of Minnesota’s 193 passing yards came on two long completions that led to 10 Gopher points. Coker led the Iowa offense with 32 attempts for 252 yards and the two scores. The yardage ranks as the third best single-game total in school history. Vandenberg completed 16-24 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions. McNutt, Jr. led Hawkeye receivers with seven receptions for 101 yards. LB James Morris matched a career best with 13 tackles to lead the defense. DB Tanner Miller, LB Christian Kirksey and LB Tyler Nielsen each added six stops and DB Shaun Prater had his third caused fumble of the year.

EXTRA POINTS VS. MINNESOTA

  • Sophomore RB Marcus Coker led the Iowa rushing attack with 32 carries for a career-high 252 yards. The 252 yards rank third best by an Iowa running back in a single game. The 32 rush attempts tie as the 10th most in a single game by a Hawkeye (Coker had 33 carries vs. Missouri at the 2010 Insight Bowl). Coker scored on two one-yard runs in the second half. He has scored two touchdowns in five games in his career, including the last three games, and has 10 this season.
  • Coker surpassed 100 rushing yards for the fifth time this season and for the seventh time in his career. He had a season-best 50-yard run and had a 40-yarder as well while rushing 19 times for 187 yards in the first half. He surpassed 200 yards for the second time in his career, as he had a career-best 33 carries for 219 yards against Missouri at the 2010 Insight Bowl.
  • Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. had his ninth touchdown reception of the season and fifth in three games, on a 12-yard catch in the second quarter. The score was his 25th career receiving touchdown. The nine scoring receptions in a season ranks fourth at Iowa. Maurice Brown had 11 scoring receptions in 2002 and Quinn Early (1987) and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (2010) each had 10 in a season. McNutt, Jr. had eight scoring receptions in both 2009 and 2010.
  • McNutt, Jr. had seven receptions for 101 yards against Minnesota and now has 136 career receptions for 2,404 yards. McNutt, Jr. now ranks seventh in career receptions and second in career yards. He has at least 100 yards receiving in five of eight games in 2011. For the season, McNutt, Jr. has 48 receptions for 858 yards (17.9 avg.) and nine scores.
  • Iowa did not score on its opening possession for the fourth time in eight games. Iowa scored a touchdown on its opening drive vs. Iowa State, ULM and Indiana and a field goal vs. Northwestern.
  • Minnesota did not score on its first possession. Iowa has allowed four opponents to score on their opening drive, including three field goals and a touchdown. Iowa has allowed 20 first-quarter points in eight games. Iowa has allowed 12 opponents to score on their opening drive in its last 47 games.
  • Iowa’s two missed field goals in the first half marked just the second and third times this season Iowa did not score after reaching the red zone. Iowa scored points on 26-27 trips inside the red zone in its first seven games.
  • Senior DB Shaun Prater had his third forced fumble of the season in the second quarter, leading to an Iowa touchdown. Senior DB Jordan Bernstine recovered the fumble, the first of his career.
  • Sophomore WR Jordan Cotton saw the first action of his career, and had a four-yard reception on Iowa’s opening drive.
  • Redshirt freshman WR Kevonte Martin-Manley started for the second time this season. Junior WR Keenan Davis, who had started Iowa’s first seven games, did not play. Martin-Manley had five catches for 35 yards at Minnesota.
  • Senior Tyler Nielsen returned to the starting line-up after missing last week. DL Steve Bigach started for the third straight week.
  • LB James Morris equaled a personal best with 13 tackles, accomplishing the feat for the fourth time.
  • Redshirt freshman OL Brandon Scherff started for the first time at left guard. He has seen action in seven of eight games this season.
  • DL Tom Nardo missed his third straight game and LB Anthony Hitchens has now missed four straight games.
  • Senior OL Woody Orne has been used as an eligible receiver/third tackle in recent games. He had the first reception of his career in the fourth quarter, a 12-yard reception to the one-yard line that led to Iowa’s third touchdown.
  • Minnesota’s win marks just the second time in 105 meetings in this series that the Gophers have won by a single point. The Gophers beat the Hawkeyes 14-13 in 1964.
  • Junior QB James Vandenberg completed 16-24 passes for 177 yards and one score. He has 17 touchdown passes this season, with 11 of the 17 covering 20 yards or more. He had four touchdown passes against Indiana and three in wins over Pittsburgh and Louisiana-Monroe.
  • Instant replay was used in the second period. A Minnesota fumble was recovered by Iowa. The call on the field was upheld. In the third period, a Minnesota completion was challenged by Iowa, but the call on the field was upheld.

MICHIGAN STOPS PURDUE
Michigan allowed an early touchdown by Purdue, but took control soon after in rolling to a 36-14 win over the Boilermakers in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines tied the game midway through the first period on a two-yard run by QB Denard Robinson and took a 9-7 lead early in the second period when Mike Martin recorded a sack in the end zone for a safety. The Wolverines added two field goals and a two-yard touchdown run by Fitzgerald Toussaint later in the period for a 22-7 halftime advantage. Michigan added a 59-yard touchdown by Toussaint in the third period and a 37-yard run by Michael Shaw in the fourth to increase the margin to 36-7 before Purdue added a final score in the closing seconds. The Wolverines gained 339 rushing yards as part of their 535 yards total offense. Toussaint led the rushing game with 170 yards on 20 carries. Robinson had 63 rushing yards while also completing 9-14 passes for 170 yards. Jeremy Gallon led Michigan’s receivers with 79 yards on three receptions. Michigan’s defense held Purdue to just 311 yards total offense, including 89 net rushing yards. Desmond Morgan led Michigan with nine tackles, while Martin had seven tackles, including two QB sacks.

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.

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 eight games in 2011 and has started 29 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-five career touchdown receptions is Iowa’s career record, with nine scores in 2011 and eight in both 2009 and 2010
  • Career totals include 136 receptions for 2,404 yards to rank second in career yards, seventh in career receptions
  • Tied for 14th in career scoring with 150 points
  • 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
  • Seven receptions for 101 yards at Minnesota, including 25th career touchdown reception

RB Marcus Coker

  • Leads Iowa rushing attack with 182 carries for 969 yards and 10 touchdowns
  • Leads Big Ten and ranks ninth nationally rushing yards per game (121.1)
  • Has rushed for over 100 yards in five games in 2011 and seven career games
  • Current streak of three straight games with two touchdowns and has 10 touchdowns for the season
  • Rushed 33 times for career-best 252 yards and two scores at Minnesota
  • Rushing total of 252 yards at Minnesota ranks as third best single-game total in school history
  • One of four running backs in Iowa history with more than one game with over 200 rushing yards
  • Had 23 carries for 139 yards and two scores in win over Indiana
  • Rushed 22 times for 124 yards and two scores in win over Northwestern
  • Rushed for 113 yards and two scores on 18 carries against Louisiana-Monroe
  • Rushed a career-high 35 times for 140 yards at Iowa State, scoring two touchdown
  • Career totals include 296 carries for 1,591 yards and 13 touchdowns to rank 19th in rushing yardage
  • Set Iowa bowl records for rushing attempts (33) and rushing yards (219) as a true freshman in 2010 Insight Bowl win over Missouri
  • Scored on touchdown runs of one and 62 yards in Insight Bowl and was named Offensive Player of the Game
  • Sports Illustrated preseason selection for Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
  • Freshman season totals in 2010 included 114 carries for 622 yards and three touchdowns, while playing in just seven games
  • Rushing total in 2010 ranks fourth best for an Iowa freshman

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
  • vRanked fifth on the team with 68 tackles in 2010, while playing in 12 of 13 games
  • Had 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
  • Four solo tackles and a forced fumble at Minnesota
  • Ranks second in Big Ten and 17th nationally with three forced fumbles
  • 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
  • Has collected 39 tackles in 2011, including 5.5 tackles for loss and four QB sacks. Also has three QB pressures
  • 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
  • Leads Big Ten with 1.1 pass break-ups per game
  • Tied for second in the Big Ten and tied for 38th 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

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. Vandenberg completed 16-24 passes for 177 yards at Minnesota, with one touchdown and no interceptions. Ten of his 17 touchdown passes this season have covered over 20 yards. In eight games, Vandenberg has completed 140-225 (.622) passes for 1,918 yards and 17 touchdowns, with four interceptions. He is second in the Big Ten in passing yards (239.8) and third in pass efficiency (155.21). 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 6-4 as Iowa’s starting quarterback, with two of the losses in overtime (at Iowa State, 2011 and at Ohio State, 2009). All six wins have come at home.

MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Sophomore PK Mike Meyer has made 12-16 field goal attempts and is a perfect 31-31 in PAT kicks. Two of his four misses, both from beyond 40 yards, have hit the upright. He is tied for 19th nationally in field goals per game (1.5). Meyer is tied for second in the Big Ten in field goals per game, second in kick scoring (8.4), fifth in field goal percentage (75%) 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. One of his two misses at Minnesota hit the upright. 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 67 points and has made 26-33 (.788) career field goal attempts. He ranks 17th in career scoring with 140 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. He matched his career best with 13 tackles at Minnesota, with 10 solo tackles and a tackle for loss. Morris leads Iowa and the Big Ten with 10.9 tackles per game, ranking 10th in the nation. He is also tied for 17th nationally in solo tackles per game (5.5). He has 39 solo stops and 37 assists, along with one pass interception, in seven 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 76 tackles (45 solo) in eight games to share the team lead. Kirksey ranks sixth in the Big Ten in tackles. He is tied for 15th nationally in solo tackles and is 27th in total tackles per game. He also has three tackles for loss, one QB sack, two pass break-ups, two caused fumbles and one fumble recovery. Kirksey 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 42.0 yards on 24 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.
  • 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 three 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. He did not play at Minnesota due to injury.
  • Senior DB Jordan Bernstine has played well in seven 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. He collected five tackles at Minnesota and his fumble recovery led to Iowa’s first touchdown. Bernstine is also averaging 24.3 yards on 19 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. He returned to the starting line-up at Minnesota and had five receptions for 35 yards. For the season, he has 23 receptions for 243 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, 72). 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 (25), is second in receiving yards, seventh in career catches (129-2,303) and tied for 14th in career scoring (150 points). 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 17th in career scoring with 140 points, junior QB James Vandenberg is 16th in career passing yards (2,226) and sophomore RB Marcus Coker is 19th in career rushing (1,591).

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa had four pass plays and two running play against Minnesota that covered at least 20 yards. In eight games, Iowa has 34 pass plays and seven 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 22 passing plays, five rushing plays, one punt return, one interception return, one fumble return and 24 KO returns of 20 yards or more.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averaged 5.9 yards on 29 first down plays, 9.6 yards on 23 second down plays, 1.3 yards on 11 third down plays and 5.3 yards on three fourth down plays at Minnesota, converting one of three fourth down attempts. In eight games, Iowa is averaging 6.2 yards on 240 first down plays, 7.2 yards on 175 second down plays, 4.2 yards on 91 third down plays and 6.0 yards on 10 fourth down plays. Iowa is 5-10 on fourth down conversions.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s three scoring drives against Minnesota averaged 8.3 plays, 62.3 yards and 4:07 in elapsed time. In eight games, Iowa’s 39 scoring drives have averaged 7.6 plays, 58 yards and 3:25 in elapsed time. Iowa has six scoring drives that have covered 80 yards or more. Iowa’s opponents have 29 scoring drives, averaging 9.9 plays, 63.3 yards and 4:14 in elapsed time. The above scoring drive figures do not include overtime.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa was 3-6 inside the red zone vs. Minnesota, scoring two short rushing touchdowns and a passing touchdown. Iowa missed two field goal attempts and lost a fumble. In eight games, Iowa is 29-33 (96.3%) in the red zone, with 13 rushing touchdowns, seven passing touchdowns and nine field goals. Iowa has scored on 135 of the last 149 (.906) red zone possessions (90 TDs and 45 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 116-130 (.892) combined inside the red zone its last 37 games. Minnesota was 4-5 in the red zone, scoring two rushing touchdowns, one passing touchdown and a field goal. Iowa opponents are 26-36 (72.2%) in the red zone. Iowa has allowed 10 rushing touchdowns, nine passing touchdowns and seven field goals.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 37 points following 12 opponent turnovers (six fumbles, six interceptions). The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in 62 of its last 70 games, dating back to 2006. Iowa opponents have scored 17 points following nine Iowa turnovers, as Minnesota collected a field goal after recovering Iowa’s only fumble. Iowa had just 11 turnovers (five fumbles, six interceptions) in 13 games last season, allowing 28 points following those turnovers.

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, DL Carl Davis, DL Louis Trinca-Pasat and WR Jordan Cotton. Seventeen 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, DL Steve Bigach and OL Brandon Scherff.

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).

RETURNING STAT LEADERS
Iowa returns just two players who led the team in statistical categories in 2010. PK Mike Meyer led the team in scoring with 73 points, hitting 14-17 field goal attempts and 31-33 PAT attempts. WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. led the Hawkeyes in receptions (53), receiving yards (861) and touchdown receptions (8).

IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started on offense in 131 of its last 151 games, including seven of eight games this season (all but Iowa State). Iowa is 13-7 in those games it has started on defense. Iowa has started the game on offense in 134-of-157 games under Kirk Ferentz, including 12 of 13 games in 2010 and 11 of 13 games in 2009.

FERENTZ JOINS CHALLENGE
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz and Iowa State Coach Paul Rhoads have joined forces with the Iowa Mentoring Partnership for the 2011 Coaches’ Challenge. The Coaches’ Challenge runs from Aug. 1-Nov. 21 and is a competition between Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas to see which state can recruit the most mentors. For three years, Kansas and Nebraska have competed in a “Coaches Mentoring Challenge”, with Bo Pelini (Nebraksa), Bill Snyder (Kansas State) and Turner Gill (Kansas) taking part in the competition. Ferentz and Rhoads have joined the competition this season. According to The National Mentoring Partnership, there are 15 million children in the nation in need of caring and quality mentors. In Iowa, it is estimated that nearly 5,000 young people are currently in need of a mentor. Many of these children and youth are young men who would strongly benefit from a positive male role model. The Iowa Mentoring Partnership, an initiative of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, upholds the commission’s mission to “improve lives, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering” by supporting quality mentoring services and by working to close the mentoring gap in our state. The Iowa Mentoring Partnership currently supports a network of more than 80 local, certified mentoring programs. Any new mentor application received between Aug. 1-Nov. 21 will count towards the score of the respective state, with cumulative totals updated each month. To find out more information or join the Coaches’ Challenge, visit www.iowamentoring.org or call 1-800-308-5987.

SCHEDULE NOTES

  • Iowa played three of its first four games in Kinnick Stadium, closing the non-conference schedule Sept. 24 by defeating Louisiana-Monroe.
  • Iowa is one of two Big Ten Conference teams (Ohio State) to play two non-conference games against teams from BCS conferences. Iowa lost at Iowa State in three overtimes (44-41) and defeated Pittsburgh (31-27) at Iowa City.
  • The Hawkeyes opened Big Ten play at Penn State before hosting Northwestern and Indiana. This marked the 10th time in Kirk Ferentz’ 13 years at Iowa that the Hawkeyes opened the conference season on the road.
  • The second half of Iowa’s conference slate has Iowa hosting Michigan and Michigan State before traveling to Purdue and Nebraska. Six of Iowa’s 2011 opponents competed in bowl games last season and three of Iowa’s November opponents are nationally ranked.
  • The Hawkeyes do not face Big Ten opponents Illinois, Ohio State and Wisconsin in 2011 and 2012.

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.

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 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 (105); Ohio State (104); LSU (100); Texas (100); Virginia Tech (99); TCU (98); Georgia (94); Auburn (93); Florida (92); West Virginia (91); Wisconsin (87); Alabama (87); Utah (87); Texas Tech (84); IOWA (83); Boston College (82); Penn State (81) and Miami, FL (81).

BEST DECADE FOR IOWA FOOTBALL
Iowa’s football record in the 2000 decade was 80-45 (.640), a record that ranks as the best decade in Iowa football history, based on total wins. Iowa posted a record of 77-40-4 (.652) during the 1980’s and the Hawkeyes were 62-53-2 (.538) in the 1990’s. Part of the Hawkeye success is due to the stability in the program, as Iowa has had just two head coaches since 1979. Hayden Fry took over prior to the 1979 season and coached through the 1998 season, posting a record of 143-89-6. Current Coach Kirk Ferentz replaced Fry, leading the program for the last 12 seasons. Ferentz also served as Iowa’s offensive line coach from 1981-89 under Fry.

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.

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 plays its final home game Nov. 12, hosting nationally-ranked Michigan State (time and TV, TBA). Iowa’s final two games are at Purdue (Nov. 19, TBA) and at Nebraska (Friday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m., ABC).

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