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Iowa Travels to Purdue Saturday

Nov. 14, 2011

Iowa Game Notes vs. Purdue

IOWA TRAVELS TO PURDUE
Iowa (6-4, 3-3) travels to Purdue (5-5, 3-3) Saturday for the first meeting with the Boilermakers since 2008. Game time is 11:01 a.m. (CT) in Ross-Ade Stadium (62,500). Tickets remain and can be purchased through the Purdue athletic ticket office. The Hawkeyes have defeated Tennessee Tech (34-7), Pittsburgh (31-27), Louisiana-Monroe (45-17), Northwestern (41-31), Indiana (45-24) and 13th-ranked Michigan (24-16), all in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa was defeated, 44-41 in three overtimes, at Iowa State, at Penn State 13-3, at Minnesota, 22-21 and by Michigan State (37-21). Purdue owns wins over Middle Tennessee State (27-24), Southeast Missouri State (59-0), Minnesota (45-17), Illinois (21-14) and Ohio State (26-23, OT). The Boilermakers have lost to Rice (24-22), Notre Dame (38-10), Penn State (23-18), Michigan (36-14), and Wisconsin (62-17).

ON THE TUBE
BTN (HD) will televise the contest to a national cable audience. Tom Hart, Derek Rackley and Lisa Byington 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 191.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,152 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 593-520-39 (.532). That includes a 376-202-16 (.646) record in home games, a 217-318-23 (.409) record in games away from Iowa City, a 292-351-25 (.456) mark in Big Ten games and a 259-166-15 (.606) record in Kinnick Stadium.

HAWKEYE HUDDLE AT PURDUE
Iowa fans traveling to Purdue for Saturday’s contest against the Boilermakers 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 9:30-11 a.m. ET at the University Inn Conference Center and Suites, 3001 Northwestern Ave. in West Lafayette. Admission to the Hawkeye Huddle is free and includes cash refreshments, snacks, door prizes, cheerleaders and Herky. Visit www.jointheiclub.com for additional information.

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 BOWL ELIGIBLE AGAIN
Having won its sixth game earlier this month, the Iowa football team is bowl eligible for the 11th straight season under Coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff. The Hawkeyes have appeared in nine bowl games since 2001, including a win over 12th-ranked Missouri in the 2010 Insight Bowl. Iowa won the Outback Bowl over South Carolina following the 2008 season and concluded the 2009 campaign with a win over Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Iowa is one of four programs in the nation to conclude each of the past three seasons with a bowl win and the three-game bowl win streak is an Iowa record. The Hawkeyes have posted a 6-3 record in bowl games under Ferentz, including wins in four of six January bowl games.

MCNUTT CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL AWARD
Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr., is a finalist for the FRS Receiving Performance of the Year for his play in Iowa’s 45-24 win over Indiana on Oct. 22. McNutt won the fan voting during the week following Iowa’s win over the Hoosiers. The St. Louis, Mo., native had six receptions for 184 yards against Indiana, recording touchdown receptions of 80, 24 and 29 yards. All-Star Performances of the Year is a four-month competition that lets fans determine which individual performances reign supreme during the 2011 college football season. Each top weekly vote-getter proceeds to the finals, which runs Jan. 16-22, and the winners will be revealed during the All-Star Football Challenge special airing at 6 p.m. (CT) Feb. 3 on ESPN2. Fans can vote Jan. 16-22 at 20.

MEYER IS GROZA SEMIFINALIST
Sophomore PK Mike Meyer is one of 20 semifinal candidates for the 2011 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the Orange Bowl Committee. Meyer has handled all PAT and field goal attempts for the Hawkeyes this season. He has made all 34 of his PAT attempts and 13-17 field goal attempts, with two of the four missed kicks hitting the left upright. He leads Iowa in scoring with 73 points. He earned Lou Groza Award “Stars of the Week” recognition and was named national Placekicker of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards for his play at Iowa State. Meyer connected on all four field goal attempts and was 3-3 on PAT kicks. Meyer had a career-best of 50 yards at Iowa State and five of his 13 field goals are at least 40 yards. He has 146 career points to rank 16th in career scoring.

THREE EARN ACADEMIC HONORS
Three members of the University of Iowa football program were named to the Capital One Academic All-District Six first team. Those players include senior LB Tyler Nielsen, junior QB James Vandenberg and junior DL Steve Bigach. Each of the three will now have their name placed on the national ballot for Capital One Academic All-America honors. Nielsen holds a 3.56 GPA and is a marketing major who has already earned his bachelor’s degree. He has earned academic all-Big Ten recognition in each of the past three seasons. Nielsen has started nine games in 2011, missing the Indiana game due to injury. He has played both the outside and middle linebacker positions. He has recorded 51 tackles, including four for loss and a QB sack. He has forced one fumble and has two fumble recoveries. Vandenberg has started all 10 games. He carries a 3.34 GPA and is majoring in integrative physiology. Vandenberg earned academic all-Big Ten honors in 2010. He has completed 176-293 pass attempts for 2,351 yards and 20 touchdowns, with just five interceptions. Bigach is majoring in integrative physiology and mathematics and has a 3.65 GPA. He also earned academic all-Big Ten honors in 2010. He has played in nine games, earning three starts at defensive tackle. He has recorded 10 solo tackles and 19 assists. In the last 13 seasons, under Coach Kirk Ferentz, 19 Iowa football student-athletes have combined to earn academic all-District and all-America recognition on 34 occasions.

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

  • WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. was named honorable mention Wide Receiver of the Week by the College football Performance Awards for his play against Michigan State. McNutt, Jr. had eight receptions for 130 yards and a touchdown, along with 27 yards on two rushing attempts. He became Iowa’s single-season (1,089) and career (2,635) leader in receiving yardage.
  • College Sports Madness named Iowa LB Tyler Nielsen as its national defensive Player of the Week for his play in Iowa’s win over 13th-ranked Michigan. In addition, he received honorable mention recognition from the College Football Performance Awards. Nielsen had a career-high 13 tackles, including seven solo stops. He also forced and recovered a Michigan fumble that led to an Iowa field goal. Nielsen was credited with two tackles for loss and also had a QB pressure.
  • 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, Indiana and Michigan State. 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 RECORDS
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) and became Iowa’s single season and career leader in receiving yards in the loss to Michigan State. McNutt now has 26 career scoring receptions. The previous mark of 21 was held by Tim Dwight (1994-97) and Danan Hughes (1989-92). McNutt had eight scoring receptions in both 2009 and 2010 and has 10 this season, which is just one shy of Iowa’s single-season mark (Maurice Brown had 11 in 2002). McNutt has had over 100 receiving yards in three straight games and eight of 10 games for the year. He has 65 receptions for 1,089 yards in 2011. The 1,089 yards is a single-season record and the 65 catches ranks second best. He had 184 receiving yards (six catches) vs. Indiana, the eighth best single-game total at Iowa. His career totals stand at 153 receptions for 2,635 yards. McNutt ranks third in career receptions and 14th in career scoring (156 points). The previous record for receiving yardage (2,616) was held by Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (2007-10).

SURPASSING 1,000-YARDS
Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. and sophomore RB Marcus Coker give Iowa a 1,000-yard receiver and 1,000-rusher in the same season for just the second time ever. Coker has rushed for 1,158 yards, while McNutt has 1,089 receiving yards. The two have combined for 23 of Iowa’s 36 offensive touchdowns. In 2000, RB Ladell Betts rushed for 1,090 yards and five touchdowns, while WR Kevin Kasper totaled 1,010 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. An Iowa running back has gained over 1,000 rushing yards in 17 seasons (seven times under Kirk Ferentz). McNutt is just the fourth Hawkeye receiver to total over 1,000 receiving yards in one season, the second under Ferentz.

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 third nationally in fewest penalty yards per game (33.7), tied for ninth in fewest turnovers (12), 15th in red zone defense (73%) and net punting (39.3), tied for 17th in fewest penalties per game (4.6), tied for 24th in red zone offense (88%) and 28th in pass efficiency (145.03). Individually, RB Marcus Coker is 12th in rushing yards per game (115.8), WR Marvin McNutt, Jr., is 11th in receiving yards per game (108.9) and 23rd in receptions per game (6.5), LB James Morris is 23rd in tackles per game (9.8), QB James Vandenberg is 27th in pass efficiency (146.6), PK Mike Meyer is 30th in field goals per game (1.3) and DB Shaun Prater is tied for 31st with three forced fumbles. 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 Iowa and is the dean of Big Ten Conference football coaches. 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 91-45 (.669) overall mark and a 53-33 (.616) 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 is bowl eligible for the 11th 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 95-64 (.597) and a 56-46 (.549) mark in Big Ten games. In his 16th season as a college head coach, he holds a career mark of 107-85 (.557). Sixty of Iowa’s 159 games under Ferentz have been decided by seven points or less (27-33) and 48 were played against opponents who were ranked in the top 25 at the time (21-27). 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 FIFTH IN LONGEVITY
Now in his 13th season as Iowa’s head football coach, Kirk Ferentz ranks fifth in longevity among FBS head coaches. Ferentz is the dean of Big Ten coaches and nationally ranks behind 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 fourth in the nation behind Gary Pinkel (Toledo/Missouri), Frank Beamer (Murray State/Virginia Tech) and Jim Grobe (Elon/Wake Forest).

PURDUE COACH DANNY HOPE
Danny Hope is in his third season as Purdue’s head coach and his eighth season overall as a college head coach. Hope holds a career mark of 49-42 and he is 14-20 with the Boilermakers. He was Purdue’s associate head coach in 2008 under Joe Tiller before taking over in 2009. He was an assistant on the Purdue staff from 1997-2001, coaching the offensive line. He was an assistant coach at Louisville in 2002. Hope was the head coach at Eastern Kentucky from 2003-07, posting a 35-22 record in five seasons. His 2007 squad posted a 9-3 overall record while winning the Ohio Valley Conference with a perfect 8-0 record. His Eastern Kentucky teams placed second in the league race in three straight seasons (2003-05). Hope attended Eastern Kentucky and played football for the Colonels. He was a starter on the 1979 Eastern Kentucky team that won the Division I-AA national title and a team captain the following season when Eastern returned to the championship game.

NOTES AND CONNECTIONS

  • Since falling by a 31-6 margin at Purdue in 2007, Iowa has lost just one game by more than 10 points (37-21 vs. Michigan State last weekend). The margin of that defeat at Purdue is the largest for an Iowa team since losing by the same score at Ohio State in 2005.
  • Iowa and Purdue have each played one overtime game this season. Iowa lost in three overtime periods at Iowa State (44-41), while Purdue defeated Ohio State 26-23 in single overtime last weekend.
  • Iowa is 15th nationally in net punting (39.3), while Purdue is 20th in (38.9).
  • Iowa and Purdue are tied for ninth in the nation in lost turnovers, each having 12. Three of Iowa’s turnovers came last weekend in the loss to Michigan State.
  • Purdue ranks second in the nation in KO returns, averaging 27.4 yards per return.
  • Both Iowa (6.0) and Purdue (6.3) allow less than seven yards per punt return.
  • Iowa is tied for 24th nationally in red zone offense (88%), while Purdue is tied for 29th (87%).
  • Purdue Coach Danny Hope was an assistant with the Boilermakers from 1997-2001 and again in 2008. Iowa and Purdue split four meetings during those years, each winning two home games.
  • Purdue assistant Gary Emanuel was also on the Boilermaker staff from 1997-04.
  • Purdue assistant Phil Elmassian was also on the Boilermaker staff in 2003 and has also coached at Nebraska, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
  • Purdue assistant Cornell Jackson was the running backs coach at Arizona State in 1997 when the Sun Devils defeated Iowa in the Sun Bowl.
  • Iowa has just one player on its roster from the state of Indiana, that being junior PK Trent Mossbrucker. There are no Iowans on the Purdue roster.
  • OL Dan Heiar (Nov. 14) is the only Hawkeye celebrating a birthday this week.

THE SERIES
Purdue holds a 45-33-3 advantage in the series that began with a 16-0 Iowa win in 1910. The Hawkeyes have won four of the last five and 16 of the last 22 meetings. The teams have not met since Iowa scored a 22-17 win at Iowa City in 2008. The Hawkeyes have not played at Purdue since suffering a 31-6 loss in 2007. Purdue holds a 27-13-1 home advantage in the series, as Iowa has lost in four of its last five visits. Iowa’s most recent win at West Lafayette came by a 34-17 margin in 2005. Iowa and the Boilermakers battled to a 21-21 tie at West Lafayette in 1994. That game marks the last tie game for Iowa before the college football tie-breaker system was put in place.

HAWKEYES WON LAST MEETING
Iowa running back Shonn Greene rushed for 211 yards and two touchdowns to propel the Hawkeyes to a 22-17 victory over Purdue at Kinnick Stadium on “Senior Day” (11/15/08) when the teams last met. Greene, who was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and The Sporting News’ Player of the Day, tallied scoring runs of 14 and 75 yards. The Hawkeyes scored first on a RB Jewel Hampton 22-yard scoring run, but the PAT kick failed. Purdue PK Carson Wiggs capped a 17-play, 45-yard drive that consumed 8:46 with a 27-yard field goal. Greene then scampered 75 yards to give Iowa a 12-3 cushion in the second period. The Boilermakers cut the deficit to 12-10 with 34 seconds left in the half on a WR Desmond Tardy 12-yard touchdown reception from Matt Painter. Iowa led 15-10 after a 45-yard field goal by Daniel Murray, which was the only third-period scoring. Greene posted his second scoring run of the game from 14 yards out to give the Hawkeyes a 22-10 advantage with 12:48 remaining. Painter connected with WR Greg Orton for an 8-yard touchdown completion to close within five points (22-17). Painter later drove the Boilermakers into Iowa territory, but his final pass attempt from the Iowa 27-yard line fell incomplete, out of the end zone, on the last play of the game. Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi completed 8-15 passes for 72 yards. Painter completed 24-30 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, while Tardy had a game-high 13 receptions for 131 yards and a score. Defensively, Hawkeye FS Brett Greenwood collected a game and career-high 14 tackles. DT Mitch King had five tackles, including three for loss and a QB sack, and also forced a fumble. LB Pat Angerer accumulated nine tackles and intercepted his team-leading fifth pass of the year on Iowa’s 5-yard line to silence a Purdue scoring threat. The Hawkeye defense held the Boilermakers to just 86 yards rushing.

IOWA FALLS TO 13TH-RANKED MICHIGAN STATE
Michigan State took advantage of turnovers and field position in taking a 37-21 win over Iowa in Iowa City. The Hawkeyes were guilty of three turnovers, with two of those coming in the first half. Michigan State scored a touchdown following each of the first-half turnovers, while Iowa’s third turnover of the day came inside the MSU 10-yard line in the closing minutes of the game. The Spartans had three scoring drives of 35 yards or less in the first half and scored two touchdowns in the final two minutes of the second period to take a 31-7 halftime advantage. Leading 7-0, the Spartans took advantage of an interception for a 17-yard touchdown drive in the first period. MSU added a 35-yard scoring drive in the second period following a 20-yard punt return and scored its final points of the half on a 27-yard drive after recovering a fumble on an Iowa KO return. Iowa battled back in the second half, using a 3-yard touchdown pass from QB James Vandenberg to WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. and a 2-yard run by RB Marcus Coker to cut the deficit to 34-21 late in the third quarter. The Hawkeyes drove to the MSU 34-yard line on their next possession, but failed to convert a fourth down attempt. Iowa reached the MSU 15-yard line in the final minutes before a lost fumble ended its final scoring opportunity. McNutt led Iowa’s offense, grabbing eight receptions for 130 yards. McNutt surpasses 1,000 receiving yards for the season while setting single-season (1,089) and career marks (2,635) for receiving yards. Coker led the Iowa ground game with 57 yards as the Spartans held Iowa to 87 rushing yards. Vandenberg completed 22-47 passes for 262 yards, with two scores and one interception. Sophomore LB Christian Kirksey led the Hawkeye defense with nine tackles, including a tackle for loss. DB Shaun Prater added eight tackles, while DE Broderick Binns had two tackles for loss among his six stops and added a pass break-up. Senior Jordan Bernstine averaged 26.4 yards on five KO returns and senior Eric Guthrie averaged 41 yards on seven punts.

PURDUE TOPS OHIO STATE IN OT
Purdue blocked a potential game-winning PAT with 55 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and defeated Ohio State 26-23 in overtime Saturday at West Lafayette. The Buckeyes drove 66 yards to tie the game in the closing minute, but DT Bruce Gaston blocked the PAT attempt to force overtime. Ohio State had the first offensive possession in overtime, collecting a 33-yard field goal for a 23-20 advantage. The Boilermakers answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by QB Robert Marve for the winning points. Earlier in the overtime, Marve rushed for six yards on a third and four and complete a 14-yard pass to Gary Bush on a third and 12. Purdue built a 10-0 advantage on a 19-yard field goal by Carson Wiggs and a 4-yard run by Akeem Shavers in the first period. Ohio State closed the gap to 10-7 in the second period, but Ralph Bolden answered with a 7-yard touchdown run for a 17-7 advantage at the break. Ohio State scored a touchdown for the first points of the third period before Wiggs added a 44-yard field goal for a 20-14 advantage earlier in the fourth period. The game was even in nearly all categories, with Purdue holding a 68 yard edge in total offense and an eight second advantage in time of possession. Bolden led Purdue with 80 rushing yards on 18 carries. Marve completed 10-13 passes for 94 yards and Caleb TerBush completed 15-24 attempts for 140 yards. Justin Siler led Purdue receivers with six receptions for 45 yards. Nine Boilermakers had at least one rushing attempt and nine had at least one reception. LB Dwayne Beckford recorded 10 tackles to lead the Purdue defense, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Logan Link added nine tackles and Joe Holland had seven.

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.

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.

IOWA KEEPS IT CLOSE
Iowa’s 37-21 loss To Michigan State marked the first Iowa loss by more than 10 points in 53 games, dating back to a 31-6 loss at Purdue on Oct. 20, 2007. Iowa did not lose a game by more than a touchdown in 43 consecutive games, between a 28-19 loss to Western Michigan on Nov. 17, 2007 to the 13-3 loss at Penn State this season (Oct. 8). 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 10 games in 2011 and has started 31 consecutive games

WR Marvin McNutt, JR.

  • Second team All-Big Ten in 2010
  • Fourth team preseason All-America by Phil Steele’s College Football
  • Sixty-five receptions for 1,089 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2011, to set single-season record for yardage and rank second best in a season for receptions and touchdowns
  • Fifty-three receptions for 861 yards and eight touchdowns in 2010, averaging 16.2 yards per catch. Receiving yardage ranks 11th best for single season
  • Twenty-six career touchdown receptions is Iowa’s career record, with 10 scores in 2011 and eight in both 2009 and 2010
  • Career totals include 153 receptions for 2,635 yards to become all-time leader in receiving yards and rank third in receptions
  • Ranks 14th in career scoring with 156 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 and Michigan State
  • Four receptions for 61 yards at Iowa State, including 29-yard reception that led to an Iowa touchdown and 24-17 fourth quarter advantage
  • 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
  • Career-best nine receptions for 101 yards in win over Michigan
  • Eight receptions for 130 yards and two rushing attempts for 27 yards vs. Michigan State

QB James Vandenberg

  • Has completed 176-293 (.601) passes for 2,351 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2011, with five interceptions
  • Eleven of 20 touchdown passes have covered over 20 yards
  • Ranks 13th in passing yards in a season (2,351) and career (2,659) and is tied for eighth in career touchdown passes (23)
  • Ranks second in the Big Ten in passing yards (235.1) third in pass efficiency (146.8) and fourth in total offense (241.3)
  • Named Big Ten Conference offensive Player of the Week after reaching career high marks in completions, attempts, passing yards and touchdowns in win over Pittsburgh. Also scored on a one-yard run and completed 17 of his last 20 passes in the second half
  • Completed 31-48 passes for 399 yards and three touchdowns against Pittsburgh, with the three scoring passes coming in the fourth period
  • Completed 21-32 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns in win over ULM, while also rushing for one score
  • Completed 17-34 passes for 169 yards in loss at Penn State, with no touchdowns and two interceptions
  • Completing 14-22 attempts for 224 yards in win over Northwestern, with scoring strikes of 47 and 35 yards
  • Completed 12-16 passes for 253 yards and a career-best four touchdowns in win over Indiana
  • Completed 16-24 passes for 177 yards at Minnesota, with one touchdown and no interceptions
  • Completed 14-21 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions in win over 13th-ranked Michigan
  • Completed 16-28 attempts for 207 yards at Iowa State, with two touchdowns. Led a fourth-quarter touchdown drive and added the two-point conversion to give Iowa a 24-17 lead late in the game
  • Led team to 17 points in the three overtime periods at Iowa State

RB Marcus Coker

  • Leads Iowa rushing attack with 232 carries for 1,158 yards and 13 touchdowns, to rank fourth in touchdowns, ninth in yards and tied for seventh in carries, for a single season
  • First Iowa running back since Shonn Greene (2008) to rush for over 1,000 yards
  • Thirteenth Iowa running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season, the fifth under Coach Kirk Ferentz
  • Ranks second in the Big Ten and 12th nationally in rushing yards per game (115.8)
  • Has rushed for over 100 yards in six games in 2011 and eight career games
  • Scored two touchdowns in four straight games before scoring once vs. Michigan State
  • Rushed 29 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns in win over Michigan
  • 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
  • Named national Running Back of the Week by College Football Performance Awards vs. Minnesota
  • 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 touchdowns
  • Career totals include 346 carries for 1,780 yards and 16 touchdowns to rank 13th in career rushing yards, 14th in touchdowns and 17th in career attempts
  • 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
  • Ranked 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
  • Three tackles in win over Michigan
  • Five solo tackles and three assists against Michigan State
  • Tied for second in Big Ten and ranks 31st 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
  • 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
  • Three tackles and a QB pressure vs. Michigan State

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 10 pass break-ups
  • Tied for third in the Big Ten and 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
  • Four solo tackles in win over Michigan
  • Five solo tackles, two assists and a pass break-up vs. Michigan State

MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Sophomore PK Mike Meyer has been named one of 20 semifinal candidates for the 2011 Lou Groza Award, presented each year to the top place kicker in the nation. Meyer has made 13-18 (.722) field goal attempts and is a perfect 37-37 in PAT kicks. Two of his four misses, both from beyond 40 yards, have hit the upright, while another attempt was blocked. He is tied for 30th nationally in field goals per game (1.3). Meyer is tied for third in the Big Ten in field goals per game, second in kick scoring (7.6), sixth in field goal percentage (72.2%) and fifth in total scoring. He made a 22-yard field goal in the win over Pitt before missing from 40 and 50 yards and made his only attempt vs. ULM and Penn State (both from 23 yards). 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 and he made his only attempt (42 yards) in the win over Michigan. 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 has scored 76 points this season and has made 27-35 (.771) career field goal attempts. He ranks 16th in career scoring with 149 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, while moving from the middle position to the weak side. He collected eight tackles in the win over Michigan and had four tackles vs. Michigan State. Morris is averaging 9.8 tackles per game, ranking third in the Big Ten and 23rd in the nation. He has 43 solo stops and 45 assists, along with one pass interception, in nine 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 90 tackles (52 solo) in 10 games to lead the team. Kirksey ranks sixth in the Big Ten in tackles per game (9.0). He also has four tackles for loss, one QB sack, two pass break-ups, two caused fumbles and one fumble recovery. He collected his first career interception in Iowa’s win over Michigan, stopping a Michigan red-zone possession. He added nine tackles and a tackle for loss vs. Michigan State. 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 41.5 yards on 36 punts. He is a candidate for the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s top punter. Guthrie has 13 punts inside the 20, with just one touchback, and opponents are averaging just six yards on 10 returns. He had a career-long 59-yard punt at Iowa State, where he averaged 46.8 yards on four punts. He had at least one punt of 50 yards or more in three straight games before having two punts of 49 yards at Penn State.
  • Senior DL Mike Daniels has collected 44 tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and four QB sacks. He also has four 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 four games at tackle and in seven games has 44 tackles, including four tackles for loss, a pass break-up and a caused fumble. He missed three games due to injury before returning to the starting line-up in the win over Michigan.
  • 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 34 receptions for 533 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, but returned to the starting line-up in Iowa’s win over Michigan and had two receptions for 52 yards.
  • Senior DB Jordan Bernstine has played well in nine 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. He added a career-best 15 tackles in the win over Michigan and had five stops vs. Michigan State. Bernstine is also averaging 24.6 yards on 25 KO returns. He had a career-long 62-yard return in the win over Indiana, averaging 38.3 yards on three returns. He had career bests of five returns for 132 yards vs. Michigan State.
  • 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 25 receptions for 264 yards and three touchdowns.

AMONG CAREER LEADERS
Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr., has set the Iowa record for career touchdown receptions (26) and career receiving yards (2,635), and he is third in career catches (153-2,505) and 14th in career scoring (156 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 16th in career scoring with 149 points, junior QB James Vandenberg is 13th in career passing yards (2,659) and eighth in career passing touchdowns (23) and sophomore RB Marcus Coker is 13th in career rushing (1,780) and 14th in rushing touchdowns.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa had two pass plays against Michigan State that covered at least 20 yards. In 10 games, Iowa has 39 pass plays and eight rushing plays, along with three interception returns, 22 KO returns, one punt return and 13 field goals, of at least 20 yards. Iowa’s opponents have 27 passing plays, seven rushing plays, two punt returns, two interception returns, one fumble return and 28 KO returns of 20 yards or more.

IOWA BY QUARTERS
Iowa has outscored its opponents in the first (55-43), second (99-51), third (58-57) and fourth (77-63) quarters. Iowa was outscored in three overtime periods (20-17) at Iowa State.

ON THE AVERAGE
Iowa averaged 5.0 yards on 33 first down plays, 4.2 yards on 25 second down plays, 4.5 yards on 17 third down plays and 1.5 yards on two fourth down plays vs. Michigan State, converting one of two fourth down attempts. In 10 games, Iowa is averaging 6.1 yards on 297 first down plays, 6.5 yards on 218 second down plays, 4.2 yards on 130 third down plays and 5.1 yards on 14 fourth down plays. Iowa is 7-14 on fourth down conversions.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s three scoring drives against Michigan State averaged 7.7 plays, 63.7 yards and 3:38 in elapsed time. In 10 games, Iowa’s 46 scoring drives have averaged 7.6 plays, 58.2 yards and 3:29 in elapsed time. Iowa has eight scoring drives that have covered 80 yards or more. Iowa has 34 touchdown drives, which have averaged 7.3 plays, 65.3 yards and 3:19 in elapsed time. Iowa’s opponents have 39 scoring drives, averaging 9.2 plays, 59.3 yards and 3:51 in elapsed time. The above scoring drive figures do not include overtime.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa was 3-4 inside the red zone vs. Michigan State, scoring two passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown, while losing one fumble. In 10 games, Iowa is 35-40 (87.5%) in the red zone, with 16 rushing touchdowns, 10 passing touchdowns and nine field goals. Iowa has scored on 141 of the last 156 (.904) red zone possessions (96 TDs and 45 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 122-137 (.891) combined inside the red zone its last 39 games. Michigan State was 4-4 in the red zone, scoring two passing touchdowns and two field goals. Iowa opponents are 33-45 (73.3%) in the red zone. Iowa has allowed 10 rushing touchdowns, 13 passing touchdowns and 10 field goals.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 40 points following 14 opponent turnovers (seven fumbles, seven interceptions), but collected no turnovers in the loss to Michigan State. The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in 63 of its last 72 games, dating back to 2006. Michigan State scored 14 points following three Iowa turnovers (two fumbles, one interception). Iowa opponents have scored 31 points following 12 Hawkeye turnovers. 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. Eighteen 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, OL Brandon Scherff and TE C.J. Fiedorowicz.

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.

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 TO BE RECOGNIZED
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 were accepted from Sept. 23 to Oct. 31. 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

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. Nebraska, in its first season in the Big Ten Conference, has won 24 of its 47 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 84 wins since the start of the 2002 season, which ties as the 16th highest total in Division I football. The list includes the following: Boise State (115); USC (107); Oklahoma (106); Ohio State (105); LSU (102); Texas (101); Virginia Tech (100); TCU (100); Georgia (96); Auburn (93); Florida (93); West Virginia (92); Wisconsin (89); Utah (89); Alabama (88); IOWA (84); Texas Tech (84); Boston College (83); Penn State (81) and Miami, FL (82).

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 closes the regular season at Nebraska on 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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