Hawkeyes Remain Home, Host UNI Saturday

• 2012 Hawkeye Football Game Day Central
• Hawkeyes in the NFL
• 2012 UI Fall Football Camp Central
• Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone app!
• Download your Iowa Hawkeye Android app!
• Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
• 24 Hawkeyes to Watch

Week Three: Iowa Game Notes

WEEK 3 STORY LINES
? Hawkeye fans are encouraged to wear gold clothing, “Be Bold, Wear Gold” for Saturday’s game against UNI.
? Iowa’s defense has been stellar inside the red zone. After two games, the Hawkeyes have yielded 19 points on seven red-zone trips. Iowa’s defense collected three takeaways in the red zone last week vs. Iowa State (2 fumbles, 1 interception).
? Since the start of the 2009 season, Iowa has won eight games after trailing at some point in the fourth quarter. Only Minnesota (9) has more among FBS teams. The Hawkeyes registered fourth-quarter comebacks against UNI, Indiana, Michigan State, and Penn State in 2009; Missouri and Indiana in 2010; Pittsburgh in 2011 and Northern Illinois in 2012.
? After falling to UNI in 1898 in the very first meeting, Iowa has won the last 14 meetings, including a 17-16 triumph in the last meeting (2009) in Iowa City.
? Iowa and UNI have each allowed their opponents 26 points through two games. The 13.0 scoring defense ranks 25th in FBS (Iowa) and 16th in FCS (UNI).
? Saturday will be the second of four consecutive home games for the Hawkeyes.

HAWKEYES HOSTS UNI SATURDAY
Iowa (1-1) hosts UNI (1-1) Saturday inside Kinnick Stadium (70,585). Game time is 2:42 p.m. The game is sold out. Last week, Iowa was edged 9-6 by in-state rival Iowa State in Iowa City, while UNI cruised to a 59-0 victory over Division II Central State (Ohio) in Cedar Falls.

ON THE TUBE
BTN (HD) will televise the contest. Tom Werme, former Hawkeye WR Danan Hughes, and Damon Benning will call the action. The game can also be viewed online at BTN2Go.

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 satellite radio 113 and XM 195.

VARSITY CLUB DAY
Five former University of Iowa student-athletes will be inducted into the National Iowa Varsity Club Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 14. It’s Iowa’s 24th Hall of Fame Class. The new class includes: Jim Craig (wrestling, 1957-59), Bill Frazier (cross country, 1961-62 and track and field, 1962-63, 65), Royce Alger (wrestling, 1985-88), Liz Tchou (field hockey, 1984-87) and Bashir Yamini (track and field, 1996, 98-99 and football 1998-99). The induction ceremony (banquet/dinner) will be held Friday at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Convention Center – Coral Ballroom at 6:30 p.m., preceded by a reception at 5:30 p.m. The banquet/dinner is open to the public. For more information please call the Varsity Club office at (319) 335-9438.

FORMER HAWKEYE TEAMS HONORED SATURDAY
Iowa’s 2002 football team, and 1968 and 1970 men’s basketball teams will be honored at Saturday’s football game. The basketball teams will be recognized before the game, while the football team will be honored at the first period break.

The 2002 football team posted an 11-2 record, including a perfect 8-0 mark in Big Ten play for a share of the conference title. The team led the Big Ten in scoring (37.2) and finished the season ranked eighth in the country. Five players were named to All-America teams and 14 to All-Big Ten squads. Brad Banks, Nate Kaeding and Dallas Clark were all named as best in the nation at their respective positions.

The 1968 hoops team registered a 16-9 record, 10-4 in the Big Ten, on its way to a share of the Big Ten Championship. The squad won six of its first eight league contests and led the Big Ten until falling short in its final conference game. Sam Williams paced the Hawkeyes, scoring 25.3 points and grabbing 10.3 rebounds per game, earning All-America honors and being named the Big Ten’s Most Valuable Player.

The 1970 hoopsters ran their way to a 20-5 record, including a perfect 14-0 Big Ten record. They won 17 of their last 18 games to earn Iowa’s second Big Ten Championship in three years. They remain the highest scoring team in Big Ten history, averaging 102.9 points per game and eclipsing the century mark 12 times. This team saw four Hawkeyes drafted into the NBA the following year, led by All-American John Johnson.

ALL ABOARD TO KINNICK STADIUM!
The Hawkeye Express, the engine and club cars that transport fans from Coralville to Kinnick Stadium, is available for those fans traveling to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. The Hawkeye Express is in its eighth season. Adults can ride the train for $12, while children (12-and-under) ride for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the UI Ticket Office or on game day at the Hawkeye Express depot. Media credentials are accepted as well. Free parking is located in lots near the Comfort Suites and Coral Ridge Mall. Fans can begin boarding the train in Coralville four hours before kickoff. Return trips begin at the start of the fourth period and run 90 minutes after the game. The Hawkeye Express is owned by the Iowa Northern Railway Company.

FERENTZ FOURTH IN LONGEVITY
Now in his 14th season as Iowa’s head football coach, Kirk Ferentz ranks fourth in longevity among FBS head coaches. Ferentz is first among Big Ten coaches and nationally ranks behind Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer, Larry Blakeney of Troy and Mack Brown of Texas.

CFPA HONORS MORRIS
MLB James Morris, who is on the preseason Bednarik, Butkus and Rotary Lombardi award watch lists, earned honorable mention recognition from the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) for his play in Saturday’s game vs. Iowa State. In last week’s game vs. Iowa State, the Solon, Iowa, native totaled 12 tackles, including one for loss, intercepted his second career pass at the goal line and recovered his first career fumble. He also broke-up one pass. Morris ranks fourth in the Big Ten in tackles (10.0) through two games. He began the 2012 season with eight tackles in the win over NIU, including one tackle for loss. Morris earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from both league coaches and media in 2011. He tied for the team lead in tackles (110 in 12 games) and ranked fifth in the Big Ten and 37th in the nation. Morris recorded 52 solo stops and 58 assists, along with one pass interception, in 12 games.

HITCHENS HAS CAREER GAME
LB Anthony Hitchens amassed 19 tackles, including one for loss, in last week’s contest against Iowa State. The 19 tackles are the most by a Hawkeye since LB Abdul Hodge had 22 vs. Illinois on Oct. 1, 2005. The junior leads the Big Ten in tackles, and is tied for first nationally with 27 stops through two weeks. Hitchens has already surpassed his 2011 tackle total (25 stops in eight games).

THE FINAL 30
Iowa’s second-half defense has been solid the first two games. The defensive unit has collected a combined three takeaways (2 fumbles and 1 interception), forced nine three-and-outs (one was a four-and-out), and held the opposition to less than 100 yards of total offense (95.5 avg.) in the second half of its first two contests. Against Northern Illinois, the Hawkeyes yielded seven points and 81 total yards the final 30 minutes. Last week, the Black and Gold allowed zero points and 110 total yards in the second half. Iowa has not allowed any fourth-quarter points.

WINNING AT HOME
Iowa has won 55 of its last 68 games (.809) in Kinnick Stadium, dating back to the 2002 season, including a 6-1 record in 2011. Iowa recorded a school-record 22-game home winning streak between 2002-05, which ended with an overtime loss to Michigan. Iowa is 23-6 (.793) at home since the start of the 2008 season and 24-2 (.923) in its last 26 non-conference home games.

THE SERIES
Iowa leads the all-time series 14-1 against Northern Iowa (UNI). Ten of the 14 meetings occurred before 1915. The Hawkeyes hold a perfect 14-0 advantage in games played in Iowa City. UNI’s only victory came in 1898 at Cedar Falls (11-5) in the first meeting between the two teams. Iowa scored a 17-16 victory on Sept. 5, 2009 when the teams last met. The 21 points scored by UNI in a 45-21 loss in 2005 marks the most the Panthers have scored against Iowa. The Hawkeyes average 37.1 ppg in the series.

UNI COACH MARK FARLEY
Mark Farley is in his 12th season as a college head coach, all at Northern Iowa. Farley’s overall record on the Panther sidelines is 100-41, capturing win No. 100 last Saturday against Central State. The native of Waukon was named the 2001 Gateway Bruce Craddock Coach of the Year and AFCA NCAA I-AA Region 4 Coach of the Year after guiding the Panthers to a first place conference finish and advancing to the I-AA national semifinals. Farley has led UNI to seven conference titles, seven FCS playoff appearances, including three national semifinal appearances and one national title game appearance. Prior to being named head coach at UNI, Farley served as an assistant coach at Kansas (1997-2000). Farley was a three-year starter at linebacker for the Panthers, leading the team in tackles from 1984-86. He was the 1985 Gateway Conference co-Defensive Player of the Year and was a three-time first team all-conference honoree.

IOWA/UNI NOTES
? Saturday will be Iowa’s second home game, while it will be UNI’s second road contest of 2012.
? Both UNI coach Mark Farley and Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz have a son(s) on their respective team. Jake Farley is a sophomore linebacker at UNI, while OL James Ferentz is a senior and TE Steven Ferentz is a walk-on true freshman on Iowa. Brian Ferentz, Kirk’s oldest son, is in his first season as the offensive line coach for Iowa.
? UNI is ranked seventh in the FCS Coaches poll and eighth in the Sport Network poll.
? Iowa does not play a true road game until it plays Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich., on Oct. 13. The Hawkeyes’ opener vs. NIU was played on a neutral field, followed by four consecutive home games (Iowa State, UNI, Central Michigan and Minnesota).
? Iowa’s depth chart has five native Iowans listed as starters on the offensive line: LT Brandon Scherff (Denison), LG Matt Tobin (Dyersville), C James Ferentz (Iowa City), RG Austin Blythe (Williamsburg), RT Brett Van Sloten (Decorah). Ferentz has 28 career starts, followed by Tobin’s 12 starts and five by Scherff. That group started the first two contests of 2012, marking the first time under Coach Ferentz the offensive line has consisted of all native Iowans.
? UNI tight end coach Dan Clark served as a graduate assistant at Iowa for three seasons (2008-10), assisting the Hawkeye offense. Clark is the brother of former Iowa All-American tight end Dallas Clark.
? UNI was picked to finish second in the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll conducted by the league coaches, media and sports information directors. UNI was picked behind defending FCS champion North Dakota State. Two Panthers, kicker Tyler Sievertsen and cornerback Varmah Sonie, were named to the 2011 Missouri Valley preseason squad. UNI has won its conference title the past three seasons, five times in the last seven seasons, and seven times since 2001. The Panthers have advanced to the FCS playoffs the past five years. UNI’s senior class enters the contest with a 25-12 career record. The Panthers have been ranked in the Top 25 in 95 consecutive FCS polls, dating back to Nov. 15, 2004.
? Iowa’s roster of 118 players includes 47 from the state of Iowa. UNI lists 54 players from Iowa among its roster of 95 players.

UNI OVERWHELMS CENTRAL STATE
The seventh-ranked UNI football team sprinted out to a 24-0 first-quarter advantage and never looked back en route to a 59-0 victory over Division II Central State (Ohio) Saturday night in Cedar Falls. The Panthers scored 59 points in the first 43 minutes of the game. The win was head coach Mark Farley’s 100th of his career. The Panthers totaled 471 yards of total offense, while their defense forced six turnovers (4 interceptions, 2 fumbles). Austin Ebertowski led the team in rushing with 92 yards and three scores, while Brett LeMaster led the receiving corps with four receptions for 125 yards and one TD. QB Sawyer Kollmorgen completed 11-18 passes for 229 yards and three TD’s. In addition to collecting six takeaways, the Panther defensive collecting 10 tackles for loss and broke up four passes.

STANDING STRONG
Iowa’s defense has posted stellar numbers through two games. The Hawkeyes rank 13th in the country in red zone efficiency defense (0.57), 14th in pass defense (147.5), 18th in turnover margin (+3), 19th in takeaways (5), 20th in total defense (271.5), 25th in scoring defense (13.0), and 26th in tackles for loss (8.). Last week, Iowa’s defense totaled eight tackles for loss and forced four turnovers, one in each quarter. Three of the takeaways were collected inside the red zone, thwarting Cyclone scoring opportunities. The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in 66 of its last 76 games, dating back to 2006.

FIRST TIME STARTERS
Iowa players earning the first start of their career in the season-opening victory over Northern Illinois included OL Austin Blythe, OL Brett Van Sloten, RB Damon Bullock, FB Mark Weisman, DL Darian Cooper, DL Louis Trinca-Pasat, LB Anthony Hitchens, and DB B.J. Lowery. True freshman Connor Kornbrath was Iowa’s starting punter. Hitchens and Van Sloten are juniors, Bullock, Lowery, Trinca-Pasat and Weisman are sophomores and Blythe and Cooper are redshirt freshmen.

LAST MEETING
Iowa blocked UNI field goal attempts on the final two plays of the game to take a 17-16 win over the fourth-ranked FCS Panthers in Kinnick Stadium in the 2009 season opener. UNI had driven to the Iowa 23-yard line in the closing minutes and attempted a 40-yard field goal on first down with seven seconds to play. Hawkeye DE Broderick Binns blocked the attempt, but the Panthers recovered the loose ball behind the line of scrimmage with one second remaining. The final attempt of 41 yards was then blocked by LB Jeremiha Hunter. LB Pat Angerer recovered the loose ball to secure the Hawkeye victory. Iowa took an early lead on a 39-yard field goal by Daniel Murray in the first period. The Panthers recovered an Iowa fumble at the Iowa 28 and tied the game with a 39-yard field goal later in the first. UNI took a 10-3 advantage in the second quarter after driving 91 yards in 15 plays. That advantage held up through the remainder of the first half. The Panthers took advantage of a second Iowa fumble to increase the advantage to 13-3 as Billy Hallgren connected on his second field goal, this time from 34 yards with 12:27 remaining in the third period. Iowa scored a touchdown on its next possession, driving 70 yards in just six plays. RB Adam Robinson scored on an 11-yard run to cut the deficit to 13-10. The Hawkeyes regained the lead with 13:18 to play when QB Ricky Stanzi completed a 6-yard scoring strike to TE Tony Moeaki. Murray added his second PAT of the day and Iowa led 17-13. UNI added a 36-yard Hallgren field goal with 4:26 remaining for the final points of the game. Iowa collected just one first down on its final possession before UNI took over for the final 2:14. Stanzi led Iowa’s offense by completing 22-34 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown. Moeaki had 10 receptions for 83 yards and Marvin McNutt totaled 48 yards on five receptions. Robinson led Iowa’s rushing attack with 63 yards on 15 attempts. Angerer and DB Brett Greenwood led Iowa’s defense with 12 tackles each, while DB Tyler Sash added 10 stops. Angerer and Sash each had a tackle for loss and CB Amari Spievey added eight tackles and two pass break-ups. Along with the blocked field goal, Hunter added nine tackles and was named the Big Ten’s co-special teams Player of the Week.

HAWKEYE FALL TO IOWA STATE
Iowa forced four Iowa State turnovers, but only managed two field goals in a 9-6, home opening loss to the Cyclones in the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series. Iowa State opened the game with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a 5-yard TD pass. The PAT was missed, giving the Cyclones an early 6-0 lead. Iowa marched down the field on its first drive, entering the red zone after a 34-yard reception by Keenan Davis. The drive stalled and the Hawkeyes settled for a 23-yard field goal from Mike Meyer. Iowa forced the first turnover in the red zone, as Micah Hyde jarred the ball loose on the 3-yard line and Dominic Alvis recovered the fumble. The Hawkeyes couldn’t capitalize, giving the ball back to Iowa State after a three-and-out. The Cyclones increased their lead on the following drive with a 22-yard field goal for a 9-3 advantage. The teams traded interceptions to end the first half. Iowa State was driving late in the second quarter before Tom Donatell recorded his first career pick to give Iowa the ball at its own 34-yard line with 1:41 remaining. James Vandenberg threw his first pick of the season four plays later, as the score stayed 9-3 at half. The first five drives of the second half resulted in punts, before Iowa State drove into Iowa territory midway through the third quarter. Cyclone running back James White fumbled at the Iowa 14-yard line and the Hawkeyes rallied with a 12-play drive inside the Iowa State 5-yard line. Iowa once again had to settle for a field goal inside the red zone, trimming the deficit to 9-6. Iowa State was close to putting the game away in the fourth, with first and goal at the Iowa 3-yard line. The Hawkeye defense once again produced a takeaway in the red zone, as James Morris intercepted a third-down pass at the goal line and returned it to midfield. However, Iowa’s drive stalled and the Hawkeyes were forced to punt. After another solid stop by the Iowa defense, the Hawkeyes took over at their own 10-yard line with 1:56 left in the game. Vandenberg led Iowa down to the Cyclone 32-yard line before throwing his second interception. Vandenberg finished 20-42 for 236 yards and two interceptions. Bullock had 22 carries for 53 yards, while Davis had four catches for 75 yards. Anthony Hitchens had a career-high 19 tackles, while Morris added 12. Each player had a tackle for loss, while Morris added a forced fumble and an interception.

IOWA POSTGAME NOTES
? Iowa’s 9-6 loss snapped a four-game home winning streak to Iowa State. The loss also snapped a 12-game overall home win streak to non-league opponents, dating back to the 2008 season.
? Both teams combined for 15 total points, the lowest scoring contest in the series since Iowa defeated Iowa State 10-3 on Sept. 24, 1988. The last two games between the two schools were each decided by three points.
? Iowa was 2-2 in the red zone, making two field goals. The Hawkeyes have scored on 153 of the last 173 red zone possessions (101 TDs and 52 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 134-154 combined inside the red zone its last 45 games. Iowa State was 2-5 in the red zone (1 TD, 1 FG, 2 fumbles and 1 interception).
? Defensively, LB Anthony Hitchens amassed a personal-best 19 tackles, 14 of which came in the first half. LB James Morris also was in double-digit tackles with 12, including one tackle for a loss (1 yard). Morris also recovered a fumble and returned an interception 49 yards in the fourth quarter. The linebacking duo helped limit the Cyclones to no points, five first downs and 110 yards in the second half.
? For the second consecutive week, PK Mike Meyer converted a field goal on Iowa’s first possession. Meyer made a 23-yarder. WR Keenan Davis had a 34-yard pass reception during the drive, which is Iowa’s longest play from scrimmage this season. Iowa State became Iowa’s first 2012 opponent to score on an opening possession, scoring a touchdown (missed PAT).
? Iowa’s 42 pass attempts ties for the ninth most in a single-game during the Ferentz era. The Hawkeyes also attempted 42 passes in the 2005 game at Iowa State.
? Saturday was Iowa’s first loss in 41 games under Ferentz when allowing 10 points or less.
? Instant replay was used once. A WR Keenan Davis catch that was ruled a touchdown was overturned by replay. Davis stepped out of bounds at the 3-yard line.

MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Junior PK Mike Meyer was named Big Ten co-special teams Player of the Week, earned CFPA honorable mention honors and was a Lou Groza Star of the Week after his week one performance in an 18-17 win over Northern Illinois. Meyer has connected on 6-of-7 field goal attempts through two games. He has converted 21, 22, 23, 29, 34 and 50-yarders, while missing a 40-yarder. The 50-yarder, made against Northern Illinois, ties a career long (at Iowa State, 2011). He made four treys against the Huskies in week one, which matches his career high (at Iowa State, 2011 and at Indiana, 2010). His five attempts vs. NIU ties Iowa’s single-game record, which he also shares (at Indiana in 2010). Meyer, who is on the preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Award, ranks fourth in Big Ten scoring after two games (9.0) and ranks second in the country in field goals made per game (3.0). He was one of 20 semifinal candidates for the 2011 Lou Groza Award. Meyer has amassed 177 career points and ranks 11th on Iowa’s career list. He has made 34-44 (.773) career field goal attempts. Meyer is 26-30 (.867) from kicks 39 yards and closer; 6-10 (.600) from attempts 40-49 yards; and 2-4 (.500) from kicks 50 yards or farther. The native of Dubuque, Iowa, has made 56 consecutive PAT attempts, four shy of the school record (All-Pro Nate Kaeding made 60 straight). He has yet to attempt a PAT this season. Meyer’s last PAT miss was in a 37-6 win over Michigan State on Oct. 30, 2010 in Iowa City.

BULLOCK LEADS OFFENSE
Sophomore RB Damon Bullock has led the Hawkeye offense through two games. He has amassed 285 all-purpose yards, averaging 142.5 yards per game, which ranks fourth best in the Big Ten. Bullock led Iowa’s offense in the opening win, rushing 30 times for 150 yards and his first career touchdown. He scored on a 23-yard run with 2:15 remaining in the game as Iowa rallied for an 18-17 win. He also had three receptions for 26 yards. Bullock started for the first time in his career after collecting just 10 rushing attempts for 20 yards and one pass reception for 11 yards as a true freshman in 2011. The 150 rushing yards is the most for an Iowa running back in a season-opening game since 2003, when Fred Russell rushed 22 times for 167 yards in a 21-3 win over Miami, Ohio. It is also the most yards gained by a player in their first career start since Russell gained 170 yards on just 14 carries in a 57-21 win over Akron in the opening game of the 2002 season. In last week’s loss to Iowa State, Bullock totaled 109 all-purpose yards (56 receiving and 53 rushing). He had five receptions, which was a team and career best.

NUMBER OF THE WEEK – 1,000
Senior Keenan Davis became just the 35th Hawkeye wide receiver to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards when his 75 yards on four catches against Iowa State pushed him over 1,000. Davis has caught 74 passes for 1,015 yards in his career. He ranks 35th in Iowa career receiving yards and is 14 yards behind Cloyd Webb (1,029 yards) for 34th, 54 yards from Barry Crees (1,069) for 33rd and 84 yards from Jim Gibbons (1,099) for 32nd place. Davis, who is on the preseason Biletnikoff, Senior Bowl and CFPA award watch lists, leads the team in receiving yards through two games with 116 yards on nine catches (12.9 yards per catch). The 116 yards rank eighth best in the Big Ten.

KORNBRATH’S NUMBERS PARALLEL LAST UI FROSH PUNTER
Punter Connor Kornbrath’s punting numbers parallel Iowa’s last true freshman punter, Ryan Donahue. Through two games, Kornbrath has punted 11 times for 417 yards (37.9 avg.), including downing two inside the 20 and booming one 50-plus kick. Through two games in 2007, Donahue punted 12 times for 448 yards (37.3 avg.), placing four inside the 20 and recording one 50-plus punt. Donahue finished his freshman campaign with 86 punts for 2,533 yards (41.1 avg.) and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten laurels by league coaches and media. Donahue was one of three finalists for the Ray Guy Award his senior year and was drafted by the Detroit Lions.

IOWA NOTES
? The Hawkeyes have played four true freshmen after two games: P Connor Kornbrath, CB Kevin Buford, CB Sean Draper, and RB Greg Garmon.
? Greg Garmon ranks fourth in the Big Ten in KO return average (19.8).
? Iowa is 8-1 in the games that QB James Vandenberg has completed at least 60 percent of his passes the last two seasons.
? Saturday will be Kirk Ferentz’s 198th game as a head coach (109-88).
? The Hawkeyes are 6-2 over the past two years when QB James Vandenberg throws for 219 yards or more.
? Iowa improved its average yards per play from week one to week two. After averaging 3.33 yards per play in the season opener against Northern Illinois, the Hawkeyes averaged 4.41 yards per play last week vs. Iowa State.
? Iowa averages 76 offensive plays through two games. The Hawkeyes averaged 53 offensive plays a year ago.
? C.J. Fiedorowicz leads Hawkeye tight ends with seven receptions for 82 yards. Last season, he had 16 catches for 167 yards and three TD’s. Fiedorowicz had four catches for a career-high 61 yards last week vs. Iowa State.
? After allowing six sacks in the season opener, the offensive line did not surrender a single sack last week against Iowa State.
? Iowa has had eight different players catch at least one pass through two games.
? DL Joe Gaglione earned honorable mention honors from CFPA for his efforts in week one’s win over NIU. Gaglione played a key role for the Iowa defense that held NIU to just 201 yards of total offense. Gaglione recorded six tackles, including three tackles for loss and a sack. He forced an NIU fumble that was recovered by Iowa and led directly to a Hawkeye field goal in the third quarter. Gaglione ranks second in Big Ten TFL’s (2.0) and first in forced fumbles (1.0).
? Iowa is 0-1 on two-point conversations this season. The Hawkeyes failed to score on their only attempt, late in the fourth quarter in their 18-17 victory over NIU.

GLANCE AT THE SCHEDULE
? The Hawkeyes host Minnesota to open Big Ten play on Sept. 29. This marks just the fourth time in Kirk Ferentz’s 14 years at Iowa that the Hawkeyes have opened the conference season at home.
? Eight of Iowa’s 11 FBS opponents played in bowl games. That list includes Northern Illinois, Iowa State, Michigan State, Penn State, Northwestern, Purdue, Michigan and Nebraska. In addition, Northern Iowa participated in the FCS playoffs, advancing to the quarterfinals. Both Michigan (Sugar) and Michigan State (Outback) won January bowl games.
? The Hawkeyes do not face Big Ten opponents Illinois, Ohio State and Wisconsin this season.

RETURNING RUSHING YARDS
Iowa has the third fewest returning total rushing yards in the nation. Florida Atlantic is first (101), followed by Idaho (184) and Iowa (202). If you factor in Jordan Canzeri’s injury, the Hawkeyes return 88 total rushing yards (numbers do not reflect team rushes).

COACHING STAFF CHANGES
Iowa’s coaching staff has undergone several changes from a year ago. Phil Parker is the new defensive coordinator after coaching the Iowa secondary for the past 13 seasons. Reese Morgan moves from offensive to defensive line coach and Darrell Wilson has moved from coaching linebackers to coaching the defensive backs. LeVar Woods is in his first season as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator Eric Johnson will assist Morgan with the defensive line. On offense, coordinator and quarterbacks coach Greg Davis joins the staff for his first season with the Hawkeyes. Brian Ferentz is in his first season as Iowa’s offensive line coach and graduate assistant David Raih has added the duties of coaching the Hawkeye tight ends. Lester Erb continues to coach the running backs and will again work with Wilson in coaching the Hawkeye special teams. Both Ferentz and Woods are former Hawkeye players.

DEPTH CHART INCLUDES 9 WALK-ONS, 3 TRUE FRESHMEN
Iowa’s depth chart includes nine players who originally joined the program as a walk-on. That includes five on offense (OL Matt Tobin, TE Zach Derby, WR Steven Staggs and FB Mark Weisman), two on defense (OLB Tom Donatell and LB Travis Perry), and two specialists (PK Mike Meyer and LS Casey Kreiter). True freshmen on the depth chart include defensive back Kevin Buford, punter Connor Kornbrath, and running back Greg Garmon.

COLLECTING INTERCEPTIONS
Iowa’s defense has ranked among national leaders in causing turnovers in recent seasons. Since the start of the 2008 season, Iowa has collected 74 interceptions, a total that ranks among the best in the nation over that span. Iowa had nine interceptions in 2011, with two of those being returned for touchdowns (89 yards by DB Shaun Prater and 98 yards by DB Tanner Miller). Iowa’s defense had two interceptions last week vs. Iowa State. The Hawkeyes have had an interception return for a touchdown in each of the last four years, including four in 2010. Iowa has had an interception return for a score in nine of the last 11 seasons and 9 of 13 seasons under Kirk Ferentz.

IOWA AMONG TOP 20 IN WINS, 2002-12
Iowa has posted 86 wins since the start of the 2002 season, which ranks as the 18th highest total in Division I football. The list includes the following: Boise State (117); USC (111); Oklahoma (110); LSU (108); Ohio State (107); Texas (105); TCU (104); Virginia Tech (103); Georgia (100); Florida (97); West Virginia (96); Wisconsin (95); Auburn (94); Utah (93); Alabama (93); Oregon (92); Florida State (87); IOWA (86); Texas Tech (86); Boston College (84); Hawaii (84); Miami, FL (84); Nebraska (83) and Michigan (83). Since 2003, Iowa is tied with Navy for 23rd in the country with 75 wins.

IOWA PROGRAM NOTES
? Iowa defeated a team ranked in the top five in the nation, in the Associated Press rankings, in 2008 (Penn State), 2009 (Penn State) and 2010 (Michigan State), along with defeating 13th-ranked Michigan in 2011.
? 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 10 seasons, including a ranking of seventh in both polls at the conclusion of the 2009 season. Iowa ranked eighth in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
? 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 85-42 (.669), 2002-11, including a 50-30 Big Ten record. The 85 victories tie as the 17th best total in the nation.
? 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 has appeared in the final Associated Press poll 21 times in program history, a total that ranks 25th best in the country.

IOWAN CALLING THE SIGNALS
Senior QB James Vandenberg started all 13 games in 2011 and 17 overall in his career. Vandenberg completed 237-of-404 pass attempts for 3,022 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2011. He ranked third in the Big Ten in passing yards per game (232.5), fourth in total offense (237.2) and fifth in pass efficiency (138.5). Vandenberg (6-foot-3, 212) was named to the Capital One/CoSIDA District Six Academic All-America team and is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree. Vandenberg is on four preseason watch lists (Davey O’Brien, Maxwell Award, Manning Award and CFPA Quarterback Trophy) and was also ranked as the No. 2 quarterback in the Big Ten by ESPN.com. He has completed 41-75 passes for 365 yards in 2012. His 236 yards passing last week vs. Iowa State moved him past Gary Snook for eighth place on Iowa’s all-time passing list. Vandenberg has completed 325-574 passes for 3,902 yards and 28 career touchdowns. He needs 98 yards passing to reach 4,000 for his career. Vandenberg’s 28 touchdowns also rank eighth at Iowa. Vandenberg is a native of Keokuk and is the second quarterback from the state of Iowa under Coach Kirk Ferentz. Kyle McCann (Creston) led Iowa to victory in the 2001 Alamo Bowl, the first bowl win for Coach Kirk Ferentz. Two native Iowans have led the Hawkeyes to Rose Bowl wins, including Kenny Ploen (Clinton) during the 1956 season and Randy Duncan (Des Moines) during the 1958 season. Both were first team All-Americans. St. Ansgar native Matt Sherman led Iowa to a pair of bowl wins (1996 Alamo and 1997 Sun Bowl), while Iowa City native Paul Burmeister was Iowa’s quarterback in the 1993 Alamo Bowl. Additional Iowa natives who passed for over 1,500 yards, but never led Iowa in a bowl game, include Gary Snook (Iowa City, 1963-65), Ed Podolak (Atlantic, 1966-68, who ended his Iowa career as a prolific running back), Phil Suess (Des Moines, 1977-80), Randy Reiners (Ft. Dodge, 1996-99), Tom McLaughlin (Dubuque, 1975-77), Al DeMarco (Mason City, 1947-48) and Glen Drahn (Elkader, 1948-50).

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 13 seasons. Ferentz also served as Iowa’s offensive line coach from 1981-89 under Fry.

HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 118 players includes 47 players from Iowa. The roster includes 13 players from Illinois; 11 from Ohio; six from Michigan; five from Florida and Texas; four from Maryland; three from Nebraska; two from Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin; one from Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia; and three from Canada and one from Australia.

MORE THAN ONE
Eleven high schools have contributed more than one player to the current Iowa football roster. The leader is Iowa City High (Iowa) with four, while three players attended Washington HS in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Solon, Iowa HS. Those with two include Cass Technical HS in Detroit area, DeMatha Catholic in the Washington, D.C. area, Dowling HS in West Des Moines, Iowa, Heelan HS in Sioux City, Iowa, Hazelwood East HS in the St. Louis area; Mount Pleasant, Iowa HS, Oskaloosa, Iowa HS, Wahlert HS in Dubuque, Iowa and Regina HS in Iowa City.

ALL IN THE FAMILY
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has each of his three sons involved in the Iowa program this season. Brian, a former Hawkeye letterman (2003-05), is in his first season as Iowa’s offensive line coach. James is a senior offensive lineman who has started the last 28 games at center. Steven is a tight end who is in his first season in the program as a true freshman.

FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS
Iowa has seven players on its 2012 roster whose father played for the Hawkeyes. WR Jordan Cotton (Marshall in 1984-87), OL Cole Croston (Dave in 1984-86), TE Zach Derby (John in 1988-91), QB Dan Hartlieb (Chuck in 1986-88), OL Mitch Keppy (Myron in 1986-87), ATH George Krieger Kittle (Bruce in 1977-80) and DB Sean Skradis (Bryan in 1977-81).

DAD IN THE NFL
The fathers of DB Tom Donatell and DB Greg Castillo are coaches in the NFL. Ed Donatell is the defensive secondary coach for the San Francisco 49’ers and Juan Castillo is the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.

THE HAWKEYES, SIZE WISE
Freshman QB Dan Hartlieb is the lightest Hawkeye player at 155 pounds. Sophomore DL Carl Davis and sophomore OL Brandon Scherff are the heaviest at 310 pounds. A total of six Hawkeye players are listed at 300 pounds or more. The tallest players, at 6-7, are sophomore OL Andrew Donnal, junior TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, redshirt freshman DE Riley McMinn and junior OL Brett Van Sloten. The shortest players, at 5-8, are sophomore Jordan Canzeri and freshman Riley McCarron. The average Hawkeye player is 6-2 and weighs 227 pounds. That is one inch taller and 3.3 pounds lighter than the average Iowa player in 2011.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has had three pass plays and one rushing play, along with three KO returns and six field goals, of at least 20 yards in first two weeks. Hawkeye opponents have had three passing plays, two rushing plays, three KO returns and two field goals of 20 yards.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,157 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 595-523-39 (.531). That includes a 376-203-16 (.645) record in home games, a 219-320-23 (.410) record in games away from Iowa City, a 293-352-25 (.456) mark in Big Ten games and a 259-167-15 (.604) record in Kinnick Stadium.

TICKET UPDATE
There are a few remaining tickets for games against Central Michigan and Purdue. Iowa has issued over 59,000 season tickets, which includes more than 10,000 student tickets. The Iowa record for average home attendance is 70,585, set in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2011. Iowa has sold out Kinnick Stadium 57 of the last 59 games. In addition, Iowa has sold its allotment of tickets to road games at Michigan and Michigan State. An estimated 35,000 Iowa fans attended the season opener against Northern Illinois at Chicago’s Soldier Field, which had an announced attendance of 52,117. Iowa’s home opener last week against in-state rival Iowa State was a sellout.

IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started the game on offense in 136-of-164 games under Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes started on offense in their win over NIU, but started on defense in last week’s loss to Iowa State. Iowa is 15-13 in the games it has started on defense under Ferentz.

AVERAGE SCORING DRIVES
Iowa’s seven scoring drives have averaged 9.9 plays, 46.3 yards and 4:25 in elapsed time. Five of Iowa’s seven scoring drives had totaled 10 plays or more. The Hawkeyes averaged 11.5 plays and 76.5 yards in their two field goal scoring drives last week.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 5-6 (83.3%) in the red zone through two weeks, converting five field goals. Iowa’s sixth possession that it did not score in the red zone was a result of the Hawkeyes’ running out the clock at the end of the NIU game in an 18-17 victory. Iowa has scored on 153 of the last 173 (.884) red zone possessions (101 TDs and 52 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 134-154 (.870) combined inside the red zone its last 45 games. Hawkeye opponents are 4-7 (.571) inside the red zone, a percentage that ranks 13th in the country. Iowa’s defense forced three red-zone turnovers last week vs. Iowa State.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored six points following five defensive takeaways through two games. The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in 67 of its last 77 games, dating back to 2006. Iowa had no turnovers in its season-opening win over NIU, but had two interceptions last week against the Cyclones. Iowa State failed to score any points following the turnovers.

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 (41) and the Hawkeyes (26). Wisconsin ranks fourth with 23. Iowa (14-11-1, .558), Penn State (27-15-2, .636) and Purdue (9-7, .563) are the only Big Ten teams with a winning percentage in bowl games. Nebraska, competing in the Big Ten for the first time in 2011, holds a 24-24 (.500) record in 48 bowl games. Iowa was one of 10 Big Ten Conference teams to play in a bowl game following the 2011 season. The Big Ten had two teams competing in BCS games for the 11th time in 14 seasons. Since the inception of the BCS in 1998, the Big Ten has qualified 25 teams for BCS bowls, more than any other conference. Seven different Big Ten programs have played in BCS bowl games. The Big Ten sent 10 teams to bowl games in 2011 for the first time ever.

IOWA BOWL NOTES
? Iowa was bowl eligible last season for the 11th straight season under Coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff.
? The Hawkeyes have appeared in 10 bowl games since 2001. Iowa won the Outback Bowl over South Carolina following the 2008 season, concluded the 2009 campaign with a win over Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl and defeated Missouri in the 2010 Insight Bowl. Iowa’s three-game bowl win streak (2008-10) is an Iowa record.
? The Hawkeyes have posted a 6-4 record in bowl games under Ferentz, including wins in four of six January bowl games.
? Since the 2001 season, no Big Ten team has won more bowl games or has a higher winning percentage in bowl games, than Iowa.
? Overall, Iowa has posted a 14-11-1 (.558) record in 26 bowl games. The Hawkeyes have competed in the Rose (five times), Alamo (four), Holiday (three), Outback (three), Orange (two), Peach (two), Sun (two), Insight (two), and the Capital One, Gator and Freedom bowls once.
? Iowa (14-11-1, .558), Penn State (27-15-2, .636) and Purdue (9-7, .563) are the only Big Ten teams with a winning percentage in bowl games.
? Iowa was one of 10 Big Ten Conference teams to play in a bowl game following the 2011 season. The Big Ten had two teams competing in BCS games for the 11th time in 14 seasons. Since the inception of the BCS in 1998, the Big Ten has qualified 25 teams for BCS bowls, more than any other conference. Seven different Big Ten programs have played in BCS bowl games. The Big Ten sent 10 teams to bowl games in 2011 for the first time ever.

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.

AFTER THIS
Iowa remains in Iowa City the next two weeks when it hosts Central Michigan on Saturday (TBD) and Minnesota (Sept. 29, 11 a.m.).