Football Travels to Indiana for Second Straight Road Game

Oct. 29, 2012

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

Iowa Game Notes (at Indiana)

GAME 9 STORY LINES
? Iowa is 2-2 at the midway point of its Big Ten season. Two of its next four contests will be at home (Purdue and Nebraska) and two will be against Legends Division foes (at Michigan on Nov. 17 and home vs. Nebraska on Nov. 23).
? Iowa has won four consecutive games against Indiana, including two straight in Bloomington. The Hawkeyes scored 42 or more points in three of those four victories.
? QB James Vandenberg surpassed 5,000 yards passing (5,074 yards) after throwing for 214 yards in last week’s game at Northwestern. The senior signal caller is one of only seven Hawkeye signal callers to throw for over 5,000 career yards.
? Iowa’s defense has collected at least one takeaway in seven of eight games this season and 72 of its last 83 games, dating back to 2006. Six of Iowa’s 15 defensive takeaways have occurred in the opponent red zone.
? Only two teams in the country have lost fewer fumbles than Iowa – Indiana (0) and Clemson (1). Iowa has lost only two fumbles in 2012.
? Four of Iowa’s eight games have been decided by three points or less (2-2), including two contests decided by one point each and one in double overtime.
? Saturday concludes a stretch of playing three of four road games for the Hawkeyes. Iowa won at Michigan State (19-16 in double overtime) on Oct. 13, before falling at home to Penn State (38-14) on Oct. 20 and at Northwestern (28-17) on Oct. 27.
? Thirteen Hawkeyes have started for the first time in their career this season. That total ranks 25th in the country. Indiana has had 14 first-time starters in 2012, which ranks 15th.
? Linebackers Anthony Hitchens, who is eight tackles from recording tackle No. 100 this season, and James Morris have each recorded five games with double-digit tackles this year. Hitchens ranks fourth in the country in tackles, while Morris ranks 25th. Morris is 11 tackles from cracking Iowa’s top 20 in career tackles.

IOWA TRAVELS TO INDIANA
Iowa (4-4, 2-2) hits the road for a second consecutive game on Saturday when it travels to Bloomington, Ind., to face Indiana (3-5, 1-3). Kick-off is slated for 2:42 p.m. (CT) in Memorial Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at IUHoosiers.com or by calling 1-866-487-7678.

ON THE TUBE
BTN (BTN2Go) will televise Saturday’s contest. Eric Collins, Derek Rackley and J Leman 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. Fans can also listen to the broadcast on KRUI (89.7 FM) locally in Iowa City, and on Sirius satellite radio 136 and XM 195 (Indiana announcers).

HAWKEYE HUDDLE AT INDIANA
Iowa fans traveling to Bloomington for Saturday’s contest against the Hoosiers should make plans to attend the “Hawkeye Huddle” before the game. The Hawkeye Huddle is presented by the National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association. The Huddle will be held from 12:30-2:30 p.m. (ET) at the Holiday Inn, located at 1710 Kinser Pike in Bloomington. Admission to the Hawkeye Huddle is free and includes cash refreshments, snacks, door prizes, cheerleaders and Herky. Visit jointheiclub.com for additional information.

FIRST TIME STARTERS
Thirteen Hawkeyes have started for the first time in their careers this season. Earning the first start of their career in the season-opening victory over Northern Illinois were 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. RG Andrew Donnal started his first career contest in Iowa’s Big Ten opener against Minnesota, RB Greg Garmon started his first career contest against Penn State, while LG Jordan Walsh and WR Jordan Cotton started their first career games last week at Northwestern. Cotton, Hitchens and Van Sloten are juniors; Bullock, Lowery, Trinca-Pasat and Weisman are sophomores; Blythe, Cooper and Walsh are redshirt freshmen; Garmon is a true freshman.

HYDE AND SEEK
Micah Hyde has solidified himself as one of the nation’s best cornerbacks. The senior eclipsed the 200-tackle plateau at Michigan State and enters Saturday’s game at Indiana with 211 stops. He is nine tackles from cracking the top 50 list for Iowa career tackles. Hyde also has seven career interceptions. Hyde has already registered single-season career bests in TFL’s (4), forced fumbles (2) and passes defended (9). The nine pass deflections rank 40th in the country. Hyde is also the team’s punt returner, having returned 11 punts for 67 yards (6.1 avg.) in 2012.

STANDING STRONG
Iowa’s defense has posted stellar numbers this season. The Hawkeyes rank 13th in the country in turnover margin (+8); 24th in pass defense (196.5), 30th in scoring defense (21.1); 39th in total defense (355.0), 44th in passes intercepted (8); 45th in pass efficiency defense (122.2); and 46th in turnovers gained (15). Iowa’s defense has amassed 30 tackles for loss and forced 14 turnovers the last seven games combined. Six of the 15 takeaways were collected inside the red zone. Also, CB Greg Castillo picked off Michigan State QB Andrew Maxwell on the 14-yard line (Michigan State had not yet reached the red zone) in double-overtime to preserve a Hawkeye victory. The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in 71 of its last 82 games, dating back to 2006.

IOWA NOTES
? Kirk Ferentz has amassed a record of 100-70 in 14 years as Iowa’s head coach, collecting win No. 100 at Michigan State on Oct. 13.
? The Hawkeyes mounted their ninth comeback when trailing in the fourth quarter, since 2009, at Michigan State on Oct. 13. Iowa ties Minnesota, Michigan State, Ohio and Wyoming with the most comeback wins (9) when trailing at any point in fourth period since 2009 in the country.
? Iowa’s defense had 10 interceptions in 13 games in 2011, the Hawkeyes have already collected eight in eight games in 2012. Six different Hawkeyes have intercepted at least one pass this season, with Tom Donatell and Greg Castillo collecting two each.
? QB James Vandenberg has a 28:12 touchdown-to-interception ratio the last two seasons.
? CB Micah Hyde’s seven tackles at Michigan State put him over the 200-tackle plateau for his career. He becomes the second Hawkeye this year (James Morris) and the 67th player to accomplish the feat in school history. He enters Saturday’s game at Indiana with 211 career stops. Morris has 258 career tackles.
? WR Kevonte Martin-Manley has caught 11 passes for 88 yards the last two games combined, including catching a career-best seven catches for 46 yards last week at Northwestern.
? Iowa has played two games decided by one point, beating Northern Illinois (18-17) in its season opener, while falling to Central Michigan (32-31) on Sept. 22. In fact, four of Iowa’s eight games have been decided by three points or less.
? Mark Weisman rushed for a combined 334 yards and six TD’s against UNI and Central Michigan. He became the first Hawkeye to rush for 300+ yards and score 6+ times in a two-game span since Tavian Banks in 1997. Banks had a combined 517 yards and six TD’s against UNI and Tulsa and 441 yards and eight TD’s vs. Tulsa and Iowa State.
? The Hawkeyes have played seven true freshmen: P Connor Kornbrath, CB Kevin Buford, CB Sean Draper, WR Tevaun Smith, LB Nate Meier, RB Greg Garmon and DL Drew Ott.
? The Hawkeyes are tied for sixth in the country in fewest turnovers lost (7), third in fumbles lost (2) and 13th in turnover margin (+8). Only two teams in the country have lost fewer fumbles than Iowa – Indiana (0) and Clemson (1).
? Iowa is 9-3 in the games that QB James Vandenberg has completed at least 60 percent of his passes the last two seasons.
? The Hawkeyes are 7-2 over the past two years when QB James Vandenberg throws for 219 yards or more.
? Iowa has utilized two punters this season: freshman Connor Kornbrath and senior John Wienke. Wienke, who is mainly used on short-field punts, has had eight of his 10 punts downed inside the 20, including three on the 1-yard line (Northern Illinois, Central Michigan and Northwestern). Kornbrath has punted 31 times for 1,138 yards (36.7 avg.). Kornbrath is one of two rookie punters in the Big Ten this season (Drew Meyer, Wisconsin).
? Iowa has had 14 different players catch at least one pass this season.
? C.J. Fiedorowicz leads Hawkeye tight ends with 24 receptions for 236 yards. Last season, he had 16 catches for 167 yards and three TD’s.
? Iowa is 0-1 on two-point conversions this season. The Hawkeyes failed to score on their only attempt, late in the fourth quarter in their 18-17 victory over NIU.
? Tom Donatell’s father, Ed Donatell, is the defensive secondary coach for the San Francisco 49’ers.
? Iowa has sold out Kinnick Stadium 60 of the last 62 games, including the first five games of 2012.
? Iowa’s next opponent, Purdue on Nov. 10, hosts Penn State this Saturday.

THE SERIES
Iowa holds a 42-27-4 advantage in the series that began with a 13-6 Iowa victory in 1912. The Hawkeyes have won the last four meetings, including 45-24 last year in Iowa City. Iowa has won 18 of the last 26 games, including seven of the last nine. Indiana won three straight meetings between 1998-00. The most recent meetings have included some high scoring affairs, as the winning team has scored 30 or more points in nine of the last 11 games. The losing team has scored at least 20 points in five of the last seven. Iowa holds a slim 19-17-1 advantage at Bloomington. Iowa has won the last two games at Bloomington and three of the last four at Memorial Stadium.

IOWA/INDIANA NOTES
? Iowa has posted a 5-6-3 record when playing on Nov. 3.
? Indiana has lost four games this season by four points or less (combined 10 points). Iowa has lost two games by three points or less (combined four points).
? Indiana has scored at least 24 points in eight straight games, in the same season, for the first time in school history and in nine consecutive games dating back to the 2011 season finale.
? Greg Heban has led Indiana in tackles the last three games, totaling 35 stops during that span.
? Saturday features two of the Big Ten’s best tackling linemen. Indiana DT Adam Replogle leads conference lineman in tackles per game (6.5), while Iowa’s DE Joe Gaglione ranks second (5.5).
? Indiana ranks first in the Big Ten in pass offense (265.9), second in total offense (443.4) and third in scoring offense (34.2). The Hawkeyes ranks fifth in the conference in pass defense (196.5), scoring defense (21.1), and seventh in total defense (355.0).
? Both Iowa and Indiana have positive turnover margins. The Hawkeyes ranks first in the Big Ten (+8), while Indiana ranks fourth (+3).
? Indiana Coach Kevin Wilson was on the staff at Northwestern for three years (1999-2001), with Iowa winning two of three meetings with the Wildcats in those seasons.
? Indiana assistant Doug Mallory played college football at Michigan (1984-87), where he was a teammate of Iowa assistant Erik Campbell. Iowa and Michigan split four games during those seasons. Mallory also coached at Indiana from 1994-96, with Iowa winning two of three meetings with the Hoosiers in those years. Mallory’s father, Bill, is the winningest football coach in Indiana history.
? Indiana assistant Kevin Johns was a graduate assistant at Northwestern (1999-01) and later served on the Wildcat staff from 2004-10. Northwestern won six of nine meetings with Iowa when Johns was on the Wildcat staff.
? Indiana assistant Greg Frey was on the Michigan staff from 2008-10. Iowa defeated the Wolverines in 2009 and 2010.
? Indiana assistant Mark Hagen played for the Hoosiers from 1987-91, with Iowa winning two of three games over Indiana during that time frame. Hagen was on the Hoosier staff from 1992-95, helping the Hoosiers split four games with Iowa. Hagen was an assistant coach at Northern Illinois in 1999 when Iowa defeated the Huskies, earning Coach Kirk Ferentz his first win as the Hawkeye head coach. Hagen later coached at Purdue (2002-10). Iowa defeated the Boilermakers in five of seven games during that time.
? PK Trent Mossbrucker (Mooresville) is the only Hawkeye player from Indiana. The Indiana roster includes no Iowans.
? On the season, Indiana has 19 sacks and 60 tackles for loss. The Hoosiers had just 18 sacks and 60 TFL’s all of last season. Indiana ranks 11th in the country in TFL’s (7.5) and 31st in sacks (2.5).
? Indiana will play its home finale next week against Wisconsin.

INDIANA SNAPS 5-GAME LOSING SKID
Indiana snapped a five-game losing skid with a 33-17 triumph at Illinois last Saturday. With the game tied 14-14 midway through the second quarter, Indiana outscored the Illini 17-3 the rest of the game to notch its first Big Ten victory of the season. The victory was Indiana’s first on the road in the Big Ten since 2010 and first at Illinois since 2006. Indiana’s defense recovered two fumbles, recorded seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss last Saturday. The seven sacks are the most by the Hoosiers since November 1, 2008, when the Hoosiers had seven against Central Michigan. RB Stephen Houston reached the end zone for the ninth straight game, scoring a 2-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Houston finished the contest with 71 yards rushing on 21 attempts. True freshman QB Nate Sudfeld completed 10-15 passes for 107 yards and two scores.

INDIANA COACH KEVIN WILSON
Kevin Wilson is 4-16 (.200) in his second season as a college head coach. Wilson most recently served as an assistant coach at Oklahoma (2002-10). He was the offensive coordinator at Northwestern (1999-2001) before joining the Sooners. He has also served as an assistant coach at Miami, Ohio, North Carolina AT&T, Winston Salem State and North Carolina, his alma mater. Wilson helped Oklahoma post a 6-1 record in Big 12 championship games while playing in seven BCS bowl games and 10 straight bowl games.

LAST MEETING
Senior WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. stole the show as Iowa celebrated homecoming with a 45-24 win over Indiana a year ago in Iowa City. Iowa scored touchdowns on each of its five first-half possessions and added a field goal to cap its first drive of the third period. McNutt, Jr. led the Iowa offense with six receptions for 184 yards and three touchdowns. He had an 80-yard scoring reception on Iowa’s second possession to give the Hawkeyes a 14-7 lead. That play ties as the ninth-longest scoring pass in school history. He added a 24-yard scoring catch on Iowa’s next possession as Iowa took a 21-14 advantage and never looked back. McNutt, Jr. had his third score in the final minute of the first half, with his 29-yard reception giving Iowa a 35-14 advantage at the break. The Hawkeyes drove 69 yards on their first possession, ending a seven-minute drive with a 1-yard run by RB Marcus Coker. Coker added his second score, a 2-yard run, to give Iowa a 28-14 lead with 1:38 remaining in the half. Coker led Iowa’s ground game with 23 carries for 139 yards. Iowa’s only scoring of the third period came on a 47-yard field goal by Mike Meyer. The Hawkeyes ended their scoring with 3:10 remaining in the game when TE Brad Herman grabbed a 1-yard pass from QB James Vandenberg. Vandenberg completed 12-16 passes for 253 yards, with no interceptions. The four scoring passes are a career high. Iowa gained 456 yards total offense, with 203 rushing yards to go with Vandenberg’s passing total. Indiana scored touchdowns on its first two drives of the day, but from that point was held to just a field goal until adding a third touchdowns in the final minute of play. LB Christian Kirksey led the Hawkeye defense with 12 tackles. DB Tanner Miller and LB James Morris each added 10 tackles, while DB B.J. Lowery had two pass break-ups.

HAWKEYES FALL AT NORTHWESTERN
Northwestern gained 433 total yards, including 349 rushing yards, to defeat Iowa, 28-17 in Evanston, Ill., last Saturday. The Hawkeyes ran 19 more plays and controlled time of possession, but were unable to come away with the victory. The Wildcats scored on their first possession, converting three third downs, capped by a 5-yard scoring run by Kain Colter. The Hawkeyes managed a field goal on their first drive for a 7-3 score after the first quarter. Northwestern took a 14-3 lead into halftime after Colter’s second rushing score of the day. He added another to begin the third quarter after the Wildcats blocked an Iowa punt and took over at the Hawkeye four-yard line. A 47-yard pass from Colter to Christian Jones made the score 28-3 in the third quarter. QB James Vandenberg capped a 12-play, 59-yard scoring drive with a 1-yard run. Vandenberg registered his second rushing touchdown with 6:37 left in the game after a nine-play, 84-yard drive to trim the deficit to 28-17. Iowa was unable to get any closer after its final score with 6:37 remaining. RB Damon Bullock returned to action after missing the previous four games with an injury. Bullock carried the ball 22 times for 107 yards, eclipsing the 100-yard plateau for the second time this season. Vandenberg finished 24-of-38 with 214 yards and hit eight different receivers, adding to his two rushing touchdowns. It marked the first time in Vandenberg’s career he scored multiple rushing touchdowns in a game. WR Kevonte Martin-Manley led the way with seven catches for 46 yards. Freshmen Tevaun Smith and Jacob Hillyer recorded their first career catches in the contest. CB B.J. Lowery collected his first career interception, picking off a Colter pass in the first quarter. DT Louis Trinca-Pasat and DT Darian Cooper each had a tackle for loss. LB Christian Kirksey led the Hawkeyes with nine tackles.

IOWA POSTGAME NOTES
? Iowa’s defense collected an interception and a fumble. B.J. Lowrey intercepted his first career pass in the first period, while Micah Hyde recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter. The Hawkeyes converted the Hyde fumble recovery into seven points. For the fourth time this season, Iowa did not have a turnover (Northern Illinois, UNI, Minnesota at Northwestern).
? PK Mike Meyer converted a 40-yard field goal in the first quarter. He is 15-of-18 this season and 43-of-55 for his career in field goal attempts. Meyer made two PATs, extending his school record streak to 72. Meyer increased his career scoring to 220 points to surpass Tavian Banks and Zach Bromert for fifth on Iowa’s all-time scoring chart.
? Northwestern completed 7-of-10 passes, which ranks as the fourth and second fewest, respectively, by an Iowa opponent during Kirk Ferentz era. The Wildcats’ 84 yards passing ranks as the eighth fewest allowed by a Hawkeye team during Ferentz’ tenure.
? QB James Vandenberg completed 24-of-38 passes for 214 yards and had two 1-yard rushing scores. The rushing scores are Vandenberg’s fifth and sixth of his career.
? RG Austin Blythe returned to the starting lineup. Blythe, who missed the Minnesota and Michigan State games due to injury, returned to action the previous game against Penn State in a non-starting role.
? Junior Jacob Reisen saw his first game action of the season on special teams. Also seeing his first game action of the season was DL Drew Ott. Ott becomes the seventh Hawkeye true freshman to play in 2012.
? B.J. Lowrey started at cornerback for the first time since the Central Michigan game. Lowrey missed the Minnesota and Michigan State contests due to injury. The junior saw action as a reserve the previous outing vs. Penn State. Lowrey finished Saturday’s game with one theft and three tackles.
? Senior Matt Tobin started at left tackle, while redshirt freshman Jordan Walsh started at left guard. Saturday marked Walsh’s first career start.
? John Wienke had a 37-yard punt downed on the 1-yard line in the second quarter. Wienke has had eight of his 10 punts downed inside the 20 this season.
? Iowa was 2-2 in the red zone, scoring 1-yard touchdowns in the third and fourth periods. The Hawkeyes have scored on 165 of the last 192 red-zone possessions (113 TDs and 52 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Northwestern was 3-4 in the red zone, scoring three touchdowns and losing a fumble. Micah Hyde recovered the fumble, the first of his career.
? PK Mike Meyer kicked a 40-yard field goal on Iowa’s opening possession. The Hawkeyes have scored on their opening possession six of eight times this season. Northwestern scored a touchdown on its opening drive, converting three third downs on the drive. The Wildcats are the fifth Hawkeye opponent to score on their first possession (Iowa State, UNI, Central Michigan, Michigan State and Northwestern).

MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Junior PK Mike Meyer has earned Big Ten Special Teams Player and Lou Groza Star of the Week accolades twice this season. He first was recognized after his performance against NIU in the opener and second, three weeks ago at Michigan State. Meyer has also earned CFPA honorable mention weekly recognition after the NIU, Central Michigan and Michigan State contests. Meyer has connected on 15-of-18 field goal attempts this season. His streak of 13 consecutive field goals made was snapped two weeks ago vs. Penn State, missing kicks from 49 and 37 yards. Meyer’s 50-yarder against Northern Illinois, tied his career long (at Iowa State, 2011). He made four treys against NIU and Michigan State, 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 ninth in Big Ten scoring (7.6) and ranks ninth in the country in field goals made per game (1.9). He was one of 20 semifinal candidates for the 2011 Lou Groza Award. His five points last week at Northwestern increased his career point total to 220, which surpassed Zach Bromert and Tavian Banks for fifth on Iowa’s career list. He has made 43-55 (.782) career field goal attempts. Meyer is 31-36 (.861) from kicks 39 yards and closer; 10-15 (.667) from attempts 40-49 yards; and 2-4 (.500) from kicks 50 yards or farther. The native of Dubuque, Iowa, has made 72 consecutive PAT attempts, which is a school record. His four straight PAT’s against Central Michigan helped him surpass All-Pro Nate Kaeding’s previous record of 60 straight. Meyer’s last PAT miss was in a 37-6 win over Michigan State on Oct. 30, 2010 in Iowa City.

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.

DEPTH CHART INCLUDES 6 WALK-ONS, 5 TRUE FRESHMEN
Iowa’s depth chart includes seven players who originally joined the program as a walk-on. That includes two on offense (OL Matt Tobin and WR Steven Staggs), two on defense (SS 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 Sean Draper, running back Greg Garmon, defensive end Drew Ott, punter Connor Kornbrath and wide receiver Tevaun Smith.

LINEBACKER DUO LEADING HAWKEYE DEFENSE
LB Anthony Hitchens ranks fourth in the nation in tackles per game (11.5). Hitvchens was tabbed CollegeSportsMadness’ Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 14 after his performance at Michigan State. Hitchens, who is eight tackles from registering tackle No. 100 this season, has posted double-digit tackles in five of the last seven games. The junior amassed 19 tackles, including one for loss, against Iowa State. The 19 tackles are the most by a Hawkeye since LB Abdul Hodge had 22 vs. Illinois on Oct. 1, 2005. Against UNI, he was credited with a team-high 10. He shared game-high tackle honors with 14 against Central Michigan, while he amassed a game-high 12 stops in Iowa’s win over Minnesota. Hitchens registered a game-high 15 at Michigan State, while collecting eight vs. Penn State. LB 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 vs. Iowa State. Against the Cyclones, 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 third in the Big Ten and 25th nationally in tackles (9.8). He began the 2012 season with eight tackles in the win over NIU, including one tackle for loss, and had eight stops in Iowa’s win over UNI. Morris registered double-digit tackles five times in 2012 (Iowa State, Central Michigan, Minnesota, Michigan State and Penn State), including four of the last five contests. He had 12 tackles against Central Michigan, Iowa State and Penn State, and 10 vs. Minnesota and Michigan State. Morris is the 66th Iowa player to reach the 200-tackle plateau. His 258 tackles (103 solo, 149 assists) ranks 26th in school history. He is two from equaling Jared DeVries (260), three from Craig Clemons (261), four from John Derby (262), six from Rod Barnhart (264), eight from Pat Dean (266), and 11 from Jeremiha Hunter (269). 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.

DAVIS LEADS HAWKEYE RECEIVING CORPS
Senior Keenan Davis became 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 104 passes for 1,385 yards in his career. He caught his 100th career pass in the third period against Penn State on Oct. 20. Davis ranks 22nd in career receiving yards at Iowa. He is only 10 yards from Andy Brodell (1,395) for 21st, and 53 from Robert Smith (1,438) for 20th. For the season, Davis leads the team with 39 catches for 486 yards; he ranks fifth in the Big Ten in receptions (4.9) and sixth in receiving yards (60.8). Davis, who is on the preseason Biletnikoff, Senior Bowl and CFPA award watch lists, has led the Hawkeyes in receiving yards in four of the last five games. Davis had three catches for 30 yards last week at Northwestern before leaving in the second half due to an injury. He is expected to return to action this Saturday at Indiana.

BULLOCK SPARKS AT NORTHWESTERN
Sophomore RB Damon Bullock, who led the Hawkeye offense the first three games, missed four contests (Central Michigan, Minnesota, Michigan State and Penn State) due to an injury suffered in the first half of the UNI contest. However, Bullock returned to action in Iowa’s road game at Northwestern last week. Against the Wildcats, Bullock rushed 22 times for 107 yards, while also catching five passes for 41 yards. He has amassed 515 all-purpose yards, averaging 128.8 yards per game. Bullock has eclipsed the 100-yard rushing plateau twice this season (Northern Illinois and Northwestern). 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 are 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. Against UNI (Sept. 15), Bullock had 77 yards rushing, including 53 yards on Iowa’s opening drive, but left the game in the second quarter due to injury and did not return. He also had one reception for five yards. Against Iowa State (Sept. 8), Bullock totaled 109 all-purpose yards (56 receiving and 53 rushing). He had five receptions, which was a team and career best.

COTTON ELEVATING HAWKEYE RETURN GAME
Jordan Cotton has provided the Hawkeyes a spark in the kickoff return game the last three outings. Two weeks ago against Penn State, the junior returned four kicks for 152 yards, including returning a kick 92 yards for a touchdown. It marked Iowa’s first kickoff return for a touchdown since Derrell-Johnson Koulianos had an 88-yard return at Minnesota on Nov. 27, 2010. The 92-yard kickoff return ties for the 10th-longest in school history, tying Levi Mitchell (1969) and Henry Vollenweider (1939). His performance garnered the junior CFPA National Kickoff Returner of the Week accolades. Cotton is one of just three Big Ten players with a kickoff return over 90 yards this season. At Michigan State on Oct. 13, Cotton returned a kickoff for a touchdown, but the play resulted in 45 yards after a flag was thrown during the return. Last week at Northwestern, Cotton had two returns for 33 yards (16.5 avg.).

GAGLIONE HAS CAREER GAME
Joe Gaglione led the Hawkeye defensive line in the team’s 19-16 double-overtime win at Michigan State. The senior amassed a career-high 11 tackles, which includes 1.5 TFL’s and a sack. Gaglione has averaged 6.7 tackles the last three games (11 at Michigan State; seven vs. Penn State; two at Northwestern). The defensive end leads Hawkeye defensive linemen with 44 tackles, eight TFL’s and four sacks. He also shares the team lead with two forced fumbles (Micah Hyde). Gaglione ranks 14th in Big Ten TFL’s (1.0); tied for second in forced fumbles (0.25); and ranks ninth in sacks (0.5). He ranks second among conference linemen in tackles. He 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.

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 81 interceptions, a total that ranks among the best in the nation over that span. Iowa had 10 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 has registered eight interceptions the last seven games (two vs. Iowa State; one against UNI, Northwestern and Michigan State; three vs. Minnesota). The eight passes intercepted ranks 44th in the country. LB Christian Kirksey returned a theft 68 yards for a score against Minnesota (Sept. 29). The interception return for a touchdown is the third longest in school history. The Hawkeyes have had an interception return for a touchdown in each of the last five years, including four in 2010. Iowa has had an interception return for a score in 10 of the last 12 seasons and 10 of 14 seasons under Kirk Ferentz.

NEXT MAN IN
After running backs Damon Bullock and Greg Garmon left the UNI game (Sept. 15) with injuries, fullback Mark Weisman was forced into full-time running back duties against UNI and Central Michigan. The walk-on has delivered, rushing for 653 yards and eight touchdowns on 112 attempts (5.8 avg.) the last six games. The sophomore has totaled 661 yards rushing on 114 carries this season. Weisman ranks eighth in Big Ten rushing (82.6 avg.). His 5.8 average per carry ranks fourth behind quarterbacks Michigan’s Denard Robinson (7.2), Braxton Miller of Ohio State (6.6) and Northwestern’s Venric Mark (6.5). Weisman has not started the last two games due to an injury, but has seen limited action. The sophomore suffered an ankle injury, in overtime, at Michigan State. He rushed only five times for nine yards vs. Penn State and 21 yards on nine carries at Northwestern the last two contests. Weisman rushed for 113 yards and three scores against UNI and a career-best 217 yards and three touchdowns versus Central Michigan. The 217 yards tie for the eighth-best rushing total in Iowa single-game history. In the Big Ten opener against Minnesota, he carried the ball 21 times for 177 yards (8.4 avg.) and a score. Weisman had rushed 26 times for 116 yards and a score at Michigan State. Weisman, who earned honorable mention CFPA honors against Central Michigan and Minnesota, is one of only six Big Ten players to rush for 100+ yards in four games in 2012. Weisman scored all three of Iowa’s touchdowns against UNI; two 1-yard scores and one 2-yard run. It marked the first time a Hawkeye rushed for three touchdowns in a game since Adam Robinson against Eastern Illinois (Sept. 4, 2010). Weisman tallied three of Iowa’s four touchdowns against Central Michigan, scoring from five, 12 and 34 yards out. He added an 8-yard scoring run against Minnesota and a 5-yarder at Michigan State.

IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started the game on offense in 140-of-170 games under Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes started on offense five times in 2012: Northern Illinois, Central Michigan, Minnesota, Michigan State and Penn State; Iowa started on defense against Iowa State, UNI and Northwestern. Iowa is 16-14 in the games it has started on defense under Ferentz.

IOWA AMONG TOP 20 IN WINS, 2002-12
Iowa has posted 89 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 (124); USC (115); Ohio State (114); LSU (113); Oklahoma (113); Texas (109); TCU (108); Virginia Tech (105); Georgia (105); Florida (102); West Virginia (100); Wisconsin (100); Alabama (99); Oregon (98); Auburn (95); Utah (95); Florida State (93); Texas Tech (90); Iowa (89); Nebraska (88); Miami, FL (87); Michigan (87); Hawai’i (85); Boston College (85). Since 2003, Iowa and Northern Illinois are tied for 23rd in the country with 78 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 eight games this season, 13 games a year ago and 23 overall in his career. 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 153-269 passes for 1,537 yards and three TD’s in 2012. His 192.1 yards per game average ranks fifth in the Big Ten. Vandenberg has also rushed for three scores, including two last week at Northwestern. Vandenberg has completed 437-768 passes for 5,074 yards and 31 career touchdowns. He ranks seventh at Iowa in career passing yards and eighth in touchdowns. Vandenberg completed 76-128 (.594) for 683 yards with one TD and one theft in Iowa’s four victories. He completed 77-141 (.546) for 854 yards with two TD’s and four interceptions in Iowa’s four losses. 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 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.

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has had 16 pass plays and nine rushing plays, along with 11 KO returns, one punt return, one interception return, one fumble return, and 13 field goals, of at least 20 yards. The Hawkeyes had a season-best seven offensive plays (three rush and four pass) over 20 yards against Minnesota. Hawkeye opponents have had 17 passing plays, eight rushing plays, 10 KO returns, one punt return, one interception return, and 13 field goals of at least 20 yards.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 22-27 (81.5%) in the red zone, scoring 12 TD’s and 10 field goals. The Hawkeyes were 2-of-2 in the red zone last week against Northwestern; scoring on a pair of QB James Vandenberg 1-yard runs in Evanston, Ill. The Hawkeyes have scored on 166 of the last 193 (.860) red zone possessions (114 TDs and 52 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Hawkeye opponents are 26-34 (84%) inside the red zone. Iowa’s defense forced three red-zone turnovers vs. Iowa State and collected a fumble last week at Northwestern.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 27 points following 15 defensive takeaways. The 13 turnovers gained ranks 46th in the country. The Hawkeyes collected at least one takeaway in every game this season, except Central Michigan. The Hawkeye defense collected an interception and a fumble last Saturday at Northwestern. Iowa was without a takeaway at Michigan State until CB Greg Castillo intercepted QB Andrew Maxwell in the second overtime to preserve the Hawkeye road victory. Iowa’s defense has collected at least one takeaway in 72 of its last 83 games, dating back to 2006. Hawkeye opponents have scored 17 points following seven turnovers (five interceptions and two fumbles). Iowa had no turnovers in games against Northern Illinois, UNI, Minnesota and Northwestern. The Hawkeye offense had two interceptions against Iowa State (zero points allowed), lost a fumble against Central Michigan (field goal), had an interception at Michigan State (touchdown), and lost a fumble and had two interceptions against Penn State (touchdown).

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.

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.

HEROES TROPHY TOUR
When the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers meet in Kinnick Stadium on November 23 for the second annual Hy-Vee Heroes Game, there will be more than Big Ten Conference bragging rights at stake. Along with honoring local heroes and helping raise funds to benefit the American Red Cross, the game will determine which team gets to take home the coveted Heroes Trophy, which currently resides in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln following last year’s 20-7 Nebraska victory. In anticipation of the 2012 rematch, Hy-Vee stores in Iowa and Nebraska are hosting a Heroes Game Trophy Tour from now through Nov. 17. A replica of the Heroes Game trophy will be on display in 22 different Hy-Vee stores, where customers will have the opportunity to register to win tickets to the game and other prizes. Visit hy-vee.com for the 2012 Heroes Game Trophy Tour itinerary.

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 returns home on Nov. 10 when it hosts Purdue (11 a.m./BTN). The Hawkeyes will then travel to Michigan on Nov. 17 for its final regular season road contest (TBA).