Football Returns Home to Host Purdue

Nov. 5, 2012

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Iowa Game Notes

GAME 10 STORY LINES
? Saturday is Iowa’s “Blackout Game”. Fans attending the game are encouraged to wear black clothing for the game.
? Iowa has won the last six games against Purdue in Iowa City dating back to 1993, averaging 30.7 points in those victories.
? Iowa needs two wins in its final three contests to become bowl eligible for the 12th consecutive season. Purdue must win its final three games to become bowl eligible.
? Iowa and Purdue have each played one overtime game this season. Iowa won in two overtime periods at Michigan State (19-16) on Oct. 13, while Purdue lost at Ohio State 29-22 in single overtime on Oct. 20.
? Iowa’s defense has collected at least one takeaway in eight of nine games this season and 73 of its last 84 games, dating back to 2006. Six of Iowa’s 17 defensive takeaways have occurred in the opponent red zone. Iowa has recovered a red-zone fumble in each of the last three games.
? Five of Iowa’s nine games have been decided by three points or less (2-3) this year, including two contests decided by one point each and one in double overtime.
? Fifteen Hawkeyes have started for the first time in their career this season. That total ranks 14th in the country.
? LB Christian Kirksey has had two interception returns for touchdowns this season (68 and 18 yards). He is one of eight players in the country with two or more interception returns for touchdowns. Kirksey is the first Hawkeye since Micah Hyde, in 2010, to have two interceptions for scores. Hyde had a 66-yarder vs. Michigan State and a 72-yarder vs. Missouri at the Insight Bowl.
? The Hawkeyes have had one or more interception returns for a touchdown in each of the last five years, including two in 2012. Iowa has had an interception return for a score in 10 of the last 12 seasons and 10 of 14 seasons under Kirk Ferentz.

IOWA HOSTS PURDUE
After two consecutive road games, Iowa (4-5, 2-3) returns home Saturday to entertain Purdue (3-6, 0-5). Kickoff is slated for 11:01 a.m. (CT) in Kinnick Stadium (70,585). A few hundred tickets remain and can be purchased at the UI Ticket Office or hawkeyesports.com.

ON THE TUBE
BTN (BTN2GO) will televise Saturday’s contest. Josh Lewin, Chris Martin 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 138 and XM 198.

WINNING AT HOME
Iowa has won 57 of its last 72 games (.792) 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 25-7 (.782) at home since the start of the 2008 season.

FIRST TIME STARTERS
Fifteen Hawkeyes have started for the first time in their careers this season, a total that ranks 14th in the country. 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 at Northwestern. Safety Nico Law and tight end Zach Derby earned their first career starts last week at Indiana. Derby is a senior; Cotton, Hitchens and Van Sloten are juniors; Bullock, Donnel, Lowery, Law, Trinca-Pasat and Weisman are sophomores; Blythe, Cooper and Walsh are redshirt freshmen; Garmon is a true freshman.

KIRKSEY EARNS WEEKLY PRAISE
Junior linebacker Christian Kirksey was named honorable mention linebacker of the week by College Football Performance Awards after his performance last week at Indiana. This marks the second time this season Kirksey was recognized by CFPA (Sept. 29). Kirksey amassed eight tackles, had a fumble recovery in the red zone and returned an interception 18 yards for a score. Kirksey ranks third on the team in tackles (66) and first in fumbles recovered (3), and shares the team lead with two interceptions. The three fumbles recovered rank second in the Big Ten. Also, he returned his two interceptions for touchdowns (68 and 18 yards). He is one of only eight players in the country who have returned two or more interceptions for scores this season. Kirksey is the first Hawkeye since Micah Hyde to accomplish the feat. Hyde returned two picks for scores in 2010 (72 vs. Missouri and 66 vs. Michigan State).

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 vs. Purdue with 218 stops. He also has seven career interceptions. Hyde has already registered single-season career bests in TFL’s (5), forced fumbles (2) and passes defended (11). The 11 pass deflections rank 24th in the country. Hyde is also the team’s punt returner, having returned 12 punts for 75 yards (6.2 avg.) in 2012.

IOWA NOTES
? Kirk Ferentz has amassed a record of 100-71 in 14 years as Iowa’s head coach, collecting win No. 100 at Michigan State on Oct. 13.
? Iowa has sold out Kinnick Stadium 60 of the last 62 games, including the first five games of 2012.
? 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.
? WR Kevonte Martin-Manley has caught 18 passes for 219 yards the last three games combined, including a career-best seven catches in Iowa’s last two road games (Northwestern and Indiana). Martin-Manley had a career-high 131 yards receiving on seven receptions last week at Indiana.
? Iowa’s defense had 10 interceptions in 13 games in 2011, the Hawkeyes have collected nine in nine games in 2012. Six different Hawkeyes have intercepted at least one pass this season, with Christian Kirksey, Tom Donatell and Greg Castillo collecting two each.
? LB Anthony Hitchens has recorded six games with double-digit tackles this year. Hitchens ranks fourth in the country in tackles (11.8).
? QB James Vandenberg has a 29:13 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 vs. Purdue with 218 career stops. Morris has 265 career tackles.
? 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, five of Iowa’s nine 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 fifth in the country in fewest fumbles lost (3); 13th in fewest turnovers lost (9); and 17th in turnover margin (+8).
? The Hawkeyes are 7-3 over the past two years when QB James Vandenberg throws for 219 yards or more.
? C.J. Fiedorowicz leads Hawkeye tight ends with 27 receptions for 261 yards. Last season, he had 16 catches for 167 yards and three TD’s.
? Iowa has had 14 different players catch at least one pass this season.
? 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 nine of his 11 punts downed inside the 20, including three on the 1-yard line (Northern Illinois, Central Michigan and Northwestern). Kornbrath has punted 38 times for 1,402 yards (36.9 avg.). He kicked a career-long 52-yarder last week at Indiana. Kornbrath is one of two rookie punters in the Big Ten this season (Drew Meyer, Wisconsin).
? 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’s next opponent, Michigan on Nov. 17, hosts Northwestern this Saturday.

THE SERIES
Purdue holds a 45-34-3 advantage in the series that began with a 16-0 Iowa win in 1910. The Hawkeyes have won five of the last six and 17 of the last 23 meetings. After a two-year hiatus on the schedule, Iowa won at Purdue 31-21 last year. Iowa owns a 20-18-2 advantage in games played at Iowa City. The Hawkeyes have averaged 30.7 points the last six home contests against Purdue, all Hawkeye victories. The Boilermakers’ last victory in Kinnick Stadium was in 1992 (27-16). 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.

PURDUE COACH DANNY HOPE
Danny Hope is in his fourth season as Purdue’s head coach and his ninth season overall as a college head coach. Hope holds a career mark of 54-49 and he is 19-27 with the Boilermakers. Last year, Hope guided the Boilermakers to a 37-32 win over Western Michigan in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. 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.

IOWA/PURDUE NOTES
? Iowa has posted a 7-7 record when playing on Nov. 10.
? Purdue has scored on its opening possession the last four games.
? Saturday will feature two of the conference’s top teams in collecting interceptions; Purdue ranks second (11), while Iowa ranks fourth (9).
? Purdue had 62 pass attempts last week against Penn State, the most by a Big Ten team this season.
? Purdue sophomore Landon Feichter leads the Big Ten and ranks 12th nationally in interceptions (4). He returned one of the four thefts 74 yards for a touchdown (Marshall). Iowa junior Christian Kirksey has intercepted two passes this season, returning both for scores. He is one of eight players in the country with two or more interception returns for touchdowns. ? Iowa has a +8 turnover margin this season, while Purdue is even.
? 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 Cornell Jackson was the running backs coach at Arizona State in 1997 when the Sun Devils defeated Iowa in the Sun Bowl.
? Boilermaker punter Cody Webster had a 72-yard punt against Wisconsin, which is the longest punt by a Big Ten punter this season. Webster averages 41.7 yards per punt (47 punts).
? Purdue QB Caleb TerBush threw an 83-yard pass to RB Akeem Shavers at Ohio State on the first play from scrimmage. The 83-yard pass play is the longest by a Big Ten team this season.
? PK Trent Mossbrucker (Mooresville) is the only Hawkeye player from Indiana. The Purdue roster includes no Iowans.

LAST MEETING
Iowa used a balanced offensive attack and a solid defensive performance in taking a 31-21 win at Purdue for its only road win of 2011. Iowa took the opening kick and drove 80 yards for a score, a 26-yard pass from QB James Vandenberg to WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. Purdue answered with a touchdown drive on its opening possession as well, but Iowa regained the lead in the final minute of the opening period on a 5-yard pass from Vandenberg to TE C.J. Fiedorowicz. Purdue again tied the score, getting a touchdown after recovering a Vandenberg fumble in the end zone with less than five minutes left in the half. Iowa responded with a 70-yard scoring drive, taking a 21-14 halftime advantage after RB Marcus Coker scored on a 2-yard run with 31 seconds left in the quarter. Iowa scored the only points of the third quarter on a 38-yard field goal by PK Mike Meyer. The Hawkeyes increased the advantage to 31-14 with 14:52 remaining on a 51-yard strike from Vandenberg to McNutt, who set an Iowa single-season touchdown record with his 12th score of the year. Purdue scored the final points of the game with just under 12 minutes to play on an 11-yard run by Ralph Bolden, leaving Iowa with the 31-21 advantage. Purdue threatened to score in the final two minutes, but lost a fumble into the end zone for a touchback on its final possession before Iowa ran out the clock. Vandenberg led Iowa’s offense, completing 22-32 passes for 273 yards and three scores. McNutt had nine receptions for 151 yards and Coker had 139 rushing yards on 31 attempts. Keenan Davis added seven receptions for 63 yards. Iowa’s defense allowed just 282 yards total offense and 14 points, as the Purdue defense scored one touchdown on a fumble recovery. DL Mike Daniels led the Iowa defense with nine tackles, including seven solo stops, five tackles for loss and three QB sacks. DE Broderick Binns collected seven tackles and DB Tanner Miller had two interceptions. Kyle Steinbrecher blocked a Purdue punt and Anthony Hitchens added a fumble recovery.

PURDUE DROPS FIFTH STRAIGHT GAME, FALLS TO PENN STATE
Penn State scored 27 consecutive points after Purdue started the game with a field goal in a 34-9 win over Purdue in West Lafayette last Saturday. The Nittany Lions scored on four straight offensive possessions (three touchdowns and one field goal) at the end of the second quarter and start of the third period to pull away from the Boilermakers. QB Caleb TerBush passed for 155 yards and a touchdown and Antavian Edison had nine catches for 93 yards and a score for the Boilermakers. Gary Bush also had nine receptions (47 yards) for Purdue. Robert Marve also saw time at quarterback for the Boilermakers, completing 22-39 passes for 138 yards.

STANDING STRONG
Iowa’s defense has posted solid numbers this season. The Hawkeyes rank 17th in the country in turnover margin (+8); 29th in scoring defense (21.4); 41st in total defense (368.2), 38th in passes intercepted (9); and 42nd in turnovers gained (17). Iowa’s defense has amassed 36 tackles for loss and forced 16 turnovers the last eight games combined. Six of the 17 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 72 of its last 83 games, dating back to 2006.

HAWKEYES FALL AT INDIANA
Indiana rallied from an early 14-0 deficit to upend Iowa, 24-21, at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. The Hawkeyes posted two quick scores in the first quarter to take the early advantage. Iowa engineered a six-play, 71-yard drive that was capped by a 24-yard strike from QB James Vandenberg to WR Kevonte Martin-Manley for the opening score of the game. After the ensuing kickoff, LB Christian Kirksey recorded an interception on the first play from scrimmage and returned it 18 yards to the end zone, giving Iowa an early 14-0 lead. Indiana responded late in the first quarter with a 45-yard field goal to make the score 14-3. The Hoosiers continued their comeback, using a 15-yard pass from QB Cameron Coffman to WR Cody Latimer with 47 seconds remaining in the half, trimming the Hawkeye lead to 14-10 at intermission. Latimer recorded the second of his three scoring catches with 7:28 remaining the third period, giving Indiana its first lead of the game (21-17). Iowa responded with a 10-play, 88-yard scoring march over 5:34 in the third and fourth quarter to regain the lead. RB Damon Bullock tallied his second rushing touchdown of the season, scoring from four yards to give the Hawkeyes a four-point advantage (24-21). The 88-yard drive was Iowa’s longest scoring drive of the season. Indiana scored the eventual game-winning touchdown on the next drive, going 61 yards in four plays for a 24-21 lead, with Latimer catching his third score of the game. The Hoosiers used a 39-yard kick return for solid starting position and later scored on a 30-yard pass play. Vandenberg finished with a season-high 249 passing yards on a 21-of-34 performance. Martin-Manley was his favorite target, registering season bests in catches (seven) and yards (131). Bullock led Iowa’s ground game with 83 yards on 25 carries. The Hawkeye defense was once again paced by the linebacker duo of Anthony Hitchens and Kirksey. Hitchens led all players with 14 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss. Kirksey had eight tackles, a pick-six and recovered a fumble in the red zone.

IOWA POSTGAME NOTES
? Indiana rallied from a 14-point first-half deficit to beat Iowa 24-21 in Bloomington. The win snapped a four-game losing streak to the Hawkeyes. The victory is the Hoosiers’ first over the Hawkeyes since 2007.
? Iowa held Indiana to a Hawkeye opponent season-low 67 yards rushing on 30 attempts (2.2 avg.).
? The start of Saturday’s game was delayed 60 minutes due to inclement weather. It marked the second weather delay in as many years. Iowa’s season opener vs. Tennessee Tech was delayed 84 minutes on Sept. 3, 2011 in Iowa City. The last time the start of an Iowa football game was delayed was at Arizona State in 2004. The start of that game was delayed 38 minutes due to lightning.
? Iowa scored two touchdowns in 12 seconds to grab a 14-0 lead in the first period. LB Christian Kirksey returned an interception 18 yards for a score on Indiana’s first offensive possession following a WR Kevonte Martin-Manley 24-yard touchdown. The interception return was Kirksey’s second of the season; he returned a theft 68 yards for a touchdown against Minnesota on Sept. 29.
? RB Damon Bullock had over 100 all-purpose yards. He had 83 yards rushing and a 4-yard touchdown run on 25 attempts. Bullock also had three receptions for 24 yards.
? LB Anthony Hitchens had 14 tackles, notching his 100th tackle of the season and reaching double-digit tackles for the sixth time this season. DE Joe Gaglione had his team-leading fifth sack of the season. Also, LB Christian Kirksey had eight tackles, recovered a fumble and returned an interception 18 yards for a score. Kirksey’s fumble recovery was Indiana’s first lost fumble of the season.
? Iowa was 1-2 in the red zone, scoring a touchdown and having a pass intercepted in the end zone. The Hawkeyes have scored on 165 of the last 193 red-zone possessions (113 TDs and 52 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Indiana was 1-3 in the red zone, scoring a touchdown, missing a field goal and failing to convert a fourth-down play.
? WR Kevonte Martin-Manley caught a 24-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, his second scoring reception of the season and fifth of his career. Martin-Manley finished the contest with seven catches for a career-high 131 yards and a score. His previous best was 101 receiving yards vs. UNI earlier this season. The seven receptions ties a career high (Northwestern, Oct. 27, 2012).
? Iowa’s defense intercepted one pass, scoring seven points on a LB Christian Kirksey interception. The Hawkeyes also recovered an Indiana fumble. It was the first fumble the Hoosiers have lost this season. The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in eight-of-nine contests this season and 73 of its last 84 games, dating back to 2006. Iowa had a pass intercepted in the end zone in the third quarter, marking the fifth time this season it has had a turnover. The Hoosiers scored a touchdown after Iowa’s interception. Iowa also fumbled on the final play of the game.
? John Wienke had a 35-yard punt fair caught on the 13-yard line in the second quarter. Wienke has had nine of his 11 punts downed inside the 20 this season.
? Hawkeyes receiving their first career starts at Indiana include TE Zach Derby and safety Nico Law. Also, Nolan MacMillan started at left guard, his first start of the year and first start since his freshman campaign.
? Iowa did not score on its opening possession. The Hawkeyes have failed to score on their opening possession three times this season. Indiana did not score on its opening drive. The Hoosiers are the fourth Hawkeye opponent not to score on their first possession this year.

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 six players who originally joined the program as a walk-on. That includes three 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 lineman Drew Ott, punter Connor Kornbrath and wide receiver Tevaun Smith.

IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started the game on offense in 141-of-171 games under Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes started on offense six times in 2012: Northern Illinois, Central Michigan, Minnesota, Michigan State, Penn State and Indiana; Iowa started on defense against Iowa State, UNI and Northwestern. Iowa is 16-14 in the games it has started on defense under Ferentz.

BULLOCK RETURNS FROM INJURY
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 games at Northwestern and Indiana. Against the Wildcats, Bullock rushed 22 times for 107 yards, while also catching five passes for 41 yards. Last week at Indiana, he amassed 83 yards rushing and 24 yards receiving. He has amassed 622 all-purpose yards, averaging a team-best 124.4 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.

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 delivered before sustaining an injury, rushing for 661 yards and eight touchdowns on 114 attempts (5.8 avg.). 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), Northwestern’s Venric Mark (6.5), and Braxton Miller of Ohio State (6.3). Weisman saw limited action vs. Penn State and Northwestern, but did not play at Indiana. 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. He is not listed on this week’s depth chart. 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.

MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Junior PK Mike Meyer, who this week was named one of 20 semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award, 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 three 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 ranks fifth in Big Ten kick scoring (7.1) and ranks eighth in the country in field goals made per game (1.7). He was also one of 20 semifinal candidates for the 2011 Lou Groza Award. His ranks fifth on Iowa’s career scoring list with 223 points. 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 75 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.

DAVIS, MARTIN-MANLEY LEAD HAWKEYE RECEIVING CORPS
Iowa is one of three Big Ten teams (Indiana and Penn State) with a receiving duo in the top ten in Big Ten receiving yards. Senior Keenan Davis and sophomore Kevonte Martin-Manley rank seventh and 10th, respectively. 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 109 passes for 1,442 yards in his career. He caught his 100th career pass in the third period against Penn State on Oct. 20. Davis ranks 20th in career receiving yards at Iowa. He is only 25 yards from Scott Chandler (1,467) for 19th, 36 from Karl Noonan (1,478) for 18th, and 73 from Maurice Brown (1,515) for 17th. For the season, Davis leads the team with 44 catches for 543 yards; he ranks fifth in the Big Ten in receptions (4.9) and seventh in receiving yards (60.3). 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 six games. Davis had five catches for 57 yards last week at Indiana. Martin-Manley has caught 18 passes for 219 yards the last three games combined, including catching a career-best seven catches in Iowa’s last two road games (Northwestern and Indiana). Martin-Manley had a career-high 131 yards receiving on seven receptions last week at Indiana. Martin-Manley ranks second on the team in receptions (43) and receiving yards (482). He ranks first on the squad in receiving touchdowns (2).

LINEBACKER DUO LEADING HAWKEYE DEFENSE
LB Anthony Hitchens ranks fourth in the nation in tackles per game (11.8). Hitchens was tabbed CollegeSportsMadness’ Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 14 after his performance at Michigan State. Hitchens has posted double-digit tackles in six of the last eight games. He notched tackle No. 100 for the season last week at Indiana. Hitchens ranks first in the Big Ten in tackles. Last week, he was credited with a game-high 14 stops at Indiana. 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. 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. 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 fifth in the Big Ten and 32nd nationally in tackles (9.4). 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 265 tackles (11-2 solo, 153 assists) ranks 22nd in school history. He is one from equaling Pat Dean (266), four from Jeremiha Hunter (269), five from Rick Penney (270), seven from Todd Simonsen (272), and 10 from Jason Olejniczak (275). 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.

VANDENBERG NAMED SEMIFINALST FOR CAMPBELL TROPHY
QB James Vandenberg was named a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation’s William V. Campbell Trophy. Selected as the best and brightest from college football, the Campbell Trophy, named in honor of Bill Campbell, former player and head coach at Columbia University and the recipient of the NFF’s Gold Medal in 2004, recognizes an individual as the absolute best scholar-athlete in the nation. Candidates for the awards must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship.

IOWAN CALLING THE SIGNALS
Senior QB James Vandenberg started all nine games this season, 13 games a year ago and 24 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 174-303 passes for 1,786 yards and four TD’s in 2012. His 198.4 yards per game average ranks fifth in the Big Ten. Vandenberg has also rushed for three scores, including two at Northwestern (Oct. 29). Last week, the senior completed 21-34 passes for 249 yards and one touchdown. Vandenberg has completed 458-802 passes for 5,323 yards and 32 career touchdowns. He ranks seventh at Iowa in career passing yards and eighth in touchdowns. 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).

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 82 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 nine interceptions this season (two vs. Iowa State; one against UNI, Northwestern, Michigan State and Indiana; three vs. Minnesota). The nine passes intercepted ranks 38th in the country. Two of the nine thefts have been returned for touchdowns, both by linebacker Christian Kirksey. Kirksey has posted interception returns of 68 (Minnesota) and 18 yards (Indiana) in 2012. The interception return against Minnesota 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.

IOWA AMONG TOP 20 IN WINS, 2002-12
Iowa has posted 89 wins since the start of the 2002 season, which ranks as the 19th highest total in Division I football. The list includes the following: Boise State (124); USC (115); Ohio State (115); Oklahoma (114); LSU (113); Texas (110); TCU (109); Georgia (106); Virginia Tech (105); Florida (103); West Virginia (100); Wisconsin (100); Alabama (100); Oregon (99); Auburn (96); Utah (96); Florida State (93); Texas Tech (90); Iowa (89); Nebraska (89); Miami, FL (88); Michigan (88); Hawai’i (85); Boston College (85).

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.

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.

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 six tackles the last four games (11 at Michigan State; seven vs. Penn State; two at Northwestern; four at Indiana). The defensive end leads Hawkeye defensive linemen with 48 tackles, nine TFL’s and five sacks. He also shares the team lead with two forced fumbles (Micah Hyde). Gaglione ranks 10th in Big Ten TFL’s (1.0); tied for third in forced fumbles (0.22); and ranks sixth in sacks (0.56). 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.

HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 116 players includes 45 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), Washington HS in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Solon, Iowa HS with three each. Those with two include Cass Technical HS in the 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. Ferentz is one of six other FBS head coaches who is coaching a son in 2012, and is the only head coach with two sons on a roster. Nebraska assistant coach Barney Cotton has three sons on the Huskers’ roster this season.

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).

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 19 pass plays and nine rushing plays, along with 14 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 24 passing plays, eight rushing plays, 12 KO returns, one punt return, one interception return, and 13 field goals of at least 20 yards.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 23-29 (79.3%) in the red zone, scoring 13 TD’s and 10 field goals. The Hawkeyes were 1-of-2 in the red zone last week at Indiana; scoring a touchdown and having a pass intercepted at the goal line. The Hawkeyes have scored on 167 of the last 195 (.856) red zone possessions (115 TDs and 52 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Hawkeye opponents are 28-36 (77.8%) inside the red zone. Iowa’s defense has collected six takeaways (five fumbles and one interception) inside the red zone this season. Iowa has forced and recovered a red-zone fumble in each of the last three games.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 34 points following 17 defensive takeaways. The 13 turnovers gained ranks 42nd 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 Indiana, scoring a touchdown on a pick-six by LB Christian Kirksey in the first quarter. Iowa was without a takeaway at Michigan State (Oct. 13) 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 73 of its last 84 games, dating back to 2006. Hawkeye opponents have scored 24 points following nine turnovers (six interceptions and three 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) and Indiana (touchdown), 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.

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 will travel to Michigan Nov. 10 for its final regular season road contest (11 a.m. CT, ESPN or ESPN2). The Hawkeyes will close out the regular season on Nov. 23 in a home game against Nebraska (11 a.m., ABC).