Football to Play at Michigan on Saturday

Nov. 12, 2012

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Iowa Game Notes

GAME 11 STORY LINES
? Saturday will be Iowa’s first game of 2012 against a ranked opponent.
? Iowa has averaged 30.7 points and owned a +10 turnover margin (11 Michigan turnovers; one Iowa turnover) during its current three-game win streak over Michigan.
? Iowa needs victories in its final two contests to become bowl eligible for the 12th consecutive season.
? Iowa’s defense has collected at least one takeaway in eight of nine games this season and 74 of its last 85 games, dating back to 2006. The Hawkeye defense has posted defensive scores in each of its last two games. DB Micah Hyde returned a fumble nine yards last week against Purdue, while LB Christian Kirksey returned an interception 18 yards at Indiana the previous week.
? Iowa is tied for second in the country in fewest fumbles lost (3) and is tied for sixth in fewest turnovers lost (9). The Hawkeyes have played turnover-free football five times this season.
? Iowa has recovered 11 opposing fumbles, a total that ranks third in the Big Ten and 24th nationally. The 11 fumble recoveries are the most by a Hawkeye team since 2004 (15).
? Fifteen Hawkeyes have started for the first time in their career this season. That total ranks 17th 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.
? Saturday is Iowa’s third game against a team from the state of Michigan (Central Michigan and Michigan State).

IOWA TRAVELS TO MICHIGAN FOR ROAD FINALE
Iowa (4-6, 2-4) travels to the state of Michigan for the second time this season when the Hawkeyes play at No. 21 Michigan (7-3, 5-1) on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 11:01 a.m. (CT) at Michigan Stadium (109,901). Saturday is a Big Ten Legends Division contest.

ON THE TUBE
ESPN (HD) will televise Saturday’s contest. Dave Pasch, Brian Griese and Jenn Brown will call the action. The game can also be viewed online at ESPN3.com.

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 113 and XM 193 (Michigan announcers).

HAWKEYE HUDDLE AT MICHIGAN
Iowa fans traveling to Ann Arbor for Saturday’s contest against the Wolverines 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 9-11 a.m. (ET) at the Kensington Court, located at 610 Hilton Blvd. in Ann Arbor. Admission to the Hawkeye Huddle is free and includes cash refreshments, snacks, door prizes, cheerleaders and Herky. Visit jointheiclub.com for additional information.

CLOSE GAMES THE NORM FOR IOWA
Iowa leads the country with six games decided by three points or less (2-4), including two contests decided by one point or less (1-1). This season marks the first time in school history that six Hawkeye games in a single-season have been decided by three points or less; Iowa had five (4-1) in 2009. Iowa has lost two home games (Central Michigan and Purdue) this year on the final play of the game (field goal). Iowa has played 17 games decided by three points or less since 2009. The Hawkeyes went 4-1 in those games in 2009, 1-3 in 2010, 0-2 in 2011 and 2-4 in 2012. Iowa ranks among the nation’s best in fourth quarter comebacks since 2009. 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.

FIRST TIME STARTERS
Fifteen Hawkeyes have started for the first time in their careers this season, a total that ranks 17th 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 earned his first career start at Indiana, while Conor Boffeli started at left guard last week vs. Purdue. Boffeli, 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.

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.

IOWA NOTES
? The Hawkeyes are tied for second in the country in fewest fumbles lost (3); sixth in fewest turnovers lost (9); and 12th in turnover margin (+1).
? Kirk Ferentz has amassed a record of 100-72 in 14 years as Iowa’s head coach, collecting win No. 100 at Michigan State on Oct. 13.
? Iowa has sold out Kinnick Stadium 61 of the last 63 games, including the first six games of 2012.
? WR Kevonte Martin-Manley has caught 22 passes for 282 yards the last four games combined (5.5 catches for 70.5 yards avg.), 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 two weeks ago at Indiana.
? Jordan Cotton has been involved in Iowa’s longest play of the game the last six games (five on kickoff returns and the other via a flea-flicker TD reception).
? Iowa’s defense had 10 interceptions in 13 games in 2011, the Hawkeyes have collected nine in 10 contests 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 (11.4).
? QB James Vandenberg has a 30:13 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 at Michigan with 229 career stops. Morris has 276 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, six of Iowa’s 10 games have been decided by three points or less (2-4), the most in the country.
? 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 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 31 receptions for 278 yards and one touchdown. 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 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 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 12 punts downed inside the 20, including three on the 1-yard line (Northern Illinois, Central Michigan and Northwestern). Kornbrath has punted 44 times for 1,646 yards (37.4 avg.). He kicked career longs of 52 yards each of the last two games. Kornbrath is one of two rookie punters in the Big Ten this season (Drew Meyer, Wisconsin).
? Iowa’s next opponent, Nebraska on Nov. 23, hosts Minnesota this Saturday.

THE SERIES
Michigan holds a 40-13-4 advantage in the series that began with a 28-5 Iowa win in 1900. Iowa has won the last three meetings and five of the last eight. Iowa’s active three-game win streak over the Wolverines is its best in the series. Iowa won 24-16 last year in Iowa City and prevailed 38-28 in Michigan Stadium on Michigan’s Homecoming in 2010. The first meeting between the two teams was played in Detroit and the second in Chicago. Iowa and Michigan did not play in 2007 and 2008 and the Wolverines won three straight from 2004-06. The Wolverines hold a 24-7-3 advantage in games played in Michigan Stadium. Iowa won 38-28 in the last meeting in Ann Arbor in 2010. The Wolverines’ last triumph in the series came in Ann Arbor (20-6) in 2006. Michigan snapped Iowa’s school-record 22-game home winning streak with a 23-20 overtime victory in Kinnick Stadium on Oct. 22, 2005.

IOWA/MICHIGAN NOTES
? Iowa has posted a 9-6 record when playing on Nov. 17.
? Iowa’s four-largest road crowds have come at Michigan. The largest crowd the Hawkeyes ever played in front of was 112,784 at Michigan Stadium on Oct. 16, 2010, a game which Iowa won 38-28. Last week’s Michigan crowd vs. Northwestern was 112,510.
? Michigan is 5-0 in home games, while Iowa is 2-2 in games away from home this season. The Wolverines have not lost a home contest (13-0) the last two seasons under Brady Hoke.
? Michigan is 17-0 under head coach Brady Hoke when scoring 20 points or more. The Wolverines are 1-5 under Hoke when scoring less than 20 points.
? Michigan yielded a Northwestern touchdown on its opening drive, marking the first time the Wolverines have allowed an opponent to score on its first possession this season.
? Both Iowa and Michigan have played an overtime contest this season, with both recording a victory. The Hawkeyes won 19-16 in double overtime at Michigan State on Oct. 13, while Michigan beat Northwestern 38-31 in overtime last week in Ann Arbor. Michigan is 4-0 in overtime games played at Michigan Stadium and 8-1 all-time in contests decided in overtime.
? Michigan has scored 30 points or more five times this season, including the last two games. Iowa has reached the 30-point plateau twice this year.
? Starting QB Denard Robinson has not played in Michigan’s last two games since an injury sustained during the second quarter at Nebraska (Oct. 27).
? The Wolverines rank first in the nation in pass defense (149.2); 18th in sacks allowed (1.1); 11th in total defense (302.9); 17th in scoring defense (18.2); 21st in pass defense efficiency (112.41); and 35th in rushing offense (194.1).
? Michigan ranks first in the Big Ten with 29 plays totaling 30+ yards from scrimmage and 19 plays resulting in 40+ yards. The Wolverines are first in the conference with 14 rushing plays of 30+ yards and nine of 40+ yards. Michigan is first in the league with 10 passing plays resulting in 40+ yards.
? Michigan lost only two games a year ago in Hoke’s first season as the Wolverines’ head coach, one of the setbacks came to Iowa (24-16) in Iowa City.
? Iowa has six players on its roster from the state of Michigan, including WR Kevonte Martin-Manley (Pontiac), DB Kevin Buford (Canton), DB Ruben Lile (Detroit), LB Laron Taylor (Detroit), DL Carl Davis (sterling Heights), and TE Jake Duzey (Troy). Michigan has one Iowan on its roster: Amara Darboh (Des Moines).
? Iowa’s highest victory over a ranked opponent was against second-ranked Michigan (12-10) on Oct. 19, 1985 in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa was ranked No. 1 at that time. Last season marked the first time since 1985 that Iowa was ranked higher than Michigan when the teams met.
? Erik Campbell, in his fifth year as Iowa’s wide receiver coach, is a Michigan graduate and a four-year letterman (1984-87). Campbell was on the Michigan coaching staff from 1995-07 after serving as a student assistant coach in 1988.
? Michigan assistant Jerry Montgomery was a four-year letterman (1998-2001) as a defensive lineman at Iowa, playing his final three seasons under Coach Kirk Ferentz.
? Michigan assistant Greg Mattison is the father of former Iowa DL Bryan Mattison. He was also the defensive coordinator at Florida when the Gators defeated Iowa 31-24 in the 2006 Outback Bowl and previously served on the Michigan staff from 1993-97.
? Michigan Coach Brady Hoke was the head coach at Ball State when Iowa defeated the Cardinals 56-0 in the opening game of the 2005 season at Iowa City. Hoke was an assistant at Michigan for eight seasons (1995-02), helping the Wolverines post a 3-1 record against Iowa during that time. Hoke’s first year on the Wolverine staff was also the first year for Erik Campbell on the Michigan Staff. Campbell is now Iowa’s wide receivers coach.
? Michigan assistants Jeff Hecklinski and Mark Smith were on the staff at Ball State in 2005 when Iowa defeated the Cardinals 56-0.
? Michigan assistant Al Borges was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Indiana in 2002-03.
? Michigan assistant Curt Mallory is the son of former Indiana Coach Bill Mallory. Curt has also coached at Indiana and Illinois before returning to Michigan, his alma mater.

LAST MEETING
Iowa took the lead with a touchdown on its opening drive and led start-to-finish in defeating 13th-ranked Michigan, 24-16, in Kinnick Stadium a year ago. Iowa’s victory wasn’t secure until DB B.J. Lowery knocked away Michigan’s final pass attempt in the end zone on the final play of the game. Michigan had reached a first-and-goal at the Iowa 3-yard line with 16 seconds remaining, but failed to score in four plays. After stopping Michigan on three plays to open the game, the Hawkeyes drove 76 yards in six plays to take a 7-0 advantage. RB Marcus Coker scored from the 4-yard line after QB James Vandenberg had completed consecutive passes to Keenan Davis (44 yards) and Marvin McNutt, Jr. Michigan answered with a touchdown drive, but Iowa maintained a 7-6 advantage when the snap for the PAT attempt was fumbled. Iowa increased its advantage to 14-6 in the second quarter, as a 1-yard pass from Vandenberg to TE Brad Herman capped a 78 yard scoring drive. LB Tyler Nielsen had a QB sack and caused a fumble that led to Iowa’s final score of the first half. Nielsen recovered the Michigan fumble after forcing the ball loose and PK Mike Meyer added a 42-yard field goal for a 17-6 advantage. The Wolverines threatened to score late in the half, but LB Christian Kirksey came up with an interception after a deflection. Michigan closed its deficit to 17-9 in the third period on a 32-yard field goal. But Iowa came right back when Coker ran 13 yards for a touchdown with 10:42 left in the game. Vandenberg completed two throws to McNutt on third downs to keep the drive alive. Michigan scored its final points with 7:53 to play, completing a 57-yard drive with a 7-yard scoring pass from Denard Robinson to Kevin Koger. The Wolverines began their final drive at their own 18 with just 2:15 to play. Michigan moved to the Iowa three with 16 seconds left, but had no timeouts remaining. Michigan attempted four straight pass plays, but all were incomplete, with Lowery knocking away the final attempt. Coker led Iowa’s ground game with 132 yards on 29 carries, scoring two touchdowns. McNutt led Iowa receivers with a career-best nine catches for 101 yards. Vandenberg was again efficient, completing 14-21 attempts for 171 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions. Senior DB Jordan Bernstine had a career-best 15 tackles to lead the Iowa defense. Nielsen collected a career-best 13 tackles, including seven solo stops. He had two tackles for loss, along with the forced and recovered fumble. LB James Morris and DL Tom Nardo each had eight stops.

MICHIGAN COACH BRADY HOKE
Brady Hoke is in his second season as the Michigan head coach and his 10th year as a college head coach. Hoke holds a career mark of 65-55, including an 18-5 mark at Michigan. Last year, Hoke guided Michigan to an 11-2 record, including a 23-20 overtime victory over No. 17 Virginia Tech in the BCS Sugar Bowl. Michigan’s performance his first year garnered Hoke Big Ten Coach of the Year accolades. He most recently was the head coach at San Diego State, posting a 13-12 mark in two seasons. He was the head coach at Ball State for six years, posting a 34-38 record. Hoke previously was a Michigan assistant (1995-02), helping the Wolverines win three Big Ten titles and the 1997 national title while posting a 76-23 mark during those years. He was named the 2010 Mountain West Coach of the Year after leading San Diego State to a 9-4 record. His final team at Ball State won a school-record 12 games while posting a perfect league record. Prior to his stint as a Michigan assistant, Hoke served as an assistant coach at Grand Valley State, Western Michigan, Toledo and Oregon State.

MICHIGAN RALLIES TO BEAT NORTHWESTERN
Michigan used last-minute heroics to send the game to overtime to overcome a 10-point second-half deficit and ultimately escape with a 38-31 triumph over nationally-ranked Northwestern at Michigan Stadium on Saturday. Trailing by three points with 18 seconds remaining in regulation, QB Devin Gardner connected with WR Roy Roundtree for a 53-yard pass play, leading to a 26-yard field goal by PK Brendan Gibbons with two seconds left to send the game to overtime. In overtime, Gardner gave Michigan the lead with a 1-yard bootleg run on third-and-goal, and then the defense followed with a four-down stand to preserve the win. Gardner threw for 286 yards and two scores while also compiling 47 yards and two touchdowns rushing. RB Fitzgerald Toussaint rushed for 92 yards on the ground, while Roundtree and WR Jeremy Gallon combined for 233 yards receiving (Gallon, 7 for 94; Roundtree, 5 for 139).

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 last three outings (Northwestern, Indiana and Purdue). Against the Wildcats, Bullock rushed 22 times for 107 yards, while also catching five passes for 41 yards. At Indiana, he amassed 83 yards rushing and 24 yards receiving. Bullock has 43 yards rushing and one touchdown, and caught one pass for 15 yards last week vs. Purdue. He has amassed 680 all-purpose yards, averaging a team-best 113.3 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.

HYDE EARNS WEEKLY PRAISE
Senior corner back Micah Hyde was named honorable mention defensive back of the week by College Football Performance Awards after his performance last week vs. Purdue. Hyde amassed 11 tackles, returned a fumble nine yards for a touchdown and deflected a pass vs. Purdue. 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 Michigan with 229 stops, a total that ranks 43rd at Iowa. He also has seven career interceptions, 27 career pass break-ups, and three defensive touchdowns. The 27 pass break-ups rank seventh in the country among active players Hyde has already registered single-season career bests in TFL’s (4), forced fumbles (2), fumble recoveries (2) and passes defended (12). The 12 pass deflections rank fifth in the Big Ten and 25th in the country. The native of Fostoria, Ohio, ranks fourth on the team in tackles this year (67), leading the Hawkeye secondary. Hyde is also the team’s punt returner, having returned 12 punts for 75 yards (6.2 avg.) in 2012.

IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa’s 38-28 win over No. 24 Michigan on Oct. 16, 2010 was its last road victory over a ranked opponent.

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), Braxton Miller of Ohio State (6.3), and Northwestern’s Venric Mark (6.2). Weisman saw limited action vs. Penn State and Northwestern, but did not play the last two weeks against Indiana and Purdue. 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. 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.

LINEBACKER DUO RANK FIRST IN COUNTRY
The linebacking duo of Anthony Hitchens and James Morris are tied for first in the country with Houston’s Trevon Stewart and Phillip Steward in total tackles. Each tandem has collected 210 total stops. LB Anthony Hitchens ranks fourth in the nation in tackles per game (11.4). 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 six times this season. He notched tackle No. 100 for the season two weeks ago at Indiana. Hitchens ranks first in the Big Ten in tackles, leading second-place Ryan Shazier of Ohio State by 16 total tackles. Last week, he was credited with eight stops vs. Purdue. 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. Morris ranks third in the Big Ten and 29th nationally in tackles (9.6). 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 six times in 2012 (Iowa State, Central Michigan, Minnesota, Michigan State, Penn State and Purdue), including five of the last six contests. He had 12 tackles against Central Michigan, Iowa State and Penn State; 11 against Purdue; and 10 vs. Minnesota and Michigan State. Morris is the 66th Iowa player to reach the 200-tackle plateau. His 276 tackles (117 solo, 159 assists) ranks 17th in school history. His 11 tackles vs. Purdue last week moved him past five former Hawkeyes and into the top 20 in career tackles at Iowa. He is 15 tackles from equaling Damien Robinson (291) for 16th. 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 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.

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 49th 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.

PURDUE EDGES HAWKEYES
Purdue placekicker Paul Griggs hit a 46-yard field goal as time expired to help the Boilermakers knock off Iowa, 27-24 inside Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. The victory was Purdue’s first win in Iowa City since 1992. The Hawkeyes tied the score 24-24 with 3:32 remaining in the game when PK Mike Meyer drilled a 24-yard field goal. After a stop by the Iowa defense, the Hawkeyes took over at their own 14-yard line with 1:08 left. Iowa put together an eight play, 52-yard drive down to the Purdue 35-yard line, but was unable to convert on 4th-and-3, giving the Boilermakers the ball with 16 seconds left. Purdue QB Robert Marve scrambled for 17 yards on the first play and he hit Antavian Edison for 20 yards on the next play, setting up the game winning 46-yard field goal. The Boilermakers struck first when Akeem Shavers scored on a 3-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Iowa responded in the second quarter with a 1-yard scamper by Damon Bullock, but a 9-yard TD pass from Marve to Gabe Holmes gave Purdue a 14-7 lead at the half. Purdue’s Sam McCartney increased the lead to 17-7 with a 36-yard field goal to open the second half. Iowa cut the lead to 17-14 when QB James Vandenberg hit TE C.J. Fiedorowicz for a 5-yard touchdown. Iowa and Purdue traded scores to end the third quarter. Marve collected his third TD pass of the day, hitting Gary Bush on a 10-yard score with 1:38 left in the third quarter for a 24-14 lead. After an Iowa punt and a Boilermaker penalty, Purdue took over on its own 10-yard line with 50 seconds left in the quarter. Marve fumbled the snap on the second play of the drive and CB Micah Hyde scooped up the loose ball, carrying it into the end zone for a 9-yard score. The score was Hyde’s third career defensive touchdown. Vandenberg was 19-of-36 for 190 yards and one touchdown and also added eight rushes for 31 yards. Bullock had 23 carries for 43 yards. Seven different Hawkeyes had at least one catch, led by WR Kevonte Martin-Manley’s 63 yards. Hyde and James Morris each had a game-high 11 tackles. Hyde added a pass breakup and a fumble recovery, while DE Dominic Alvis had one sack.

IOWA POSTGAME NOTES
? Saturday was Iowa’s 600th home game in program history (378-206-16, .643).
? PK Mike Meyer is 16-of-19 this season and 44-of-56 for his career in field goal attempts. Meyer made a 24-yard field goal and three PAT’s on Saturday. He extended his school record PAT streak to 78. Meyer, who ranks fifth in Iowa career scoring, increased his career scoring total to 229 points.
? Iowa was 3-3 in the red zone, scoring two touchdowns and a field goal. The Hawkeyes have scored on 167 of the last 195 red-zone possessions (115 TDs and 53 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Purdue was 4-5 in the red zone, scored three touchdowns, converted a 36-yard field goal and missing a 20-yard field goal.
? Iowa’s defense recovered a season-high three fumbles, turning the Boilermaker miscues into 14 points. RB Damon Bullock scored his third touchdown of the season following DT Darian Cooper’s first career fumble recovery; while DB Micah Hyde returned a fumble recovery nine yards for a score in the third quarter. The Hawkeye defense has collected at least one takeaway in nine-of-10 contests this season and 74 of its last 85 games, dating back to 2006. Iowa’s offense did not have a turnover for the fifth time this season.
? LB James Morris was credited with double-digit tackles for the sixth time this season. Morris had 11 stops, which moved him up Iowa’s career tackle chart to 17th. Micah Hyde (11) and Christian Kirksey (10) also recorded double-digit tackles.
? Iowa has sold out Kinnick Stadium 61 of the last 63 games, including all six games this year.
? DB Micah Hyde returned a fumble recovery nine yards in the third quarter, his third career score. Hyde had interception returns for touchdowns of 72 yards (vs. Missouri) and 66 yards (Michigan State) in 2010. The fumble return for a touchdown is Iowa’s first since Bob Sanders in 2003 (3 yards vs. Illinois). Hyde finished the game with a team-high 11 tackles, one fumble recovery and one pass break-up. The fumble recovery is Hyde’s second of the season.
? TE Zach Derby finished the game with a career-high four receptions for a career-best 38 yards. Derby added a career-best 26-yard reception in the first quarter. TE C.J. Fiedorowicz caught his first touchdown of the season, a 5-yard score in the third quarter. Fiedorowicz finished the contest with four catches for 17 yards.
? Junior LG Conor Boffeli earned his first career start of the year at left guard. Boffeli becomes the 15th different Hawkeye to start this season.
? P Connor Kornbrath punted six times for 244 yards (40.7 avg.). The true freshman had a 52-yard punt in the third quarter, matching his career long, which he established the previous game at Indiana.
? Iowa won the toss and elected to receive. The Hawkeyes have started on offense seven times this season. The Hawkeyes have started on offense in 142-of-172 games. Iowa is 16-14 in the games it has started on defense under Ferentz.
? Iowa did not score on its opening possession. The Hawkeyes have failed to score on their opening possession four times this season. Purdue did not score on its opening drive. The Boilermakers are the fifth Hawkeye opponent not to score on their first possession this year. Iowa snapped Purdue’s four-game streak of scoring on its first drive.

STANDING STRONG
Iowa’s defense has posted solid numbers this season. The Hawkeyes rank 12th in the country in turnover margin (+11); 24th in fumbles recovered (11); 29th in scoring defense (22.0); 34th in turnovers gained (20); and 49th in passes intercepted (9). Iowa’s defense has amassed 40 tackles for loss and forced 19 turnovers the last nine games combined. Six of the 20 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 73 of its last 84 games, dating back to 2006.

KIRKSEY RANKS AMONG NATION LEADERS
Kirksey ranks third on the team in tackles (76) and first in fumbles recovered (4), and shares the team lead with two interceptions. The four fumbles recovered ranks second in the country. 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).

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, one month 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 16-of-19 field goal attempts this season. His streak of 13 consecutive field goals made was snapped vs. Penn State (Oct. 20), 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 one of 20 semifinal candidates for the 2011 Lou Groza Award, ranks sixth in Big Ten kick scoring (7.0) and ranks 12th in the country in field goals made per game (1.6). He ranks fifth on Iowa’s career scoring list with 229 points. He has made 44-56 (.786) career field goal attempts. Meyer is 32-37 (.865) 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 two Big Ten teams (Indiana) with a receiving duo in the top ten in Big Ten receiving yards. Senior Keenan Davis and sophomore Kevonte Martin-Manley rank seventh and ninth, 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 111 passes for 1,459 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 eight yards from Scott Chandler (1,467) for 19th, 19 from Karl Noonan (1,478) for 18th, and 56 from Maurice Brown (1,515) for 17th. For the season, Davis leads the team with 560 receiving yards and is second in receptions (46); he ranks seventh in the Big Ten in receptions (4.6) and receiving yards (56.0). 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 seven games. Davis had two catches for 17 yards last week vs. Purdue. Martin-Manley has caught 22 passes for 282 yards the last four games combined (5.5 catches for 70. 5 avg.), 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 at Indiana. Martin-Manley ranks first on the team in receptions (47) and second in receiving yards (545). He ranks first on the squad in receiving touchdowns (2). Martin-Manley ranks sixth in Big Ten receptions (4.7) and ninth in yards (54.5).

IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started the game on offense in 142-of-172 games under Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes started on offense seven times in 2012: Northern Illinois, Central Michigan, Minnesota, Michigan State, Penn State, Indiana and Purdue; Iowa started on defense against Iowa State, UNI and Northwestern. Iowa is 16-14 in the games it has started on defense under Ferentz.

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 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 lineman Drew Ott, punter Connor Kornbrath and wide receiver Tevaun Smith.

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. The defensive end leads Hawkeye defensive linemen with 50 tackles, nine TFL’s and five sacks. He also shares the team lead with two forced fumbles (Micah Hyde and Steve Bigach). Gaglione ranks 11th in Big Ten TFL’s (0.9); tied for sixth in forced fumbles (0.2); and ranks fourth 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.

IOWA AMONG TOP 20 IN WINS, 2002-12
Iowa has posted 89 wins since the start of the 2002 season, which ranks as the 20th highest total in Division I football. The list includes the following: Boise State (125); USC (116); Ohio State (115); Oklahoma (115); LSU (114); Texas (111); TCU (109); Georgia (107); Virginia Tech (105); Florida (104); Wisconsin (101); West Virginia (100); Alabama (100); Oregon (100); Auburn (96); Utah (96); Florida State (94); Texas Tech (91); Nebraska (90); Iowa (89); Michigan (89); Miami, FL (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.

HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,165 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 598-528-39 (.530). That includes a 378-206-16 (.643) record in home games, a 220-322-23 (.410) record in games away from Iowa City, a 295-356-25 (.455) mark in Big Ten games and a 261-170-15 (.602) record in Kinnick Stadium.

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 10 games this season, 13 games a year ago and 25 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 193-339 passes for 1,976 yards and five TD’s in 2012. His 197.6 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 against Purdue, the senior completed 19-36 passes for 190 yards and one touchdown. Vandenberg has completed 477-838 passes for 5,513 yards and 33 career touchdowns. He ranks seventh at Iowa in career passing yards and touchdowns. He is four scoring throws from tying Chuck Hartlieb (37) for sixth. 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).

BIG PLAY HAWKEYES
Iowa has had 21 pass plays and 10 rushing plays, along with 16 KO returns, one punt return, one interception return, one fumble return, and 14 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 28 passing plays, nine rushing plays, 13 KO returns, one punt return, one interception return, and 15 field goals of at least 20 yards.

IOWA IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa is 26-32 (81.2%) in the red zone, scoring 15 TD’s and 11 field goals. The Hawkeyes were 3-of-3 in the red zone last week vs. Purdue; scoring two touchdowns and converting a 24-yard field goal. The Hawkeyes have scored on 170 of the last 198 (.859) red zone possessions (117 TDs and 53 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Hawkeye opponents are 32-41 (78%) 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 three of the last four contests.

POINTS OFF TURNOVERS
Iowa has scored 48 points following 20 defensive takeaways. The 20 turnovers gained ranks 34th in the country. The Hawkeyes collected at least one takeaway in every game this season, except Central Michigan. The Hawkeye defense has posted defensive scores in each of their last two games. DB Micah Hyde returned a fumble nine yards last week against Purdue, while LB Christian Kirksey returned an interception 18 yards at Indiana the previous week. 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 74 of its last 85 games, dating back to 2006. Hawkeye opponents have scored 24 points following nine turnovers (six interceptions and three fumbles). The Hawkeyes are tied for sixth in the nation in fewest turnovers lost (9). Iowa had no turnovers in five games (Northern Illinois, UNI, Minnesota, Northwestern and Purdue). 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).

BEST DECADE FOR IOWA FOOTBALL
Iowa’s football record in the 2000 decade was 80-45 (.640), a record that ranks as the best decade in Iowa football history, based on total wins. Iowa posted a record of 77-40-4 (.652) during the 1980’s and the Hawkeyes were 62-53-2 (.538) in the 1990’s. Part of the Hawkeye success is due to the stability in the program, as Iowa has had just two head coaches since 1979. Hayden Fry took over prior to the 1979 season and coached through the 1998 season, posting a record of 143-89-6. Current Coach Kirk Ferentz replaced Fry, leading the program for the last 13 seasons. Ferentz also served as Iowa’s offensive line coach from 1981-89 under Fry.

HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 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.

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).

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.

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.

THREE EARN ACADEMIC HONORS
Three members of the Iowa football program have been named to the Capital One Academic All-District Six first team. Those players include senior QB James Vandenberg, senior DL Steve Bigach and junior LB James Morris. Each of the three Hawkeye players will now have their name placed on the national ballot for Capital One Academic All-America honors. The district honor is the second for Bigach and Vandenberg, who were also honored in 2011. Vandenberg is a native of Keokuk who has started all 10 games in 2012 and 23 consecutive games over the past two seasons. He carries a 3.36 GPA and has earned his degree in health and human physiology. Vandenberg earned academic All-Big Ten honors in each of the last three years. Bigach is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. He is majoring in environmental science and has a 3.68 GPA. He earned academic All-Big Ten honors in 2010 and 2011. Bigach has started all 10 games while playing both defensive end and tackle. He has recorded 12 solo tackles and 19 assists, including 1.5 tackle for loss and two forced fumbles. Morris, a native of Solon, holds a 3.80 GPA and is majoring in political science. He earned academic All-Big Ten recognition in 2011. Morris has started 17 consecutive games over the last two seasons and has 28 career starts. He has recorded 96 tackles in 2012, including seven for loss and 1.5 sacks. He has four pass break-ups and has one interception, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Morris ranks 17th in career tackles (276). In the last 14 seasons, under Coach Kirk Ferentz, 20 Iowa football student-athletes have combined to earn academic All-District and All-America recognition on 38 occasions.

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 close out the regular season on Nov. 23 in a home game against Nebraska (11 a.m., ABC).