Aug 23, 2013
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SEASON OPENER STORY LINES
? Iowa meets Northern Illinois in the season opener for the second-straight year. The Hawkeyes edged the Huskies a year ago at Soldier Field in Chicago, 18-17. The last time Iowa competed against the same team in consecutive openers was Iowa State in 1983 and 1984; Iowa won both contests, 51-10 and 59-21, respectively.
? The Hawkeyes have won their last 12 season opening games, dating back to 2001. Iowa’s last season-opening loss came against eighth-ranked Kansas State (27-7) in the 2000 Eddie Robinson Classic at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Iowa’s winning streak in season opening games ranks fourth longest among Big Ten teams, trailing only Nebraska (27), Wisconsin (14) and Ohio State (13).
? Iowa holds a record of 93-28-2 (.764) when playing its first home game of the season.
? Iowa has played on Aug. 31 only one previous time, overwhelming Akron (57-21) in 2002 at Iowa City.
? Iowa has beaten an eventual BCS bowl participant in five of the last six seasons: Illinois in 2007, Penn State in 2008, Georgia Tech in 2009 — during a BCS game itself — Michigan in 2011 and Northern Illinois (Orange Bowl) a year ago.
? Iowa has sold out Kinnick Stadium 62 of the last 65 games over the last 11 seasons. Fewer than 2,000 tickets remain for the 2013 opener.
? Iowa ranks ninth in the country in consecutive contests without a missed or blocked PAT (30 games).
RUDOCK NAMED STARTING QUARTERBACK
Sophomore Jack Rudock has been named Iowa’s starting quarterback for the opening contest against Northern Illinois. Rudock, who did not see game action a year ago as a redshirt freshman, won the competition over junior Cody Sokol, redshirt freshman C.J. Beathard, and true freshman Nic Shimonek. None of the four quarterbacks on the Iowa roster enter 2013 with game experience as a Hawkeye. Sokol and Beathard each redshirted in 2012.
“All three returning quarterbacks have competed well and improved in each phase of our preseason camp,” said head coach Kirk Ferentz. “We plan to start Jake in our season opener and we are all confident he will do a quality job.”
Rudock becomes the first Iowa starting quarterback to make his Hawkeye debut in a season opener since Ryan Driscoll in 1994. Driscoll, a prep All-American quarterback from Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Linn-Mar HS), redshirted as a freshman in 1992. He sat out the 1993 season due to injury, and made his Iowa debut as a sophomore against Central Michigan on Sept. 3, 1994. Driscoll completed 13-of-19 passes for 175 yards in Iowa’s 52-21 win. He started the first six games of the season before being sidelined against Indiana with a season-ending broken collar bone. He was replaced in the starting lineup by freshman Matt Sherman, an eventual four-year starter.
SEASON OPENERS
Iowa is 91-31-2 (.742) in season-opening games, including a 12-2 mark under Coach Kirk Ferentz. Iowa has averaged 36.1 points and a winning margin of 28.5 in its last 12 season-opening victories. The Hawkeyes have posted two 1-point season-opening wins in two of the last four years: Northern Iowa (17-16) in 2009 and Northern Illinois (18-17) in 2012.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,167 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 598-530-39 (.529). That includes a 378-207-16 (.642) record in home games, a 220-323-23 (.409) record in games away from Iowa City, a 297-359-25 (.454) mark in Big Ten games and a 261-171-15 (.601) record in Kinnick Stadium.
CLOSING IN ON MILESTONES
Iowa is two victories away from capturing win No. 600 in program history and three conference triumphs from Big Ten victory No. 300.
FERENTZ FOURTH IN LONGEVITY
Now in his 15th 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. Ferentz is tied for fourth with Bob Stoops of Oklahoma.
FRY FEST ACTIVITIES ON FRIDAY
The fifth annual FRY fest presented by MidWestOne Bank will take place Friday, Aug. 30. A complete schedule of events can be found at FRYfest.com.
FRY fest attendees can take in a day of panel discussions including stories from our 25th Hall of Fame class as well as some of our Hawkeye Football “Fan Favorites” including: Casey Wiegmann, Matt Kroul, Hap Peterson, Bill Happel Jr. and more!
The “World’s Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow” returns, where Hawkeye fans can interact with retailers, licensees, and other related groups. Dan Gable will open the show at 10 a.m. with an autograph session at the granGABLE booth. Other programming throughout the day includes the Herky on Parade Part Duex Unveil at 12:30 p.m. The newest Herky pose will take the streets in May 2014. The first three designs of the flock will also be unveiled during the program on the Tigerhawk Stage sponsored by The Eastern Iowa Airport.
In addition, there will also be a FRY fest Car Show presented by Carousel Nissan, FRY fest Small FRY Zone at Diamond Dreams, and the FRY fest Pep Rally sponsored by Iowa City Area Association of Realtors — all free to the public.
Activities will take place throughout the day in the Iowa River Landing in Coralville, concluding with an outdoor concert featuring Chris Cagle at 8:30 p.m. and special guest Dustin Lynch at 7 p.m.
BE BOLD, WEAR GOLD
In honor of legendary coach Hayden Fry and the fifth annual FRY fest, Saturday’s game has been designated a “Be Bold, Wear Gold” event.
NATIONAL IOWA VARSTIY CLUB HALL OF FAME CLASS
The National Iowa Varsity Club will induct six former Hawkeyes into the Athletics Hall of Fame at the Coralville Marriott Hotel and Convention Center on Aug. 30, the night before the Iowa football team opens the 2013 season hosting Northern Illinois. The group will be recognized Aug. 31 at halftime of the Northern Illinois game. The 25th Hall of Fame Class includes Iowa football All-Americans Brad Banks and Craig Clemons, All-America gymnast Sam Bailie, women’s basketball conference player of the year Franthea Price, track and field All-American Jennifer Brower-McNutt, and two-time Big Ten women’s golf coach of the year Diane Thomason.
WALL OF HONOR RECOGNIZED PRIOR TO NIU KICKOFF
The University of Iowa Department of Athletics announced on Aug. 19 that nine former UI football student-athletes will be commemorated with the introduction of the “Kinnick Stadium Wall of Honor.”
Each of the nine Hawkeyes will have their name and jersey number displayed on the lowest ribbon adjacent the letters of the Paul W. Brechler Press Box. The numbers will coincide with the jersey number each player wore their senior season. The inaugural members of the Kinnick Stadium Wall of Honor include Aubrey Devine (1), Randy Duncan (25), Calvin Jones (62), Alex Karras (77), Nile Kinnick (24), Gordon Locke (1), Chuck Long (16), Duke Slater (15), and Larry Station (36).
The three living members of the Kinnick Stadium Wall of Honor – Duncan, Long, and Station – will be recognized during Iowa’s season opener against Northern Illinois.
ALL ABOARD TO KINNICK STADIUM!
The Hawkeye Express, the engine and club cars that transport fans from Coralville to Kinnick Stadium, is once again available for those fans traveling to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. The Hawkeye Express enters its ninth season. Adults can ride the train for $12, while children (12-and-under) ride for free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the UI Ticket Office or on game day at the Hawkeye Express depot. Media credentials are accepted as well.
Free parking is located in lots near the Comfort Suites and Coral Ridge Mall. Fans can begin boarding the train in Coralville four hours prior to kickoff. Return trips begin at the start of the fourth period and run 90 minutes after the game. The Hawkeye Express is owned by the Iowa Northern Railway Company.
TICKET UPDATE
Tickets remain for all seven Iowa home games. Fewer than 2,000 remain for the season-opening contest against Northern Illinois and less than 1,000 remain for Big Ten games against Michigan State (Homecoming) and Wisconsin. A $25 youth ticket is available for the three non-conference games against Northern Illinois, Missouri State, and Western Michigan. Tickets can be ordered online at hawkeyesports.com, by calling 1-800-IAHAWKS, or in person at the UI athletics ticket office located in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The Iowa record for average home attendance is 70,585, set in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2011. Iowa has sold out Kinnick Stadium 62 of the last 65 games heading into the 2013 season. The Hawkeyes ranked 21st nationally in home football attendance in 2012. Iowa was the only school in the nation to rank among the top 25 nationally in home attendance for football, both men’s (21st) and women’s (19th) basketball and wrestling (1st).
IOWA/NIU NOTES
? Iowa is 18-5 when rushing for 120 yards or more the last three seasons.
? Iowa linebacker coach LeVar Woods scored his only career TD in Iowa’s 24-0 win over Northern Illinois in 1999, which was coach Ferentz’s first career win as Iowa’s head coach.
? NIU enters the 2013 season winners of 21 of its last 23 games, dating back to the 2011 season. One if the Huskies’ two setbacks came to the Iowa Hawkeyes (18-17 in last year’s season opener in Chicago). NIU is receiving votes in the AP 2013 preseason poll.
? Rod Carey enters his first season as Northern Illinois’ head coach. He served as an assistant on the NIU coaching staff each of the last two seasons. In 2011 and 2012, Carey helped guide the Huskies to back-to-back MAC championships as their offensive line coach. In 2012, he added the title of run game coordinator. Following the departure of head coach Dave Doeren (N.C. State), Carey served as NIU’s head coach in the 2013 Orange Bowl. Carey was a center on Indiana’s offensive line, 1989-93. ? Since 2003, Northern Illinois has six wins over BCS schools, the ninth highest total by any non-BCS school.
? The Mid-American Conference media has picked Northern Illinois to win the MAC West Division.
? Bob Cole, who enters his third season at NIU, is the Huskies’ new offensive coordinator. Cole, who has now been an offensive coordinator at seven different universities, takes over an offense that ranked 20th in the nation in total offense a year ago.
? NIU defensive coordinator and safeties coach Jay Niemann is an Iowa State graduate (1983). He served seven seasons on Drake’s football staff (1989-96), five years at UNI (1997-2001) and six years as Simpson’s head coach (2002-07).
? All-American QB Jordan Lynch returns for his senior season after leading the Huskies to an Orange Bowl berth last season. Lynch, the MAC MVP, set three NCAA records and finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting. Lynch ranked fourth in the country in total offense and seventh in rushing, while running for 100 yards or more in an NCAA record 12 games.
? NIU finished 22nd in the 2012 final Associated Press poll and 24th in the USA Today Coaches rankings.
THE SERIES
Iowa boasts an 8-0 record against Northern Illinois, with six of the games being played at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City and two at Soldier Field in Chicago. The Hawkeyes won the previous eight meetings by a 26.9 margin of victory. Iowa won the last meeting 18-17 a year ago at Soldier Field in Chicago. Coach Kirk Ferentz’s first victory as Iowa’s head coach came against the Huskies in 1999 (24-0). Here are the results:
*9/21/85 W 48-20
*9/20/86 W 57-3
*9/28/91 W 58-7
*11/6/93 W 54-20
*9/18/99 W 24-0
*10/24/06 W 24-14
9/1/07 W 16-3
9/1/12 W 18-17
*at Iowa City
LAST MEETING
Iowa scored nine unanswered points in the fourth quarter to complete an 18-17 comeback win over Northern Illinois at Soldier Field to open the 2012 season.
The Hawkeyes trailed, 17-9, heading into the final quarter. Iowa’s first drive of the frame covered 31 yards in 10 plays and was capped by a Mike Meyer 50-yard field goal, tying his career long. Meyer matched his career best with four field goals and tied Iowa’s single game record with five field goal attempts. His efforts earned him co-Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week accolades.
Senior John Weinke’s punt with 5:36 remaining pinned the Huskies at their own 1-yard line and the Hawkeye defense forced a three-and-out. Iowa took over on the NIU 24-yard line, trailing by five, with 3:41 left. Sophomore Damon Bullock broke a 23-yard run on third down for Iowa’s only touchdown of the game, giving the Hawkeyes an 18-17 advantage. Iowa would hold the Huskies without a first down on their final drive to seal the win.
Bullock led Iowa’s offensive attack, registering 30 carries for 150 yards and a touchdown. Senior QB James Vandenberg finished 21-33 for 129 yards, completing passes to six different receivers.
Iowa’s defense held the Huskies to just 54 yards passing and 201 yards total offense. Iowa ran 30 more plays than NIU and dominated time of possession, racking up 38:42.
CLOSE GAMES THE NORM FOR IOWA
Iowa led the country with six regular season games decided by three points or less (2-4), including two contests decided by one point (1-1) a year ago.
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, winning in double overtime. Michigan State leads the nation with 10 comeback wins, while Iowa ties Minnesota, Ohio and Wyoming with nine wins after trailing at any point in the fourth period, since 2009.
WEISMAN, BULLOCK RANK HIGH IN PRODUCTIVITY
Iowa juniors Mark Weisman and Damon Bullock rank among the most productive running back tandems returning for the 2013 season, in regards to rushing and receiving yardage. A year ago, Weisman (815 rushing, 90 receiving) and Bullock (513 rushing, 167 receiving) combined for 1,585 yards, while scoring 12 touchdowns. That figure ranks 19th best nationally among returning running backs and second among Big Ten Conference teams.
Indiana’s tandem of Stephen Houston and D’Angelo Roberts (1,637 yards) rank 15th. Western Michigan’s duo of Dareyon Chance and Brian Fields (1,572 yards) rank 20th just behind Weisman and Bullock. Western Michigan visits Kinnick Stadium Sept. 21.
LINEBACKING TRIO NAMED TO BUTKAS AWARD WATCH LIST
Seniors James Morris, Christian Kirksey and Anthony Hitchens are on the Butkus Award Watch List, which honors the top linebacker. Iowa joins Notre Dame, BYU and UCLA as the only four schools in the country to have a trio named to that watch list.
In addition to his selection to the Butkus Award Watch List, Hitchens was named to the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List. Hitchens earned honorable mention recognition from the Big Ten coaches and media after starting 11 games last season, missing one game with an injury. He led the team with 124 tackles, while collecting 56 solo stops and 68 assists. The senior collected a career-high 19 tackles against Iowa State, led the Big Ten and ranked fifth in the nation with 11.2 tackles per game. He currently has 158 tackles in his career.
Morris has been a starting linebacker for the Hawkeyes since his true freshman season in 2010. Last season, he ranked third in the Big Ten and 31st in the nation in tackles per game (9.4). He ranks 16th in career tackles (293). He was named a Permanent Team Captain in 2012 while earning the Hayden Fry “Extra Heartbeat” Award and the Players Choice Award on defense. Morris earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore and junior after being named Freshman All-America by CollegeFootballNews.com as a freshman.
The Solon, Iowa, native is also on the watch lists for the Bednarik Award, the Lott IMPACT Trophy, the Nagurski Award, and the College Football Performance Awards Linebacker Trophy watch list. In addition, he has garnered preseason second team All-Big Ten honors from Athlon, Phil Steele, and College Sports Madness.
Kirksey collected 95 tackles as a junior, ranking ninth in the conference in tackles per contest (7.5). The St. Louis, Mo., native ranked first in the Big Ten and second in the nation with four recovered fumbles. He was one of eight players in the nation with two interception returns for touchdowns in 2012. Kirksey was named a Permanent Team Captain and winner of the Next Man in Award in 2012. Kirksey has 211 career tackles. He is also present on the College Football Performance Awards Linebacker Trophy Watch List, and was named preseason fourth team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele.
GLANCE AT THE SCHEDULE
? The Hawkeyes open Big Ten play at Minnesota on Sept. 28. This marks the 11th time in Kirk Ferentz’s 15 years at Iowa that the Hawkeyes have opened the conference season on the road.
? Nine of Iowa’s 11 FBS opponents played in bowl games a year ago, while Ohio State posted a perfect 12-0 regular season record (OSU was not eligible for postseason play).
? The Hawkeyes do not face Big Ten opponents Illinois, Penn State and Indiana this season.
? Iowa’s Homecoming game against Michigan State is Oct. 5. Iowa is 55-41-5 all-time in Homecoming contests, including a 6-0-1 mark versus the Spartans. The Hawkeyes have won their last four Homecoming games, including last season’s 31-13 win over Minnesota to regain possession of Floyd of Rosedale.
? Speaking of Floyd of Rosedale, Iowa has four trophy games on its slate in 2013: Iowa State (Cy-Hawk), Minnesota (Floyd of Rosedale), Wisconsin (Heartland), and Nebraska (Heroes).
? Iowa is 1-0 all-time in games played on Aug. 31 and 3-0 in games played on Sept. 7. The Hawkeyes entertain Northern Illinois on Aug. 31 and Missouri State on Sept. 7.
? Iowa will face four teams who have first-year head coaches (Northern Illinois, Western Michigan, Purdue and Wisconsin), plus Ohio State, whose Urban Meyer is in his second year with the Buckeyes. Iowa did not face Ohio State the last two seasons.
? Start times to a number of Iowa games were announced prior to the season. Iowa will play four games that will have 2:30 p.m. or later kickoffs. Iowa’s season opener against Northern Illinois and road games at Minnesota and Ohio State will kickoff at 2:30 p.m. (CT), while its contest at Iowa State will begin at 5 p.m.
COACHING STAFF CHANGES
Iowa’s coaching staff has four new faces in 2013. Assistant coaches Bobby Kennedy (wide receivers), Jim Reid (linebackers), and Chris White (running backs/special teams), and graduate assistant D.J. Hernandez are in their first season on the Iowa sideline.
Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker has added the responsibility of instructing Iowa’s defensive secondary. Parker coached the secondary for 13 seasons before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2012. He will handle both assignments this season.
HAWKEYES BY THE NUMBERS
Iowa returns 39 lettermen from 2012, including 19 on offense, 17 on defense and three specialists. The Hawkeyes return six starters on offense, eight on defense and two specialists.
The lettermen breakdown includes eight three-year lettermen, 12 two-year lettermen and 19 one-year lettermen. The total roster has 125 players, and includes 15 seniors, 23 juniors, 25 sophomores, 23 redshirt freshmen and 39 true freshmen. The 15 seniors ties for 18th nationally as the fewest number of seniors on a roster, including both scholarship and walk-on players.
STARTERS RETURNING
Iowa’s projected returning starters on offense include: left tackle Brandon Scherff, right tackle Brett Van Sloten, center Austin Blythe (moved from guard), tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz, running back Mark Weisman and wide receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley. The returning defensive starters include: linemen Dominic Alvis and Louis Trinca-Pisat, linebackers Christian Kirksey, Anthony Hitchens and James Morris, and defensive backs B.J. Lowery and Tanner Miller. PK Mike Meyer, punter Connor Kornbrath and long snapper Casey Kreiter also return.
Among the returning starters, 10 started every game in 2012. Kirksey has started 25 consecutive games over the last two seasons, while Tanner Miller has started 23 straight and Fiedorowicz has started 17 straight.
Iowa’s preseason depth chart includes 14 seniors, 12 of which are projected as starters (includes placekicker and long snapper). Iowa`s 14 seniors listed on the preseason depth chart have started a combined 204 games. Iowa’s 13 juniors have started 35 total contests, while its 21 sophomores have started 27.
RETURNING STAT LEADERS
Iowa returns the following players who led the team in statistical categories in 2012:
? PK Mike Meyer was first on the team in scoring with 76 points, hitting 17-21 field goal attempts and all 25 PAT attempts. He has made a school-record 81 consecutive PAT attempts, shattering former All-American and NFL All-Pro Nate Keading’s previous school record of 60 set in 2001-02. Meyer ranks fifth in career scoring with 235 points in three seasons.
? Linebacker Anthony Hitchens led the team with 124 tackles. Hitchens played in 11-of-12 games, recording 56 solo tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss.
? Linebacker Christian Kirksey shared the team lead, with graduating seniors Greg Castillo and Tom Donatell, with two interceptions. Both Kirksey thefts were returned for scores (68 yards versus Minnesota and 18 yards against Indiana). Kirksey was one of only nine players in the country to return at least two interceptions for scores a year ago.
? Kevonte Martin-Manley paced the team with 52 receptions and shared the team-lead in receiving yards (571) with graduating senior Keenan Davis. The 52 receptions for 571 yards were single season bests.
? Mark Weisman rushed for 815 yards on 159 attempts (5.1 avg.), to lead the Hawkeyes in 2012. Weisman is a former walk-on and is a junior in 2013.
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 83 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 also registered 10 interceptions in 2012. The 10 passes intercepted ranked 65th in the country. Two of the 10 thefts were returned for touchdowns, both by linebacker Christian Kirksey (68 -yarder vs. Minnesota and 18 yards at Indiana). 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 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 fans are known for their support of Hawkeye athletics, and the attendance figures from 2012-13 support that claim. Iowa is one of four programs in the nation to rank among the top 25 in attendance for football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball events in 2012-13. In addition, Iowa is the only program in the nation to rank among the top 25 in attendance a year ago in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and wrestling.
? Iowa earned Big Ten Conference championships in 2002 and 2004 and placed second in 2009. Iowa (8-0, 2002) is one of three 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 11 seasons, including a ranking of seventh in both polls at the conclusion of the 2009 season. Iowa ranked eighth in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the Hawkeyes were also 20th in 2008.
? Iowa established a school record with 11 wins in 2002 (11-2) and matched that record in 2009. In 2009, Iowa started 9-0 and 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 the 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 tied 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 22 times in program history, a total that ranks 25th best in the country.
? Three former Hawkeyes are broadcasters on BTN in 2013. Chuck Long, the Hawkeyes’ all-time leading passer and the 1985 Heisman Trophy runner-up, will serve as a game color broadcaster and in-studio analyst. Iowa City native Paul Burmeister, who guided Iowa to the 1993 Alamo Bowl, will call play-by-play. Former wide receiver Danan Hughes returns as an in-studio and game analyst. Hughes also worked for the network during baseball season.
? The Hawkeyes have had at least one former player on a Super Bowl roster for 10 consecutive seasons, the eighth longest streak of any program in the country. Nebraska has had a former player on a Super Bowl roster for 20 consecutive years, followed by Purdue (14), Ohio State (12), LSU (12), Georgia (12), Illinois (12), Florida (11), Iowa (10), and Texas (8).
IOWA AMONG TOP 25 IN WINS, 2002-12
Iowa has posted 89 wins since the start of the 2002 season, which ranks as the 22nd highest total in Division I football. The list includes the following: Boise State (128); Oklahoma (118); Ohio State (117); USC (116); LSU (116); Texas (112); TCU (110); Georgia (110); Virginia Tech (108); Florida (106); Alabama (104); Wisconsin (102); West Virginia (102); Oregon (102); Auburn (97); Utah (97); Florida State (97); Nebraska (92); Texas Tech (92); Michigan (90); Miami, FL (90); Iowa (89); Hawai’i (87); Boston College (85).
IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started the game on offense in 143-of-174 games under Kirk Ferentz. Iowa is 16-15 in the games it has started on defense under Ferentz.
FBS SCHOOLS INTRODUCING QUARTERBACKS IN WEEK 1
Iowa is one of five FBS programs that begin the season without a quarterback who has played at their current school (California, FAU*, Iowa, Penn State, Virginia). The Hawkeyes are one of 11 FBS teams with zero returning quarterback starts (Baylor, California, Central Michigan, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Iowa, Louisiana Tech, Penn State, Syracuse, Texas Tech, Virginia). (*Florida Atlantic’s quarterback that started the 2012 opener switched positions after the first half).
MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Senior PK Mike Meyer earned Big Ten Special Teams Player and Lou Groza Star of the Week accolades twice in 2012. Meyer, who is on the 2013 Lou Groza Watch List, was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by both league coaches and media a year ago.
Meyer connected on 17-of-21 field goal attempts in 2012. His streak of 13 consecutive field goals made was snapped vs. Penn State (Oct. 20), missing kicks from 49 and 37 yards. That streak ties as ninth best in Big Ten history.
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 ranked eighth in Big Ten kick scoring (6.3) and ranked 27th in the country in field goals made per game (1.42). He ranks fifth on Iowa’s career scoring list with 235 points. He has made 45-58 (.776) career field goal attempts. Meyer is 33-38 (.868) from kicks 39 yards and closer; 10-16 (.625) from attempts 40-49 yards; and 2-4 (. 500) from kicks 50 yards or farther. His 45 made field goals tie as fifth best in school history. cont’d…
The native of Dubuque, Iowa, has made a school-record 81 consecutive PAT attempts, which ranks 12th best in conference history. 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. Yardage Made-Att.
19-29 23-25
30-39 10-13
40-49 10-16
50+ 2-4
HAWKEYES GOOD ON THE POINT AFTER
The Hawkeyes have converted on 81 consecutive PATs without a miss or block, tying for the 14th longest streak of any team in the country. Iowa has gone 30 consecutive games without a missed or blocked PAT, the ninth longest streak of any school in the nation
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz will have two of his three sons involved in the Iowa program this season. Brian, a former Hawkeye letterman (2003-05), is in his second season as Iowa’s offensive line coach. Steven is an offensive lineman who is in his second season in the program as a redshirt freshman. His other son, James, was a three-year starter on the Hawkeye offensive line before graduating in May 2013.
FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS
Iowa has eight players on its 2013 roster whose father played for the Hawkeyes. WR Jordan Cotton (Marshall in 1984-87), OL Cole Croston (Dave in 1984-86), OL Mitch Keppy (Myron in 1986-87), LS Tyler Kluver (Todd in 1986-87), TE George Kittle (Bruce in 1977-80), TE Peter Pekar (Jim in 1980-81), OL Richard Pryor (Richard in 1984-86) and DB Sean Skradis (Bryan in 1977-81). Additionally, freshman linebacker Luke Lindahl’s grandfather is former Hawkeye Wally Hilgenberg.
BEST IN THE BIG TEN
Iowa has posted a 6-4 bowl record under head coach Kirk Ferentz. Since the 2001 season, no Big Ten team has won more bowl games or has a higher winning percentage in bowl games, than Iowa. Following is the record for Big Ten teams in bowl games since 2001:
Team Record Pct. BCS Record Team Record Pct. BCS Record
Iowa 6-4 .600 1-1 Purdue 3-5 .375 0-1
Ohio State 5-5 .500 5-3 Michigan State 3-5 .375 0-0
Penn State 5-5 .500 1-1 Wisconsin 4-7 .364 2-3
Illinois 2-2 .500 0-2 Michigan 3-7 .300 2-3
Nebraska 4-6 .400 1-1 Northwestern 1-6 .143 0-0
Minnesota 3-5 .375 0-0 Indiana 0-1 .000 0-0
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 14 seasons. Ferentz also served as Iowa’s offensive line coach from 1981-89 under Fry.
IOWA, UNI, IOWA STATE PARTICIPATE IN MENTOR PROGRAM
As a project of Volunteer Iowa, The Iowa Mentoring Partnership is the state’s support organization for Iowa’s 80+ certified youth mentoring programs. Volunteer Iowa is proud to have the support of all three regents’ university football coaches and dozens of private college and high school coaches across the state; promoting the difference that a positive role model can make in a child’s life through mentoring. To find a certified mentoring program in your area and take the 2013 Coaches Challenge please visit www.volunteeriowa.org/coaches-challenge.
Any new mentor application that is received between Aug. 1 and Nov. 30, 2013 will count toward the “score” of the respective state. By signing up to be a mentor, fans can not only show their state/team pride, but can help improve the life of a child! The overall winner of the 2013 “Coaches Mentoring Challenge” will be announced the week of Dec.13.
During the 2012 Coaches Challenge, the states of Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska recruited over 7,000 new mentors. With the addition of Michigan and Minnesota it is hopeful to be able to exceed all previous numbers to achieve the goal at the core of all of our missions – to serve more kids.
HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 125 players includes 49 players from Iowa. The roster includes 15 players from Illinois; 11 from Ohio; six from Michigan and Texas; five from Missouri; four from Minnesota; three from Florida, Maryland, Nebraska and Wisconsin; two from Georgia and New Jersey; one from Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia; and three from Canada.
IOWA FOOTBALL AND THE NFL
? Since 2006, Iowa has had nine players start at cornerback, and seven of those nine are currently in the NFL. ? Iowa leads the Big Ten with 19 NFL Draft picks the past four years. Three of the 19 have been first round selections, which tie for second among Big Ten schools.
? For the third straight year, Iowa had six players selected in the 2012 NFL Draft, and for the third straight year that list included a first round selection (OL Riley Reiff).
? Iowa and Alabama were the only two college football programs to have a first round draft selection in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
? Iowa had six players drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, which tied for the most in the Big Ten and tied for fourth in the country.
? Iowa was the only program to have three defensive linemen selected in the 2011 NFL Draft, and all three were on NFL rosters in 2012.
? In NFL 2011 regular season statistics, former Hawkeye linebackers Chad Greenway (Minnesota) and Pat Angerer (Indianapolis) finished third and fourth, respectively, in tackles.
? Former Hawkeyes Marshal Yanda (Baltimore OL) and Chad Greenway (Minnesota LB) were named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in their respective NFL careers in 2012.
? Three former Hawkeyes were involved in the 2012 Super Bowl. DB Tyler Sash played for the Super Bowl champion New York Giants, while LB Jeff Tarpinian was on the injured reserve roster of the New England Patriots. Former Iowa center Brian Ferentz, now is his second year as Iowa’s offensive line coach, was New England’s tight ends coach.
? Former Iowa defensive back Sean Considine won a Super Bowl ring with the 2013 Baltimore Ravens.
? Every Iowa senior starting tight end (nine) under Kirk Ferentz has been drafted in the NFL or made an NFL team in his first year as a rookie.
? The Iowa football program is represented by 34 players in 2013 NFL preseason camps.
? Iowa tied for ninth nationally (second among Big Ten teams) in number former players active in the NFL in 2012, behind Miami (FL), USC, Texas, Tennessee, Ohio State, Georgia and LSU.
? All 11 members of Iowa’s starting defensive unit in 2008 were either drafted or signed to NFL free agent contracts following the drafts.
? Over the past 11 years, 106 of 119 (89%) of Iowa’s senior starters have been drafted in the NFL or signed NFL free agent contracts.
? At least one Iowa Hawkeye has been selected in every NFL Draft since 1978.
IN THE RANKINGS
These are Iowa’s most recent wins vs. nationally-ranked opponents:
Home:
24-16 over No. 13 Michigan, 11/5/11
37-6 over No. 5 Michigan State, 10/30/10
24-3 over No. 20 Penn State, 10/02/10
Road:
38-28 over No. 24 Michigan, 10/16/10
21-10 over No. 4 Penn State, 9/26/09
Neutral:
24-14 over No. 9 Georgia Tech, Orange Bowl, 1/5/10
30-25 over No. 11 LSU, Capital One Bowl, 1/1/05
IOWA BOWL NOTES
? Iowa has been bowl eligible 11 of the last 12 seasons under head coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff.
? Iowa ranks third in Big Ten bowl appearances. Ohio State and Michigan have received a conference-best 42 bowl bids, followed by the Hawkeyes (26) and Wisconsin (24).
? 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 streak was snapped in a loss to Oklahoma in the 2011 Insight Bowl.
? 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 (9-8, .529) are the only Big Ten teams with a winning percentage in bowl games.
? Since the inception of the BCS in 1998, the Big Ten has qualified 26 teams for BCS bowls, more than any other conference. Seven different Big Ten programs have played in BCS bowl games.
Kirk Ferentz RADIO SHOW
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz is featured on “Hawk Talk with Kirk Ferentz” each week beginning Wednesday, Aug. 28. 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.
RAFFENSBERGER NEAR TOP IN LONGEVITY
Long time Iowa City resident John Raffensberger is serving his 46th season on the UI football stat crew in the Kinnick Stadium press box. Raffensberger served as a coach and administrator in the Iowa City school system throughout his career and more recently has assisted the Iowa track & field program. According to a recent survey, Raffensberger’s streak ranks fifth longest among those who have worked consecutive seasons as stat crew assistants with football programs around the country. John, whose father served as Iowa’s head football coach in 1950 and 1951, began working in the Kinnick Stadium stat booth in 1968.