Sep 2, 2013
- 2013 Game Day Central
- 2013 Fall Camp Central
- Read the September issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
- 2013 Signing Day Central
- Hawkeyes in the NFL
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone/iPad app!
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye Android app!
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
TICKET UPDATE
Tickets remain for all six remaining Iowa home games, but Big Ten home games against Northwestern and Wisconsin are quickly reaching sellout status.
Saturday’s game is a “Youth Ticket” game, with tickets for use by boys and girls high school aged and younger available at a cost of $25. Iowa’s final nonconference home game of the season, vs. Western Michigan on Sept. 21, is also a “Youth Ticket” game.
Approximately 3,000 student season tickets remain available for purchase by current UI students as six-game season tickets. Current UI students who want to purchase only a ticket to the game Saturday can do so at a cost of $40 each. There is no limit. Current UI student season-ticket holders can purchase a guest ticket for Saturday’s game for $40 each.
Online orders can be placed at hawkeyesports.com. Fans should click on the “TICKETS” link located at the top and center of the page. Telephone orders can be placed at 1-800 IA-HAWKS beginning at 8 a.m. CT, Tuesday, Sept. 2.
THIS DATE
Iowa is 3-0 in games played on Sept. 7. The Hawkeyes defeated Hawaii (1991, 53-10) and Arizona (1996, 21-20) at home, and won at Miami (OH), 29-24, in 2002.
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.
IOWA/MSU NOTES
? Saturday’s game is the first football meeting between the two schools.
? Iowa junior RB Mark Weisman is 85 yards shy of reaching 1,000 career rushing yards. He enters the game with 179 careers carries for 915 yards (5.1 avg.).
? Senior LB Christian Kirksey and senior PK Mike Meyer earned CFPA honorable mention performer of the week honors at their respective positions following last week’s game against Northern Illinois. Kirksey recorded a career best 14 tackles and returned a fumble for a touchdown, while Meyer connected on two field goals and three PAT attempts.
? Missouri State head coach Terry Allen is 0-1 all-time against Iowa. Allen lost as head coach of Northern Iowa, 34-13, in Iowa City in 1995.
? Terry Allen is in his eighth season at MSU. He was named MSU’s 19th head football coach on Dec. 20, 2005, and has a 28-50 (.359) record leading the Bears. Allen was head coach at UNI (1989-96) and Kansas (1997-2001), and was associate coach at Iowa State (2002-05) prior to taking the head coaching job at MSU in 2006.
? Terry Allen was a prep quarterback at Iowa City West High School before starter at quarterback for UNI from 1976-78.
? Terry Allen’s father, Robert, was a football letterman at Iowa from 1937-38 and a member of the men’s swimming team. Robert Allen was a two-time national champion as a member of Iowa’s 300 medley relay. He later served as Iowa’s men’s swimming head coach for 16 years.
? Missouri State assistant Ben Barkema is a native of Muscatine, Iowa. His brother, C.J. played for the Hawkeyes is a three-year Hawkeye football letterman.
? There are five players on the Iowa roster from Missouri and three Iowans on the Missouri State roster.
TO PAVE AND PROTECT
Iowa’s offensive line yielded no sacks for rookie quarterback Jake Rudock, and paved the way for 202 rushing yards. Iowa is one of five Big Ten teams not to allow a sack in week one. Iowa’s starters in the offensive line included tackles Brett Van Sloten and Brandon Scherff, guards Jordan Walsh and Conor Boffeli and center Austin Blythe.
FIRST TIME STARTERS
Six Hawkeyes made their first career starts in the season opener against Northern Illinois — two on offense and four on defense. First time starters included QB Jake Rudock, WR Don Shumpert, DE Drew Ott, DT Carl Davis, SS John Lowdermilk and CB Jordan Lomax.
REMOVE THE REDSHIRT
Freshman DB Desmond King was the only Iowa true freshman to see action in the season opener. King appeared at defensive back and recorded four tackles — two solo and two assisted.
RUDOCK YARDAGE TOTAL TIES FOR 4TH IN SCHOOL HISTORY
Sophomore QB Jake Rudock finished his Hawkeye debut 21-37 for 256 yards, including two touchdowns (one rush and one pass) and two interceptions. The 256 yards ties for the fourth highest by a Hawkeye quarterback making his first career start. Jake Christensen also threw for 256 yards in his first career start; also against Northern Illinois. Christensen finished the game 19-30 with two touchdowns and one interception.
Rudock spread the ball around, connecting with nine different Hawkeyes. He also rushed four times for 20 yards and a score.
Rudock was the first starting quarterback in 19 years to makes his debut in a season opener; Ryan Driscoll was the last Hawkeye to do it. Driscoll made his college debut at starting quarterback in Iowa’s 1994 season opener.
MEYER CONTINUES TO CONNECT
Senior PK Mike Meyer has made a school-record 84 consecutive PAT attempts, the ninth longest streak in Big Ten Conference history. That active streak ranks third in the nation (Baylor’s Aaron Jones, 116; Northwestern’s Jeff Budzien 106). Meyer’s last PAT miss was in a 37-6 win over Michigan State on Oct. 30, 2010, in Iowa City. As a team, Iowa has gone 31 consecutive games without a missed or blocked PAT.
MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Senior PK Mike Meyer is perfect in two field goal and three PAT attempts this season. He has connected on field goals of 28 and 44 yards.
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 on Sept. 1, 2012 tied his career long (at Iowa State, 2011). In 2012, 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).
Last season, 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 currently ranks fifth on Iowa’s career scoring list with 244 points. He has made 47-60 (.783) career field goal attempts. Meyer is 34-39 (.872) from kicks 39 yards and closer; 11-17 (.647) from attempts 40-49 yards; and 2-4 (.500) from kicks 50 yards or farther. His 47 made field goals rank No. 5 in school history.
The native of Dubuque, Iowa, has made a school-record 84 consecutive PAT attempts, which ranks ninth best in conference history. His four PAT’s against Central Michigan a year ago put him past 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.
WEISMAN HITS 100
Junior RB Mark Weisman carried 20 times for 100 yards in Iowa’s season opener. It was the fifth time the former walk-on reached the century mark. He had four-straight 100-yard efforts as a sophomore in 2012. He was one of nine Big Ten backs to reach 100 yards rushing the opening weekend.
MARTIN-MANLEY ATOP BIG TEN
Junior WR Kevonte Martin-Manley recorded a career-best nine receptions against Northern Illinois, a total that leads the Big Ten and ranks 16th nationally. Martin-Manley totaled 79 yards on his nine receptions for an average of 8.8 yards per catch, and a long of 15 yards. His previous career high in receptions was seven (at Northwestern, 2012; at Indiana, 2012). Martin-Manley also ranks second in the Big Ten in punt return average (12.0). He has returned two punts for 24 yards.
WEISMAN, BULLOCK RANK HIGH IN PRODUCTIVITY
Iowa junior backs Mark Weisman and Damon Bullock, who combined for 176 yards rushing in Iowa’s season opener, 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 ranked 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.
LEADING LINEBACKERS
Senior LBs Christian Kirksey and Anthony Hitchens rank first and second, respectively, among Big Ten leading tacklers. Kirksey recorded a career best Big Ten-leading 14 tackles against Northern Illinois, while Hitchens added 13 stops against the Huskies. Kirksey’s total ties for ninth best among FBS players, while Hitchens ties for 13th. Both linebackers are on the Butkus Award Watch List.
MORRIS CLOSES IN ON No. 300
Senior LB James Morris recorded six tackles in Iowa’s season opener to raise his career total to 299. Morris ranks No. 16 on Iowa’s career tackles list, trailing Mike Wells (313) for a spot in the top 15. Morris has been a starting linebacker since his true freshman season in 2010. He is 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.
TOUCHDOWN IOWA! TOUCHDOWN Christian Kirksey
Senior LB Christian Kirksey forced and recovered a fumble in the second quarter against Northern Illinois, returning it 52 yards for his third career touchdown. Kirksey returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2012 (vs. Minnesota, at Indiana). He was one of eight players nationally with two touchdowns on interception returns.
LAST TIME OUT — NORTHERN ILLINOIS 30, IOWA 27
Northern Illinois scored the final 10 points to escape Kinnick Stadium with a 30-27 win over Iowa in the season opener. The loss snapped a 12-game winning streak in season openers for the Hawkeyes and was Northern Illinois’ first win over Iowa in nine games. Trailing 10-0, Iowa linebacker Christian Kirksey forced and returned a fumble 52 yards for a TD. Kirksey, who celebrated his 21st birthday on gameday, also finished with a career-high 14 tackles. The score was Kirksey’s third of his career; the senior returned two interceptions for scores in 2012.
Mike Meyer connected on a 28-yard field goal to even the score before TE C.J. Fiedorowicz caught an 11-yard touchdown to give the Hawkeyes a 17-10 advantage. NIU tied the game on QB Jordan Lynch’s second TD pass, but Iowa QB Jake Rudock gave the home squad a 24-17 halftime lead on a 6-yard scoring run with 53 seconds left.
An NIU fake punt led to the only points of the third quarter, a 25-yard field goal by Mathew Sims.
Meyer split the uprights from 44 yards to make the score 27-20 with 6:42 remaining before the Huskies scored the final 10 points of the game, including the game-winning 36-yard field goal with four seconds left.
In his first collegiate game, Rudock was 21-37 for 256 yards with two TD’s (one rush and one pass) and two interceptions. The 256 yards equal the fourth-most passing yards by an Iowa quarterback in his first career start.
RB Mark Weisman rushed 20 times for 100 yards, marking the fifth time in his career that the former walk-on reached 100 yards. WR Kevonte Martin-Manley caught a personal-best nine balls for 79 yards.
Lynch led the Huskies with 331 yards total offense, completing 25-41 passes for 275 yards with three touchdowns and rushing 22 times for 56 yards.
Game time temperature was 85 degrees, Iowa’s warmest season-opening temperature since playing Kansas State in Kansas City in 2000 (94 degrees).
IOWA LIKES STARTING ON OFFENSE
Iowa has started the game on offense in 144-of-175 games under Kirk Ferentz. Iowa is 16-15 in the games it has started on defense under Ferentz.
CLOSE GAMES THE NORM FOR IOWA
One season after leading the country in games decided by three points or less, the Hawkeyes opened 2013 with a game decided by a field goal in the final seconds. Northern Illinois defeated the Hawkeyes 30-27 with a field goal in the closing seconds (:04) of the season opener.
Dating back to last season, three of Iowa’s last five defeats have been decided by three points (Indiana, 24-21; Purdue, 27-24; Northern Illinois, 30-27).
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. Three of the losses the last two seasons have come on a field goal on the final offensive play of the game (Central Michigan, Purdue, Northern Illinos).
Iowa has played 18 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, 2-4 in 2012, and 0-1 in 2013.
Three of Iowa’s losses in the last two seasons have come on the last offensive play of the game. 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.
HAWKEYES IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa has scored in each of its three trips to the red zone. The Hawkeyes have scored two touchdowns (one pass, one rush) and converted one field goal attempt. The Iowa defense has not allowed a red-zone touchdown. Opponents have made two trips to the red zone, and settled for a field goal each time.
NEW STANDARD OF DEFENSE
Seven Hawkeyes established new career bests in tackles vs. Northern Illinois, including Christian Kirksey, who’s 14 are tops in the Big Ten and ninth nationally. Other Hawkeyes to register personal bests in tackles include Dominic Alvis (9), John Lowdermilk (8), Drew Ott (7), Carl Davis (4), Jordan Lomax (3) and true freshman Desmond King (4).
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 171 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 (299). 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 225 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.
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.
Iowa has made six changes to the coaching staff since 2012, matching its combined total from the previous 13 years. Iowa had a total of six changes on its coaching staff from 1999-2011.
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.
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 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.
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.
RETURNING STAT LEADERS FROM 2012
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 84 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 244 points.
? 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 eight 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. The Hawkeyes had a fumble return for a touchdown (Christian Kirksey, 52 yards) in the season-opener.
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 (119); Ohio State (118); USC (117); LSU (117); Texas (113); TCU (110); Georgia (110); Virginia Tech (108); Florida (107); Alabama (105); Wisconsin (103); West Virginia (103); Oregon (103); Auburn (98); Utah (98); Florida State (97); Nebraska (93); Texas Tech (93); Michigan (91); Miami, FL (91); Iowa (89); Hawai’i (87); Boston College (86).
HAWKEYES GOOD ON THE POINT AFTER
The Hawkeyes have converted on 84 consecutive PATs without a miss or block, the 15th longest streak of any team in the country. Iowa has gone 31 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.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,168 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 598-531-39 (.529). That includes a 378-208-16 (.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 261-172-15 (.601) record in Kinnick Stadium.
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.
UNIVERSITY UNVEILS “KINNICK STADIUM WALL OF HONOR”
The University of Iowa Department of Athletics unveiled the “Kinnick Stadium Wall of Honor” prior to the 2013 season opener. The UI recognized nine Hawkeyes by permanently affixing their name and jersey number 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).
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.
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.
Kirk Ferentz 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.
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.
AFTER THIS
The Hawkeyes travel to Ames, Iowa, to face Iowa State in the annual Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series. Game time is 5 p.m. CT (FS1). The game is the second event this season in the 10th annual Cy-Hawk Series.