Oct. 28, 2013
- 2013 Game Day Central
- Read the October issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
- 2013 Signing Day Central
- Hawkeyes in the NFL
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- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
IOWA/WISCONSIN NOTES
? Iowa’s three losses are to teams that have a combined record of 23-1 (Northern Illinois, 8-0; Michigan State, 7-1, Ohio State, 8-0). All three are in the BCS top 25 this week.
? Saturday’s game is Iowa’s annual “Blackout game”. Fans are encouraged to wear black clothing to Kinnick Stadium.
? Iowa is one win from No. 300 in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes have an all-time conference mark of 299-361-25 (.455).
? Best-of-87: Iowa and Wisconsin have split the previous 86 meetings, 42-42-2.
? Iowa and Wisconsin will be playing for the Heartland Trophy. Wisconsin is currently in possession of the trophy following a 31-30 win in 2010.
? Since the 2002 season, Wisconsin has amassed 57 Big Ten wins, the third most in the conference, while Iowa ranks fourth with 54 league victories.
? Iowa’s defense has held 7-of-8 opponents under their rushing average this season. Wisconsin averages 296.9 rushing yards per game.
? The Badgers’ 296.9 rushing yards per game lead the Big Ten. Iowa allows 128.6 rushing yards per game, the fifth best total in the conference.
? The Wisconsin and Iowa defenses rank 2-3, respectively, in the Big Ten. The Badgers allow 15.9 points per game. The Hawkeyes allow 18.1 points per contest.
? The Iowa defense has allowed two rushing touchdowns this year, the lowest total in the nation. Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon has rushed for 11 touchdowns this season, more than any other Big Ten player.
? The Hawkeyes are 5-0 when winning the turnover margin (Missouri State +1, Iowa State +1, Western Michigan +2, Minnesota +1, Northwestern +1), and 0-3 when losing the turnover margin (Northern Illinois, -2; Michigan State, -1, at Ohio State, -1). The Hawkeyes are plus-2 overall this season.
? The Hawkeyes have held a halftime lead in every game this season.
? Iowa and Wisconsin are among the Big Ten’s least penalized teams. The Hawkeyes and Badgers have been flagged 35 and 34 times, respectively. Iowa has committed three or fewer penalties in each of its last four games (Minnesota 1, Michigan State 3, Ohio State 3, Northwestern 2).
? Iowa has allowed five red-zone touchdowns this season, the lowest total in the nation. Wisconsin has scored 23 red-zone touchdowns.
? Wisconsin’s defense has allowed just eight red-zone touchdowns. The Badgers rank No. 1 in the Big Ten in red-zone defense, allowing scores on 76.5 percent of their opponents’ trips. Iowa rates 11th in red-zone offense, scoring on 23-of-31 red-zone trips (16 TD, 7 FG).
? Iowa has three Wisconsin natives on its roster — FB Macon Plewa, DL Mike Hardy and TE Peter Pekar. Wisconsin has no Iowa natives on its roster.
? Head coach Gary Anderson is in his first year at Wisconsin. The Badgers are the third team Iowa has faced this season that entered the season with a new head coach (L, Northern Illinois; W, Western Michigan). Iowa will play Purdue and first-year head coach Darrell Hazell nest Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
? The Badgers enjoyed a bye week last week. Three of Iowa’s last four opponents have been idle the week prior to meeting Iowa (Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin). In non-conference play, Iowa State also had an open week prior to Iowa’s 27-21 win in Ames.
? Single tickets remain for Saturday’s game against Wisconsin. Call the UI Ticket Office (1-800-IA-HAWKS) or order online at hawkeyesports.com.
? OT Brett Van Sloten celebrates his birthday Saturday. Van Sloten was born Nov. 2, 1990.
MORRIS EARNS SECOND CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONOR
James Morris was named Big Ten Conference defensive Player of the Week for his play in Iowa’s 17-10 overtime win over Northwestern. Morris, a Solon native, was credited with eight tackles against the Wildcats, including four solo tackles. He recorded 2.5 tackles for loss, including two of Iowa’s six QB sacks. Morris also collected his first fumble recovery of the season. The honor is the second of the season for Morris, who earned the same recognition for his play in Iowa’s 23-7 win at Minnesota (Sept. 28). Morris had eight tackles, one sack and one interception against the Gophers. Morris is the only Big Ten player this season to earn multiple defensive POW honors, and he becomes the first Iowa defensive player to earn the Big Ten honor twice in one season since 2004, when DL Jonathan Babineaux was recognized for his play in wins over Wisconsin and Purdue.
HEARTLAND TROPHY
Iowa holds a 4-3 advantage in the series with Wisconsin since the two teams began playing for the Heartland Trophy in 2004. The trophy was designed and crafted by artist and former Iowa football player Frank Strub. The trophy, which is a bull mounted on a walnut base (native to both Wisconsin and Iowa), has the scores of all previous games between the two schools inscribed on it. The Heartland Trophy became the 16th Big Ten football traveling trophy.
The Iowa-Wisconsin series has been the closest and most competitive of all Big Ten series. The teams have split 86 meetings, 42-42-2. Iowa is 2-0 in Trophy Games this season (Iowa State, 27-21; Minnesota, 23-7).
TROPHY GAMES
The Hawkeyes are 2-for-2 in trophy games this season following their 23-7 win at Minnesota on Sept. 28 to retain Floyd of Rosedale. Iowa won the first of four trophy games with a 27-21 win at Iowa State on Sept. 14. The Hawkeyes will attempt to reclaim the Heartland Trophy against Wisconsin Saturday, and win their first Heroes Trophy at Nebraska on Nov. 29.
THE SERIES
Saturday will be the 87th meeting between Iowa and Wisconsin. The teams had met 16 consecutive years from 1995-2010 before the series was disrupted by conference realignment in 2011.
Through 86 games, the series is tied 42-42-2. Iowa has won two of the last three meetings, six of the last nine and 23 of the last 32. Iowa holds a 4-3 advantage since the Heartland Trophy was introduced prior to the 2004 meeting. Iowa is 24-16-1 against Wisconsin at Iowa City, but Wisconsin won the most recent meeting, 31-30, in 2010. The Hawkeyes defeated the Badgers 30-7 in 2004, in Kinnick Stadium, in the regular-season finale to win a share of the Big Ten championship, while keeping the Badgers from sharing the title.
The teams have met two times on this date. The Badgers escaped Iowa City 6-5 winners in 1907, and the Hawkeyes won 20-3 in Iowa City in 2002 en route to a Big Ten title.
LAST MEETING
Wisconsin scored on an 8-yard run by Montee Ball with 1:06 remaining to edge Iowa 31-30 in Kinnick Stadium on Oct. 23, 2010. Iowa reached the Wisconsin 35-yard line as time expired, coming up just short in the battle for the Heartland Trophy. The game was close throughout as neither team led by more than six points.
Wisconsin connected on a field goal on its first drive, but Iowa answered with a 1-yard touchdown by RB Adam Robinson for a 6-3 advantage as the Badgers blocked the PAT. Wisconsin took a 10-6 margin on its next possession. The Hawkeyes drove 49 yards in the closing minutes of the second quarter, taking a 13-10 advantage on a 3-yard pass from QB Ricky Stanzi to TE Allen Reisner.
Iowa failed to move the ball to start the third quarter and Wisconsin answered with an 80-yard drive that ended with a 2-yard touchdown by John Clay. Again, Iowa answered, retaking the lead on a 45-yard scoring strike from Stanzi to WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos. Clay’s second short scoring run gave Wisconsin a 24-20 advantage late in the third quarter.
Iowa regained the lead when Stanzi connected with WR Marvin McNutt, Jr. for a 6-yard score with 10:16 remaining. The Hawkeyes collected the only turnover of the game, an interception by DB Brett Greenwood on Wisconsin’s next play from scrimmage, and added a 40-yard Mike Meyer field goal with 8:35 remaining. Wisconsin then put together its game winning drive, using a fake punt and a fourth down conversion to keep the drive alive.
Along with the blocked PAT, Iowa also missed a scoring opportunity in the second period when the snap on a potential field goal attempt was mishandled.
Stanzi led Iowa’s offense by completing 25-of-37 passes for 258 yards and three scores. Robinson rushed 23 times for 114 yards. McNutt, Jr. (7-70) and Johnson-Koulianos (5-93) led Iowa receivers. DB Tyler Sash led the Hawkeye defense with 13 tackles and LB Tyler Nielsen added 10 tackles.
IN THE RANKINGS
Saturday will be Iowa’s second game against a ranked opponent this season; Iowa lost at No. 3/4 Ohio State, 34-24 on Oct. 19. Following are Iowa’s most recent wins vs. nationally-ranked opponents:
Home:
24-16 over 13th-ranked Michigan, 11/5/11
37-6 over fifth-ranked Michigan State, 10/30/10
24-3 over 20th-ranked Penn State, 10/02/10
Road:
38-28 over 24th-ranked Michigan, 10/16/10
21-10 over fourth-ranked Penn State, 9/26/09
Neutral:
27-24 over 12th-ranked Missouri, Insight Bowl, 12/28/10
24-14 over ninth-ranked Georgia Tech, Orange Bowl, 1/5/10
30-25 over 11th-ranked LSU, Capital One Bowl, 1/1/05
MORRIS COVERS THE FIELD, CLIMBS THE CHARTS
Senior LB James Morris is the only Big Ten player this season to record at least 60 tackles, four sacks, and three interceptions. He recorded eight tackles against Northwestern to raise his career total to 357, moving past Matt Hughes for eighth on the school’s all-time tackles list. Morris averages 7.9 tackles per game this season. At his current pace, he’ll finish with 388 career tackles, good enough for No. 6 on the all-time list. He needs 43 tackles to become the sixth player in program history to record 400 career tackles.
? Morris has been a starting linebacker since his true freshman season in 2010.
? He is a quarterfinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and on watch lists for the Bednarik Award, the Nagurski Award, the College Football Performance Awards Linebacker Trophy watch list and a candidate for the National Football Foundation (NFF) Scholar-Athlete Award.
? He garnered preseason second team All-Big Ten honors from Athlon, Phil Steele and College Sports Madness.
? Only player this year to earn two Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors (at Minnesota on Sept. 28; vs. Northwestern on Oct. 26).
? Named College Sports Madness Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his play in Iowa’s 17-10 OT win vs. Northwestern.
? He has 17 career games of double-digit tackles.
? His 7.9 tackles per game ranks ninth in the conference. His 10.0 tackles in Big Ten games only rank third.
? He has five career interceptions, including three this season, and 7.5 career sacks.
RUDOCK CAN MOVE THROUGH AIR OR BY LAND
Through eight games, QB Jake Rudock has completed 143-235 attempts for 1,616 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has also rushed 41 times for 169 yards and five touchdowns.
? Rudock averages 202 passing yards per game, the sixth-highest total in the Big Ten.
? Rudock is 95-153 for 169 yards and six touchdowns in home games (3-2).
? Rudock is 29-48 for 378 yards and three touchdowns in two trophy games (2-0). He has also rushed for 45 yards and two touchdowns in those games.
? Rudock has 12 touchdown passes, including seven of 20-plus yards.
? Rudock has rushed for five touchdowns. Only Michigan’s Devin Gardner (9) and Minnesota’s Mitch Leidner (6) have more among Big Ten quarterbacks.
? Rudock is one of three FBS players since 2008 to pass and rush for four-plus touchdowns in their first four career games (Robert Griffin III, 2008; Johnny Manziel, 2012; Jake Rudock, 2013).
? Rudock has connected with 18 different Hawkeyes. He has completed 143 pass attempts, 79 to wide receivers, 38 to tight ends, and 25 to running backs. OL Brett Van Sloten is also credited with a reception (deflected pass).
? Rudock threw a career-high three touchdown passes at Ohio State, including an 85-yarder to TE Jake Duzey, the ninth-longest touchdown pass in school history and second-longest to a tight end.
? Rudock completed 21-of-37 passes for 256 yards, including two touchdowns (one rush and one pass) and two interceptions, in his Hawkeye debut on Aug. 31. The 256 yards ties for the fourth-highest by a Hawkeye quarterback making his first career start.
? 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.
? After starting the game 1-4 for 5 yards against Michigan State, Rudock finished the half completing 11 straight passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
? Rudock completed his first eight passes at Ohio State, all to tight ends. On Iowa’s opening TD drive, he was 5-5 for 50 yards and a touchdown, all to tight ends.
? With his 1-yard touchdown rush against Iowa State, Rudock became the first quarterback under Kirk Ferentz to rush for a touchdown in three consecutive games.
? Rudock’s five rushing scores are one more than QB James Vandenberg’s 12-game total from a year ago. The last Iowa quarterback to rush for more than five touchdowns in a single-season was Nathan Chandler (6 in 2003).
MARTIN-MANLEY CLIMBS THE CHARTS
WR Kevonte Martin-Manley continues to be among the team and national leaders in receptions and punt returns. He leads the nation in punt return average (24.2), and surpassed the 100 career receptions mark and 1,000 career receiving yards mark in Week 3 against Iowa State. Martin-Manley now has 114 career receptions and 1,170 career receiving yards. He is tied for 12th in career receptions and tied for 30th in career receiving yards.
? Martin-Manley has caught at least one pass in 25 of the last 26 games. He had caught a pass in 23 consecutive games before leaving the Michigan State contest with a leg injury and without a reception. He totaled 90 receptions for 911 yards during the streak, and leads Iowa with 32 catches and 276 receiving yards in 2013.
? Earned CFPA and Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors following Iowa’s 59-3 win over Western Michigan on Sept. 21.
? Martin-Manley recorded 184 yards on four punt returns against Western Michigan. He is just the third player in Big Ten history with two punt return touchdowns in a game, and the first since 1983. The 184 yards ranks second best all-time in the Big Ten, behind Nile Kinnick’s record of 201 yards on nine returns, set in 1939.
? He had consecutive punt return touchdowns of 83 and 63 yards against Western Michigan, becoming the first Big Ten player to ever return back-to-back-punts for touchdowns, and the first Iowa player to return two punts for a touchdown in a single game. The punt return touchdowns tie a Big Ten record. Earl Girard (Wisconsin, 1947) and Garcia Lane (OSU, 1983) are the only other Big Ten players to score two touchdowns on punt returns in a single game.
? Leads the NCAA averaging 24.2 yards per punt return. He has 10 returns for 242 yards and two touchdowns this season.
? Named Phil Steele midseason first team All-America specialist.
? Named Phil Steele and BTN.com midseason All-Big Ten specialist.
WEISMAN AMONG CONFERENCE, NATIONAL LEADERS
RB Mark Weisman ranks 15th nationally and second in the Big Ten with 149 rush attempts. His 91.5 yards per game rank fourth in the Big Ten. Weisman was recently one of 12 players added to the Watch List for the Maxwell Award.
? Weisman has rushed for 100 or more yards four times this season, and has eight career 100-yard games to his credit.
? Weisman has 1,547 career rushing yards. He eclipsed the 1,500-yard mark against Northwestern, becoming the 23rd player in school history to reach that plateau. He leads Iowa with 732 rushing yards this season, and led Iowa with 815 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago.
? His four 100-yard rushing games ties for the third most in the Big Ten (Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon and Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah each have six games of 100-plus rushing yards).
? Weisman has 20 rushes of 10-plus yards this season, the fifth-highest total in the Big Ten.
? He rushed for 100 yards in each of Iowa’s first three contests, becoming the first running back since Shonn Green (2008) to rush for 100 or more yards in the first three games of the season.
? His 425 rushing yards were the highest total through three games since Fred Russell ran for 471 yards in the first three games of the 2002 season.
? Weisman carried a career-high 35 times against Iowa State, the highest single-game total by a Big Ten back this season and the sixth most in program history.
? Watch Lists include Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, and CFPA Running Back Award.
FIEDOROWICZ STREAK HITS 26 GAMES
TE C.J. Fiedorowicz has recorded at least one reception in 26 consecutive games, a streak that ranks second among active FBS tight ends; Washington’s Austin Seferian-Jenkins is first with 33 straight games with a catch. Fiedorowicz has 76 catches for 321 yards over the last 26 games, and has caught all eight career touchdowns during the streak.
? Fiedorowicz has 17 receptions for 153 yards and a team-high four touchdowns this season, including the overtime game-winner last week versus Northwestern.
? He is one of 29 players named to the John Mackey Award Midseason Watch List. He is one of five tight ends from the Big Ten named to the list. Former Hawkeye Dallas Clark won the award in 2002.
KING WEARS THE CROWN
CB Desmond King was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after registering a career-best 12 tackles at Ohio State on Oct. 19. King has appeared in all eight games this season, and has started the last seven. King has 43 tackles, four break-ups, and two fumble recoveries this season.
? He is averaging 7.2 tackles in Big Ten games, more than any other freshman in the league. He has 43 tackles this season, the fifth-highest total on the team.
? He made his career debut in the season opener against Northern Illinois, appearing at defensive back and recording four tackles.
? King made a then-career best 11 tackles against Michigan State on Oct. 5, and eclipsed that number with 12 tackles at Ohio State on Oct. 19.
? King recorded three tackles and one fumble recovery in his first career start against Missouri State.
? He became the first Iowa true freshman to start on defense since James Morris (vs. Michigan State, Oct. 30, 2012), and the first rookie to start at defensive back since Jovon Johnson (2002).
? King’s pass breakup in overtime against Northwestern negated what would have been a first down, and set up a fourth-and-long final play for the Wildcats. He also recovered a Northwestern fumble late in the fourth quarter after the Wildcats had moved close to field goal range.
DUZEY BREAKS OUT AT OHIO STATE
Sophomore TE Jake Duzey recorded a career-high six catches for a career-best 138 yards at Ohio State on Oct. 19, earning CFPA Honorable Mention Tight End of the Week honors. Duzey’s day included an 85-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter, the first touchdown reception of his career and the ninth-longest scoring reception in school history.
? He became Iowa’s first 100-yard receiver since Kevonte Martin-Manley caught 5 pass for 101 yards against Northern Iowa on Sept. 15, 2012 (span of 16 games).
? His 138 receiving yards are the most by a tight end in the Kirk Ferentz era, and the most by a Hawkeye since Marvin McNutt had 151 yards on nine catches at Purdue in 2011.
? His 85-yard touchdown reception was the ninth longest in school history, and the second longest by a tight end (Dallas Clark, 95 yards vs. Purdue in 2002).
IOWA DEFENSE PRESENTS…
Iowa ranks third in total defense among Big Ten schools, and 12th nationally. The Hawkeyes are allowing 320.5 yards total offense, and are holding their opponents to just 16.9 first downs per game, the fourth-best number in the Big Ten. Iowa opponent’s third-down conversion percentage of 35.6 percent ranks sixth in the conference.
? Iowa’s scoring defense is ranked No. 3 in the Big Ten (18.1 ppg), while its pass defense is rated second (191.9 ypg).
? Through eight games Iowa is tied for No. 1 in the nation in red-zone touchdowns allowed (5). The Hawkeyes have allowed 13 scores on their opponents’ 16 trips to the red zone. Iowa has allowed five touchdowns and eight field goals, while recording two interceptions. Iowa’s opponents have also missed one red-zone field goal attempt.
? Iowa has had two goal-to-go defensive series this season. Northern Illinois kicked a field goal after facing a 1st-and-goal from the Iowa 9-yard line. Ohio State rushed for a 1-yard touchdown after facing 1st-and-goal from the Iowa 4-yard line.
? The Hawkeye defense has earned four individual conference awards. DB B.J. Lowery and LB James Morris earned back-to-back Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 21 and Sept. 28. DB B.J. Lowery earned the honor after recording a pair of interceptions against Western Illinois on Sept. 21, and LB James Morris earned the award after recording eight tackles, one sack, and one interception at Minnesota on Sept. 28. DB Desmond King earned freshmen of the week honors after recording a career-best 12 tackles at Ohio State on Oct. 26. Morris earned his second weekly award for his play in the win over Northwestern, as he recorded eight tackles and a recovered fumble, including 2.5 tackles for loss, two of which were QB sacks.
? The Iowa defense recorded six sacks against Northwestern on Oct. 26, a season-high and its highest total since recording six sacks against Florida International in 2008. The last time Iowa recorded six sacks vs. a Big Ten opponent was 2007 against Northwestern. Iowa’s six sacks came from five different defenders, including LB James Morris (2-5), LB Anthony Hitches (1-1), DT Drew Ott (1-1), DT Louis Trinca-Pasat (1-1) and DE Mike Hardy (1-1).
? The Iowa defense has held its opponent scoreless in the first quarter in 6-of-8 games. Iowa has allowed just one first quarter touchdown (Northern Illinois, Game 1).
? Iowa has shutout its opponents in the first half four times (Missouri State, Iowa State, Minnesota, Northwestern).
MEYER GETTING HIS KICKS
Senior PK Mike Meyer, who earned a Lou Groza Star of the Week Award after his performance at Minnesota, is 10-for-14 on field goal attempts and perfect on 26 PAT attempts this season. He has connected on field goals of 20, 23, 27, 28, 28, 38, 38, 44, 46 and 49 yards. He missed a 33-yard attempt versus Missouri State, hit the left upright on a 39-yard attempt at Minnesota, was wide left on a 50-yard attempt against Michigan State, and was wide left on a 42-yard attempt against Northwestern.
? His 38-yard field goal against Northwestern was his 55th career field goal, moving him past Rob Houghtlin for second place all-time. Only Nate Kaeding (67) has more career field goals.
? He also scored five points (1 FG, 2 PAT) against Northwestern to raise his career total to 291 points, good enough for second on Iowa’s all-time scoring list. Only Kaeding (373) has scored more career points.
? His 50-yarder against Northern Illinois on Sept. 1, 2012 tied his career long (at Iowa State, 2011).
? He has made four field goals in a single-game four times (vs. NIU 2012, at Michigan State 2012, at Iowa State, 2011, at Indiana 2010). His five attempts vs. NIU (2012) ties Iowa’s single-game record, which he also shares (at Indiana in 2010).
? He ranks seventh in the Big Ten kick scoring (7.0), and fourth in field goals (10).
? He has made 55-72 (.764) career field goal attempts. Meyer is 39-46 (.848) from kicks 39 yards and closer; 13-20 (.650) from attempts 40-49 yards; and 2-5 (.400) from kicks 50 yards or farther.
? The native of Dubuque, Iowa, has made a school-record 107 consecutive PAT attempts, which is the fourth-longest active streak in the nation and ranks sixth-best all-time in the Big Ten.
? His four PAT’s against Central Michigan in 2012 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. The only other unsuccessful PAT attempt of his career was blocked vs. Wisconsin in 2010.
Yardage Made-Att.
19-29 28-30
30-39 12-17
40-49 13-20
50+ 2-5
HITCHENS LEADS DEFENSE
College Sports Madness named senior linebacker Anthony Hitchens its Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his play in Iowa’s 27-21 win at Iowa State on Sept. 14. Hitchens recorded 10 tackles, including a shared tackle for loss, as the Iowa defense allowed just 59 net rushing yards and held ISU to seven points until midway through the fourth quarter.
Hitchens leads the Iowa defense with 79 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss, two QB sacks and one pass break-up. He ranks second in the Big Ten in tackles per game (9.9). The native of Lorain, Ohio, surpassed 200 tackles with his tackle total (team-best 10 stops) in Iowa’s win at Minnesota on Sept. 28. He has 237 career tackles.
LEADING LINEBACKERS
Iowa has three linebackers ranked among the Big Ten’s top 12 tacklers. Senior LBs Anthony Hitchens, James Morris, and Christian Kirksey rank second, ninth, and 12th, respectively, among Big Ten tacklers. Hitchens averages 9.9 tackles per game, Morris averages 7.9, and Kirksey averages 7.6 tackles per game. Hitchens and Morris rank No. 2-3 in conference games only, averaging 10.5 tackles and 10.0 tackles, respectively, in Big Ten play. All three linebackers are on the Butkus Award Watch List.
Iowa’s linebacker trio has also accounted for six turnovers this season. LB James Morris has three interceptions and one fumble recovery, while Kirksey has an interception and a fumble recovery. In their careers, Morris has been credited with double-digit tackle games 17 times, Hitchens 12 times, and Kirksey 11 times. All three have totaled over 200 career tackles.
COLLECTING INTERCEPTIONS
The Hawkeyes have recorded nine interceptions through eight games, tied for the 23rd highest total in the country. Only Northwestern (13), Nebraska (11) and Michigan (11) have more among Big Ten schools. DB B.J. Lowery and LB James Morris leads Iowa with three interceptions. SS Tanner Miller has two, and LB Christian Kirksey has one. In Iowa’s 59-3 win over Western Michigan, Lowery returned two interceptions for touchdowns, which is a single-game school record, and ties for the second-most in a single game in NCAA history (Houston’s Johnny Jackson returned three for TDs in 1987). Lowery is the second Big Ten player in the BCS era (since 1998) with two interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single game.
Since the start of the 2008 season, Iowa has collected 92 interceptions. 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 six years, including two this season. Iowa has had an interception return for a score in 11 of the last 13 seasons and 11 of 15 seasons under Kirk Ferentz. Additionally, the Hawkeyes had a fumble return for a touchdown (Christian Kirksey, 52 yards) in the 2013 season-opener.
NOSE FOR THE END ZONE
Iowa has scored touchdowns five different ways this season – pass (12), rush (10), punt return (2), interception return (2) and fumble return (1). The Hawkeyes scored touchdowns four different ways against Western Michigan — QB Jake Rudock threw a pair of touchdowns; RB Mark Weisman and RB Jordan Canzeri each rushed for a score; WR Kevonte Martin-Manley returned two punts for touchdowns; and DB B.J. Lowery returned two interceptions for a score. That contest marks the first game in school history in which Iowa has scored four non-offensive touchdowns. In Iowa’s season opener, LB Christian Kirksey returned a fumble for a touchdown.
200 YARDS AND A CLOUD OF DUST
Iowa opened the season with five straight games of 200-plus yards rushing (202 vs. Northern Illinois; 296 vs. Missouri State; 218 at Iowa State; 258 vs. Western Michigan; 246 at Minnesota). During those five games, Iowa’s offensive line paved the way for 1,220 rushing yards on 263 attempts. It marked the first time the Hawkeyes rushed for 200-plus yards in five consecutive games since a six-game streak spanning the 1996-97 seasons (1996 – 227 at Minnesota; 217 vs. Texas Tech; 1997 – 379 vs. UNI; 408 vs. Tulsa; 233 at Iowa State; 219 vs. Illinois).
Iowa averages 230.6 rushing yards in its five wins, rushing 262 times for 1,153 yards. Iowa rushed 60 times for 218 yards in a 27-21 win over Iowa State. The 60 rushing attempts ties for the most in a single-game under head coach Kirk Ferentz. The last time Iowa had 60 carries was Sept. 4, 2004 against Kent State.
Iowa rushed for 296 yards in a 28-14 win over Missouri State. The 296 rushing yards are the most for an Iowa team since rushing for 301 yards vs. Illinois on Oct. 1, 2005. Iowa’s 58 rush attempts against Missouri State mark Iowa’s third highest single-game total under Ferentz. The Hawkeyes matched that total against Western Michigan, rushing 58 times for 258 yards.
Iowa’s offensive line has yielded just six sacks this season, a total that ties for first in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes’ starters on the offensive line include tackles Brett Van Sloten and Brandon Scherff, guards Jordan Walsh and Conor Boffeli and center Austin Blythe. Junior Andrew Donnal has shared time with Walsh throughout Iowa’s first eight games.
OFFENSE INCREASES TEMPO, CONTROLS T.O.P.
The Hawkeyes rank sixth in the Big Ten in time of possession, averaging 32:05 per game. The Hawkeyes have had the advantage in time of possession in five of eight games this season, and have owned a time of possession greater than 36 minutes in four of their victories (38:18 vs. Missouri State; 38:03 at Iowa State; 36:11 vs. Western Michigan; 36:01 at Minnesota). Iowa has one win without a T.O.P. advantage (Northwestern, 29:47-30:13).
Furthermore, Iowa maintained possession for 38-plus minutes in back-to-back games for the first time under Kirk Ferentz (38:18 vs. Missouri State; 38:03 at Iowa State).
Iowa ran 80-plus plays in its first three games this season, marking the first time under coach Kirk Ferentz the Hawkeyes have taken 80-plus snaps in three consecutive games. The Hawkeyes took 80 snaps in the season opener, 85 in Week 2, and 83 in Week 3. Iowa had 76 offensive plays vs. Western Michigan, and 70 in the win at Minnesota.
LOWERY CHANGES POSSESSION, CHANGES THE SCORE
DB B.J. Lowery returned two interceptions for touchdowns against Western Michigan in Week 4, which is a single-game school record, and ties for the second-most in a single game in NCAA history (Houston’s Johnny Jackson returned three for TDs in 1987). He is the second Big Ten player in the BCS era (since 1998) with two interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single game. Lowery has three interceptions this season, and four for his career. He intercepted his first pass of the season in the fourth quarter against Iowa State, changing possession for the Hawkeyes after Iowa State had recovered an onside kick. His three interceptions tie for fourth in the Big Ten. He has nine pass breakups and 12 passes defended, both marks that rank second in the Big Ten.
REMOVE THE REDSHIRT
True freshmen RB LeShun Daniels, Jr., DB Desmond King, LB Reggie Spearman, and WR Matt VandeBerg have all seen action this season. Daniels has carried 26 times for 106 yards, while VandeBerg has caught six passes for 53 yards. Spearman has eight tackles this season, including four stops in his Hawkeye debut against Western Michigan. King is the only Iowa true freshman to see action in each of Iowa’s eight games. He has started the last seven contests and has 43 tackles, fifth-most on the team.
RECEIVERS STEP UP IN MARTIN-MANLEY’S ABSENSE
Three Hawkeyes matched or set career bests against Michigan State on Oct. 5. WR Tevaun Smith caught a career-best six passes for a career-high 59 yards. Smith’s 36-yard reception in the second quarter was a career long. RB Damon Bullock matched his career high with five catches for a career-high 71 yards, including a 47-yard touchdown. WR Matt VandeBerg caught a career-best four receptions for a career-high 36 yards. All three Hawkeyes saw more passes after WR Kevonte Martin-Manley, Iowa’s leading receiver, left the game in the second quarter with a leg injury.
HAWKEYES NAMED TO MIDSEASON TEAMS
Both BTN.com and Phil Steele’s College Football released midseason all-Big Ten teams recently, and several Hawkeyes received recognition. Phil Steele named Kevonte Martin-Manley first team All-American specialist on the midseason team. Steele also named Martin-Manley and PK Mike Meyer as first team all-Big Ten specialists, while RB Mark Weisman, OL Brandon Scherff, LB Anthony Hitchens and DB B.J. Lowery were named second team. TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, DE Dominic Alvis and LB James Morris earned third team recognition.
BTN.com named Martin-Manley as its punt return specialist, while naming just a first team unit. Hawkeyes who received honorable mention included Fiedorowicz, Scherff and Weisman on offense and Alvis, Lowery, Hitchens and Morris on defense.
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. The 52-yard fumble return ranks as the third longest fumble return in school history and gives Kirksey two of the six longest in school history (45 yards vs. Penn State in 2012). 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. He added his first theft of the season in the win at Minnesota. Kirksey ranks third on the team with 61 tackles through eight games, including 12 stops in the win over Northwestern. He has 272 career tackles. With his third career touchdown in the opening game against Northern Illinois, Kirksey is believed to be one of three Iowa players to score three career defensive touchdowns, joining former defensive backs Tom Knight and Micah Hyde.
KORNBRATH RECOGNIZED BY CFPA
The College Football Performance Award recognized sophomore punter Connor Kornbrath for his play in Iowa’s win over Western Michigan as he was named honorable mention Punter of the Week. Kornbrath averaged 47 yards on three punts, with a long of 55 yards. One of his three punts was downed at the WMU eight-yard line and the Broncos had just one yard on one return.
For the season, Kornbrath is averaging 39.7 yards on 38 punts. Eighteen of his punts have been downed inside the 20, six are over 50 yards, and Hawkeye opponents are averaging just six yards on 12 returns. He was recently named to the Ray Guy Award Watch List.
QUICK TO THE BALL, QUICK TO THE SCOREBOARD
Through eight games, Iowa has received the opening kickoff five times, and started the game on defense three times. The Hawkeyes have received the opening kickoff in each of the last two weeks, and scored a touchdown on both possessions. The Hawkeyes are 3-0 when starting on defense, forcing a punt on the opponent’s first possession each game. Iowa is 2-3 this season when starting on offense. Iowa punted on its opening possession in its first three games when starting on offense, but has scored touchdowns on its last two game-opening drives.
In 2013, the Hawkeyes started on offense against Northern Illinois (L, 30-27) at Minnesota (W, 23-7), against Michigan State (L, 26-14), at Ohio State (L, 34-24), and against Northwestern (W, 17-10). Iowa started on defense against Missouri State (W, 28-14), at Iowa State (W, 27-21), and against Western Michigan (W, 59-3). Since 1999, Iowa has started the game on offense in 148-of-182 games under Kirk Ferentz. In the 34 games Iowa has started on defense, the Hawkeyes are 19-15.
600 DOWN, 300 TO GO
Iowa’s 27-21 win over Iowa State on Sept. 14 was the 600th win in program history. The Hawkeyes’ 17-10 overtime win against Northwestern on Oct. 26 was the 299th conference win in school history. Iowa’s overall record is 603-533-39 (.529), and its conference mark is 299-361-25 (.455) all-time.
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. Iowa went to overtime Oct. 26 against Northwestern. The Hawkeyes scored a touchdown on their overtime possession, and held Northwestern to a four-and-out to win 17-10. Iowa is 6-3 all-time in overtime games. 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. Iowa is 2-0 in overtime the last two seasons. 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, 2012, winning in double overtime.
LINEBACKING TRIO ON BUTKAS AWARD WATCH LIST
Seniors James Morris, Christian Kirksey and Anthony Hitchens are on the Butkus Award Watch List, which honors the nation’s 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 ranks second in the Big Ten with 9.9 tackles per game this season. A year ago, he led the team with 124 tackles, while collecting 56 solo stops and 68 assists. He has 237 career tackles.
Morris has been a starting linebacker for the Hawkeyes since his true freshman season in 2010. He ranks ninth in the Big Ten, averaging 7.9 tackles per game, and he is the only Big Ten player this season to record at least 60 tackles, three sacks, and three interceptions. He has 357 career tackles to rank eighth in school history. 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 garnered preseason second team All-Big Ten honors from Athlon, Phil Steele, and College Sports Madness. He is one of 20 quarterfinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Kirksey ranks 12th in the Big Ten with 7.6 tackles per game. He collected 95 tackles as a junior, ranking ninth in the conference in tackles per contest (7.5). The St. Louis, Mo., native also 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 272 career tackles – tying Todd Simonsen for 19th in career stops. 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 opened Big Ten play with a 23-7 win at Minnesota on Sept. 28. It marked 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 last season, 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 has four trophy games on its slate in 2013: Iowa State (Cy-Hawk; W, 27-21), Minnesota (Floyd of Rosedale; W, 23-7), Wisconsin (Heartland), and Nebraska (Heroes).
? Iowa’s schedule includes 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.
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’s 34-24 loss at No. 3/4 Ohio State snapped the Hawkeyes’ three-game winning streak against top 5 teams. The Hawkeyes had previously won their last three meetings against teams ranked in the top 5 (W, 24-23 vs. #3 Penn State in 2008; W, 21-10 at #4 Penn State in 2009; W, 37-6 vs. #5 Michigan State in 2010).
? Iowa fans are known for their support of Hawkeye athletics, and the attendance figures from 2012-13 support that claim. Iowa was 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 was 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, 2002-13
Iowa has posted 94 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 (133); Oklahoma (125); Ohio State (125); LSU (123); USC (121); Texas (117); Georgia (114); Virginia Tech (114); TCU (113); Alabama (112); Florida (110); Oregon (110); Wisconsin (107); West Virginia (105); Auburn (104); Florida State (104); Utah (102); Texas Tech (99); Nebraska (97); Michigan (96); Miami, FL (97); Iowa (94); Boston College (88); Hawai’i (87).
HAWKEYES GOOD ON THE POINT AFTER
The Hawkeyes have converted on 108 consecutive PATs without a miss or block, and 38 consecutive games without a missed or blocked PAT, the sixth-longest streak of any school in the nation.
IOWA-NORTHWESTERN POSTGAME NOTES
? Iowa (5-3, 2-2) defeated Northwestern (4-4, 0-4) inside Kinnick Stadium, 17-10, in overtime.
? Iowa improved to 6-3 all-time in overtime games, 2-1 inside Kinnick Stadium. It marked Iowa’s first overtime game at home since 2007 (W, 34-27 vs. Michigan State, Oct. 27, 2007).
? Iowa won the turnover battle for the fifth time this season. The Hawkeyes are 5-0 when winning turnover margin (Missouri State +1, Iowa State +1, Western Michigan +2, Minnesota +1, Northwestern +1).
? Iowa held its opponent scoreless in the first half for the fourth time this season (Missouri State, Iowa State, Minnesota, Northwestern). It marked the first time this season Northwestern was shutout in the opening half and the first time since 2007.
? Iowa led 10-0 at half. The Hawkeyes have held a halftime lead in every game this season.
? The Iowa defense recorded six sacks, a season-high, and its highest total since recording six sacks against Florida International on Sept. 6, 2008.
? LB James Morris recorded eight tackles, including 2.5 for loss, two sacks, and recovered one fumble.
? TE C.J. Fiedorowicz caught two passes, including the eventual game-winning touchdown, to extend his streak of consecutive games with a reception to 26.
? Iowa was penalized just twice. Iowa has committed three or fewer penalties in each of its last four games (Minnesota 1, Michigan State 3, Ohio State 3, Northwestern 2).
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has 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 seven 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) and DB Sean Skradis (Bryan in 1977-81). Additionally, freshman linebacker Luke Lindahl’s grandfather is former Hawkeye Wally Hilgenberg.
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.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,175 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 603-533-39 (.529). That includes a 381-209-16 (.642) record in home games, a 222-324-23 (.409) record in games away from Iowa City, a 299-361-25 (.455) mark in Big Ten games and a 264-173-15 (.601) record in Kinnick Stadium.
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-plus 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 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 123 players includes 47 players from Iowa. The roster includes 15 players from Illinois; 11 from Ohio; six from Michigan and Texas; five from Maryland and Missouri; three from Florida, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wisconsin; two from New Jersey; one from Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, 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 DB Sean Considine and OL Marshal Yanda won Super Bowl rings with the 2012 Baltimore Ravens in the most recent Super Bowl.
? 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.
? Iowa tied for ninth nationally (second among Big Ten teams) in number of 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.
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. 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 travels to West Lafayette, Ind., to face Purdue on Nov. 9 (11 a.m. CT, BTN).