Game Notes: Iowa at Nebraska

Nov. 25, 2013

Game Notes in PDF Format

IOWA STORY LINES
? After winning four games a year ago, Iowa is 7-4 and one of eight BCS conference teams to have improved by three victories or more from a year ago.
? Iowa’s four losses are to teams that have a combined record of 42-3 (Northern Illinois, 11-0; Michigan State, 10-1; Ohio State, 11-0, Wisconsin, 9-2). All four are in the BCS top 15 this week.
? Iowa is bowl eligible for the 12th time in the last 13 seasons. The Hawkeyes have won at least seven games in five of the last six seasons.
? Iowa has three road wins this season, its highest total since 2009 (4).
? Iowa’s defense has held 10-of-11 opponents under their rushing average this season.
? The Iowa defense has allowed four rushing touchdowns this year, tied for the lowest total in the nation.
? The Hawkeyes are 5-0 when winning the turnover margin (Missouri State +1, Iowa State +1, Western Michigan +2, Minnesota +1, Northwestern +1), 1-4 when losing the turnover margin (Northern Illinois, -2; Michigan State, -1, at Ohio State, -1; Wisconsin, -1; Michigan, -3), and 1-0 when splitting the turnover margin (Purdue). The Hawkeyes are minus-2 overall this season.
? The Hawkeyes have held a halftime lead in 9-of-11 games this season. Iowa is 6-3 in those contests.
? Iowa has trailed at halftime twice this season (Wisconsin, 7-6; Michigan, 21-7). Iowa is 1-1 in those games, losing to Wisconsin and rallying to beat Michigan.
? Iowa has allowed 11 red-zone touchdowns, the fourth-lowest total in the nation.
? The Iowa defense has not allowed a first-quarter touchdown in 10-of-11 games. Northern Illinois scored a first-quarter touchdown in Week 1. Michigan returned an interception for touchdown in Week 11.
? Iowa has scored 30 offensive touchdowns – 16 pass and 14 rush. Net yards are separated by 50 yards (2,279 passing yards vs. 2,107 rushing yards).
? Iowa’s 2,107 rushing yards are its highest single-season total since 2008 (2,453).
? Senior linebacker Christian Kirksey enters Friday’s game needing three stops to reach 300 tackles in his career.

IOWA-NEBRASKA NOTES
? Saturday’s game is a Legends Division matchup. Iowa is 4-3 and in fourth place, Nebraska is 5-2 and in second place. A Hawkeye win would clinch second place in the division. Iowa is 3-1 vs. the Legends Division, Nebraska is 2-2.
? Iowa is 0-2-1 all-time in games played on Nov. 29. The Hawkeyes lost to Nebraska 36-0 on this date in 1894.
? Iowa has three players on its roster from the state of Nebraska, including LB Cole Fisher (Omaha), DL Drew Ott (Trumbull), and DL Nathan Bazata (Howells). Nebraska has three Iowans on its roster: WR Alex Balke (Iowa City), WR Lane Hovey (Adel), WR Gabe Rahn (Le Mars).
? The Hawkeyes and Huskers compete for the Heroes Trophy. Iowa is 2-1 in trophy games this season.
? Nebraska has limited Iowa to 14 points or fewer the last seven meetings.
? Iowa RB Mark Weisman needs 31 rushing yards to surpass Ed Podolak for No. 16 on Iowa’s career rushing chart.
? Along with serving as a graduate assistant coach at Iowa in 1991, Nebraska Coach Bo Pelini helped Ohio State post a 2-1-1 record against Iowa during his playing career (1987-90).
? James Dobson, Nebraska’s head strength coach, was a member of the strength training staff for Iowa football from 1999-07. Nebraska assistant strength coach Tyler Clarke also was previously a member of Iowa’s strength training staff.
? Nebraska assistant Rick Kaczenski was an Iowa graduate assistant for two years (2005-06) working with the offensive line, then served as Iowa’s full-time defensive line coach from 2007-11.
? Nebraska assistant Ron Brown was on the Husker staff when Nebraska defeated Iowa in 1999 and 2000.
? Nebraska assistant Rich Fisher played at Colorado when the Buffalos defeated Iowa 24-21 in 1988 in Iowa City and 28-12 in 1992 in Boulder. He was a member of Colorado’s national championship team in 1990.
? Nebraska defensive coordinator John Papuchis was a graduate assistant coach at LSU when Iowa defeated the Tigers in the 2005 Capital One Bowl.

BATTLE FOR HEROES TROPHY
Iowa and Nebraska are playing “The Hy-Vee Heroes Game” Friday, with the winner claiming the Heroes Trophy. The trophy game between the Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers is the latest trophy game for the Hawkeyes, who also play trophy games with Iowa State (Cy-Hawk Trophy), Minnesota (Floyd of Rosedale) and Wisconsin (Heartland Trophy). Nebraska has had possession of the trophy since its inception in 2011. The Huskers beat Iowa 20-7 in 2011, and 13-7 in 2012.

HEROES TO BE RECOGNIZED FRIDAY
One hero from both Iowa and Nebraska will be honored at halftime of Friday’s Hy-Vee Heroes Game between Iowa and Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. This year’s “Iowa Hero” is Sioux City firefighter Mike Klemmensen. Nebraska’s “Citizen Hero” is 18-year old Caleb Amundson.

The University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska use the national stage created by the Hy-Vee Heroes Game to honor the heroic efforts of individuals and organizations in America’s heartland. Each year, fans of both schools nominate residents of Iowa and Nebraska who have performed extraordinary acts of heroism and service in their communities. From among those nominated, staff and volunteers from the American Red Cross select the following winners.

Athletics Directors Shawn Eichorst of Nebraska and Gary Barta of the UI will make a special presentation to this year’s honorees at halftime of Friday’s game. The honorees names will also be inscribed on the Heroes Game trophy.

Representatives from Hy-Vee, presenting sponsor of the Heroes Game, will present a check to the American Red Cross prior to kickoff in honor of this year’s Citizen Heroes and in support of the important work of the American Red Cross in Iowa and Nebraska. Hy-Vee stores in both states have been selling paper shields of the Heroes Game logo with all proceeds going to the Red Cross.

THE SERIES
Nebraska holds a 28-12-3 advantage in the series that began with a 22-0 Iowa victory in 1891. The Huskers have won the last five meetings, including last season (13-7) in Iowa City. Nebraska holds a 15-2-1 advantage in games played in Lincoln. The Huskers defeated Iowa, 20-7, in 2011, the Hawkeyes’ most recent trip to Memorial Stadium. The game was the first meeting as conference rivals. Iowa hasn’t won in Lincoln since topping Nebraska, 33-13, in 1943.

The 1999 contest in Kinnick Stadium marked Coach Kirk Ferentz’s first game as Iowa’s head coach. Iowa’s most recent win in the series was a 10-7 victory at Iowa City in 1981. That game marked the first game in which Ferentz served as an Iowa assistant, being named Iowa’s offensive line coach prior to the season. The first 10 games in the series were played in either Omaha (eight games) or Council Bluffs (two games). The series was even at 4-4-2 in those 10 meetings.

LAST MEETING (NOV. 23, 2012)
Iowa ended the 2012 season with a tough, 13-7 loss at home to No. 14 Nebraska. Both teams battled adverse conditions, with temperatures dipping below 30 degrees and wind gusts over 30 miles per hour. Iowa and Nebraska each scored on their opening drive. The Cornhuskers put together a 16-play, 75-yard drive that consumed over eight minutes, culminating in a 26-yard field goal by Brett Maher. The Hawkeyes responded with a 12-play, 62-yard drive, capped by a 1-yard quarterback sneak by James Vandenberg for a 7-3 Iowa lead.

The Hawkeyes forced two Nebraska fumbles in the second quarter, but were unable to convert the turnovers into points. Micah Hyde recovered a muffed punt, but Nebraska stopped Iowa on a fourth-and-one at the Cornhusker 39-yard line. One drive later, Louis Trinca-Pasat recovered a Taylor Martinez fumble, but Iowa was forced to punt seven plays later.

Nebraska trimmed Iowa’s lead to 7-6 with a field goal on its opening drive of the second half. The Cornhuskers took the lead for good late in the third quarter when Rex Burkhead rushed for a 3-yard score.

Connor Kornbrath’s 61-yard punt pinned Nebraska at its own 1-yard line in the fourth quarter, but Nebraska managed to burn 3:16 off the clock while gaining 32 yards. Iowa’s next drive went three-and-out, and Iowa’s final drive of the game ended with an interception.

Mark Weisman led Iowa in rushing with 91 yards on 29 carries. Vandenberg finished 11-of-24 for 92 yards and two interceptions. Tight end C. J. Fiedorowicz had six catches for 56 yards.

Linebacker James Morris had 13 tackles, including two for loss, while linebacker Christian Kirksey had 11 tackles, including one sack. Iowa’s defense forced two turnovers, had two sacks and recorded five tackles for loss.

TROPHY GAMES
The Hawkeyes are 2-1 in trophy games this season. The Hawkeyes’ fourth and final trophy game is Saturday at Nebraska. The Hawkeyes and Huskers compete for the Heroes Trophy. Iowa won the first of four trophy games with a 27-21 win at Iowa State (Cy-Hawk) on Sept. 14. The Hawkeyes then retained the Floyd of Rosedale trophy with a 23-7 win at Minnesota on Sept. 28. Wisconsin kept possession of the Heartland Trophy following a 28-9 win Nov. 2.

CLOSE GAMES THE NORM FOR IOWA
K Mike Meyer kicked a 34-yard eventual game winning field goal in the fourth quarter against Michigan to give Iowa its 10th fourth-quarter comeback since 2009. Iowa has had two games decided by a field goal in the fourth quarter. Northern Illinois defeated the Hawkeyes 30-27 with a field goal in the closing seconds (:04) of the season opener. In 2012, Iowa led the country in games decided by three points or less,

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 19 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 1-1 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.

MORRIS COVERS THE FIELD, CLIMBS THE CHARTS
Senior LB James Morris is the only Big Ten player this season to record at least 80 tackles, four sacks, and three interceptions. He recorded eight tackles against Michigan to raise his career total to 382 and pass Fred Barr (376) for No. 6 on the school’s all-time tackles list. Morris averages 8.0 tackles per game this season. At his current pace, he’ll finish with 398 career tackles. He needs 18 tackles to become only the sixth player in program history to record 400 career tackles.
? Morris leads Iowa with five sacks. Since Iowa started keeping sack totals in 1986, no linebacker has ever led the team in single-season sacks.
? Morris has been a starting linebacker since his true freshman season in 2010 (40 career starts).
? Named a National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete, and is one of 16 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes the best scholar-athlete in the nation.
? He is a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy, a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and on watch lists for the Bednarik and Nagurski Awards, and the College Football Performance Awards Linebacker Trophy.
? Lott IMPACT Trophy national Player of the Week vs. Northwestern.
? He garnered preseason second team All-Big Ten honors from Athlon, Phil Steele and College Sports Madness.
? One of two conference players to earn multiple Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors (at Minnesota on Sept. 28; vs. Northwestern on Oct. 26). Ohio State LB Ryan Shazier is the other.
? First Hawkeye to earn two Big Ten defensive POW honors since DL Jonathan Babineaux did it in 2004.
? 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 18 career games of double-digit tackles.
? His 8.0 tackles per game ranks eighth in the conference. His 9.3 tackles in Big Ten games ranks for fourth.
? He has five career interceptions, including three this season, and 7.5 career sacks.

RUDOCK CAN MOVE THROUGH AIR OR BY LAND
QB Jake Rudock has completed 186-309 pass attempts for 2,155 yards and 16 touchdowns. He has also rushed 55 times for 210 yards and a team-high five touchdowns.
? Rudock averages 195.9 passing yards per game, the fifth-highest total in the Big Ten.
? Rudock has three wins on the road this year, the highest total for an Iowa starting quarterback since Ricky Stanzi won four games in 2009. Rudock is 60-102 (58.9-percent) for 814 yards and eight touchdowns in road games (3-1).
? Rudock has 16 touchdown passes, including nine of 20-plus yards.
? His 85-yard touchdown pass to TE Jake Duzey at Ohio State on Oct. 19 is the third-longest pass-play in the Big Ten this season.
? Rudock has rushed for five touchdowns. The last Iowa quarterback to rush for more than five touchdowns in a single-season was Nathan Chandler (6 in 2003).
? 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 186 pass attempts, 95 to wide receivers, 51 to tight ends, and 33 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 10-of-12 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in the second half against Michigan.
? 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.

MARTIN-MANLEY MOVES INTO TOP 10
WR Kevonte Martin-Manley caught two passes against Michigan to move into the all-time top 10 in career receptions. He has 119 career receptions to rank No. 10 in program history, and his 1,218 receiving yards rank 29th all-time. He leads Iowa with 35 catches and 304 receiving yards in 2013.
? Martin-Manley has caught at least one pass in 27 of the last 28 games. He had a reception 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.
? He surpassed the 100 career receptions mark and 1,000 career receiving yards mark in Week 3 against Iowa State.

MARTIN-MANLEY AMONG TOP RETURNERS
WR Kevonte Martin-Manley ranks second in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation in punt return average (16.22). He has 18 returns for 292 yards and two touchdowns this season. Iowa leads the Big Ten averaging 15.0 yards per punt return.
? 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.
? Named Phil Steele midseason first team All-America specialist.
? Named Phil Steele and BTN.com midseason All-Big Ten specialist.

WEISMAN CLIMBS RUSHING CHART, CHASES PODALAK
RB Mark Weisman has 1,680 career rushing yards. He ranks 17th all-time in program history, and needs 31 yards to pass Ed Podalak (1,710) for the No. 16 spot in 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 865 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns this season, and led Iowa with 815 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago.
? Weisman has rushed for 100 or more yards four times this season, and has eight career 100-yard games to his credit.
? Weisman ranks sixth in the Big Ten with 184 rush attempts. His 78.7 rushing yards per game rank 10th in the Big Ten. Weisman was recently one of 12 players added to the Watch List for the Maxwell Award.
? 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.

BULLOCK HITS 1,000
RB Damon Bullock is the 44th player in program history to rush for 1,000 career yards. Bullock has 1,000 career rushing yards on 258 carries. He rushed for 20 yards as a true freshman in 2011, 513 yards as a sophomore in 2012, and 455 yards as a junior this season. Iowa’s 44 career 1,000-yard rushers is the eighth most by any FBS school.
? Bullock is Iowa’s second-leading rusher (485 yards), and fourth-leading receiver (18 receptions).
? He rushed for 513 yards in 2012, despite missing six games due to injury.
? He has two career 100-yard rushing games (Northern Illinois, 2012; Northwestern, 2012).
? In the 2012 season opener, Bullock rushed for 150 yards in his first career start.

FIEDOROWICZ STREAK HITS 29 GAMES
TE C.J. Fiedorowicz has recorded at least one reception in 29 consecutive games, a streak that ranks second among active FBS tight ends; Washington’s Austin Seferian-Jenkins is first with 36 straight games with a catch. Fiedorowicz has 82 catches for 398 yards over the last 29 games, and has caught all nine career touchdowns during the streak.
? Fiedorowicz has 23 receptions for 230 yards and a team-high five touchdowns this season, including the overtime game-winner against Northwestern on Oct. 26.
? He earned honorable mention honors from the College Football Performance Awards following the Michigan game. He caught three passes for 42 yards, including a 5-yard touchdown and the game-clinching first down.
? 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 11 games this season, and has started the last 10. King has 55 tackles, six break-ups, and two fumble recoveries this season. Two of his six pass deflections came in last week’s win over Michigan.
? He is averaging 5.9 tackles in Big Ten games, more than any other freshman in the league. His 55 tackles rank fifth-best 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 on Oct. 26 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.

IOWA DEFENSE PRESENTS…
Iowa ranks third in total defense among Big Ten schools, and 10th nationally. The Hawkeyes are allowing 304.5 yards total offense, and holding their opponents to just 15.6 first downs per game, the second-best number in the Big Ten and fifth-best nationally.
? Iowa’s scoring defense is ranked No. 4 in the Big Ten (18.9 ppg), while its pass defense (189.2 ypg) and total defense are rated third (304.5).
? Iowa has forced 54 3-and-outs on 132 drives, (40.9-percent).
? Iowa has allowed 11 red-zone touchdowns, the fourth-lowest total in the nation.
? 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. Lowery earned the honor after recording a pair of interceptions against Western Illinois on Sept. 21, and Morris earned the award after recording eight tackles, one sack, and one interception at Minnesota on Sept. 28. DB Desmond King earned Freshman 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).
? Nine Hawkeyes combined for 11 tackles-for-loss (34 yards) in Iowa’s 24-21 win over Michigan on Nov. 23. DE Carl Davis recorded a career best eight tackles, including 2.5 TFL (11 yards) and one sack (7 yards).
? The Iowa defense has held its opponent scoreless in the first quarter in 9-of-11 games (Michigan scored a defensive touchdown). Iowa’s defense has not allowed a first quarter touchdown since Week 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 is a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the outstanding college football player who began his career as a walk-on. Meyer has been Iowa’s primary kicker for the past four seasons. He is 15-for-20 on field goal attempts and perfect on 34 PAT attempts this season. He has connected on field goals of 20, 22, 23, 27, 28, 28, 28, 28, 29, 34, 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, was wide left on a 42-yard attempt against Northwestern, and wide right on a 36-yard attempt versus Michigan.
? Meyer ranks No. 2 in all-time scoring with 314 career points. Only Nate Kaeding has more career points (373).
? He scored nine points against Wisconsin (3 FG) to become the second player in program history to score 300 career points.
? Earned a Lou Groza Star of the Week Award after his performance at Minnesota (3 FG – 49, 23, 46 – and 2 XP).
? His 38-yard field goal against Northwestern was his 55th career field goal, moving him past Rob Houghtlin for second place all-time. He now has 59 career field goals. Only Nate Kaeding (67) has more career field goals.
? 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).
? His 15 made field goals ties for second most in the Big Ten. His 10 made field goals in conference games tie for third most in the league.
? He has made 60-78 (.769) career field goal attempts. Meyer is 45-53 (.849) 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 115 consecutive PAT attempts, which is the fourth-longest active streak in the nation and ranks fourth-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.
? Meyer connected on a 34-yard field goal with 6:02 remaining to provide the deciding points in Iowa’s most recent 24-21 win over Michigan.

Yardage Made-Att.
19-29 31-33
30-39 13-19
40-49 13-20
50+ 2-5

HITCHENS LEADS DEFENSE
LB Anthony Hitchens leads the Iowa defense with 95 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss and two QB sacks. He also has two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass break-up.
? He ranks fifth in the Big Ten in tackles per game (8.6).
? He surpassed 200 tackles with his tackle total (team-best 10 stops) in Iowa’s win at Minnesota on Sept. 28. He has 253 career tackles.
? Has 12 career games with double-digit tackles.
? Hitchens stripped QB Devin Gardner and recovered the fumble to thwart Michigan’s final drive and preserve Iowa’s 24-21 victory on Nov. 23. He earned honorable mention honors from the College Football Performance Awards following the game.
? He is on the Butkus Award Watch List.
? College Sports Madness named 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.

KIRKSEY KNOCKING ON DOOR OF No. 300
LB Christian Kirksey is three tackles shy of becoming the 16th player in program history to record 300 career tackles. Kirksey has 297 career stops, good enough for 17th in program history, and ranks 10th in the Big Ten with 7.8 tackles per game.
? 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.
? 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.
? He was named a Permanent Team Captain and winner of the Next Man In Award in 2012.
? He is on the College Football Performance Awards Linebacker Trophy Watch List, and was named preseason fourth team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele.
? He 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).
? He returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2012 (vs. Minnesota, at Indiana). He was one of eight players nationally with two touchdowns on interception returns.

CANZERI PUTS UP CAREER NUMBERS
Sophomore RB Jordan Canzeri nearly doubled his season rushing totals in Iowa’s 38-14 win at Purdue on Nov. 9. Canzeri rushed for a career-high 165 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries against the Boilermakers. He entered the game with 173 rushing yards on 29 carries. Canzeri averages 6.4 yards per carry in 2013, a number that ranks seventh in the Big Ten.
? Canzeri has led Iowa in rushing yards three times this year (5-58 vs. Wisconsin; 20-165 at Purdue; 13-73 vs. Western Michigan).
? His 20 carries against Purdue were two shy of matching his career high of 22 carries, set against Oklahoma at the 2011 Insight Bowl (22-58).

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 passes 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 third longest by a tight end (Dallas Clark, 95 yards vs. Purdue in 2002). It is also the third longest pass-play in the Big Ten this season.
? He scored his second career touchdown at Purdue on Nov. 9, a 3-yard pass from Jake Rudock.

LEADING LINEBACKERS
Iowa has three linebackers ranked among the Big Ten’s top 10 tacklers. Senior LB Anthony Hitchens ranks fifth in the conference averaging 8.6 tackles per game. LBs James Morris ranks eighth with 8.0 stops per game, and Christian Kirksey ties for 10th, averaging 7.8 tackles per game. The Big Ten has 12 players with at least 80 tackles, three of whom are Iowa linebackers.

Morris ties for No. 4 in conference games only, averaging 9.3 tackles per game. Hitchens ranks ninth in conference games only (8.3), and Kirksey ranks 11th (8.0). All three linebackers are on the Butkus Award Watch List.

Iowa’s linebacker trio has accounted for eight turnovers this season – 4 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries. LB James Morris has three interceptions and one fumble recovery, while LB Christian Kirksey has one interception and two fumble recoveries. Hitchens has two forced fumbles, with one fumble recovery.

In their careers, Morris has been credited with double-digit tackle games 18 times. Hitchens and Kirksey each have 12 double-digit tackle games to their credit. All three have totaled over 200 career tackles.

COLLECTING INTERCEPTIONS
The Hawkeyes have recorded 10 interceptions through 11 games. DB B.J. Lowery, LB James Morris, and S Tanner Miller lead Iowa with three interceptions each. The Hawkeyes are one of three Big Ten teams to have three players with at least three interceptions (Northwestern, Michigan). Iowa’s 10th interception belongs to LB Christian Kirksey.

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 93 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. 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 (16), rush (14), 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.

RUNNING GAME UPS THE ANTE
Iowa rushed for 200 yards five times this season before passing the 300-yard mark Nov. 9 at Purdue. The Hawkeyes rushed for 318 yards on 52 carries against the Boilermakers. It was Iowa’s highest yardage total since rushing for 365 yards on 65 carries at Minnesota in 2002. It was also the first 300-yard effort since gaining 301 vs. Illinois in 2005.

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 243.7 rushing yards in its seven wins, rushing 358 times for 1,706 yards (4.8 ypc). 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 on 58 attempts in a 28-14 win over Missouri State. The 58 rush attempts 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 10 sacks this season, a total that leads 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 11 games.

OFFENSE INCREASES TEMPO, CONTROLS T.O.P.
The Hawkeyes rank fifth in the Big Ten in time of possession, averaging 31:49 per game. The Hawkeyes have had the advantage in time of possession in seven of 11 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 is 6-1 when winning time of possession, and 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.

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. He has 15 pass breakups and 18 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 35 times for 142 yards, while VandeBerg has caught eight passes for 59 yards. Vandeberg made his first career start Nov. 23 vs. Michigan.

Spearman has 10 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 11 games. He has started the last 10 contests and has 55 tackles, fifth-most on the team.

HAWKEYES NAMED TO MIDSEASON TEAMS
Both BTN.com and Phil Steele’s College Football released midseason all-Big Ten teams, 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.

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 39.9 yards on 51 punts. Twenty-three of his 51 punts have been downed inside the 20, a percentage of .451 that ranks among the national leaders. He also has downed 11 punts inside the 10, and has eight over 50 yards. Hawkeye opponents are averaging just 5.3 yards on 15 returns.

HITTING 300 AND 600 ON THE WAY
The Hawkeyes have passed a pair of milestone victory totals in 2013. Iowa’s 27-21 win over Iowa State on Sept. 14 was the 600th win in program history, and the Hawkeyes’ 38-14 win at Purdue on Nov. 9 was the 300th conference win in school history. Iowa’s overall record is 605-534-39 (.529), and its conference mark is 301-362-25 (.455) all-time.

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 fifth in the Big Ten with 8.6 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 253 career tackles.

Morris has been a starting linebacker for the Hawkeyes since his true freshman season in 2010. He ranks eighth in the Big Ten, averaging 8.0 tackles per game, and he is the only Big Ten player this season to record at least 80 tackles, four sacks, and three interceptions. His 382 career tackles rank sixth 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.

Morris is one of nine semifinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, one of 16 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes the best scholar-athlete in the nation, and one of 12 finalists for the Wuerffel Trophy, which recognizes community service and outstanding academic and athletic achievement.

Kirksey ranks 10th in the Big Ten with 7.8 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 297 career tackles, good enough for 17th in program history. 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.

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 96 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 (135); Ohio State (128); Oklahoma (127); USC (125); LSU (124); Texas (119); Georgia (117); Alabama (115); Virginia Tech (115); TCU (114); Oregon (111); Wisconsin (111); Florida (110); Florida State (108); Auburn (107); West Virginia (106); Virginia (106); Utah (102); Nebraska (100); Texas Tech (99); Michigan (97); Miami, FL (98); Iowa (96); Boston College (92); Hawai’i (87).

HAWKEYES GOOD ON THE POINT AFTER
The Hawkeyes have converted on 116 consecutive PATs without a miss or block, and 41 consecutive games without a missed or blocked PAT, the second-longest streak of any school in the nation (Illinois).

IOWA-MICHIGAN POSTGAME NOTES
? Iowa (7-4, 4-3) scored 17 unanswered points to defeat Michigan (7-4, 3-4), 24-21, inside Kinnick Stadium. Iowa has won four of the last five meetings in the series.
? Iowa has recorded three straight home wins over Michigan for the first time in program history.
? The last seven Iowa-Michigan football games played in Iowa City, dating back to 1998, have been decided by eight points or fewer, including five by three points or less.
? Iowa held Michigan scoreless in the second half. The Hawkeye defense limited Michigan to three first downs and 45 yards in the second half. Iowa held Michigan to 158 total yards, the lowest opponent total this season.
? Iowa rallied from a 21-14 fourth quarter deficit to record its 10th fourth-quarter comeback since 2009. The last fourth-quarter comeback was Oct. 13, 2012, at Michigan State (Iowa trailed 10-3 and 13-6 in the fourth period before winning 19-16 in double OT).
? Iowa won for the first time this year when trailing at any point during the game. The Hawkeyes had not trailed in any of their previous six victories this season.
? Iowa won despite losing the turnover margin for the first time this year. Iowa was minus-3 in turnovers (lost one fumble, three interceptions; recovered one fumble). It was Iowa’s first win with four or more turnover since defeating Indiana 42-24 in 2009 despite committing four turnovers. That contest also marked Iowa’s last victory when being minus three in the turnover category.
? QB Jake Rudock’s 55-yard touchdown pass to WR Tevaun Smith was the third-longest pass play of the season (Duzey, 85; Powell, 74).
? RB Damon Bullock rushed for 12 yards to become the 44th player in program history to rush for 1,000 career yards.
? WR Tevaun Smith recorded a career-high 97 receiving yards on five catches.
? K Mike Meyer was perfect on three extra point attempts. He has made a school-record 115 consecutive PAT attempts, which is the fourth-longest active streak in the nation and ranks fourth-best all-time in the Big Ten.
? DT Carl Davis recorded a career-high eight tackles, including one sack (7 yards) and 2.5 tackles for loss (11 yards).
? LB Anthony Hitchens forced and recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter to thwart Michigan’s final drive. Iowa’s linebacker trio has accounted for eight turnovers this season. LB James Morris has three interceptions and one fumble recovery, while LB Christian Kirksey has one interception and two fumble recoveries. Hitchens has three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

3 HAWKEYES EARN ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT HONORS
Senior LB James Morris, sophomore QB Jake Rudock and senior OL Brett Van Sloten have been named to the Capital One Academic All-District Six first team. Each of the three Hawkeye players will now have their name placed on the national ballot for Capital One Academic All-America honors. The district honor is the second for Morris and the first for Rudock and Van Sloten.

Rudock is a native of Westin, Fla., who has started all 11 games this season. He carries a 3.57 grade point average and is majoring in interdepartmental studies. Rudock has completed 186-309 pass attempts for 2,155 yards and 16 touchdowns. He has also rushed for 210 yards and five touchdowns.

Morris, a native of Solon, Iowa, holds a 3.84 grade point average and is majoring in political science. He earned All-District academic honors last season and academic All-Big Ten recognition in 2011 and 2012. He was recently named one of 16 National Scholar-Athletes by the National Football Foundation and is a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

Van Sloten, a native of Decorah, Iowa, is a management major and carries a 3.54 grade point average. He has earned academic All-Big Ten honors each of the last three years. Van Sloten has started all 11 games this season and all 23 games over the past two seasons at right tackle. In the last 15 seasons, under UI head coach Kirk Ferentz, 22 Iowa football student-athletes have combined to earn academic All-District and All-America recognition on 41 occasions.

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.

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 122 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, 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 12 of the last 13 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). All four schools are bowl eligible in 2013.
? 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” on Wednesday. The 90-minute radio call-in show is hosted by Gary Dolphin, the play-by-play voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes. The show airs at 7 p.m. from Carlos O’Kelly’s in Iowa City.