Jan. 21, 2014
- 2013 Game Day Central
- Read the January issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
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- 2013 Signing Day Central
- Hawkeyes in the NFL
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone/iPad app!
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye Android app!
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
2013 SEASON NOTES
? Iowa finished the season 8-5 overall and 5-3 in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes placed second in the Legends Division. Iowa accepted an invitation to play in the 2014 Outback Bowl, dropping a 21-14 decision to #14 LSU.
? Iowa has recorded at least eight wins in four of the last six years.
? The 2014 Outback Bowl marked Iowa’s 11th both appearance overall, and seventh January bowl appearance, since 2001. Iowa was bowl eligible for the 12th time in the last 13 seasons.
? Iowa’s 2013 schedule included eight bowl teams, including two teams that competed in BCS bowl games.
? With the 8-5 final record, Iowa was one of six BCS conference teams to have improved by four victories or more from 2012.
? Iowa’s linebacker trio accounted for 10 takeaways this season. James Morris has four interceptions and one fumble recovery, while Christian Kirksey has one interception, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. Anthony Hitchens has three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception.
? Iowa’s offensive line yielded just 15 sacks, the fewest sacks allowed in the Big Ten.
? Iowa allowed 35 plays of 20-plus yards, the second fewest in the country behind Notre Dame (34).
? The Iowa defense held its opponent scoreless in the first quarter in 10-of-13 games (Michigan scored a defensive touchdown). Iowa’s defense allowed two first-quarter touchdowns, one in Week 1 and one at the Outback Bowl (Week 13).
? Iowa’s five losses were to teams that finished with a combined record of 56-12 (Northern Illinois, 12-2; Michigan State, 13-1; Ohio State, 12-2, Wisconsin, 9-4; LSU, 10-3), for a winning percentage of .824.
? Iowa earned four road wins this season, its highest total since 2009 (4). Among Big Ten teams, only Ohio State (5) and Michigan State (4) had four or more road wins.
? Iowa’s defense held 10-of-13 opponents under their rushing average.
? The Iowa defense allowed eight rushing touchdowns, tied for the second lowest total in the nation. Only BCS national champion Florida State (7) allowed fewer rushing touchdowns.
? The Hawkeyes were 6-0 when winning the turnover margin (Missouri State +1, Iowa State +1, Western Michigan +2, Minnesota +1, Northwestern +1, Nebraska +3), 1-5 when losing the turnover margin (Northern Illinois, -2; Michigan State, -1, at Ohio State, -1; Wisconsin, -1; Michigan, -3; LSU, -2), and 1-0 when splitting the turnover margin (Purdue). ? The Hawkeyes held a halftime lead in 10-of-13 games. Iowa was 7-3 in those contests.
? Iowa trailed at halftime three times (Wisconsin, 7-6; Michigan, 21-7; LSU, 14-0). Iowa was 1-2 in those games, losing to Wisconsin and LSU, and rallying to beat Michigan.
? Iowa allowed 15 red-zone touchdowns, the fourth lowest total in the nation.
? Iowa scored 37 offensive touchdowns – 19 pass and 18 rush. Net yards are separated by 223 yards (2,562 passing yards vs. 2,339 rushing yards).
? Iowa rushed for 2,339 rushing yards, its highest single-season total since 2008 (2,453).
? Iowa was 3-1 in Trophy Games. The Hawkeyes retained Floyd of Rosedale (Minnesota), reclaimed the Cy-Hawk Trophy (Iowa State), and won their first Heroes Trophy (Nebraska). Wisconsin retained the Heartland Trophy. Iowa’s three trophy game wins were all on the road.
? QB Jake 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 (1994). Rudock completed 204-of-346 pass attempts for 2,383 yards and 18 touchdowns.
? RB Mark Weisman led Iowa in rushing for the second straight year. He carried 227 times for 975 yards and eight touchdowns. ? WR Kevonte Martin-Manley
led Iowa in receptions (40) and receiving yards (388), while TE C.J. Fiedorowicz led the team with six scoring receptions.
? Three Hawkeye linebackers recorded over 100 tackles (Anthony Hitchens 112, James Morris 107, Christian Kirksey 104). It is the first time in program history three players recorded 100 tackles (tackles became official stat in 1968). Iowa has had two players with 100-plus tackle seven times (1970, 1972, 1988, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2005).
? LB Anthony Hitchens and junior OT Brandon Scherff were named the Roy J. Carver Most Valuable Players.
IOWA BOWL NOTES
Iowa appeared in its 27th bowl game and has a record of 14-12-1 (.537). The Hawkeyes have competed in the Rose (five times), Outback (four), Alamo (four), Holiday (three), Orange (two), Peach (two), Sun (two), Insight (two), and the Capital One, Gator and Freedom bowls once.
? 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 (27) and Wisconsin (24). All four schools were bowl-eligible in 2013.
? The Hawkeyes have appeared in 11 bowl games since 2001.
? The Hawkeyes have posted a 6-5 record in bowl games under Ferentz, including wins in 4-of-7 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.
? Iowa (14-12-1, .537), Penn State (27-15-2, .636) and Purdue (9-8, .529) are the only Big Ten teams with a positive winning percentage in bowl games.
? During the BCS bowl era (1998-2013), the Big Ten qualified 27 teams for BCS bowls, more than any other conference. Eight different Big Ten programs played in BCS bowl games, including two appearances by Iowa (1-1). Nebraska played in the BCS bowls, but never as a Big Ten institution.
2014 OUTBACK BOWL NOTES
? Iowa (8-5, 5-3) lost to No. 14 LSU (10-3, 5-3), 21-14, Jan. 1 at the 2014 Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla. The Hawkeyes fell to 2-2 all-time in the Outback Bowl. Iowa defeated Florida, 37-17, in 2004, and South Carolina, 31-10, in 2009. Iowa lost to Florida, 31-24, in 2006.
? LSU scored a touchdown on its opening drive in the first quarter. It was the first offensive touchdown allowed by Iowa in the first quarter since Week 1 (Northern Illinois).
? Iowa forced 10 LSU punts, tying an Outback Bowl record.
? Iowa trailed at the half, 14-0. It was the third time this year Iowa trailed at the half (trailed Wisconsin 7-6, lost 28-9; trailed Michigan 21-7, won 24-21).
? SS John Lowdermilk recorded his first career interception and returned it 71 yards to set up Iowa’s first touchdown. It was the 12th-longest interception return in school history.
? LB James Morris recorded eight tackles to raise his career total to 400. Morris is the sixth player in program history to reach 400 career tackles. Morris recorded two sacks and finished the season with a team-high eight sacks.
? LB Anthony Hitchens led Iowa with 10 tackles. It marked his 13th career game with double-digit tackles.
? QB C.J. Beathard relieved QB Jake Rudock at the start of the fourth quarter. Beathard finished the game 4-for-7 for 55 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown pass was the first of his career. The four completions match a career high.
? WR Jordon Cotton returned a kickoff an Outback Bowl record 96 yards in the fourth quarter. It was the longest return of Cotton’s career, and the eighth longest return in school history. It is the longest non-touchdown kickoff return in school history.
? Cotton averaged 42.7 yards on three kickoff returns. His 42.7 yard average is also an Outback Bowl record.
? K Mike Meyer was perfect on two extra point attempts. He finished his career with a school-record 122 consecutive PAT attempts, which is the fourth-longest active streak in the nation and the third-best all-time in the Big Ten.
? TE C.J. Fiedorowicz caught a game-high four passes to extend his streak of consecutive games with a reception to 31. Fiedorowicz had 89 catches for 467 yards over the last 31 games of his career, and caught all 10 career touchdowns during the streak.
? Iowa sold 95-percent of it bowl game ticket allotment, the highest percentage of any bowl team.
IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa was 0-3 in 2013 against opponents who were ranked at the time. Iowa was 1-4 against teams that appeared in the final rankings. 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
SCHERFF, FIEDOROWICZ, LOWERY LEAD LIST OF ALL-BIG TEN
Senior TE C.J. Fiedorowicz and junior OT Brandon Scherff were named first team All-Big Ten by a vote of league coaches. In addition, senior DB B.J. Lowery was a first team selection by league media. The Big Ten coaches’ second unit includes senior OT Brett Van Sloten, junior DT Carl Davis, senior LB Anthony Hitchens and senior LB James Morris. The Big Ten media second unit features Scherff, Fiedorowicz, Morris and senior PK Mike Meyer.
Hawkeye players earning honorable mention recognition on both the coaches and media units include sophomore C Austin Blythe, senior OG Conor Boffeli, senior LB Christian Kirksey, senior FS Tanner Miller and junior DT Louis Trinca-Pasat. Lowery was named honorable mention by Big Ten coaches, while Big Ten media named Davis, Hitchens, Van Sloten, senior LS Casey Kreiter and junior DB John Lowdermilk to the honorable mention squad. Morris is also Iowa’s recipient of the Big Ten’s Sportsmanship Award. A complete list of honors earned by the 2013 Hawkeyes is included in the final notes packet.
THREE HAWKEYES EARN ACADEMIC HONORS
Senior LB James Morris was named to the Capital One Academic All-America first team after earlier being named to the All-District Six first team. Morris was joined on the Capital One Academic All-District Six first team by sophomore QB Jake Rudock and senior OL Brett Van Sloten.
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 the last three seasons. He was one of 16 National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athletes and was a finalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and the Wuerffel Trophy.
Rudock is a native of Westin, Fla., who started all 13 games this season. He carries a 3.57 grade point average and is majoring in interdepartmental studies. Rudock completed 204-of-346 pass attempts for 2,383 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also rushed for 218 yards and five touchdowns.
Van Sloten, a native of Decorah, Iowa, is a management major and carries a 3.54 grade point average. He earned academic All-Big Ten honors each of the last four years. Van Sloten started all 13 games in 2013 and all 25 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 42 occasions.
14 HAWKEYES ARE ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN
Fourteen members of the Iowa football program earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition in 2013. Student-athletes must be in their second academic year and career a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above to be recognized. Senior OL Brett Van Sloten earned the Big Ten honor for the fourth straight year. Senior LB James Morris and senior long-snapper Casey Kreiter were recognized for the third time in their careers.
Hawkeyes earning the honor for the second year include sophomore LB Cole Fisher, senior OL Nolan MacMillan, sophomore LB Travis Perry, senior WR Don Shumpert, junior DL Louis Trinca-Pasat and junior RB Mark Weisman. First time honorees included senior OL Conor Boffeli, redshirt freshman TE George Kittle, sophomore DB Jordan Lomax, sophomore DL Drew Ott and sophomore Quarterback Jake Rudock.
IOWA’S ACADEMIC SUCCESS
In October, the NCAA reported that the Iowa football team had scored an 81 on the Graduation Success Rate (GSR) – 11 points better than the national average of 70. Iowa was one of just 16 bowl-bound teams with a GSR greater than 80. The Hawkeyes were the highest ranked Big Ten Conference team participating in a bowl game, according to GSR.
REID, WOODS SHARE COACHING HONOR
Linebacker coaches Jim Reid and LeVar Woods were named Linebackers Coaches of the Year by FootballScoop. Woods, a three-year letterman during his Hawkeye playing career, completed his second year coaching Iowa linebackers after serving as an administrative assistant from 2008-11. Reid, a veteran of 35 years in the college and professional coaching ranks, has just completed his first season on the Hawkeye coaching staff.
The defense played a key role in Iowa’s turnaround from a 4-8 record in 2012. The Hawkeyes ranked sixth nationally in total defense, seventh in first downs allowed, ninth in passing defense and scoring defense, and 19th in rushing defense. Iowa allowed just eight rushing touchdowns in 13 games.
Iowa’s three senior linebackers, Hitchens, Morris, and Kirksey, played a key role for the Hawkeyes. The trio ranked first, second and third, respectively, in tackles, while Morris led the team in tackles for loss (18), sacks (eight) and interceptions (four). They also combined for 10 turnovers (six interceptions and four recovered fumbles). Iowa accomplished the rare feat of having three linebackers post 100-tackle seasons and rank among college football’s top 70 tacklers. Hitchens led the way with 112 stops (36th nationally), Morris recorded 106 tackles (58th), and Kirksey had 104 tackles (68th).
MORRIS LEAVES LEGACY
Senior LB James Morris recorded eight tackles against LSU in the Outback Bowl to raise his career total to 400 and become only the sixth player in program history to record 400 career tackles. He was the only Big Ten player this season to record at least 100 tackles, eight sacks, and four interceptions.
? Was named to the Capital One Academic All-America first team.
? Was named second team All-Big Ten by league coaches and media.
? Led Iowa with eight sacks to become the first linebacker since Iowa started keeping sack totals in 1986 to lead the team in single-season sacks.
? Was one of three Hawkeye linebackers to record over 100 tackles (Anthony Hitchens 112, James Morris 107, Christian Kirksey 104). It is the first time in program history three players recorded 100 tackles (tackles became official stat in 1968). Iowa has had two players with 100-plus tackle seven times (1970, 1972, 1988, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2005).
? Started 42 games at Iowa since making his first career start at linebacker as a true freshman in 2010.
? Named a National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete, to be one of 16 finalists for the William V. Campbell Trophy, which recognizes the best scholar-athlete in the nation.
? Was a finalist for the Wuerffel Trophy and the Lott IMPACT Trophy and was 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.
? One of two Big Ten 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 was 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.
? Recorded 19 career games of double-digit tackles.
? Ranked eighth in the Big Ten with 8.2 tackles per game. His 9.4 tackles in Big Ten games ranked third.
RUDOCK CAN MOVE THROUGH AIR OR BY LAND
QB Jake Rudock started all 13 games in 2013-14. He completed 204-of-346 pass attempts for 2,383 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also rushed 67 times for 218 yards and five touchdowns.
? His 18 passing touchdowns ties for the ninth most in single-season history, and fifth-most by a first-year full-time starter.
? Led Iowa to four road wins in 2013-14, the highest total for an Iowa starting quarterback since Ricky Stanzi won four games in 2009. Rudock was 69-of-117 (59-percent) for 940 yards and 10 touchdowns in road games (3-1). (Not including neutral site – Outback Bowl.)
? Ten of Rudock’s 18 touchdown passes were 20-plus yards.
? His 85-yard touchdown pass to TE Jake Duzey at Ohio State on Oct. 19 was the fourth-longest pass-play in the Big Ten this season.
? Rushed for five touchdowns, the highest single-season total by an Iowa quarterback since Nathan Chandler rushed for six touchdowns in 2003.
? 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).
? Connected with 18 different Hawkeyes. He completed 204 pass attempts, 102 to wide receivers, 62 to tight ends, and 37 to running backs. OL Brett Van Sloten was also credited with a reception (deflected pass).
? 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.
? 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 is a career-high, and ties for the fourth-highest by a Hawkeye quarterback making his first career start.
? 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-of-4 for 5 yards against Michigan State, Rudock finished the half completing 11 straight passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
? Completed 10-of-12 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown in the second half against Michigan.
? Completed his first eight passes at Ohio State, all to tight ends. On Iowa’s opening touchdown drive, he was 5-of-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 led Iowa with 40 receptions and 388 receiving yards in 2013-14. He caught two passes against Michigan to move into the all-time top 10 in career receptions. His 122 career receptions rank No. 10 in program history, and his 1,282 receiving yards rank 25th all-time. He needs 52 catches to break Iowa’s all-time receptions record ( Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, 173).
? He needs four receptions to tie Marv Cook for No. 9 on the all-time receptions list.
? Has caught at least one pass in 29 of the last 30 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.
? Surpassed the 100 career receptions mark and 1,000 career receiving yards mark in Week 3 against Iowa State, with seven receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown in the road win.
MARTIN-MANLEY AMONG TOP RETURNERS
WR Kevonte Martin-Manley ranked second in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation in punt return average (15.7). He had 20 returns for 314 yards and two touchdowns this season. Iowa led the Big Ten, averaging 14.0 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.
? 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.
? 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.
WEISMAN FLIRTS WITH 1,000
Junior RB Mark Weisman rushed for 975 yards on 227 carries in 2013. His yardage total ranks 18th in single-season history. He was 25 yards shy of becoming the 14th player in program history to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season. Weisman has 1,790 career rushing yards, a number that ranks 14th all-time in program history.
? Led Iowa in rushing yards for the second straight season. He rushed for a career-high 975 yards in 2013, matching his career-high with a team-best eight touchdowns. He led Iowa with 815 yards and eight touchdowns in 2012.
? Rushed for 100 or more yards four times in 2013, and has eight career 100-yard games to his credit.
? Ranked fourth in the Big Ten with 227 rush attempts. His 75 rushing yards per game rank 10th in the Big Ten.
? Rushed for 100 yards in each of Iowa’s first three contests, becoming the first running back since Shonn Greene (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.
? 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 included Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, and CFPA Running Back Award.
FIEDOROWICZ STREAK HITS 30 GAMES
TE C.J. Fiedorowicz finished his career with at least one reception in 31 consecutive games, a streak that ranks second among active FBS tight ends; Washington’s Austin Seferian-Jenkins is first with 38 straight games with a catch. Fiedorowicz had 89 catches for 467 yards over his last 31 games, and caught all 10 career touchdowns during the streak.
? Earned first team All-Big Ten honors by a vote of league coaches. He was named to the All-Big Ten second team by a vote of league media.
? Had 26 receptions for 253 yards and a team-high six touchdowns this season, including the overtime game-winner against Northwestern on Oct. 26.
? 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.
? Was one of 29 players named to the John Mackey Award Midseason Watch List. He was one of five tight ends from the Big Ten named to the list. Former Hawkeye Dallas Clark won the award in 2002.
? Invited to play in 2014 Senior Bowl.
KING WEARS THE CROWN
CB Desmond King appeared in all 13 games and started the final 12. He had 69 tackles, eight break-ups, and two fumble recoveries. King was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after registering a career-best 12 tackles at Ohio State on Oct. 19.
? Averaged 6.1 tackles in Big Ten games. Only Nebraska LB Michael Rose (6.9) averaged more tackles among league freshman. His 63 tackles tied for fifth-best on the team.
? Made his career debut in the season opener against Northern Illinois, appearing at defensive back and recording four tackles.
? 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.
? Recorded three tackles and one fumble recovery in his first career start against Missouri State.
? 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).
? His 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 ranked second in total defense among Big Ten schools, and sixth nationally. The Hawkeyes allowed 303.1 yards of total offense, holding their opponents to just 15.9 first downs per game, the second-best number in the Big Ten and fifth-best nationally.
? Eight Hawkeyes landed on the All-Big Ten defensive teams. DB B.J. Lowery was named first team All-Big Ten. DT Carl Davis, LB Anthony Hitchens, and LB James Morris earned second team honors, and LB Christian Kirksey, DT Louis Trinca-Pasat, SS John Lowdermilk and FS Tanner Miller earned honorable mention recognition.
? Iowa’s scoring defense (18.9 ppg) ranked No. 3 in the Big Ten. Iowa’s pass defense ranked second (174.7 ypg), and its rushing defense ranked fourth (128.4).
? Iowa held 11-of-13 opponents under their rushing average.
? Iowa forced 65 3-and-outs on 162 drives, (40.1 percent).
? Iowa allowed 16 red-zone touchdowns, the fourth-lowest total in the nation.
? The Hawkeye defense earned five 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, respectively. Lowery earned the honor after recording a pair of interceptions against Western Michigan 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. LB Christian Kirksey earned the award after recording 11 tackles, one sack and one interception against Nebraska.
? 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. DT Carl Davis recorded a career best eight tackles, including 2.5 TFL (11 yards) and one sack (7 yards).
? The Iowa defense held its opponent scoreless in the first quarter in 10-of-13 games (Michigan scored a defensive touchdown). Iowa’s defense allowed two first-quarter touchdowns this season, first in Week 1 and then in Week 13 (Outback Bowl).
? Iowa shutout its opponents in the first half four times (Missouri State, Iowa State, Minnesota, Northwestern).
MEYER GETS HIS KICKS
Senior PK Mike Meyer was a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the outstanding college football player who began his career as a walk-on. Meyer was Iowa’s primary kicker for the past four seasons. He finished his senior season 16-for-22 on field goal attempts and perfect on 41 PAT attempts.
? Earned second team All-Big Ten honors by a vote of league media.
? Was 19-for-21 in his career on field goal attempts in the fourth quarter or overtime.
? Ranks No. 2 in all-time scoring with 324 career points. Only Nate Kaeding has more career points (373).
? 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 PAT).
? His 38-yard field goal against Northwestern was his 55th career field goal, moving him past Rob Houghtlin for second place all-time. He has 61 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).
? 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 16 made field goals ranked second in the Big Ten. His 11 made field goals in conference games tied for second most in the league.
? Made 61-of-80 (.763) career field goal attempts. Meyer is 46-of-55 (.836) from kicks 39 yards and closer; 13-of-20 (.650) from 40-49 yards; and 2-of-5 (.400) from 50 yards or farther.
? The native of Dubuque, Iowa, made a school-record 122 consecutive PAT attempts, a mark that ranks third-best all-time in the Big Ten.
? 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.
? Connected on a 34-yard field goal with 6:02 remaining to provide the deciding points in Iowa’s 24-21 win over Michigan.
Yardage Made-Att.
19-29 31-33
30-39 14-21
40-49 13-20
50+ 2-5
BULLOCK HITS 1,000 CAREER RUSHING YARDS
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 263 carries. He rushed for 20 yards as a true freshman in 2011, 513 yards as a sophomore in 2012, and 467 yards as a junior this season. Iowa’s 44 career 1,000-yard rushers is the eighth most by any FBS school.
? Was Iowa’s third-leading rusher (467 yards), and fourth-leading receiver (20 receptions).
? Rushed for 513 yards in 2012, despite missing six games due to injury.
? 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.
HITCHENS LED DEFENSE
LB Anthony Hitchens led the Iowa defense with 112 tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss and two QB sacks. He also had two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception, and one pass break-up.
? Shared team MVP honors with OL Brandon Scherff.
? Named second team All-Big Ten by a vote of league coaches.
? Ranked sixth in the Big Ten in tackles per game (8.6).
? Recorded his first career interception (18 yards) against Nebraska on Nov. 29.
? Surpassed 200 tackles with his tackle total (team-best 10 stops) in Iowa’s win at Minnesota on Sept. 28. He has 260 career tackles.
? Had 13 career games with double-digit tackles.
? 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.
? Was one of three Hawkeye linebackers to record over 100 tackles (Anthony Hitchens 112, James Morris 107, Christian Kirksey 104). It is the first time in program history three players recorded 100 tackles (tackles became official stat in 1968).
? Was 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 PICK UP NO. 300, EARNS POW WEEKLY HONOR
LB Christian Kirksey recorded 11 tackles against Nebraska to become the 17th player in program history to record 300 career tackles. Kirksey has 315 career stops, good enough for 16th in program history, and ranked 10th in the Big Ten with 8.0 tackles per game.
? Earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors by a vote of league coaches and media.
? Was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after the Nebraska game. He recorded a team-high 11 tackles at Nebraska, including four solo tackles and seven assists. He also had three tackles for loss, one sack, a forced fumble and a pass break-up. He led an Iowa defense that held Nebraska to 17 points, 89 net rushing yards and 288 yards total offense.
? Had 13 career games with double-digit tackles.
? Was one of three Hawkeye linebackers to record over 100 tackles (Anthony Hitchens 112, James Morris 107, Christian Kirksey 104). It is the first time in program history three players recorded 100 tackles (tackles became official stat in 1968).
? 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.
? Collected 95 tackles as a junior, ranking ninth in the conference in tackles per contest (7.5). The St. Louis native also ranked first in the Big Ten and second in the nation with four recovered fumbles.
? Was one of eight players in the nation with two interception returns for touchdowns in 2012.
? Was named a Permanent Team Captain and winner of the Next Man In Award in 2012.
? Was on the College Football Performance Awards Linebacker Trophy Watch List, and was named preseason fourth team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele.
? 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).
? Returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 2012 (vs. Minnesota, at Indiana).
? Invited to play in 2014 Senior Bowl.
CANZERI PUTS UP CAREER NUMBERS
Sophomore RB Jordan Canzeri rushed for a career-high 481 yards this season on 67 carries. He 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 averaged 6.5 yards per carry in 2013, a number that ranked seventh in the Big Ten.
? 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).
? Caught one pass for a career long and career-best 29 yards at Nebraska, setting up Iowa’s second touchdown.
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.
? 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 was also the third-longest pass-play in the Big Ten this season.
? Scored his second career touchdown at Purdue on Nov. 9, a 3-yard pass from Jake Rudock.
? Caught three passes for 58 yards in the Outback Bowl.
HAWKEYES NAME TEAM CAPATINS
Five team captains for the 2013 season were announced at Iowa’s annual awards banquet Dec. 8. They include senior offensive lineman Brett Van Sloten and junior running back Mark Weisman on offense, senior linebackers Christian Kirksey and James Morris on defense and deep snapper Casey Kreiter on special teams. Kirksey, Morris, Van Sloten and Weisman served as team captains for each of Iowa’s 12 regular season games, while Kreiter was named special teams captain prior to the Outback Bowl.
16 SENIORS COMPETED IN 2013
Senior members of the Iowa football program played their final game as a Hawkeye at the Outback Bowl. They include DE Dominic Alvis, OL Conor Boffeli, WR Jordan Cotton, TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, LB Palmer Foster, LB Anthony Hitchens, LB Christian Kirksey, LS Casey Kreiter, DB B.J. Lowery, OL Nolan MacMillan, K Mike Meyer, S Tanner Miller, LB James Morris, WR Don Shumpert, DB Gavin Smith, and OL Brett Van Sloten.
TROPHY GAMES
The Hawkeyes were 3-1 in trophy games during the regular season. Iowa won the first of four trophy games, 27-21, 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. Iowa won its first Heroes Trophy with a 38-17 win at Nebraska on Nov. 29. 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. Meyer’s kick against Michigan marked the second time this season Iowa had a game 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.
LEADING LINEBACKERS
Iowa’s linebacker trio accounted for 10 takeaways this season — six interceptions, four fumble recoveries. LB James Morris has four interceptions and one fumble recovery, while LB Christian Kirksey has one interception and two fumble recoveries. LB Anthony Hitchens has one interception and one fumble recovery.
All three linebackers recorded over 100 tackles (Hitchens 112, Morris 107, Kirksey 104). It is the first time in program history three players recorded 100 tackles (tackles became official stat in 1968).
All three rank among the Big Ten’s top 10 tacklers. Hitchens ranked sixth in the conference averaging 8.6 tackles per game. Morris ranked eighth with 8.2 stops per game, and Kirksey ranked 10th, averaging 8.0 tackles per game. The Big Ten had nine players with at least 100 tackles, including all three Iowa linebackers. Morris tied for third in conference games only, averaging 9.4 tackles per game. Kirksey ranked ninth in conference games only (8.4), and Hitchens 12th (8.1). All three were on the Butkus Award Watch List.
In their careers, Morris was credited with double-digit tackle games 19 times. Hitchens and Kirksey each had 13 double-digit tackle games. All three totaled over 250 career tackles.
COLLECTING INTERCEPTIONS
The Hawkeyes recorded 12 interceptions during the regular season and one in the post season. LB James Morris led Iowa with four interceptions, while DB B.J. Lowery and S Tanner Miller recorded three interceptions each. The Hawkeyes are one of three Big Ten teams to have three players with at least three interceptions (Northwestern, Michigan). LB Anthony Hitchens, LB Christian Kirksey, and SS John Lowdermilk had one interception each to their credit.
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 96 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 scored touchdowns five different ways this season — pass (19), rush (18), 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 scores. That contest marks the only game in school history in which Iowa scored four non-offensive touchdowns. In Iowa’s season opener, LB Christian Kirksey returned a fumble for a touchdown.
O-LINE LEADS RUNNING GAME, HONORED BY COACHES AND MEDIA
Four offensive linemen were named to All-Big Ten teams this season, including left tackle Brandon Scherff, who earned first team All-Big Ten honors by a vote of league coaches, and second team honors by a vote of league media. Right tackle Brett Van Sloten was named second team All-Big Ten by league coaches, and honorable mention by league media. Center Austin Blythe and left guard Conor Boffeli earned honorable mention by both the coaches and media.
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 averaged 232.8 rushing yards in its eight wins, rushing 403 times for 1,862 yards (4.6 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 yielded just 15 sacks this season, the fewest sacks allowed in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes’ starters on the offensive line included tackles Brett Van Sloten and Brandon Scherff, guards Jordan Walsh and Conor Boffeli and center Austin Blythe. Junior Andrew Donnal shared time with Walsh throughout the season.
OFFENSE INCREASES TEMPO, CONTROLS T.O.P.
The Hawkeyes ranked sixth in the Big Ten in time of possession, averaging 31:14 per game. The Hawkeyes had the advantage in time of possession in 8-of-13 games, and 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 was 7-1 when winning time of possession, and had 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 CONTINUES STREAK OF ALL-BIG TEN HONORS
DB B.J. Lowery earned first team All-Big Ten honors by a vote of league media. Iowa has had a defensive back named first team All-Big Ten in each of the last five seasons. He is the seventh Hawkeye defensive back since 2009 to earn first team all-league honors. He had 16 pass breakups and 19 passes defended, both marks that rank second in the Big Ten. His 19 passes defended ranked third nationally.
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 had three interceptions this season, and four in 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.
KORNBRATH RECOGNIZED BY CFPA
The College Football Performance Awards recognized sophomore punter Connor Kornbrath for his play in Iowa’s wins over Western Michigan and at Nebraska. Kornbrath averaged 47 yards on three punts, with a long of 55 yards, against Western Michigan. One of his three punts was downed at the WMU eight-yard line and the Broncos had just one yard on one return. He downed two punts inside the 5-yard line and averaged 40.3 yards per punt, including a long of 55 yards, against Nebraska. He earned CFPA honorable mention honors following both games.
For the season, Kornbrath averaged 40.0 yards on 65 punts. Twenty-seven of his 65 punts were downed inside the 20 and 14 were downed inside the 10. He tied for third nationally in punts inside the 10 and was ninth in punts inside the 20. Kornbrath had 11 punts over 50 yards. Hawkeye opponents averaged just 4.9 yards on 21 returns, a number that ranked 24th nationally and fourth in the Big Ten.
COACHING STAFF CHANGES
Iowa’s coaching staff had 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, completed their first season on the Iowa sideline. Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker 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 handled 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.
IOWA FEELS LOSS OF Norm Parker
Former Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker passed away Jan 13, 2014. Parker, who retired from the Iowa coaching staff following the 2011 season, was 72. Parker joined the Iowa program prior to the 1999 season, serving as defensive coordinator for 13 seasons. He served in the coaching profession for 48 years.
Following the 2011 season, Parker was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). He was a finalist for the Frank Broyles Assistant Coach of the Year Award in 2004 and 2005.
Under Parker’s direction, Iowa ranked among the top 10 nationally in rushing defense five times. Iowa ranked in the top 10 in scoring defense three times from 2008-11. In 2010, Iowa was fifth nationally in total defense (332.1), sixth in rushing defense (101.5) and seventh in scoring defense (17.0). The Hawkeyes were bowl eligible 11 straight seasons (2001-11) and ranked in the final top 10 of both major polls four times with Parker directing the Iowa defense. Iowa won 85 games from 2002-11, including 50 Big Ten games. The Hawkeyes earned a share of the Big Ten title in both 2002 and 2004 and tied for second in 2009.
Parker began coaching on the collegiate level at Eastern Michigan in 1968 after beginning his coaching career in the high school ranks for three seasons. He also coached at Wake Forest, Minnesota, Illinois, East Carolina, Michigan State and Vanderbilt. Parker was a native of Hazel Park, Mich., and earned two degrees from Eastern Michigan University.
FERENTZ THIRD IN LONGEVITY
Ferentz completed his 15th season as Iowa’s head football coach and ranks third in longevity among FBS head coaches. Ferentz is first among Big Ten coaches and nationally ranks behind Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer and Larry Blakeney of Troy. Ferentz is tied for third with Bob Stoops of Oklahoma.
REMOVE THE REDSHIRT
True freshmen RB LeShun Daniels, Jr., DB Desmond King, LB Reggie Spearman, and WR Matt VandeBerg all saw action in 2013. Daniels rushed 36 times for 142 yards, while VandeBerg caught eight passes for 59 yards. VandeBerg made two starts (vs. Michigan, at Nebraska).
Spearman had 10 tackles, including four stops in his Hawkeye debut against Western Michigan. King was the only true freshman to see action in each of Iowa’s 13 games. He started the last 12 contests and recorded 69 tackles, sixth-most on the team.
IOWA PROGRAM NOTES
? Iowa defeated a team ranked in the Associated Press top five 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 five teams. The Hawkeyes had previously won their last three meetings against teams ranked in the top 5 (W, 24-23 vs. No. 3 Penn State in 2008; W, 21-10 at No. 4 Penn State in 2009; W, 37-6 vs. No. 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 sold an estimated 11,000 tickets to the 2014 Outback Bowl, with more than 15,000 Hawkeye fans attending the game in Tampa. Iowa sold 95-percent of it bowl game ticket allotment, the highest percentage of any bowl team.
? 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 were broadcasters on BTN in 2013. Chuck Long, the Hawkeyes’ all-time leading passer and the 1985 Heisman Trophy runner-up, served as a game color broadcaster and in-studio analyst. Iowa City native Paul Burmeister, who guided Iowa to the 1993 Alamo Bowl, called play-by-play. Former wide receiver Danan Hughes returned as a 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 97 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 (136); Ohio State (129); Oklahoma (129); USC (126); LSU (126); Texas (120); Georgia (118); Virginia Tech (116); Alabama (115); TCU (114); Oregon (113); Wisconsin (111); Florida State (111); Florida (110); Auburn (109); West Virginia (106); Virginia (106); Utah (103); Nebraska (101); Texas Tech (100); Michigan (97); Miami, FL (99); Iowa (97); Boston College (92); Hawai’i (88).
HAWKEYES GOOD ON THE POINT AFTER
The Hawkeyes have converted on 123 consecutive PATs without a miss or block, and 42 consecutive games without a missed or blocked PAT, the second-longest streak of any school in the nation (Illinois).
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz had two of his three sons involved in the Iowa program this season. Brian, a former Hawkeye letterman (2003-05), completed his second season as Iowa’s offensive line coach. Steven is an offensive lineman who completed 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 had 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 1,180 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 606-535-39 (.529). That includes a 382-210-16 (.642) record in home games, a 224-325-23 (.412) record in games away from Iowa City, a 302-362-25 (.455) mark in Big Ten games and a 265-174-15 (.601) record in Kinnick Stadium.
HOME GROWN HAWKEYES
Iowa’s roster of 122 players included 47 players from Iowa. The roster included 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 ties 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 following the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons.
? 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 2013 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 (Fla.), 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 percent) 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.