IOWA TO MEET GEORGIA TECH IN ORANGE BOWL
Iowa (10-2, 6-2) will meet Georgia Tech (11-2, 7-1) of the Atlantic Coast Conference in the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl. The Orange bowl will be played Jan. 5 at 7:05 p.m. (CST) in Land Shark Stadium (72,230) in Miami, FL. A sellout is expected. The Hawkeyes tied for second in the Big Ten standings. Georgia Tech earned the Atlantic Coast Conference title with a 39-34 win over Clemson Dec. 5 in the ACC championship game.
ON THE TUBE
FOX (HD) will televise the game to a national cable audience. Dick Stockton, Charles Davis and Chris Myers will call the action.
HAWKEYE HUDDLE AT FEDEX ORANGE BOWL
The National I-Club and the UI Alumni Association invite all fans to the “Hawkeye Huddle” on Monday, Jan. 4, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The Orange Bowl Hawkeye Huddle is open to all Iowa fans and includes cash refreshments and snacks, Hawk Shop merchandise, special guest speakers, the Iowa Marching Band, UI Spirit Squad and Herky. Ticket purchasers will be notified of the Huddle event details by an insert when tickets are mailed. In addition, a press release will be sent out at a later date with details. For more information, contact the National I-Club office at (800) 648-6973, or the UI Alumni Association at (800) 469-2586.
IOWA IN BCS RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked 10th in the BCS rankings and Georgia Tech is ninth. Iowa was ranked as high as fourth earlier this season, its highest BCS ever. The Hawkeyes were ranked fifth during the final three weeks of the 2002 season. The BCS rankings are a combination of the Harris Interactive poll, the USA Today coaches poll and computer rankings. Iowa is 10th in the computer rankings and 11th in the coach’s poll and the Harris poll. Iowa was first in the computer poll in the Oct. 25 rankings. Prior to this season, Iowa appeared in the BCS top 25 on 24 occasions, including eight weeks in both 2002 and 2003, seven weeks in 2004 and one week in 2006. Iowa was ranked as high as 11th in 2003 and 2004 and 23rd in 2006.
IN THE RANKINGS
Iowa is ranked 10th in the Associated Press rankings and 11th in the USA Today coaches’ poll. The Hawkeyes are 10th in the BCS Standings and 11th in the Harris Poll. Georgia Tech is ninth in the BCS and AP rankings and 10th in the coach’s poll. Iowa ranked as high as sixth in the coaches poll and eighth in the AP earlier this season, the highest for the Hawkeyes since they were third in both the AP ranking and the coaches poll in December, 2002. Around the Big Ten, Ohio State is eighth in both polls, Penn State is 11/9 and Wisconsin is 24/22. In addition, Arizona is 22/23 and Northwestern is listed among teams receiving votes. In pre-season rankings, Iowa was ranked 10th by College Football Insider, 15th by The Kickoff Magazine, 20th by Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, 21st in USA Today coach’s poll, 22nd by the Associated Press, 23rd by Athlon Sports and 24th by Sports Illustrated. Iowa is ranked 19th in the latest Sagarin Ratings and Georgia Tech is ninth.
IOWA JOINS ANOTHER TOP 20
Iowa has earned 69 wins since the start of the 2002 season, which ties as the 16th highest total in Division I football. The list includes the following: Boise State (93); USC (90); Texas (90); Ohio State (86); Oklahoma (85); LSU (81); Georgia (81); Virginia Tech (79); TCU (79); Florida (79); West Virginia (76); Utah (73); Boston College (72); Auburn (71); Wisconsin (71); IOWA (69); Texas Tech (69); Miami, FL (69), California (67) and Penn State (66).
BEST DECADE FOR IOWA FOOTBALL
Iowa’s football record in the 2000 decade stands at 79-45 (.637), a record that ranks among the best decades in Iowa football history. 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 and is now in his 11th season. Ferentz also served as Iowa’s offensive line coach from 1981-89 under Fry.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,128 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 578-510-39 (.530). That includes a 365-199-16 (.643) record in home games, a 213-312-23 (.410) record in games away from Iowa City, a 285-344-25 (.455) mark in Big Ten games and a 248-163-15 (.600) record in Kinnick Stadium.
IOWA‘S BOWL HISTORY
Iowa will be playing in its 24th bowl game. The Hawkeyes hold a 12-10-1 (.543) all-time bowl record. Iowa is competing in its eighth bowl game in nine years, including its sixth January bowl game since the 2002 season. Iowa is one of seven teams in the nation to appear in six January bowl games in the last eight years. Ohio State Southern Cal and Florida have played in seven, while Iowa, LSU, Georgia and Oklahoma have played in six. Iowa is 4-3 in bowl games since 2001. Iowa defeated Texas Tech (19-16) in the 2001 Alamo Bowl. The Hawkeyes used the 2001 Alamo Bowl win as a springboard to four consecutive January bowl games; Iowa lost to USC (38-17) in the 2003 Orange Bowl, defeated Florida (37-17) in the 2004 Outback Bowl and LSU (30-25) in the 2005 Capital One Bowl, and lost to Florida (31-24) in the 2006 Outback Bowl. Iowa returned to the Alamo Bowl in 2006, falling (26-24) to Texas. Iowa appeared in its fifth January bowl game under Coach Kirk Ferentz at the conclusion of the 2008 season, defeating South Carolina 31-10 in the 2009 Outback Bowl. The Hawkeyes have competed in the Rose (five times), Alamo (four), Holiday (three), Peach (two), Sun (two), Outback (three) and the Orange, Capital One, Gator and Freedom Bowls once.
HAWKEYES THIRD IN BOWL APPEARANCES
Iowa ranks third in Big Ten bowl appearances. Ohio State has received a conference-best 41 bowl bids, followed by Michigan (39) and the Hawkeyes (24). Wisconsin ranks fourth with 21. Iowa, Penn State (26-13-2, .659) and Purdue (8-7, .533) are the only Big Ten teams with a winning percentage in bowl games. Iowa is one of seven Big Ten Conference teams that will play in a bowl game. The Big Ten has two teams competing in BCS games for the ninth time in 12 seasons. Since the inception of the BCS in 1998, the Big Ten has qualified 21 teams for BCS bowls, more than any other conference. Seven different Big Ten programs have played in BCS bowl games. The Big Ten is sending at least seven teams to bowl games for the fifth straight season, the longest streak in conference history. Additional bowl games for the Big Ten this season include Ohio State vs. Oregon in the Rose Bowl; Penn State vs. LSU in the Capital One Bowl; Northwestern vs. Auburn in the Outback Bowl; Wisconsin vs. Miami, FL in the Champs Bowl, Michigan State vs. Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl and Minnesota vs. Iowa State in the Insight Bowl.
IOWA IN THE ORANGE BOWL AND FLORIDA
Iowa has played in the Orange Bowl once previously, falling to Southern California by a 38-17 margin in the 2003 event. That is Iowa’s only previous game at Land Shark Stadium (previously named Pro Player Stadium). The Hawkeyes have played nine games (3-6) in the state of Florida. Iowa’s 2004 Outback Bowl victory over Florida was the Hawkeyes’ first victory in the state of Florida. In 2005, Iowa won its second-straight game in Florida, edging LSU (30-25) in the 2005 Capital One Bowl in Orlando. Iowa won its second Outback Bowl with a 31-10 win over South Carolina in January, 2009. Florida beat the Hawkeyes (31-24) in the 2006 Outback Bowl. USC defeated Iowa in the 2003 Orange Bowl. The Hawkeyes lost three games to Miami in Orange Bowl Stadium during the 1950, 1966 and 1990 regular seasons. Iowa also lost the 1983 Gator Bowl, dropping a 14-6 decision to Florida.
IOWA MEETS TOUGH BOWL OPPONENTS
In four of its most recent bowl games, Iowa has played an opponent who was in the national title picture. Southern Cal defeated Iowa in the 2003 Orange Bowl and went on to win the Associated Press national title the following season. Iowa defeated LSU 30-25 in the 2005 Capital One Bowl after the Tigers had won the 2003 coaches national title. Florida defeated Iowa in the 2006 Outback Bowl then won both the AP and coaches title the following season. Iowa ended the 2006 season with a loss to Texas in the Alamo Bowl. The Longhorns had won the AP and coaches national titles in 2005.
IOWA NOTES
- Georgia Tech is the home team in the FedEx Orange Bowl. Georgia Tech will wear white jerseys in the bowl game, while Iowa will wear black jerseys.
- Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz (Iowa, 2002) and Georgia Tech Coach Paul Johnson (Navy, 2004) have both earned national Coach of the Year recognition. Ferentz in the Big Ten and Johnson in the Atlantic Coast have both been named 2009 league Coach of the Year.
- Iowa and Georgia Tech have each lost just six games over the last two seasons. Iowa was 9-4 in 2008 and 10-2 in 2009. The Yellow Jackets are 11-2 this season after a 9-4 mark a year ago.
- Iowa has been bowl eligible the last nine seasons, playing in eight bowl games. Georgia Tech is playing in its 13th straight bowl game. Iowa defeated South Carolina (31-10) in the Outback Bowl following the 2008 season, while Georgia Tech lost to LSU (38-3) in the Chick-fil-A-Bowl.
- Both Iowa and Georgia Tech defeated a team that was ranked fourth in the nation during the regular season. Iowa won at Penn State 21-10 on Sept. 26 and the Yellow Jackets defeated Virginia Tech 28-23 Oct. 17 at home.
- Georgia Tech Coach Paul Johnson was the offensive coordinator at Hawaii from 1987-94. Iowa lost at Hawaii (27-24) in 1988 and defeated Hawaii 53-10 at Iowa City in 1991. Georgia Tech wide receivers coach Al “Buzz” Preston and co-offensive line Coach Mike Sewak were both on the Hawaii staff for those games as well. Preston served as the wide receivers coach, while Sewak was an assistant coach.
- Iowa is 5-5 all-time in games played in January. The Hawkeyes are 5-3 on January 1 and 0-2 on Jan. 2.
- Iowa opened the season with nine straight wins for the first time ever. The Hawkeyes won their first seven games on the way to the 1985 Big Ten title. Iowa also won its first seven games in 1900, 1921 and 1922. The Hawkeyes played just seven games in both 1921 and 1922 and posted a 7-0-1 record in 1900.
- Iowa won 13 straight games before a loss to Northwestern. The Iowa win streak was its longest since a 20-game streak between 1920 and 1923. Iowa won its final three regular season games in 2008 (Penn State, Purdue, Minnesota) and defeated South Carolina in the 2009 Outback Bowl before opening 2009 with wins over Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Arizona, Penn State, Arkansas State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Indiana. Iowa had the longest road winning streak in Big Ten play with wins at Minnesota, Penn State, Wisconsin and Michigan State over the past two years before the overtime loss at Ohio State.
- Iowa has finished in the Big Ten’s first division eight of the past nine seasons. Iowa shared the league title in 2002 and 2004, placed second this season and third in 2005.
- Iowa’s 12 opponents compiled a regular season record of 81-61 (.570) record. Iowa played eight games in 2009 against teams that are participating in bowl games, posting a 6-2 record. Those opponents include Iowa State (Insight), Arizona (Holiday), Penn State (Capital One), Wisconsin (Champs Sports), Michigan State (Alamo), Northwestern (Outback), Ohio State (Rose) and Minnesota (Insight). Iowa was also 3-1 against teams that are ranked in the final BCS, Associated Press and coaches rankings. That includes an overtime loss at Ohio State and wins over Arizona, Penn State and Wisconsin.
- Iowa posted a 4-1 road record while playing at Iowa State, Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Ohio State. Those five teams were a combined 26-9 (.743) at home this season. Outside of the home game against Iowa, those five teams were 25-5 (.833) at home.
- In Big Ten play, Iowa’s eight opponents posted a 58-38 overall record. Iowa did not play Illinois and Purdue. Among the top five teams in the final Big Ten standings, Ohio State’s league opponents were 52-44, Penn State’s 52-44, Wisconsin’s 54-42 and Northwestern’s 53-43.
- Iowa won four games by a total of eight points, with wins by one, two, two and three points. The Hawkeyes trailed in 10 of 12 games, with the largest deficit being 14 points in the second half against both Indiana and Ohio State. Iowa trailed by 10 points in wins over Northern Iowa, Penn State and Wisconsin. Iowa trailed Indiana by 10 points in the fourth period before winning 42-24. Iowa’s six losses in the past two seasons have all been by seven points or less. This season, Iowa lost at Ohio State by three (in overtime) and by seven to Northwestern. In 2008, Iowa lost by one point at Pittsburgh, lost at home to Northwestern by five and lost road games at Michigan State and Illinois by three points each.
- Iowa scored 30 points or more in three games, with a high of 42 vs. Indiana.
- Eight of Iowa’s opponents scored 17 points or less, including a shutout win over Minnesota. Two of four opponents who scored over 20 points were aided by a defensive touchdown.
- Iowa is playing its fourth night game of the season (7 p.m. CT). Iowa won three prime time games on national television during the regular season. The Hawkeyes defeated Penn State and Michigan on ABC national television and won at Michigan State in a game televised by the Big Ten Network.
- Iowa had eight players earn Big Ten Player of the Week honors.
- Iowa won all three traveling trophy games this season, for the second straight year. The Hawkeyes defeated Iowa State 35-3 (Sept. 12) to maintain possession of the Cy-Hawk Trophy. Iowa won 20-10 at Wisconsin (Oct. 17) to keep the Heartland Trophy and defeated Minnesota 12-0 (Nov. 21) to keep Floyd of Rosedale. Overall, Iowa has won seven straight trophy games.
- Iowa’s seven first team all-Big Ten honorees are the most since the Hawkeyes placed 11 on the first team in 2002.
- Iowa scored on its opening possession in four of 12 games, collecting touchdowns against Arizona and Arkansas State and field goals vs. Northern Iowa and Minnesota.
- Iowa has allowed just two opponents to score on their opening possession in the last 25 games. Indiana and Penn State both opened with a touchdown drive this season.
-Iowa’s current offensive linemen have combined to start 159 games throughout their careers. Seniors Rafael Eubanks has started 37 games and senior Kyle Calloway has 36 starts. Others with starting experience include Bryan Bulaga (27), Julian Vandervelde (23), Dace Richardson (17), Riley Reiff (10), Dan Doering (6), Andy Kuempel (2) and Adam Gettis (1). In addition, senior Travis Meade started five games as an offensive lineman before moving to defense in 2009.
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING
- Iowa collected 29 turnovers, including 20 pass interceptions. Iowa is tied for fifth in the nation in interceptions. Eight different Hawkeyes have intercepted at least one pass this season. The Hawkeyes had 23 interceptions in 13 games last season.
- Iowa is tied for 17th in fewest fumbles lost (seven), fourth in penalty yards per game (35.2), sixth in fewest penalties per game (4.4), and 34th in time of possession (30:52).
- Iowa has lost seven fumbles, two of those in the opening game and two vs. Northwestern. Iowa did not lose it’s only fumble at Iowa State in week two and lost its only fumble at Wisconsin in game seven. Iowa had two fumbles on punt returns vs. Indiana, losing one of the two. Iowa’s second fumble against Northwestern was just the second this season by an Iowa running back. Iowa lost its only fumble vs. Minnesota.
- Iowa has committed 26 turnovers, with 17 of those taking place in the seven home games. Iowa committed nine turnovers in five road games.
- Iowa did not allow a rushing touchdown for 33 consecutive quarters before Michigan and Ohio State had three and Wisconsin and Indiana one each. Iowa allowed seven rushing touchdowns in 2008.
- LB Pat Angerer led the Big Ten in tackles (12.8) during conference play. He is fifth nationally and was second in the Big Ten for all games. In Iowa’s last three games he had 17 tackles vs. Northwestern, 13 at Ohio State and 16 vs. Minnesota.
- Iowa has recorded at least one takeaway in 42 of its last 46 games, dating back to the 2006 season.
- In the last eight years, Iowa is 52-7 when leading at the half and 57-6 when leading after three quarters.
- Iowa has held Iowa State without a touchdown the last 14 quarters, dating back to the second quarter of Iowa’s win in 2006. Minnesota has not scored a point in eight consecutive periods over the last two games.
OPPOSITES ATTRACT
- In national statistics, Iowa is fourth in pass efficiency defense (91.9) and eighth in pass defense (164.7), while GA Tech is eighth in pass efficiency offense (157.4).
- Iowa is 10th in scoring defense (15.5) and GA Tech is 11th in scoring offense (35.3).
- Iowa is 11th in total defense (286.7) and GA Tech is 11th in total offense (442.7).
- Iowa is 36th in QB sacks (2.33) and GA Tech is third in fewest sacks allowed (.69).
- GA Tech is second in rushing offense (307.2) and Iowa is 33rd in rushing defense (122.0).
- Iowa is 27th in net punting (37.4) and GA Tech is 10th in punt returns (14.3).
- Iowa is tied for fifth with 20 interceptions, while GA Tech has thrown just five interceptions.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
Georgia Tech is 11-2 after defeating #25 Clemson 39-34 in the ACC championship game Dec. 5 at Tampa, FL. The Yellow Jackets posted a 7-1 record in ACC action. Losses came at the hands of Miami, FL (17-33) and Georgia (24-30). In non-conference action, Tech defeated Jacksonville State, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. In conference play Tech defeated Clemson, North Carolina, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest at home and won road games at Florida State, Virginia and Duke. Georgia Tech features an option offensive attack that averages 35.3 points, 307.2 rushing yards per game and over 34 minutes per game in time of possession. The Tech defense allowed 24.8 points per game, including 150.1 rushing yards and 206.9 passing yards per game. Tech quarterbacks threw just five interceptions in 13 games.
IN THE RECORD BOOKS
- Both as a team and individually, several Hawkeyes etched their names in the record books for accomplishments during the 2009 season. Below are some of the achievements by the Black and Gold:
- Tyler Sash tied the single-game record for interceptions with three in the win at Iowa State.
- Tyler Sash set a single-season record with 203 yards in interception returns.
- Adam Robinson set a single-season record for rushing yards by a freshman with 775. That total ranks 28th best overall for a single season.
- Brandon Wegher tied the freshman record for rushing touchdowns with seven.
- Redshirt freshman Adam Robinson has 775 rushing yards, which ranks 28th best for a single season. His total is the most ever for an Iowa freshman.
- QB Ricky Stanzi ranks 15th in passing yards (2,186) and 16th in total offense (2,145).
- For just the ninth time in school history, Iowa had two players with over 600 receiving yards in a season, as Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (41-687) and Marvin McNutt (30- 653) both surpassed 600 yards. DJK is on target to become just the third Iowa receiver to lead the team in receiving for three straight seasons. His 687 yards ranks 26th best for a single season and McNutt’s 653 yards ranks 29th. McNutt’s team-leading seven touchdown receptions tie for eighth best in a season.
- PK Daniel Murray is tied for 15th in scoring with 83 points.
- DB Tyler Sash is tied for sixth with six interceptions. His 203 return yards are a single-season record.
- LB Pat Angerer ranks 12th with 135 tackles.
- Iowa’s long plays included a 99-yard kickoff return (ties fourth longest) by Derrell Johnson-Koulianos at Ohio State; a 92-yard pass completion (fourth longest) from Ricky Stanzi to Marvin McNutt vs. Indiana; an 86-yard interception return (fifth longest) by Tyler Sash vs. Indiana; and a 73-yard punt (10th longest) by Ryan Donahue vs. Northwestern.
HAWKEYES AMONG CAREER LEADERS
- Two Iowa seniors, LB Pat Angerer and OLB A.J. Edds, rank among Iowa’s career tackle leaders, as Angerer has 248 career tackles and Edds 221. Angerer is tied for 27th and Edds is tied for 45th.
- Angerer has 87 solo stops and 161 assists. With 12 tackles in the win over Indiana, he became the 61st Hawkeye to surpass 200 career tackles. Edds has 72 solo tackles and 149 assists, surpassing 200 career stops vs. Northwestern.
- Sophomore DB Tyler Sash is tied for sixth in career interceptions (11) and holds the career record for interception return yards (350). His total return yards rank fifth best all-time in the Big Ten Conference for all games.
- On offense, junior WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos has 1,808 career receiving yards on 123 receptions. DJK ranks eighth in receptions and 11th in receiving yards.
- Junior QB Ricky Stanzi ranks seventh in career passing yards (4,142) and passing touchdowns (28) and junior PK Daniel Murray ranks 13th in career scoring with 152 points.
MORE HAWKEYE NOTES
- Iowa played three games under the lights in 2009 and won all three. Iowa won at Penn State (21-10 on ABC national) in its first night contest. The Hawkeyes defeated Michigan 30-28 in Kinnick Stadium on Oct. 10, also on ABC national television. The 15-13 win at Michigan State (Oct. 24) was televised by the Big Ten Network. Iowa has won five straight night games since a 2006 loss to Ohio State.
- Iowa has not been fooled in the kicking game this season, as two opponent fakes failed to gain a first down. Arkansas State failed to convert a fake punt in the third period of its 24-21 loss at Iowa. Arizona attempted a fake field goal in a 27-17 loss at Iowa. In addition, four opponents tried an onside kick, with Iowa recovering in wins over Iowa State, Arizona and Arkansas State. Michigan’s onside attempt went out of bounds, giving Iowa possession.
- Iowa blocked three kicks in 2009. That included back-to-back field goal attempts by Northern Iowa in the closing seconds of a 17-16 win. Iowa blocked a punt in the win at Penn State, with DE Adrian Clayborn blocking the kick and scoring on a 53-yard return.
- Iowa scored the first points in seven of 12 games. The opponent scored first in all four road games before Iowa opened the scoring at Ohio State with a field goal. Iowa State, Wisconsin and Michigan State opened with a field goal and Penn State opened with a touchdown. Iowa scored 35 straight points at Iowa State, 21 at Penn State and 20 at Wisconsin.
- Iowa scored on 61 of the last 66 red zone possessions (38 TDs and 23 FGs), dating back to the Michigan State game in 2008. Iowa is 42-47 combined inside the red zone its last 15 games.
- Iowa trailed in 10 of its 12 regular season games, winning eight of the 10. Iowa trailed at halftime in four games and was tied at Michigan State. Iowa trailed after three quarters in wins over Northern Iowa, Penn State, Michigan State and Indiana, and the loss to Northwestern. Games at Wisconsin (win) and Ohio State (loss) were tied after three periods.
- Iowa had 11 players start all 12 games, plus punter Ryan Donahue and PK Daniel Murray. On offense, that list includes WR Trey Stross, OL Rafael Eubanks and FB Brett Morse. On defense, the list includes DE Adrian Clayborn, DT Karl Klug, DT Christian Ballard, DE Broderick Binns, OLB A.J. Edds, LB Pat Angerer, CB Amari Spievey and SS Tyler Sash. Free safety Brett Greenwood started 29 straight games before missing the Northwestern game.
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