Iowa Hawkeyes
Big Ten Conference
Iowa knew from the start of the year that they were in for a rough season after their stud quarterback, Ricky Stanzi, graduated. However, new signal caller James Vandenberg has stepped in nicely. Iowa’s passing attack has not missed a beat and the team has had a solid season. They beat up on the poor teams in the Big Ten and fought the tough teams to the end. This team will battle with anyone and is confident in their ability. This is not a team to take lightly.
2011 Record: 7-5
Last Bowl Appearance: 2010 Insight Bowl VS Missouri (W 27-24)
Big Wins: 11/5 VS Michigan (24-16), 11/1 at Purdue (31-21)
Bad Loses: 9/10 at Iowa State (41-44), 11/25 at Nebraska (7-20)
Coach: Kirk Ferentz 96-65 Overall, 96-65 at Iowa
Bowl Record: 6-3 Overall, 6-3 at Iowa
Offensive Coordinator: Ken O’Keefe
Defensive Coordinator: Norm Parker
Strengths:
The strength of this team is in their aerial assault. Junior James Vandenberg has had an impressive season and the Hawkeyes are already forgetting about the talented Ricky Stanzi, who graduated a season ago. The Hawkeyes average 263.3 yards per game, third best in the Big Ten. Vandenberg has tossed 25 touchdowns on the year and only threw six interceptions. He has also been very efficient, as he is the fourth rated passer in the Big Ten. Iowa’s passing attack has marched up and down the field on opponents, but some of that could be due to a lack of a run game. Iowa’s receiving core is led by senior Marvin McNutt, who has reeled in 78 passes totaling 1,269 yards, and brought down 12 of those receptions for touchdowns. Iowa has the ability to move the ball up and down the field, but when they do stall, they also boast one of the best punt coverage units in the Big Ten. Their punt coverage team ranks 2nd in the Big Ten in net punting, which helps to pin opponents back and helps Iowa’s struggling defense have a better chance to succeed.
Weaknesses:
Iowa’s aerial assault may be one of the best the Big Ten has to offer, but their rushing attack and their defense have left much to be desired. Iowa’s rushing attack ranked 11th in the Big Ten, averaging 142.83 yards per game. Defensively, Iowa’s pass defense has been shredded, surrendering 228.08 yards per game through the air. That was dead last in the Big Ten and just 64th in the nation. Iowa’s poor pass defense could be due to a lack of explosive plays, as they rank eight in the Big Ten in sacks per game and 10th in tackles for a loss. Their rush defense is slightly better, but still struggles, giving up 159.5 yards per game. Teams facing the Hawkeyes know that the game is going to be decided through the air, whether it by stopping the Hawkeyes assault or picking apart their defense through the air.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Marcus Coker, RB, 1,384 yards
Passing: James Vandenberg, QB, 2,806 yards
Receiving: Marvin McNutt, WR, 1,269 yards
Tackles: James Morris, LB, 105 tackles
Sacks: Mike Daniels, DT, 7.0
Interceptions: Micah Hyde, S, 3; Tanner Miller, S, 3
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 142.83 (76th nation, 11th in conference)
Passing Offense: 236.33 (57, 3)
Total Offense: 379.17 (71, 6)
Scoring Offense: 28.67 (55, 6)
Rushing Defense: 159.50 (64 ,7)
Pass Defense: 228.08 (64, 12)
Total Defense: 387.58 (67, 8)
Scoring Defense: 23.25 (44, 8)
Turnover Margin: .17 (44, 8)
Sacks: 1.67 (79, 8)
Sacks Allowed: 2.17 (74, 7)
