GameDay Iowa: season opener vs. Miami-OH ... can the Hawkeyes win the Big Ten in 2016?

Cedar Rapids, IA -- Just down the road, the 2016 Iowa Football season will kickoff in Iowa City on Saturday, as the #18 Iowa Hawkeyes (12-2 in 2015) open against the Miami-OH Redhawks (3-9 in 2015) in historic Kinnick Stadium. It is the first meeting between each program, since the 2003 season.

In the 2002 season, the Iowa Hawkeyes went 8-0 for the first time in school history in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes followed up that successful season, with a home opener against the Redhawks.

Iowa is 3-0 in the series against Miami-OH, playing three
straight games from 2001-03, including a 21-3 win
against the Redhawks, lead by QB Ben Roethlisberger.

Last season, the Hawkeyes repeated with a 8-0 Big Ten regular season and upped the performance with a 12-0 regular season for the first time in program history. Again, the Hawkeyes follow up a very successful season, with a home opener against the Redhawks.

In the 2003 game, Miami-OH was lead by a strong senior QB named Ben Roethlisberger, who came up short in the college game in Iowa City. But, Roethlisberger has carried on a highly successful NFL career wearing the Black & Gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers, since 2004.

When J. Hayden Fry arrived in Iowa City in 1979 as head coach of Iowa, he mirrored the Hawkeyes' uniform around the successful Black & Gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 1981, Fry hired a young offensive line coach out of Pittsburgh, in Kirk Ferentz. Today, Kirk Ferentz will enter his 18th season, as head football coach at Iowa. The Hawkeyes are 127-87, with a 76-61 conference record, including two Big Ten titles and five Top 10 finishes in the polls, during those 17 seasons.

Iowa returns all-American senior CB 14 Desmond King in 2016. King is the
first Jim Thorpe to return for his senior season, in the history of the trophy.
One of the key reasons King returned in 2016, rather than head to the NFL
was the interest in obtaining his family's first college degree. 

The Hawkeyes are seeking their first Big Ten title, since 2004, under Ferentz. They will be lead by a strong arm, senior QB this season, whose mobility, brings back memories of a Roethlisberger. Iowa QB C.J. Beathard, who has lead Iowa to a 13-2 record, as the Hawkeyes starter, returns to lead the Hawkeyes offense in 2016.

In the 2015 Big Ten Championship Game, on 3rd and goal, MSU freshman RB
3 L.J. Scott crossed the goal line to lead the Spartans to a 16-13 win over Iowa.

The Hawkeyes fell short in a 16-13 loss to Michigan State, as the Spartans won on the final snaps of the Big Ten Championship Game. The Hawkeyes are the strong favorite to win the West Division of the Big Ten in 2016. Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State are the favorites in the East Division. Don't be surprised, if a rematch of 2015 happens again in Indianapolis, in one of the best title games in the conference, since the Big Ten Championship Game debuted in 2011.

Iowa senior QB 16 C.J. Beathard lead Iowa to 13 straight wins,
as a starter. The Hawekeys are coming off back to back losses
to Michigan State and Stanford to close  out the 2015 season.
He sheds the red jersey in practice today to lead the 2016
Hawkeyes into Kinnick in the season opener against Miami-OH,

At quarterback, Iowa is lead by Beathard, with 17 TD passes and six rushing TDs. In relief, sophomore Tyler Wiegers returns, though true freshman Nathan Stanley may be in the picture at quarterback, as both are listed in the two deep heading into season opener against Miami-OH. The Redhawks starter is sophomore Billy Bahl, who threw seven TD passes, but 13 interceptions, in his first season in the lineup.

Iowa senior RB 29 LeShun Daniels leads a three letter-winner
group at the position, after Jordan Canzeri graduated. The
question on Daniels has always been durability, but when
healthy, he ran for a 195 yards in the 40-35 win over Minnesota.

At running back, the Hawkeyes are lead by senior LeShun Daniels, who has played off and one over the past three seasons as a Hawkeyes. He has never made it through an entire season though, missing games, due to the injury. Two juniors also return in Akrum Wadley and Derrick Mitchell, who all played in the Big Ten Championship Game. One newcomer to keep an eye at RB is true freshman Toks Akinribade. Iowa looks to plug and play at RB again in 2016. Of course, fullback and the offensive line, always are important in Iowa's running game. Iowa welcomes two new fullbacks, as junior Drake Kulick and redshirt freshman Brady Ross have to fill the big hole. Sophomore Alonzo Smith returns as the Redhawks key RB in 2016.

Iowa senior WR 89 Matt VandeBerg was announced as the 
fourth game captain for the Hawkeyes heading into 2016.
VandeBerg signed as a greyshirt only to arrive early, make
and contribute as a true freshman, when he arrived at campus

At wide receiver, the Hawkeyes return Beathard's favorite target in senior Matt VandeBerg, who caught 65 passes and scored four touchdowns last season. The only other returning wide receivers that combined for 11 pass receptions are sophomore Jerminic Smith, who had two key starts as a true freshman last year, and senior Riley McCarron, who caught a key touchdown pass in the 31-17 win at Iowa State last year. Sophomore Jay Scheel has not been at full strength over his first two seasons on campus, but Scheel projects as a likely starter in Iowa's wide receiver unit. Junior Jonathan Parker, a converted running back in 2015, opens the season on the injured list. True freshman Devonte Young is likely to contribute in 2016. Sophomores Adrian Falconer and Ronald Nash likely will provide depth for Iowa. The Redhawks top WR is senior Rokeem Williams, who lead the unit with 33 catches in 2015.

Iowa senior TE 46 George Kittle lead Iowa receivers with 6 TDs
on 20 receptions in 2015. Kittle also made the cover of Sports
Illustrated in Iowa first perfect season at 12-0, in the regular season.
Iowa and Clemson were the only two undefeated teams in 2015,
during the regular season.

At tight end, the Hawkeyes are traditionally strong at the position, dating back to Ferentz' time with Fry in the 1980s. However, Iowa enters 2016 with depth concerns, as senior George Kittle and junior Peter Pekar return. Kittle and Pekar are both Hawkeye legacies, as two of nine Iowa players, who followed their fathers footsteps in wearing the Black & Gold. Junior Jon Wisnieski begins 2016 on the injured list. Redshirt freshmen Nate Vejvoda and Nate Wieting will be in the mix at TE. Iowa will likely play two true freshman at TE, with Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson. The Hawkeyes used double TEs in roughly 30 percent of the offensive plays in 2015. The Redhawks junior TE lead Miami-OH in TD receptions with five, on 21 receptions in 2015.

How good will Iowa be in 2016?

Iowa enters 2016 with one senior in the starting offensive line.
The Hawkeyes have more experience heading into 2016, with
senior LT 64 Cole Croston, one of the nine legacy players.

It generally starts in the offensive and defensive lines at Iowa. When Fry arrived, the Hawkeyes broke out in 1981, with Kirk Ferentz leading the O-Line and Dan McCarney leading the D-Line.

Former Iowa football player and assistant coach Dan McCarney
is today's honorary captain, as Iowa kicks off 2016 season against
Miami-OH. McCarney and Kirk Ferentz coached the
defensive and offensive lines, under Hayden Fry in the early
to mid-1980s at Iowa.

Today's honorary captain for today's season opener with Miami-OH, Iowa welcomes back former Iowa offensive guard, team captain, former GA and assistant defensive line coach, Dan McCarney to Iowa City. McCarney is a hometown boy, who is back for today's game to serve as Iowa's honorary captain.

Iowa sophomore 78 James Daniels will move to center in 2016,
while his senior brother, LeShun, returns to lead the Iowa RBs.

The Iowa offensive line may be one of the better in the Big Ten and nation, if chemistry falls into place. Iowa offensive coach Brian Ferentz wasn't ready to rank Iowa high, during August camp, but some, such as ESPN have given Iowa props heading into 2016. The most experienced returning starter is junior Sean Welsh, who is entering his third season, as a starter. Welsh will likely anchor the line at right guard. Senior left tackle Cole Croston emerged as a starter during the 2015 season, after another member went down. Croston showed great athleticism in the Big Ten Championship Game falling on a loose football after a Beathard was sacked by MSU's Shilque Calhoun. Junior Boone Myers moves inside to left guard in 2016, while junior right tackle Ike Boettger returns to the position, after an injury limited him to eight games. Iowa's new starting center will be sophomore James Daniels, brother of starting RB LeShun Daniels, who played in all 14 games as a true freshman in 2015. Daniels replaces third team all-American center Austin Blythe as anchor of the line. The Redhawks return ten offensive starters, including all but one starter in the offensive line, as head coach Chuck Martin enters his third season leading Miami-OH.

As Iowa opens the 2016 season, a true freshman will be the
starting new placekicker. Iowa will also have a new punter
and kickoff specialist in 2016 ...

Like the 2010 season, when Mike Meyer arrived, Iowa will open with a true freshman at placekicker. North Carolina former prep Keith Duncan will begin the 2016 season at placekicker, handling Iowa's field goals and extra points. Duncan beat out sophomores Miquel Recinos and Mick Ellis in August camp. Duncan is one the most highlighted placekickers in North Carolina high school history. Central Michigan graduate transfer Ron Coluzzi will handle kickoffs and punting for Iowa heading into 2016. Iowa returns junior long snapper Tyler Kluver. Coluzzi will be Iowa's new holder, after beating out redshirt freshman Colten Rastetter in August camp, after arriving in June in Iowa City. The Redhawks returns sophomore placekicker Nick Dowd, while sophomore Justin Martin is the new punter for 2016.

Iowa senior RS 14 Desmond King looks to be a spark on
returns again in 2016. King handled both kick and punt
returns in Iowa's successful 2015 season.

On defense and in special teams, Iowa returns senior all-American cornerback and return specialist Desmond King for the 2016 season. Iowa returns eight starters on the defensive side. While Iowa was vastly improved on defense in 2015, especially in turnover margin, the Hawkeyes hope to improve the run defense and scoring defense coming off a Big Ten West division title.

Iowa returns both starters at defensive tackle for 2016, with
junior 99 Nathan Bazata and senior 67 Jaleel Johnson.

It begins in taking away the run for Iowa. Only two seniors are in the defensive line rotation for Iowa. The Hawkeyes have experience in the defensive line and the top three returnees inside are all upperclassmen. Junior Nathan Bazata started all 14 games in 2015, with senior running make Jaleel Johnson and #1 reserve senior Faith Ekakitie. The one newcomer inside may be true freshman Cedrick Lattimore, who arrived this summer at 260 pounds, but is reported to be up to 285 pounds now, under Iowa strength and conditional Chris Doyle, one of the highest paid S&C coordinators in the business.

Miami-OH returns two of four starters in the defensive line in 2016. Senior DE J.T. Jones is back, along with junior DT Ikeem Allen.

Iowa returns starting sophomore DE 40 Parker Hesse, who
celebrated a huge pick 6 last year, in Iowa's 28-20 win
@ Nebraska. Hesse will be a key part on Iowa's edge and
in Iowa attempt to get back into the Big Ten Championship Game.

One are that Iowa needs to improve on the defensive line is a pass rush on the edge. Iowa lost two experience defensive ends in 2015, with Nate Meier and Drew Ott's departure. Ott was not given a fifth season, after both the Big Ten and NCAA turned down his appeals. Ott missed much of the 2015 season, due to injuries. Meier lead Iowa with seven sacks and nine quarterback hurries. Ott had five starters, when he went down in the Illinois game, with an ACL, after being injured much of the 2015 season. Iowa has only underclassmen on the edge. Sophomore Parker Hesse emerged in 2015, after Ott's injury. On the other side, redshirt freshman Anthony Nelson and sophomore Matt Nelson, no relation, will be the players replacing the one missing starter in the defensive line. True freshman Brady Reiff and sophomore Sam Brincks provide depth.

Iowa junior MLB Josey Jewell is the anchor of the Hawkeyes
defense. Jewell will serve as a captain, along with senior
C.J. Beathard, Matt VandeBerg and Desmond King.

One of the key elements of Iowa improvement from 7-6 in 2014 to a 12-0 regular season in 2015 was the play at linebacker. Iowa's linebacker coach has departed for Boston College (Jim Reid is now BC's new defensive coordinator). Iowa has elevated Seth Wallace into the LB coach role and he will have three experience linebackers to work with, along with a young crop of players. Junior middle linebacker Josey Jewell returns as Iowa's leading tackler in 2015. Iowa saw fifth year senior Cole Fisher emerge at WILL in 2015. He is replaced by junior Bo Bower, who was the former starter in 2014 at OLB. Junior Ben Neimann returns at his OLB position and will be backed by junior Kevin Ward, who has been a special teams player and reserve safety. Sophomores Jack Hockaday and Aaron Mends provide depth. Two true freshmen Amani Jones and Kristian Welsch, will play special team in 2016. Jones has elevated ahead of Mends at WILL.

Iowa junior OLB 44 Ben Neimann came to Iowa as a former
high school WR/S. He played as a true freshman on special
teams in 2014, the earned the OLB position in 2015.

Miami-OH return two of three starters at linebacker in 2016, though one may come off the bench. Coach Martin did mention the Redhawks do have some players out or dinged heading into the opner with Iowa.

Iowa returns senior CBs 14 Desmond King and 13 Greg Mabin
for the 2016 season. The secondary unit is the strongest
unit for the Hawkeyes in many peoples eyes ...

Iowa returns three of four starters in the secondary, and are excited about some of the new reserves that will assist with special teams and Iowa's nickle and dime packages, when Iowa pulls out the Raider package with the defensive line.

Iowa senior CB 13 Greg Mabin arrived as an athlete out of FL,
when he arrived. Over the past two seasons, he has developed
into a strong running mate with Desmond King in the Iowa secondary.

At cornerback for Iowa, the Hawkeyes return senior all-American and Jim Thorpe award winner Desmond King, along with running mate, senior Greg Mabin, who have worked together for two seasons, at the position. Sophomore Joshua Jackson is on the injury list, so redshirt freshman Michael Olejemudia and true freshman Manny Rugamba are likely going to be involved on special teams and in the secondary in 2016.

Miami-OH returns two more starters in the secondary for 2016. Junior CB Bret Birdsall and senior FS Buchi Okafor are back for the Redhawks.

Iowa's leading safety, is junior SS 19 Miles Taylor, who became
a starter in the secondary in 2015.

At safety for Iowa, the Hawkeyes see FS Jordan Lomax depart, but junior SS Miles Taylor returns for 2016, after becoming a full-time starter in 2015, after a year on special teams as a true freshman, along with OLB Niemann in 2014. The new starter at FS is sophomore Brandon Snyder, who played special teams last year. Senior Anthony Gair is listed as second string SS, but he can play either position and has two career starts. Sophomore Jake Grevase is also in the two deep at FS. A special team contributor in 2016 is expected to be true freshman Armani Hooker.

True freshman Armani Hooker is one of 10-12 newcomers that
are likely to play during the 2016 season for Iowa.

Iowa is really excited about the newcomer class of 2016. Kirk Ferentz has said up to 10-12 true freshmen may play in 2016. The 2010 Iowa Hawkeyes saw nine players play, including a true freshman at PK. Last year, only four true freshman played.

Iowa Kirk Ferentz begins his 18th season today, as the Hawkeyes
open with Miami-OH. The MAC opponent has been down
lately in College Football, but Chuck Martin has the honor
of coaching in the cradle of college coaches.

Thoughts on the Season Opening Game against Miami-OH:

The Hawkeyes should win the season opener. We always know, on any given Saturday. The 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes struggled vs. the University of Northern Iowa. In 2007, Iowa faced a very good Northern Illinois team and pulled out a 18-17 win in Soldier Field. The Hawkeyes lost the season opener against NIU, a fellow MAC program to Miami, at Kinnick Stadium in 2013. Iowa has won two straight season openers, each against FCS programs. Miami-OH is 1-12 in road openers and has lost eight straight by an average of 32 points.

• Iowa Hawkeyes 40
• Miami-OH Redhawks 13

In 2015, Iowa defeated Northwestern by the same score. The Hawkeyes are a new team in 2016. Miami-OH is a new team, in coach Chuck Martin's third season. He wants to play the game, like Iowa, with a physical in the line of scrimmage. Iowa has more experience and the better track record and should prevail to kickoff the 2016 season ...

Championship Eve: Big Ten Conference Game ... #4 Iowa Hawkeyes (12-0) vs. #5 Michigan State (11-1)

#4 Iowa vs. #5 Michigan State

Indianapolis, IN -- #5 Michigan State (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) is making its third Big Ten Championship Game appearance in five years as the Spartans will take on undefeated and #4 Iowa (12-0, 8-0) from the Big Ten West Division on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7:17 p.m. EST in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Game will be televised on FOX with Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (analyst) and Molly McGrath (sidelines). The Big Ten Network's preview game show will be at 5:30 p.m. CST.


The Spartans clinched the Big Ten East Division crown with a 55-16 win over Penn State last Saturday on Senior Day in Spartan Stadium, while the Hawkeyes completed their first perfect regular season since 1922 with a 28-20 victory at Nebraska on Friday, Nov. 27. The Spartans are seeking their ninth Big Ten title in school history and their third under Mark Dantonio (2010, 2013). The Spartans also have won Big Ten titles in 1953, 1965, 1966, 1978, 1987 and 1990.

The Hawkeyes won Big Ten titles in 1900, 1921, 1922, 1956, 1958, 1960, 1981, 1985, 1990, 2004 and 2009. The last outright title was thirty years ago in 1985, when Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz was in his fourth season as an offensive line coach. Ferentz is dean of Big Ten coaches, in his 17th season as head coach and 26th year overall in Iowa City. Iowa beat Michigan State in 1985 and 1990.

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio is in his ninth season in East Lansing.
Dantonio is seeking his second Big Ten championship at MSU.

Under Dantonio, the Spartans are 15-20 in 35 games played against teams ranked in The Associated Press Top 25; however, MSU is 14-11 against ranked teams since 2010, including 3-0 this season (#7 Oregon, #12 Michigan, #2 Ohio State). The Spartans are the favorite heading into the 2015 Big Ten Championship Game against the undefeated Hawkeyes.

Saturday’s game marks the 46th meeting between Michigan State and Iowa. The Hawkeyes lead the all-time series, 23-20-2; the two teams have never met on a neutral field. MSU won the last meeting over Iowa in 2013 at Kinnick Stadium with a 26-14 victory. Iowa last won in 2012 in East Lansing in a 19-16 double overtime game.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is the 2015 Big Ten Coach of the Year. In his 17th
season, he is seeking his first outright B1G championship and third overall.

Dantonio is 3-4 in his tenure against the Hawkeyes since 2007, but MSU has won two of the last three meetings. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is 7-6 in his career as a head coach against the Spartans, including the 4-3 record over Dantonio.

The Spartans and Hawkeyes have played each other four previous times when both teams were ranked in the AP Top 25. Iowa has won each game. Saturday’s game marks the first time both teams will be ranked in the AP Top 10 when facing each other.

ESPN College GameDay Built by The Home Depot ...

ESPN College GameDay Built by The Home Depot, celebrating its 29th season, makes its 14th appearance from the site of a Michigan State game – and the fourth time in 2015 – for Saturday’s MSU-Iowa contest (7:17 CST kickoff on FOX). The weekly Emmy Award-winning show (Saturday 9-12 p.m. ET) is hosted by Rece Davis, along with analysts Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard and David Pollack as well as contributors Samantha Ponder, Tom Rinaldi, George Whitfield and Gene Wojciechowski.

Football Championship Game Transcripts

Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio address media

on Dec. 4th in Indianapolis.

Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz

Michigan State Head Coach Mark Dantonio

Iowa Roster vs. Michigan State Roster

Michigan State's senior QB #18 Conner Cook's first B1G start was against Iowa in
Iowa City in 2013. He lead his Spartans to a 2nd Half to a 26-14 victory, after the
Hawkeyes took a 14-10 halftime lead. Cook is now 33-4, as a starter at MSU.

Michigan State's fifth-year senior quarterback Connor Cook, the winningest quarterback in school history, owns a 33-4 record (.891) as the starter, including a 22-2 (.917) mark against Big Ten opponents. The 33 wins are second most among active starting quarterbacks in the NCAA FBS (Stanford’s Kevin Hogan with 34), and Cook’s .891 winning percentage is No. 1 (minimum 24 starts). Cook is 4-1 against AP Top 10 teams in his career and 7-3 against AP Top 25 opponents. He is a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Manning Award, and was a semifinalist for both the Davey O’Brien Award (nation’s best quarterback) and the Maxwell Award (college player of the year).

Iowa junior QB #16 C.J. Beathard is 13-0 as a starting QB. The first-year starter
has lead the Hawkeyes to its first 12-0 regular season in program history. He was
a freshman in 2012, the last time Iowa defeated MSU 19-16 in 2 OT in East Lansing.

Iowa junior quarterback C.J. Beathard is one of only three Power 5 Conference quarterbacks to win each of their first 13 career starts since 2010. The others include Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton, who led Auburn to the BCS National Championship in 2011 and Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, who led Florida State to the 2014 BCS National Championship. Beathard's record in 13 career starts includes a 6-0 mark on the road, a 7-0 mark at home, and an 8-0 mark in the Big Ten.

Iowa senior RB #33 Jordan Canzeri was third in Big Ten games with 108 yards
per game rushing. Canzeri lead Iowa with 12 rushing TDs. He also caught one.

Three Hawkeyes (senior Jordan Canzeri, 256, sophomore Akrum Wadley, 204; junior LeShun Daniels, 195) have combined for nine 100-yard rushing games this season: Canzeri (5x), Wadley (twice), and Daniels (twice). The last time the Hawkeyes had three different players rush for over 100 yards in a game in the same season was 2005: Albert Young (8x), and Shonn Greene and Damian Sims once each. The Hawkeyes and Spartans didn't meet in 2005. Iowa goes four deep at RB, with sophomore Derrick Mitchell often used as a third down back.

Michigan State sophomore RB #24 Gerald Holmes was the leading rushing in
the 55-16 win over Penn State, with 64 yards and one touchdown.

Three different running backs have started this season for Michigan State: freshman LJ Scott, red-shirt freshman Madre London and sophomore Gerald Holmes. All three have posted 100-yard rushing games this season. Junior Delton Williams also has seen action in the backfield.

Michigan State WR #16 Aaron Burbridge was awarded top Big Ten honors, as
the leagues top receiver in 2015. Burbridge has been held to 3 touchdowns in B1G play.

Senior WR Aaron Burbridge led the Spartans in receptions for the 10th time in 12 games this season, with six catches for 75 yards against Penn State, including a 29-yard touchdown grab from QB Connor Cook in the third quarter. Burbridge ranks among MSU’s single-season leaders in receptions (third with 75) and receiving yards (sixth with 1,158). He moved into sole possession of second place on MSU’s all-time list with 155 career receptions.

Dating back to Iowa's bowl game in January, junior WR #89 Matt VandeBerg
has been a favorite for Hawkeye QB C.J. Beathard in 2015.

The Hawkeyes also have three receivers with 100-yard receiving games: junior WR Matt VandeBerg (1), senior WR Tevaun Smith (1), and true freshman WR Jerminic Smith (1). It is the first time since 1995 three different Hawkeyes recorded 100-yard receiving games: Tim Dwight (2x), Demo Odems (1), Scott Slutzker (1). Iowa beat Michigan State 21-7 in 1995.

Iowa cousins at TE: senior #80 Henry Krieger Coble and junior George Kittle
are two options in Iowa's passing game for QB C.J. Beathard on Saturday.

One area of the game to watch will be the play of the tight ends. In Iowa's game against Nebraska, the TE position was big for both teams. Iowa is lead by two cousins, with senior Henry Krieger Coble and junior George Kittle. Senior Jake Duzey was expected to be a top performer, but he was slowed all season, after knee surgery in the Spring. The Spartans have experience at TE, as well. Juniors Josiah Price, Jamal Lyles and senior Paul Lang are the top options for Cook in the Spartans passing game.

@JoeMooreAward

Both Iowa and Michigan State offensive lines are finalists for the Joe Moore Award, which honor the top offensive line unit in the country. Michigan State is anchored by all-Big Ten center Jack Allen, a senior, and all-Big Ten junior LT Jack Conklin.

Iowa has used seven different starters in 2015 in the Offensive Line, coached by
former Hawkeye OL Brian Ferentz, Kirk's oldest son. The line has been anchored
by seniors #63 Austin Blythe at C and #65 Jordan Walsh at RG during 2015.

Leadership is a very important element for both programs.

The University of Iowa football program has 16 players on its 2015 Leadership Group, including 13 seniors, two juniors, and one sophomore. The purpose of the group is to assist in formulating policies, and being involved in team decision-making matters regarding the upcoming season. Players are selected by a team vote. The seniors are C Austin Blythe, RB Jordan Canzeri, DT Darian Cooper, FB Adam Cox, TE Jake Duzey, WR Jacob Hillyer, PK Marshall Koehn, FS Jordan Lomax, DE Nate Meier, DE Drew Ott, LB Travis Perry, FB Macon Plewa and WR Tevaun Smith. The junior class is represented by QB C.J. Beathard and RB LeShun Daniels, Jr., and LB Josey Jewell represents the sophomore class.

Michigan State senior #85 Macgarrett Kings, Jr. is one of 23 seniors, who
lead the Spartans to a 2015 Big Ten East Division title.

The 23-member senior class for Michigan State includes: C Jack Allen (Hinsdale, Ill.), WR DeAnthony Arnett (Saginaw, Mich.), WR Aaron Burbridge (Farmington Hills, Mich.), DE Shilique Calhoun (Middletown, New Jersey), RG Donavon Clark (Cincinnati, Ohio), CB Arjen Colquhoun (Windsor, Ontario), QB Connor Cook (Hinckley, Ohio), LB Ed Davis (Detroit, Mich.), LB Darien Harris (Silver Spring, Md.), DT Joel Heath (Cincinnati, Ohio), WR Macgarrett Kings Jr. (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), DT Damon Knox (Muskegon, Mich.), S Chris Laneaux (Kalamazoo, Mich.), TE Paul Lang (Pittsburgh, Pa.), FB Trevon Pendleton (Lucasville, Ohio), LS Taybor Pepper(Saline, Mich.), DE Lawrence Thomas (Detroit, Mich.), LB Michael Topolinski (Richmond Hill, Ontario), WR AJ Troup (Minneapolis, Minn.), QB Tommy Vento (Farmington Hills, Mich.), Phillip-Michael Williams (Ballston Spa, N.Y.) and RJ Williamson (Dayton, Ohio). Offensive lineman Zach Higgins (Alliance, Ohio), who retired early from football due to injuries, is also being recognized with the 2015 class.

The Hawkeyes have used 14 first time starters: RB LeShun Daniels, Jr., LT Boone Myers, DT Nathan Bazata, DT Jaleel Johnson, LB Cole Fisher, LB Ben Niemann, SS Miles Taylor, TE Jameer Outsey, DE Parker Hesse, WR Riley McCarron, LT Cole Croston, WR Jerminic Smith, LG James Daniels, and RB Akrum Wadley.

Michigan State senior DE #89 Shilique Calhoun was the Big Ten's defensive
lineman of the year in 2014. He is an outstanding player, but his Big Ten numbers
were down, compared to 2014. 

They say defenses win championships, which was certainly the case for Michigan State in 2013, when the Spartans went unbeaten in the Big Ten, winning the championship coming off a 7-6 season, the year before.. Iowa was 7-6 in 2014 and explosive plays were a problem for the Hawkeyes.

This year, Iowa has allowed nine rushing touchdowns; tying Michigan for No. 1 in the conference and seventh nationally. Limiting big plays: Iowa has allowed 12 scrimmage plays of 30-plus yards during its unbeaten path in 2015.

Iowa and Michigan State share the conference lead with 25 takeaways and turnover margin (+14). Iowa leads the Big Ten with 17 interceptions, Michigan State is second with 14. The schools are also 1-2 in interceptions lost. Iowa has thrown only three interceptions, Michigan State has thrown five.

The Hawkeyes feature two linebackers with more than 100 tackles. Sophomore MLB Josey Jewell leads the team and ranks fifth in the Big Ten with 111 tackles (9.3 pg.), 7.5 TFL and three sacks; while senior WLB Cole Fisher has 103 stops to rank tied for seventh in the conference (8.6 avg.). The Spartans are lead by MIKE LB junior Riley Bullough with 90 tackles, 6.5 TFL and four sacks.

Iowa's most likely all-American defensive player, is CB Desmond King, who
is tied for #1 nationally, with 8 interceptions. He is tied with 1939 Heisman
Trophy winner Nile Kinnick and 1981 CB Lou King, with 8 on the season.

Special Teams will be an important aspect on Saturday night. 

The Hawkeyes come into the Big Ten Championship Game very balanced in all three phases of the game. Iowa has two senior specialists, with PK Marshall Koehn, who kicked the 57 yard winning FG against Pitt; and punter Dillon Kidd. Koehn also is a part-time punter with his soccer style kicks. Iowa junior CB Desmond King has been inserted this season, as a kick and punt returner. King ranks second in the Big Ten in kickoff returns (25.6 yards) and punt returns (13.3).

The Spartans have a junior PK Michael Geiger, with three years of experience. Redshirt freshman Jake Harbarger is handling the punting duties this season. Field position can play a very important role in games.

Both coaches have been known to dial up a fake kick, with Dantonio, with the success in previous seasons and Ferentz using it during the non-conference in 2015.

Since 1981, Ferentz's first season in Iowa City; the Hawkeyes have a 16-10-1 record in the series. The average score has been 22-19. Michigan State has never won back to back games against Iowa, since 1981, except for a W-T-W from 1987 to 1989. This is the first time the game has ever been played on a neutral field. Back in 1981, the Hawkeyes wrapped up a Big Ten Conference season with a win over Michigan State and a Big Ten title. This time around, the Hawkeyes are playing for an outright title.

Iowa senior PK #1 Marshall Koehn hit a 57 yard FG back in September, in the
27-24 win over former Michigan State DC Pat Narduzzi and the Pitt Panthers.

Our Pick:

Iowa 30

MSU 23

The game will come down to quarterback play, turnovers, explosive plays and play at the line of scrimmage. The Hawkeyes didn't win a trophy game in 2014, but they are 4-0 in 2015 and looking to finish the season with an undefeated year.

The winner will clinch one of four slots in the College Football Playoff ...

Black Friday: Iowa Hawkeyes now #4 in CFP Poll, as the head to Lincoln for the Heroes Game vs. Nebraska

Iowa City, IA -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (11-0, 7-0 B1G West) learned on Tuesday night that they have moved to #4 in the Week 4 College Football Playoff poll ahead of their final regular season game against Nebraska @ Lincoln on Black Friday.

Kirk Ferentz was hired in 1981, as an offensive line coach ahead of Hayden Fry's third season at Iowa. Iowa's first opponent was Nebraska to open the season. In his first season, returning to Iowa to be head coach, again his first opponent was Nebraska. Now, in his final regular season game of his 17th season as head coach and 26th season overall at Iowa, Ferentz faces a familiar opponent, the Nebraska Cornhuskers. This year, the game is in Lincoln.

Unlike Ferentz, this is Nebraska's head coach Mike Riley's first Black Friday game in the Heroes Game, as a first year coach for the Huskers. The roles have shifted and Nebraska is the home team and the underdog to Iowa.

How will Riley's first game finish out in the Heroes Game?

Will Nebraska upset a Top 5 program at home, as Iowa did in 1981 or will Riley take the role of a program that goes down to a Top 5 opponent at home, as Iowa and Ferentz did in his first season, as head coach at Iowa?

What will be the final record and season result of the 2015 Iowa Hawkeyes?

For Iowa, an interesting question will soon be answered in Ferentz's 17th season at Iowa. It may take 3 or 4 games to know what it will finally be for the Hawkeyes.

Ferentz meet with the media on Tuesday, as he does each week before each Hawkeye regular season game.

It's the 12th week of a one game at a time season for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa has an 11 game winning streak on the line, while Nebraska is seeking to finish November with three straight wins.

"Good teams do it," Ferentz said of the one-game-at-a-time motto.

Not only have the No. 3 Hawkeyes taken 11 games one Saturday at a time this season -- all of them victories -- but they have also seen leadership develop as fast as its win total.

The University of Iowa football program has 16 players on its 2015 Leadership Group, including 13 seniors, two juniors, and one sophomore. Ferentz tweaked the Leadership Group, similar to making a change at quarterback in January, as well, as moving practices to the morning and finally shifting the off day from Monday to Thursday, with the Black Friday game in mind.

The purpose of the group is to assist in formulating policies, and being involved in team decision-making matters regarding the upcoming season. Players are selected by a team vote. The seniors are OL Austin Blythe, RB Jordan Canzeri, DL Darian Cooper, FB Adam Cox, TE Jake Duzey, WR Jacob Hillyer, PK Marshall Koehn, DB Jordan Lomax, DE Nate Meier, DE Drew Ott, LB Travis Perry, FB Macon Plewa and WR Tevaun Smith. The junior class is represented by QB C.J. Beathard and RB LeShun Daniels, Jr., and LB Josey Jewell represents the sophomore class.

"I'm not sure where our leadership was in April, but it has been growing rapidly since August," Ferentz said. "Typically, any team that is doing well has good leadership."

Ferentz also emphasized that in the Big Ten Conference, there are no easy days. The next challenge for Iowa is a Black Friday battle for the Hy-Vee Heroes Game trophy and Ferentz isn't fooled by Nebraska's 5-6 record (3-4 B1G West).

Here's why:

1. The Huskers have won two consecutive games and need one victory to become bowl eligible.
2. Nebraska received its bye after Week 11, giving it 12 days to prepare for the Hawkeyes while Iowa has eight fewer days to formulate a game plan. 
3. Nebraska rallied for a 37-34 overtime victory last season in Kinnick Stadium after the Hawkeyes jumped to a 24-7 lead in the third quarter.

"The big thing right now is that they're meshing," Ferentz said of Nebraska. "They are coming off two impressive victories, beating Michigan State (39-38 on Nov. 7 in Lincoln) and most recently, Rutgers (31-14 on Nov. 14 in Piscataway, New Jersey)."

The 2014 Hy-Vee Heroes games was a centerpiece of inspiration that led to an offseason attitude overhaul in Iowa City. For the Hawkeyes, that season also included a three-point loss to Iowa State, a seven point loss at Maryland, and a two-point loss to Wisconsin. It culminated with a 45-28 defeat to Tennessee in the TaxSlayer Bowl in a game where the Volunteers led 42-7 heading into the fourth quarter.

"That game (against Nebraska in 2014) is the centerpiece for the discussion," Ferentz said. "It's nothing against them, they did what they were supposed to do. We didn't, and that's our responsibility. It's all about taking ownership. There are a lot of things we didn't do well (in 2014) and the word finish gets thrown out there all the time in sports. It just so happens that was our last regular scheduled football game and we didn't close the season in a strong fashion."

"Our job is to be able to play with those guys, go out and compete with them," Ferentz said. "They recruit well. They've had great teams in the past and they've got a good football team this year. Our challenge is to be ready for them on Friday."

Iowa won 38-17 in 2013, the last game in Lincoln. The Hawkeyes seek to remain unbeaten, as well, as win their second straight in Lincolin.

Nebraska won the 4th Heroes Game in 2014, with a 37-34 OT win in Iowa City
over the Hawkeyes. Since joining the Big Ten in 2011, the Huskers lead 3-1 in
the series. The Iowa-Nebraska game on Black Friday will be the 46th game
overall and the fifth game, since the Huskers joined the conference.

The Huskers practiced for just under two hours Tuesday in the Hawks Championship Center and Gass Practice Facility in preparation for Friday's game against the third-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes.

Nebraska offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf spoke to the media after Tuesday's practice about facing the Hawkeye defense.

Iowa junior QB #16 C.J. Beathard and the Iowa offense over the last 5 games.
Over the 2015 season, the Iowa offense has often shown a lot of balance.

"They don't give up many big plays, they're really sound and really solid across the board," Langsdorf stated when asked about the biggest challenge the Iowa defense will bring. "They're well coached and they're always in good position, and you see that week in and week out."

Iowa junior CB #14 Desmond King leads the nation in interceptions, as well,
as Iowa's primary kick and punt returning this season. He is also a finalist
for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented to the top college defense back.

When asked about Desmond King, Iowa's star defensive back, Langsdorf said "I think he leads the country in interceptions. He's always in very good position, he's going to be the guy that we are going to have to really understand where he is and be careful. We don't want to be careless around him."

The top two Nebraska WRs are juniors #1 Jordan Westerkamp and #87
Brandon Reilly. who caught the controversial TD reception in the MSU win.

"I think our guys are playing at a high level. They're playing with a lot of confidence, and we have a belief that we can win the game."

Friday's game at Memorial Stadium (capacity 87,000) is sold out. Kickoff is set for 2:36 p.m. CST and the game will be broadcast by ABC.

Nebraska junior #90 DE Greg McMullen holds down one side of the Huskers
defensive line in 2015. He is one of three returning starters in the DL for NU.

Tuesday, Iowa was named #5 in CFP poll; Wednesday, Veterans Day was celebrated across America, ahead of Saturday night's Battle for Floyd of Rosedale ...

The Iowa Hawkeyes celebrating after winning their 9th victory on the 2015 season,
at Indiana on Saturday. It was the fourth road victory of the year against a Power 5
program for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa City, IA -- It has been a positive week heading into Saturday's return to Kinnick Stadium for the undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes. After last Saturday's 35-27 win at Indiana to propel Iowa to 9-0 for the second time in program history, the Hawkeyes were named #5 on Tuesday night, when the second College Football Playoff poll was announced. There was plenty of Iowa talk on Veterans Day, as the sports talking heads continued their conversations on the Hawkeyes and the new CFP ratings.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are #5, just outside the Final 4, in the second College Football
Playoff poll of 2015. The Hawkeyes will host Minnesota on Saturday night.

Iowa's run to a 9-0 start, 5-0 in the B1G West has been felt in all three phases of the game. 

Iowa junior QB #16 C.J. Beathard is the first Hawkeye signal caller to open 10-0
as a starter in the history of the program. Five wins on the road and five at home.

On offense:

• Iowa has the third most balanced offensive production in FBS. The Hawkeyes have 3,708 total yards -- 1,845 yards rushing, 1,863 yards passing. (Kent State 1,323/1,323; Auburn 1,700/1,712)
• Iowa has 25 rushing touchdowns, second in the Big Ten (Ohio State, 26) and ninth nationally
• Iowa ranks second in the Big Ten with 13 scrimmage plays of 40-plus yards. The Hawkeyes had 12 scrimmage plays of 40-plus yards all of last season, and 13 such plays in 2012 and 2013 combined

The Hawkeyes have really improved in 2015, after a 7-6 record, last season.
The #1 area to look at for Iowa has been the development of the defensive unit.

On defense:

• Iowa has allowed just three rushing touchdowns; No. 1 nationally
• Iowa leads the Big Ten in takeaways (20), interceptions (13) and turnover margin (+11)
• Iowa allows 16.6 points per game. Among the five other unbeaten FBS schools, only Ohio State allows fewer points (15.0)

Iowa junior Desmond King has become an effective special team player in
2015, leading the Hawkeyes in punt and kick returning.

On special teams:

• Marshall Koehn’s 57-yard game-winning field goal vs. Pitt is the second longest in school history and the second longest in FBS this season
• Iowa’s two-man punt team of seniors Dillon Kidd (43.3) and Marshall Koehn (46.2) rank fourth in the Big Ten averaging 42.6 yards per punt
• Junior Desmond King averages 12.9 yards per punt return, No. 3 in the Big Ten, and 23.6 yards on KO returns, No. 6 in the Big Ten

Saturday is Military Appreciation Day at Kinnick Stadium

One of the University of Iowa football team's most famous alums is 1939 Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick. The first Hawkeye football player to earn first-team All-America honors was Fred Becker in 1916.

Both were United States veterans and both lost their lives serving in the military. Becker was killed in active duty in 1918 during World War I; Kinnick died during a training flight while serving as a United States Navy aviator during World War II.

Iowa's Nile Kinnick, the 1939
Heisman Trophy winner joined
the U.S. Navy as an aviator.
He was lost at sea in 1943.

Saturday's game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-5, 1-4 B1G West) is designated as Military Appreciation Day in honor of Veterans Day. The University of Iowa and its Veterans Association has organized events to honor veterans associated with the university and Hawkeye community.

Iowa students Jacob Stone and Sheena Anderson were among the participants in a Veterans Association 280-mile ruck march that brought the game ball from TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis to Kinnick Stadium to raise awareness for veteran suicide. Stone is a veteran of the U.S. Marines, Anderson is a U.S. Army veteran.

Participants marched in teams of three while carrying ruck sacks weighing 22 pounds, a symbol of the 22 veterans who take their own lives by suicide each day. The 57 members of the ruck march will form the tunnel the Hawkeyes swarm through onto the field for Saturday's game.

Thank you to our Veterans, as Kinnick Stadium celebrated a past Military
Appreciation Day, as Saturday night's game will celebrate ...

The Iowa football program and the Army ROTC also identified five distinguished veterans -- all Iowa graduates or former cadre -- to serve as the traditional color guard. The five individuals selected are: Colonel G. Dave Lewis, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Brothers, Lieutenant Colonel Brad Cook, Master Sergeant David J. Stoen, and Lieutenant Colonel Mark Coble.

The on-field events come on the heels of a Tickets for Troops initiative that was rolled out earlier this fall. The UI partnered with fans, giving them an option to purchase tickets at a reduced price and donate them to active duty and veteran military members to attend Saturday's game at no cost.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is 10-5 against Minnesota, as a head coach.

The battle for the Floyd of Rosedale begins at 7:12 p.m. (CST) on Saturday night, in prime time for Iowa-Minnesota. The game, which is sold out, will be televised on BTN. It is the first November night game in Hawkeye history. It is the 80th anniversary of first battle for Floyd of Rosedale, back in 1935.

Minnesota DC Tracy Claeys was named
head coach on Wednesday of the Golden
Gophers, after 20 years as an assistant
with Jerry Kill, who stepped down, due
to health issues two weeks ago.

Minnesota has chosen to elevate Tracy Claeys as the permanent replacement for Jerry Kill, who resigned, prior to the Gophers games with Michigan and Ohio State, two weeks ago. After an 0-2 start, as an interim coach, Claeys was given a three year contract, beginning in 2016.

"They're playing better this year (Iowa), there's no question. They've kind of gelled. Things are going their way. It will be a tremendous challenge. At the same time, being a trophy game, our kids will be excited. I expect us to play well. It will be a tough environment," said Minnesota coach Tracy Claeys ahead of the Iowa game.

The Gophers and Hawkeyes battle for Floyd of Rosedale.
Minnesota beat Iowa 51-14 in Minneapolis, last season, which
was the most lop-sided loss for the Hawkeyes, since 1949.

"Offensively they've got a veteran quarterback who's a really good football player. They're a big, physical group up front like they traditionally are. Good backs, good receivers, so that's going to be a big challenge for our team," said Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.

Minnesota junior QB #7 Mitch Leidner leads the Golden Gophers offense.
He is a threat both running and passing the football for Minnesota.

"Then flipping it on the other side of the football, they're very aggressive defensively, run very well at all positions, extremely good in the secondary. I know they feel great about those guys, and rightfully so," Ferentz said this week, ahead of the battle for Floyd of Rosedale.

The strength of Golden Gophers defense is three returning starters in the
secondary. A match-up to watch will be Iowa's passing game vs. Minnesota,
including one of the top cornerback units in the Big Ten, with seniors #29 Brian
Boddy-Calhoun and #31 Eric Murray, who were 1st and 2nd team respectively.

"And then special teams wise they have two of the better specialists you're going to find in the conference. They're a very, very good football team, and we're going to have a big challenge on our hands," said Ferentz.

Last year, Maxx Williams was a highlight reel against Iowa. He has departed
to the NFL. Sophomore TE Brandon Lingen had a personal high 111 yards
on five catches against Michigan in the 29-26 loss for the Gophers. The
Golden Gophers took Michigan down to the final play and came up short.

"November as I said earlier is a big month, certainly a big month for any college football team. Certainly it is for us, and to be back in Kinnick is really special, and to be there in a night game is always a special thing," said Ferentz.

On Tuesday, the second College Football Playoff poll was announced.

"Twenty-sixth year now being involved in Kinnick Stadium. It never gets old. It's just a very, very special place to play college football. We'll have a great environment Saturday night. There's no doubt about that. But that being said, the fans can't play the game, just like when we're on the road, the opposing fans don't decide the game. It's going to get decided on the field, so we're going to have to have a great week of preparation. We'll have to be ready to go at kickoff against this team. We've got our work cut out and we've been working on that, and we look forward to trying to finish the week out well." - Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz

Iowa will host a "Blackout" game on Saturday night, with an all-black
alternate uniform for the Hawkeyes to breakout and attempt to reach 10-0
for the first time in Iowa football history.

Can Iowa make history on Saturday night, reaching 10-0 for the first time in program history?

"We'll find out Saturday because we've got a real big challenge and we're going to have to really have a good week of preparation. That's really the best way to get there, and we've tried to explain that to our players. Back during the bye week we told them to think big, but no matter how big they thought and whatever they may have been dreaming up, you can only get there week by week. That's about all you can control. I know it's boring and mundane. But for us to be focused or spend time on anything else right now is really counterproductive, and to me the best thing to do is worry about their academics, worry about the game plan, preparation, and maybe go on a date or something like that if they've got time. That's great, too. We just need to worry about this one because it's tricky sledding out there," said Ferentz on the historical game on Saturday night for Iowa.

Plenty of excitement surrounding the Iowa Football program this November.