GAME DAY IOWA; the Hawkeyes hit the road for a game in ACC Country vs. the Pittsburgh Panthers @ Heinz Field

The Hawekeyes and Panthers square off in this Big Ten-
ACC showdown on ESPNU in Week 4 of '14.

Pittsburgh, PA -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (2-1) face a huge hurdle in their first road game of the 2014 season at the Pittsburgh Panthers (3-0, 1-0 ACC Coastal division) with an 11 a.m. game on ESPNU from Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The Hawkeyes look to rebound, after a disappointing home lost in their Cy-Hawk Game with Iowa State in a 20-17 defeat at historic Kinnick Stadium.

The Pitt-Iowa game could develop into a game of strengths, with the undefeated Panthers averaging 344.3 yards a game rushing the football on offense, while the Hawkeyes have allowed only 65.7 yards rushing, while on defense in the early 2014 season.

"It is going to come down to who wants it more and that will determine who is going to win that battle," said Iowa senior defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat. "We have an opportunity to make some plays and we accept the challenge."

Pittsburgh's rushing attack (344.3) is fourth in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Sophomore running back James Conner has carried the ball 81 times for 544 yards (6.7 yards per attempt) with eight touchdowns. Only Aaron Jones on UTEP has more yards on the ground this season.

"It will be a big test for us and we look forward to it up front," said Iowa senior defensive tackle Carl Davis. "It is going to be a new stage compared to the teams we have been playing, but we look forward to the challenge and how we match up."

Iowa is sixth (65.7) in NCAA FBS against the rush and has 19 tackles for loss. Trinca-Pasat leads the way with four tackles for loss, followed by junior defensive end Drew Ott (3.5) and senior linebacker Quinton Alston (three).

"It is going to come down to who wants it more and that will determine who is going to win that battle. We have an opportunity to make some plays and we accept the challenge." Louis Trinca-Pasat Iowa defensive tackle

"I love physical football so this is a great test for us," Alston said. "It is a test that we need especially since we are about to go into Big Ten play. I feel good; it's going to be a race to the ball and I want to be the first to the ball and try to get some TFLs (tackles for loss) out of it."

Iowa and Pitt have played twice since 2008, with each team winning a tight game on its home field. In 2008, the Panthers held on for a 21-20 victory despite 147 rushing yards from Hawkeye Shonn Greene. In 2011, Iowa overcame a 24-3 third-quarter deficit by scoring the final three touchdowns -- two to wide receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley -- to post a 31-27 win.

"It was a great atmosphere and it was a big win for that team at that point," Martin-Manley said of the 2011 matchup. "Being a young guy, you're confident, but at the same time when you don't see the plays happen you kind of get down. When you do see those plays, you're like `alright I can do it' because you have done it before."

The Panthers have a new head coach, since the two games earlier in the four game series Iowa-Pitt are playing. Former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst is in his third season at the helm at Pitt.

Chryst said the following of Iowa's head coach ahead of today's game: “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Kirk Ferentz, and it’s going to be a well-coached team. He believes in physical offense, physical defense. It’s always going to be a challenge. I’m excited for our guys to play. It’s going to be a good atmosphere. It’ll be a good physical game, and we’ve got to rise up and meet that challenge. It’s a great opportunity for us. The amount of success that he’s had for a long time—there’s a lot of programs across the country trying to do that.”

Iowa head coach Ferentz said statistics after three weeks -- like rankings -- tell something, but not everything. He was referring to the Panthers running for 1,033 yards and passing for 304. They can do both well, Ferentz warns.

"Pitt isn't throwing the ball much right now because they haven't had to." Ferentz said. "They can throw the ball." Sophomore Tyler Boyd is the #1 wide receiver and top return specialist in the Panthers attack.

The Hawkeyes have not allowed a 100-yard rusher all season. Ball State ran the ball 39 times for a total of 90 yards -- 81 coming from running back Jahwan Edwards. Northern Iowa rushed 25 times for 25 yards and Iowa State attempted 26 runs for 82 yards.

"It's going to be a real challenge (slowing Conner)," Ferentz said. "He's strong and fast. He has the ability to see and pick holes. They're big and athletic up front. It's a tough group to prepare for."

"The statistics reflect what they are," said Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz on Tuesday at his weekly news conference inside the Hayden Fry Football Complex. "They're a very good football team, and we have a big challenge ahead of us."

Pitt's James Conner leads the nation
 in rushing TDs (eight) and is second
in rush yards (544).

The Panthers' offense has been potent early, ranking 15th nationally at 44.7 points per game in victories over Delaware, at Boston College, and at Florida International. Pittsburgh ranks fourth nationally at running the football, with 181.3 coming from Conner, while sophomore quarterback Chad Voytik is second in rushing for the Panthers.

"Pitt is not throwing for much right now because they haven't had to," said Ferentz. "They've demonstrated they can run it, and they've run it against everybody. When you look at the film, they're impressive up front and the running back is a good player."

Ferentz sees a lot of Wisconsin in the Panthers and for good reason. Chryst was a member of Bret Bielema's staff in Madison in 2002 and served as the Badgers' offensive coordinator from 2005-11.

Ferentz said the Iowa offense has shown glimpses this season with long and productive drives, but the trouble has been consistency. He is steadfast in the identity he seeks offensively.

"One thing I am firm on, we have to have the ability to be balanced, and we would hopefully play in a physical nature," he said. "We're not going to be a finesse offensive football team. We have to have the ability to run or pass."

Iowa's rushing attack should be back at full strength at Pittsburgh after gaining 129 yards on 44 attempts against Iowa State. Ferentz expects junior Jordan Canzeri to play against Pittsburgh after getting dinged up on a kick return against the Cyclones. Canzeri has been dinged in fall camp and during the last couple of games for Iowa.

Iowa is also trying to find the right mix and rhythm to get sophomore LeShun Daniels, Jr., back in the mix. Daniels, Jr., didn't have an attempt against Iowa State on Sept. 13. He scored the first touchdown of the season for Iowa during the early part of the UNI game.

"We're not ruling anything out (with LeShun)," said Ferentz. "We haven't found the right rhythm or tempo. We'll keep working at it." Iowa senior running backs Mark Wesiman and Damon Bullock saw most game action vs. Iowa State. Freshman Jonathan Parker is another running back, who has seen game action during the 2014 season.

Ferentz confirmed sophomore Anthony Gair will make his first start at free safety at Pittsburgh, filling in for junior Jordan Lomax, who will miss the first half after being ejected for targeting against Iowa State -- a rule Ferentz says is hard to officiate.

"There are going to be a lot of mixed opinions," said Ferentz. "My feeling when it all started was when everybody in the stadium says, `Whoa,' that's when a guy should get tossed out. I thought Jordan was trying to avoid targeting. That was my view of it, but it's easier said than done."
Ferentz is stressing the importance of moving on from a last-second loss to Iowa State.

"We all have to move on," he said. "Whether we win or lose, that's how it goes. We can worry about it out-of-season. We need to worry about what we're doing and matching up against our opponent.
"People that can't do that aren't going to do very well over the long haul. That's how it is, and it's easier said than done."

ESPNU will have Adam Amin and John Congemi, a former Pitt QB from 1982-86, in the booth, with Niki Noto on the sidelines. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:01 a.m. Central Time.

The Hawkeyes have never won at Pitt over years. Pitt leads the series 3-2, with the average score Pitt 22-20, so another tight, close ball game could be on store in 2014?

This is the third game ever between the teams at Pitt. It is hard to rally and call it "three's a charm" for Iowa, with the last game at Heinz Field in 2008.

The Panthers are eyeing a 4-0 start for the first time since the 2000 season. The Panthers were 7-6, 3-5 for sixth in the ACC Coastal division in '13.

Iowa coach Ferentz is a graduate of nearby Upper St. Clair High School and served as a graduate assistant on Jackie Sherrill's 1980 Pitt coaching staff. He left Pitt for Iowa, becoming former Iowa head coach J. Hayden Fry's offensive line coach in 1981. The Hawkeyes ended a 19 season non-winning streak in Ferentz's first year, winning the Big Ten and representing the Big Ten in Fry's first Rose Bowl trip.

Iowa needs the offensive line to elevate their game in 2014 at Pitt, if Iowa is going to pull off a road win. The Hawkeyes front 7 and secondary will be tested, as well by Pitt.

“You’ve got good players and a good scheme, that’s always a key part of it. You’ve got to work to get yards on them. It’s a sound defense, and they’ve got good players. Whatever you get, you’ll earn. It’s fun to play them that way because nothing will be given,” said Pitt coach Chryst in talking about the Iowa defense.

Keys to the Game:

• Turnovers and miscues
• Establishing control of the line of scrimmage
• Explosive plays
• Special teams

While there isn't a lot of series history between Iowa and Pitt, both teams often see each other on the recruiting trail. Pitt true frosh WR Adonis Jennings' recruitment came down to Iowa and Pitt, for example.

Pitt is favored to win today's game. 

Iowa needs a spark, whether it is via turnover, the offense, defense and/or special teams delivering an explosive play. Iowa needs to establish something for more than two drives. It has been a struggle for Iowa week to week in '14. A coming out party at Pitt is a tall order. 

Phil Steele heading into 2014 called Pittsburgh a big question-mark, with the need to replace DT Aaron Donald, who was the most dominate Panther last year. The Panthers beat Bowling Green 30-27 in the Little Caesars Bowl in '13.

If Iowa is going to give Pitt a game today, the Hawkeyes will have to establish the line of scrimmage. Other than against the run this season, Iowa has not accomplished that ability very well in '14.

The 2008 and 2011 games are over. The only constant has been Iowa's head coach Kirk Ferentz. It is a homecoming for Iowa's ole ball coach. Can he lead his team to his first victory at Pitt?

We shall see. Last week, we called for a 25-15 win. Heck, maybe we were a week early? We shall see indeed.

In 1999, Iowa fans watched Ron Dayne roll over Iowa. It was an ugly game for the Hawkeyes. It is more likely a game that will be close today. Iowa will need turnovers and a spark going into Heinz Field.

Will the grass be greener for the Home Team or Visitors from the Big Ten?

Post Game Notes:Iowa defeats Nebraska 38-17 in Lincoln to capture first Heroes Trophy

Lincoln, NE -- Nebraska joined the Big Ten in 2011, so Friday's 38-17 win by Iowa was the first in three attempts in winning the Heroes Trophy in the Big Ten finale to close out the 2013 regular season.

Kirk Ferentz 1, Bo Pelini 2 in the Heroes Game

Iowa (8-4, 5-3) defeated Nebraska (8-4, 5-3) today, 38-17, inside Memorial Stadium. It was Iowa's first win in the series since 1981 (10-7), and its first win in Lincoln since 1943 (33-13).

The win snapped Nebraska's five-game winning streak in the series.

Iowa took possession of the Heroes Trophy for the first time since it was introduced in 2011. Iowa is 3-1 in trophy games this season, currently possessing the Cy-Hawk (Iowa State), Floyd of Rosedale (Minnesota) and Heroes (Nebraska).

Iowa scored 38 points today, the most points Iowa has ever scored in the series. The 21-point differential was Nebraska's largest home loss since falling to Missouri 52-17 in 2008.

The Hawkeyes have eight wins this season, a four-win improvement from a year ago. That improvement ranks fourth in the country. Entering today, Auburn (+7), Boston College (+5) and Missouri (+5) had greater win totals year-over-year.

Iowa has four road wins this season, its highest total since 2009 (4).

Iowa and Nebraska will likely learn about what bowl venue they are headed to on December 8th.

The Iowa defense held Nebraska senior QB
Ron Kellogg III in check most of the game.
Iowa won 38-17 to take home the Heroes Trophy.

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini meet with the Media, after the game.

Nebraska vs. Iowa
Head Coach Bo PeliniSaturday, Nov. 29, 2013
Opening Statement

“I just told the team that was a tough one to lose. I'm proud of that football team in there. I'm proud of all the things that they overcame through the year. I'm proud of who they are as men. I told the seniors they have a lot to be proud of. It hasn't been an easy year from any stretch of the imagination. It's been difficult. This team had a lot to perservere through, a lot to stick together through. They did that, and I'm proud of them, regardless of how it ended today. It was unfortunate how it ended today. We shot ourselves in the foot a number of times. We had some things go against us. It was unfortunate."

On making similar mistakes to last year
“Those mistakes plague any football team. When you turn the football over, you're going to have some difficulties."

On the failed fake punt in the third quarter?
“We thought it was there. We missed a block. We liked the look they were in and we whipped on a block, the most important block. We took a chance and it didn't work out. It's my fault."

On reasoning for the unsportsmanlike conduct charge
“[The ref] said I got too close to him. I thought that was a chicken s*** call. Excuse my language on that, but I had never seen anything like that before. I've done a lot worse than that. I saw [Iowa head coach] Kirk Ferentz on the other side acting a lot worse than I act. I didn't see a flag come out on him. The bottom line is they knew they blew the call. They blew it. They blew that call over there on that third down. Everybody in the stadium knew it. They just didn't man up enough to pick that flag up."

On how the team has persevered through injuries
“It's been incredible what we've gone through. I told those kids in there who were hurting, 'You don't have to apologize to anybody. You've got to walk out there with your head held high.'"

On a timetable regarding his coaching evaluation
“I don't concern myself with that. You guys can concern yourself with that."

On if he has been informed of any timetable
“That's not my decision, so why are you asking me the question? Talk to somebody else."

On senior wide receiver Quincy Enunwa
“Quincy's been a stud all year. He's been big time."

On fan's support during the tunnel walk
“It's great."

On if he made a case in favor of keeping his job
“I don't coach to make a case. You guys have chosen to make a story of it all year. It's impacted our football team. It's hurt our football team. Let's call a spade a spade. If they want to fire me, go ahead. I believe in what I've done. I don't apologize for what I've done. I don't apologize for anybody, myself or this staff. Our record since I've been here speaks for itself. This program's heading in a good direction. If you choose not to think so, that's your prerogative. All I know is that myself, the staff, the people associated with this program since I've been here can look at themselves in the mirror and feel good about what they've done."

Iowa junior WR Kevonte Martin-Manley scores an Iowa TD
in the 3rd quarter, after a failed Nebraska fake punt.

Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz Quotes

Opening Statement
"Obviously I am really thrilled with our football team right now, I am really proud of them and am happy to get the victory today. It was a hard-fought game against a really good Nebraska football team. Nothing easy about coming over here and playing obviously. I am just really proud of how our guys fought through the entire game and came away with the victory."

On if the game is now a rivalry
".... It is starting, but it is still pretty lopsided---the record is, but this was a good step forward for sure."

On the fake punt, why he took a timeout before
"We wanted to give (the play before) a little time just to make sure the people upstairs had a chance to see it, on top of that we subbed out a little bit, too."

On being named one of the country's top five worst coaches during the preseason
"I mean everyone is entitled to their opinion, that is the great thing about our country. I don't think he went to jail for saying that, so that is just a part of coaching. Fortunately I don't believe I believed it.... well at least in the bottom 10, I wouldn't say the bottom five. But those things are just talk and noise."

On an 8-4 finish to the season
"Just really pleased, that was the best we could do and when we talked during the bye week a couple weeks back, that is all you can do. At that point I believe we were sitting at 6-4, lost a couple of ball games to really good teams. Our focus--as it has been since the end of last November was just to try and improve, working hard, and maximizing our opportunities. That is kind of the formula we have tried to use, the reason why it has materialized is because our players have done the work that they have to do. It is all about our leadership--our seniors and our juniors."

On if there was a magic formula to go 4-8 to 8-4
"No there really isn't. I am certainly not smart enough to think--creative or in genius, so it was just a matter of trying to do things better. We clearly didn't play well enough last year, in critical areas with certain things, our focus was just to try and do things better."

On the difference between last year's team to this year's team
"It is just making every phase count. The out of season program, which you always try to find positives--we had a longer one since we didnt have bowl practices. We lost out on a lot of good practice time, which is a downside, but our guys practiced really well in the spring. Sometimes you look at guys who play and had success without working as hard, but the good news today is that I think we are a better football team now then when we were in August, and that is what it is all about, getting better."

On special teams play
"Our kicking game was really a help for us. Connor did a good job with the punts. That helped us with field posistion. I dont mind telling you guys, I was more than a little bit worried about our kickoff coverage with number 80 (Kenny Bell). He is very dangerous and had one last week that went the distance. I thought we covered kicks better than we have done all season, which is really good to see. I can't say enough about how Rudock played, he played a really good game and made some really nice throws, helped us win the game."

Final comments by Kirk Ferentz reflecting on Minnesota win, as focus turns to Michigan State for Hawkeyes

Kirk Ferentz is
104-75 overall,
 60-53 B1G, as
Iowa head coach

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Kirk Ferentz has coached at the University of Iowa in some capacity for 24 seasons. He arrived first in 1981, as new offensive line coach for then coach J. Hayden Fry, serving Fry for nine seasons. The past 15 seasons, he has served as head coach, replacing Fry after the 1998 season. This week he experienced a first. 

FB Adam Cox on his third down
carry in the fourth quarter

Following the Hawkeyes' 23-7 victory at Minnesota, the team honored sophomore fullbacks Adam Cox and Macon Plewa as offensive players of the week.

"Both of them played outstanding and that's probably as much work as they have gotten in any one game," Ferentz said Sunday night.

"They have worked extremely hard since last spring. Both have taken the opportunity and run with it and done a wonderful job."

Blocks by Cox and Plewa helped Iowa running backs gain 207 yards on 38 carries; sophomore quarterback Jake Rudock picked up 35 yards on five carries and Cox added a 5-yard third-down conversion run in the fourth quarter.

Cox's 35-yard reception in the second quarter was the longest of his career. The play set up Iowa's first touchdown of the day by Rudock.

Rudock's 4-yard touchdown rush in the second quarter was his

fifth rushing touchdown this season. The last Iowa quarterback to rush for more than five touchdowns in a single season was Nathan Chandler (6 in 2003). The Hawkeyes finished 10-3 in 2003.

QB Jake Rudock's TD run
in the second quarter

There is another reason the Hawkeyes (4-1 overall, 1-0 Big Ten) have won four straight games: their effectiveness on both sides of the ball on third down. Last season Iowa's offense converted 36.4-percent of the time, while opponents moved the chains 43.4-percent of the time. In five games this season, the Hawkeyes have increased their conversion rate to 52.5-percent and the defense is limiting opponents to a 25.4-percent mark.

WR Kevonte Martin-Manley
leads Iowa's receivers
with 26 catches, including
1 TD at Iowa State

"I'm not a big stat guy but I know last year the stat wasn't good," Ferentz said. "I'm happy right now with the way our offense has done on third downs. Part of that is first- and second-down production. We had plays (Sept. 28) that were tough, long conversions and we came up with them. You think about some of the Kevonte (Martin-Manley) catches we had and Jake (Rudock) did a great job getting the ball to him; Jake Hillyer with a third-down conversion (on third-and-9). Compared to last year, it's a big step forward and we're hoping we can continue to build on that, it helps your team offensively."

Iowa's defense has been stout, allowing 265.6 yards in five games. The only conference team performing better is Michigan State (3-1), which comes to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. The Spartans allow 188.8 yards a game. The Spartans are coming off a bye week, and the first loss of the season, as they head to Kinnick on Saturday.

"They were extremely tough last year and we will have our work cut out for us," Ferentz said. "They have a tough scheme; more importantly their players understand their scheme and they play it well. It's like when we are playing good defense, it doesn't look that complicated, but everybody understands what they're doing. That's what we see when we watch Michigan State play defense. It's going to be a tough, hard-nosed battle for sure, and execution is going to be a big part of it."

The Hawkeyes prevailed last season in East Lansing, Michigan, 19-16 in double overtime.  The Hawkeyes will will enjoy hosting Michigan State this season at home.  Kickoff will be at 11 a.m on ESPN2.

The Home Team has won three straight in the Battle of Floyd of Rosedale

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Iowa Hawkeyes (3-1) will be playing its second road game and rivalry contest in three games on Saturday when the team looks to defend Floyd of Rosedale against Minnesota (4-0) on its Homecoming.

It is the Big Ten opener for each team, as it was last year, in Iowa City, when Iowa won 31-13.

The home team has won three straight in this series, with Iowa winning nine out of the last 12 over Minnesota. Iowa has never won outdoors in TCF Bank Stadium, losing two games by a combined total of four points (2010, 2011). Iowa last won in Minneapolis in 2008, in the final game in the Metrodome for the Golden Gophers (55-0).

First-year Iowa receivers coach Bobby Kennedy said Friday afternoon that the receivers have been upbeat and ready to go after winning their last three games. Iowa lost season opener on a costly interception by first year starting sophomore quarterback Jake Rudock, and a last minute field goal to lose by three vs. Northern Illinois, where Jerry Kill coached prior to moving to Minnesota in 2011.

"The mood around the team has been extremely positive this week," said Kennedy. "They're excited to be here in Minneapolis because it's the start of Big Ten play and tomorrow is another trophy game that holds a significant meaning."

After playing in front of a sold out crowd at Iowa State two weeks ago, the Hawkeyes will face another boisterous crowd on Saturday at a sold out TCF Bank Stadium. Kennedy said the team prepared for the anticipated crowd noise at practice.

"We practiced with crowd noise and loud music during the week, so our guys really had to focus," Kennedy said. "They handled it well."

Iowa's passing offense has made strides the last couple games and will face the Big Ten's ninth-ranked team in passing defense tomorrow -- the Golden Gophers have allowed 270 yards per game through the air this season. Kennedy has seen improvement in the Hawkeye receivers.

"I'm pleased with progress, but we're not a finished product," said Kennedy. "We have to keep improving every week. The great thing about (our receivers) is that they want to be good, so they work extremely hard in practice. They're moving in that direction."

Leading the Hawkeye receiving corps is junior Kevonte Martin-Manley, who ranks fifth in the league in receptions (5.0 per game). Kennedy likes the leadership qualities the Hawkeye junior is instilling in his teammates.

"His work ethic is infectious on his teammates," Kennedy said. "They see that he works so hard and what I always tell Kevonte is that is the only way he can work. He has good ability, but he's maximizing his ability. The other guys get their cue from him and they're moving forward."

Martin-Manley appears to mirror head coach Kirk Ferentz on the field. A business-like mind set for KMM, whether as a receiver or on special teams.

The motto for the receiving corp heading into the Big Ten opener:

"Go out and play hard. We have to be aggressive and get after them," said Kennedy.

The chatter out of Minneapolis this week with the Minnesota Golden Gophers is 'hate' and the rivalry, playing for Floyd of Rosedale. The pig became a trophy to reduce the hate driven by Minnesota in the 1930s, so it seems ironic to hear it today, again from the Golden Gophers. 

Look for a physical game found in the trenches, whether it was during the series in the 1980s when Iowa coach was an offensive line coach for Iowa or today, as the two teams walk out on the TCF Bank field.

A key in the Iowa-Minnesota game on Saturday?

Success on third down, either on defense or offense, can often go a long way in determining the outcome in college football. Iowa football defensive coordinator Phil Parker knows the importance of the Hawkeye defense getting off the field on third down.

Part of that success depends on what happens on first and second down. The Hawkeye offense is converting 52% (34-66) of its third down opportunities, and is 1-3 on fourth down. Many of those 66 opportunities have been short yardage situations, which add to the chances of converting those opportunities.

In addition to its third down success, Iowa's average time of possession is 35:48 per game through four outings. That figures ranks first in the Big Ten and third in the nation. Iowa's third down conversion percentage is third in the league and ranks 20th nationally.

The Hawkeye defense has performed well on third down in the four non-conference games. Hawkeye opponents are converting just 24.1 percent of third down opportunities, a figure that ranks third in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation. Parker knows the down and distance plays a big part in that success by his Hawkeye defense.

"That helps our defense a lot, it keeps us off the field a little," said Parker. "Time of possession is big; you don't have to run as many plays. Once again, it comes down to preparation and execution and it's what our kids have done in all areas, offense, defense and special teams."

The Iowa defense has come up with a number of turnovers in four games, collecting six interceptions and three fumbles. In Iowa's most recent win over Western Michigan, senior cornerbacks B.J. Lowery returned two interceptions for touchdowns and WR  Martin-Manley had two touchdowns on punt returns.

"I think a lot of it comes from the preparation during the week," said Parker, following Iowa's Thursday practice. "We spend a little more time on third down preparation, and the guys are starting to get a better understanding of what you have to do on third down. Obviously, if you get them in third and long it is better, you have a better opportunity. We've been doing a better job on first and second down, and we're trying to be aggressive with it."

Parker is pleased with the overall play of the defense through four games, and says every down is important to being a good defense.

"I think what we are doing is playing a lot of base defense on first and second down," said Parker. "We try to keep them to three yards or less on first down, make it second and eight, third and eight. That gives us an advantage. The last couple of games we have been forcing third and five, third and six. It gives us an opportunity, but it still comes down to execution and preparation, and our kids are doing a good job right now."

Minnesota, Saturday's opponent, has also dominated time of possession at just under 33 minutes per game. The Golden Gophers average 282.2 rushing yards per game and rank fourth in the Big Ten in scoring at over 41 points per game.

"Obviously you need turnovers, get a possession back for the offense," said Parker. "That's what we're doing, getting stops on third down, getting three and outs, or getting a turnover to set up the offense. That's our job, to get the ball back, that's what we do."

Minnesota enters the game with a perfect 4-0 record and Parker has been impressed with what he has seen of the Golden Gophers.

"They are very good up front, a good offensive line with excellent running backs," said Parker. "Either of the two quarterbacks can run the ball. They have receivers who are tough, hard nose kids, who can catch the deep ball on play action. It's a great challenge for us, they are very talented."

The game has three major phases, and each team will work to win the battle on offense, on defense and on special teams. Iowa put all three phases together in the 59-3 win over Western Michigan (0-4). However, unlike WMU, the Golden Goohers are completing games.

Iowa and the Golden Gophers kick off at 2:36 p.m. Saturday in Minneapolis in the annual battle for Floyd of Rosedale. ABC will televise the game to a majority of the nation, while all other sections of the nation can view the contest on ESPN2.

This is the oldest rivalry for the Hawkeyes, as the two foes meet for the 107th time in the series.

Iowa wins Trifecta; Hawkeyes roll 59-3 over Western Michigan

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Iowa football team scored four offensive and four non-offensive touchdowns en route to a 59-3 thrashing of Western Michigan on Saturday inside Kinnick Stadium.  It was a trifecta in all three phases, as Iowa scored on offense, on defense and on special teams.

The 59 points are the second-most in a single game in the Kirk Ferentz era and the most points by the Hawkeyes since scoring 62 in a 62-10 victory over Northwestern on Nov. 9, 2002.

Iowa piled up 446 yards of total offense, including 258 yards on the ground, while limiting Western Michigan to 209 yards and just nine first downs. Sophomore Jake Rudock finished 10-of-15 for 134 yards with two touchdowns, while junior Jordan Canzeri paced the Hawkeye rushing attack with 73 yards and a score. Eight different Iowa players had a reception with junior Damond Powell leading the squad with two catches for 83 yards and a touchdown.

The two players of the game were junior wide receiver/punt returner Kevonte Martin-Manley and senior B.J. Lowery. Martin-Manley finished with four returns for 184 yards -- the second-most in a single game in school history -- with two touchdowns, while Lowery picked off two Bronco passes and returned them for scores, becoming the first player to accomplish the feat in Iowa history.

Iowa dominated the first half, building a 24-0 lead before surrendering a Bronco first down. The Hawkeye defense held Western Michigan without a first down its

Martin-Manley set up Iowa's first score with a 44-yard punt return to the Western Michigan 22. Iowa drove 19 yards on eight plays down to the 1, but the Broncos stopped junior Mark Weisman for a 2-yard loss on third-and-goal from the 3. Senior Mike Meyer's 20-yard chip-shot field goal made the score 3-0. The points were Iowa's first on a game-opening drive this season.

On Iowa's third possession, the Hawkeyes used a six-play, 45-yard drive to stretch the lead to 10-0. Iowa converted a fourth-and-3 from the Bronco 38 with a 12-yard completion to senior C.J. Fiedorowicz. Following a 5-yard Weisman rush to the 21, Rudock connected with Jacob Hillyer for a 21-yard touchdown pass. It was Hillyer's second-straight game with a touchdown reception.

Iowa's defense and special teams then pushed the advantage to 24-0 in a two-minute span. After the defense forced its fourth-straight three-and-out, Martin Manley fielded a 47-yard Bronco punt at the Iowa 17 before returning it 83 yards for the score. The return tied the seventh-longest in school history and was Iowa's first punt return for a score since Andy Brodell in 2008.

After Iowa's defense forced its sixth-straight punt, Martin-Manley struck again, fielding J. Schroeder's rugby-style punt at the Iowa 37 and scampering 63-yards for the touchdown. Martin-Manley is the third player in Big Ten history, and first since 1983, to have two punt returns for touchdowns in the same game.

The Broncos picked up their initial first down of the game at the 9:45 mark in the second quarter before moving 44 yards over eight plays into the red zone. On first-and-10 from the 19, senior safety Tanner Miller baited WMU quarterback Tyler Van Tubbergen into a pass toward the end zone, where he secured the interception to halt the drive.

Freshman running back LeShun Daniels, Jr., coughed the ball up on the first play of Iowa's ensuing drive to set up Western Michigan's only points of the game. After taking over at the Iowa 28, the Hawkeye defense surrendered its second first down before holding the Broncos to Andrew Haldeman's 23-yard field goal to make the score 31-3.

The Hawkeyes then pushed their lead to 38-3 at the half, scoring 14 points in a two-minute span.

Iowa's offense used a seven-play, 65-yard drive to make the score 31-3. On third-and-3 from its own 41, Rudock connected with junior Damon Bullock on a play-action pass into the flat for 16 yards. After a holding penalty pushed Iowa into a first-and-20, Rudock rushed 31 yards on the next play to the Bronco 22 before three doses of Weisman, including a 4-yard touchdown run, put the Hawkeyes into the end zone.

Iowa's defense then got on the board with 56 seconds remaining when senior B.J. Lowery intercepted Van Tubbergen's pass at the Western Michigan 35 and returned it 35 yards for the score.

On the Broncos' first possession of the second half, Lowery stretched Iowa's advantage to 45-3. Back-up quarterback Zach Terrell dropped back on first-and-10 from the 8, where his first attempt of the game was intercepted by and returned 13 yards for the score.

On his final possession of the afternoon, Rudock led Iowa on a nine-play, 64-yard drive to stretch the Hawkeye lead to 52-3. Rudock connected for Ray Hamilton for 16 yards on third-and-4 to move into Bronco territory and with Hamilton a second time for 19 yards on 3-and-7 to advance to the 20. The Hawkeyes then converted a third-and-19 via a 29-yard touchdown pass to Powell. It was the junior's first career touchdown reception.

Redshirt freshman C.J. Beathard led the Hawkeyes on its final scoring drive early in the fourth quarter, covering 83 yards on eight plays. On second-and-9 from the Iowa 18, Beathard connected with Powell for a 54-yard gain to the Bronco 28. Six plays later, sophomore Jordan Canzeri's 16-yard touchdown pushed the Hawkeye lead to 59-3 lead.

Beathard led Iowa 63 yards over 18 plays to the Western Michigan 3 over the final 9:26 before the Hawkeyes took three knees to end the contest.

Iowa (3-1) opens Big Ten play Sept. 28 at Minnesota (4-0), who defeated San Jose State to close out non-conference undefeated. The game will be televised on ABC beginning at 2:30 p.m. (CT).