2007 Iowa Hawkeyes football team

Entering 2006 ranked 16th in the AP Poll^[1] and 17th in the Coaches Poll,^[2] the Hawkeyes had high hopes for the season. Following victories over Montana, Syracuse, Iowa State and Illinois, the Hawkeyes were 4–0 heading into their game with top-ranked Ohio State. With tickets for the game going for US$500 on eBay, the game was hyped as one of the biggest in Kinnick Stadium history.^[3] But quarterback Drew Tate threw 3 interceptions, and the Hawkeyes lost 38–17. In total, Iowa had 4 turnovers while Ohio State had zero.^[4]

Following the loss to Ohio State, Iowa proceeded to score a season-high 47 points in a victory over Purdue. But the most notable score came during the 4th quarter, when Adam Shada intercepted a Curtis Painter pass and returned it a school record 98-yards for the touchdown.^[5] However, Iowa's joy would not last long, as the Hawkeyes were upset by Indiana only a week later. The 31–28 win was Indiana's biggest win since a victory over 9th-ranked Ohio State in 1987.^[6]

From there, the season unraveled, and the Hawkeyes lost four of their remaining five games en route to a 6–6 record. The Hawkeyes were not invited to a bowl game following the conclusion of the 2007 season.

On April 20, 2007, it was announced by Ferentz that two players, Ryan Bain and Justin Edwards, were leaving the team. Both are planning on transferring to other schools.^[7] Bain, who had 56 career tackles, was later found guilty on charges of disorderly conduct.^[8] About two months later, it was announced that Shonn Greene and Amari Spievey were no longer on the team. Greene, a junior running back, had 378 rushing yards and two touchdowns in his career.^[9] Another month later, and it was announced that Lucas Cox and Marcus Wilson were leaving the team. Wilson, a sophomore defensive back, played in all 13 games in 2006 and recorded 21 tackles and one interception.^[10] Earlier in July, senior defensive back Devan Moylan was given an additional year of eligibility. After suffering a leg injury in the fourth game of 2006 against Illinois, he applied for a medical hardship. Prior to the 2007 season, he had 28 tackles and one interception in his career.^[11]

On August 20, 2007, two Hawkeye wide receivers were arrested and charged with the unauthorized use of a credit card. Dominique Douglas and Anthony Bowman, both sophomores, were suspended indefinitely by Ferentz following allegations that they bought more than $2,000 in merchandise with stolen credit cards. The crime is a felony, and if convicted, the two players can face up to five years in prison along with a $7,500 fine.^[12] Another player, Arvell Nelson, also experienced trouble with the law. Nelson posted a $545 bond for failure to appear in court after being charged with driving with a suspended license. He also paid a $390 fine for not having insurance. 1 in every 10 Iowa football players during the 2007 season had off-field arrests, the highest among any year in Kirk Ferentz's tenure at Iowa.^[13]

The Hawkeyes received 22 letters of intent on National Signing Day, February 7, 2007.

US college sports recruiting information for 2007 recruits
Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40‡	Commit date
Christian Ballard DE	Lawrence, KS	Lawrence Free State HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	277 lb (126 kg)	4.75	Sep 26, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Jordan Bernstine S	Des Moines, IA	Lincoln HS	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	200 lb (91 kg)	4.42	Dec 23, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Broderick Binns LB	St. Paul, MN	Cretin Durham Hall	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	235 lb (107 kg)	4.70	Nov 6, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Bryan Bulaga OG	Woodstock, IL	Marian Central Catholic HS	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	273 lb (124 kg)	4.79	May 20, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Jacody Coleman LB	Beaumont, TX	West Brook Senior HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	232 lb (105 kg)	4.63	Dec 17, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 73
Lebron Daniel LB	Cleveland, OH	Glenville HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	223 lb (101 kg)	4.84	Dec 30, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 40
Mike Daniels DE	Blackwood, NJ	Highland HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	230 lb (100 kg)	4.60	Jan 29, 2007
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 40
Bruce Davis LB	Cleveland, OH	Glenville HS	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	230 lb (100 kg)	4.70	Jan 30, 2007
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 65
Cedric Everson CB	Detroit, MI	Mumford HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	178 lb (81 kg)	4.35	Feb 7, 2007
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Zach Furlong TE	Xenia, OH	Xenia HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	214 lb (97 kg)	4.72	Dec 11, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 73
Adam Gettis DE	Frankfort, IL	Lincoln-Way East HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	233 lb (106 kg)	4.90	Nov 27, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 71
Cody Hundertmark DT	Humboldt, IA	Humboldt HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	266 lb (121 kg)	4.78	May 6, 2007
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 71
Marvin McNutt QB	Florissant, MO	Hazelwood Central HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	183 lb (83 kg)	4.60	Jul 9, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Diaunate Morrow S	Lakewood, OH	St. Edward HS	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	182 lb (83 kg)	4.65	Dec 13, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 65
Dezman Moses LB	Willingboro, NJ	Willingboro HS	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	214 lb (97 kg)	4.60	Nov 22, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 40
Tyler Nielsen LB	Humboldt, IA	Humboldt HS	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	213 lb (97 kg)	4.50	May 10, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Jevon Pugh RB	Naples, FL	Naples HS	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	4.60	Jan 30, 2007
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 68
Allen Reisner TE	Marion, IA	Marion HS	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	215 lb (98 kg)	4.70	Feb 3, 2007
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 40
Colin Sandeman WR	Bettendorf, IA	Bettendort HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	188 lb (85 kg)	4.52	May 6, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Tyler Sash S	Oskaloosa, IA	Oskaloosa HS	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	191 lb (87 kg)	4.56	Aug 3, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 69
Abe Satterfield CB	Erie, PA	Cathedral Preparatory School	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	283 lb (128 kg)	4.40	Aug 14, 2006
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 67
Markus Zusevics OT	Arlington Heights, IL	Prospect HS	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	258 lb (117 kg)	4.80	Jan 4, 2007
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 37   Rivals: 22
‡ Refers to 40 yard dash Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Iowa Commit List for 2007". Rivals.com. Retrieved July 5, 2007. "Scout.com: Football Recruiting". Scout.com. Retrieved July 5, 2007. "Recruit Tracker 2007". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 5, 2007. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved July 5, 2007. "2007 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved July 5, 2007.

Date	Time	Opponent	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 1	2:30 PM	vs. Northern Illinois*	Soldier Field Chicago, IL	ESPNU	W 16–3	61,500
September 8	7:00 PM	Syracuse*	Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA	BTN	W 35–0	70,585
September 15	12:30 PM	at Iowa State*	Jack Trice Stadium Ames, IA (Battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy)	Versus	L 13–15	49,516
September 22	7:00 PM	at No. 9 Wisconsin	Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI (Battle for the Heartland Trophy)	ABC	L 13–17	82,630
September 29	11:00 AM	Indiana	Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA	BTN	L 20–38	70,585
October 6	2:30 PM	at Penn State	Beaver Stadium State College, PA	ABC	L 7–27	108,951
October 13	11:00 AM	No. 18 Illinois	Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA	ESPN2	W 10–6	70,585
October 20	11:00 AM	at Purdue	Ross–Ade Stadium West Lafayette, IN	ESPN2	L 6–31	58,123
October 27	11:00 AM	Michigan State	Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA	ESPN2	W 34–27 2OT	70,585
November 3	11:00 AM	at Northwestern	Ryan Field Evanston, IL	ESPN2	W 28–17	30,173
November 10	11:00 AM	Minnesota	Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA (Battle for the Floyd of Rosedale)	BTN	W 21–16	70,585
November 17	2:30 PM	Western Michigan*	Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA	BTN	L 19–28	70,585
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Central time

Due to the Big Ten's rotating schedule, Iowa did not play either Michigan or Ohio State in 2007. Instead, Iowa played Michigan State and Penn State, two teams that the Hawkeyes had not played since 2004.

Iowa's schedule was ranked as the 9th toughest (or 3rd easiest) in the Big Ten by SI.com.^[21]

Playing in Soldier Field in Chicago, the Hawkeyes defeated the Northern Illinois Huskies 16–3. Albert Young ran for 144 yards and a touchdown as Iowa's defense kept the Huskies from scoring a touchdown. Damian Sims also made his mark by running for 110 yards. The Hawkeyes held Northern Illinois to 21 yards rushing, and Charles Godfrey intercepted two Dan Nicholson passes. Sophomore quarterback Jake Christensen opened the season with 133 yards and one touchdown.

Behind a strong defensive performance, the Hawkeyes shut out the Syracuse Orange at Kinnick Stadium. Rebounding from a shaky performance against Northern Illinois, Christensen threw for 278 yards and four touchdowns, three of them to tight end Tony Moeaki. On special teams, Kenny Iwebema blocked two field goals to help preserve the worst loss for Syracuse coach Greg Robinson in his tenure with the Orange. After the game, Syracuse running back Curtis Brinkley said:

We need to be a lot more fundamentally sound, there were a lot of missed assignments and there were a lot of people not hitting their targets. There's a little bit of everything we need to fix up.

The 35-point loss was Syracuse's most-lopsided since a 51–14 loss to Georgia Tech in the 2004 Champs Sports Bowl.

Iowa State kicked its way to a 15–13 victory in Ames.

Iowa's defense forced three Wisconsin turnovers, but could not hold off the Badgers' 4th quarter rally, losing 17–13.

Iowa was unable to contain a scoring explosion from Indiana, including three early touchdowns by Hoosier quarterback Kellen Lewis. Iowa added to its difficulties with penalties and breakdowns in pass protection. Although quarterback Jake Christensen passed for 308 yards and three touchdowns, he was sacked nine times, including four by Jammie Kirlew. The Hawkeyes also missed two field goals and an extra point.

Quarterback Jake Christensen was sacked twice, and the Hawkeyes were held scoreless until an interception near the Penn State end zone set up Trey Stross' 4th-quarter touchdown reception in a 27–7 blowout loss on the road at Penn State. Iowa was held to eight first downs while Penn State had 26.^[22]

Entering the game, Iowa had lost eight straight Big Ten games, with their last win a 47–17 decision over Purdue on October 7, 2006.^[23] Illinois, however, entered the game ranked 18th in the country, and was looking to become bowl eligible with a win over the Hawkeyes.^[23]

From the very beginning, the game was a defensive one. The Hawkeyes held Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall to 67 yards, and slowed the nation's fifth-best rushing offense to 137 yards total.^[24] But the Illinois defense remained strong against the run, and held the Hawkeyes to a three yards per rush average.^[25]

Illinois did not trail until late in the third quarter, when Iowa quarterback Jake Christensen found tight end Brandon Myers down the middle for the touchdown.^[24][25] With the score at 10–6 in favor of the Hawkeyes, the Illini made a switch to Eddie McGee at quarterback, after starter Isiah Williams had a fumble recovered by Iowa. With McGee in, the Illini appeared to have stunned the Kinnick Stadium crowd with an 83-yard touchdown pass, but it was called back due to an Illinois penalty.^[24]

Despite the penalty, Illinois was not done. On Illinois' final drive, McGee drove the Illini down to the Iowa 12 with passes of 28 and 24 yards to Arrelious Benn. But with 1:12 left in the game, a McGee pass was intercepted at the goal line by Iowa's Brett Greenwood. The win was Iowa's first over a ranked team since 2005.^[24]

Iowa escaped with an overtime win.

The Hawkeyes were largely outplayed in the first half but benefited from an Adrian Clayborn field goal block that kept it a one possession game going into the locker room. A motivational halftime speech by Kirk Ferentz propelled them to dominate the second in which they forced four turnovers and outscored the Wildcats 21-3.

iowa recaptured the bronze pig in Iowa City.

Mid-American Conference member Western Michigan surprised the Hawkeyes, 28–19, in Iowa City.

^[26]