BY THE NUMBERS
133.6 -- QB Drew Tate's passer rating. Tate was asked to carry the offense on his shoulders, and he did a remarkable job considering the Hawkeyes had the worst running game in the country. If the Hawkeyes are going to give LSU a serious battle, Tate will have to stay on top of his game.

GAME OF THE YEAR
Iowa 30, Wisconsin 7 (Nov. 20) -- The Hawkeyes defeated the Badgers in the season finale, and when Ohio State beat Michigan the same day, it enabled the Hawkeyes to share the Big Ten title with the Wolverines. The Hawkeye defense thrashed Wisconsin with sure tackling, forcing four turnovers.

MATCHUP TO WATCH
LBs Abdul Hodge and Chad Greenway vs. QB Marcus Randall -- The LSU quarterback combines mobility with arm strength. He threw two TD passes and ran for two more scores in the regular-season finale, a 43-14 win over Arkansas. Hodge and Greenway are tough, smart and aggressive. They will have to prove themselves when they go after Randall and also do a solid job in coverage.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"I think people are starting to understand that I am very happy here and I don't plan to go anywhere else. This is a great place for me and my family." -- Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz on his status as a frequent candidate for head coaching openings.

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