The 1973 Iowa Hawkeyes football team was an American football team that represented the University of Iowa as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 1973 Big Ten football season. In their third and final year under head coach Frank Lauterbur, the Hawkeyes compiled a 0âÂÂ11 record (0âÂÂ8 in conference game), finished in last place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by a total of 401 to 140.
The 1973 Hawkeyes gained 1,599 rushing yards and 1,126 passing yards. On defense, they gave up 3,848 rushing yards and 716 passing yards. The team had both worst rush defense and the best pass defense in program history. They gave up 349.8 rushing yards per game, while holding opponents to average of only 65.1 passing yards per game.
The team's statistical leaders included Butch Caldwell (36-of-99 passing for 549 yards), Jim Jenson (509 rushing yards, 44 points scored), Brian Rollins (33 receptions for 408 yards), and Dan LeFleur (127 total tackles). Jim Caldwell set an Iowa single-season record (still standing) with five blocked kicks. Rollins, center Roger Jerrick, and defensive end Dan Dickel were the team captains. Rollins was also selected as the team's most valuable player.
Despite the team's winless record, the 1973 Hawkeyes included players that experienced significant success in their football careers. Rod Walters was a first round draft pick, Joe Devlin was a second round pick and started 179 games in the NFL, and Jim Caldwell was an assistant coach on two Super Bowl champions and reached the Super Bowl as a head coach.
The team played its home games at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Home attendance totaled 217,846, an average of 43,569 per game. It was Iowa's lost per-game attendance since 1951.
Purdue freshman Mike Northington ran for 146 yards and tied a Big Ten-record with five touchdowns on 31 carries. Also of note, the Boilermakers scored their final touchdown with just 39 seconds remaining, attempting a failed two-point conversion after the score.
Wisconsin sophomore Billy Marek ran for 203 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Ohio State sophomore Archie Griffin ran for 246 yards on 30 carries, establishing single-game and single-season school records for rushing yardage. Junior fullback Bruce Elia had 4 rushing touchdowns for the Buckeyes.