Over last 10 years, Iowa tops B1G in giving up 35 or less

IOWA CITY -- Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz gets his share of criticism for playing conservatively and close to his competition. But his style of play has a point when it comes to allowing points.

Over the last 10-plus years (from 2003 through the early part of the 2013 season), Iowa has given up 35 points or more just seven times, tops in the Big Ten. Four of those games occurred in 2011 and 2012 seasons. So from 2003 through 2010, Iowa allowed 35 points or more just three times and only twice in conference play.

Next best were Penn State and Ohio State, each with nine games of allowing 35 points or more. Indiana was the worst with 50.

Michigan tied for fifth on the list with 26, and allowed 35 points or more 17 times under former Coach Rich Rodriguez. Illinois gave up 35-plus points 20 times from 2003 through 2005 under former coaches Ron Turner and Ron Zook (2005). Of Nebraska's 29 games allowing 35-plus points, 12 occurred in either 2007 (Bill Callahan's last year) or 2008 (Bo Pelini's first year). Nebraska has allowed more than 40 points 21 times and more than 50 seven times.

Here's the list of each team allowing 35 points or more since 2003 (updated after Saturday):

• Iowa -- 7
• Ohio State -- 9
• Penn State -- 9
• Wisconsin -- 14
• Michigan -- 26
• Michigan State -- 26
• Nebraska -- 28
• Purdue -- 30
• Illinois -- 36
• Northwestern -- 37
• Minnesota -- 38
• Indiana -- 51