McNutt's numbers really are amazing

IOWA CITY -- Back in January, the wide receiver math didn't favor Marvin McNutt.

In 2010, he watched teammate Derrell Johnson-Koulianos set Iowa's career records for receptions (173) and receiving yardage. Those numbers seemed untouchable for McNutt, who basically spent his first season as a receiver transitioning from quarterback.

Those numbers seemed untouchable . . . back in January.

Going into Iowa's final four games, every number is on the table for McNutt, a humble, team-first player who'd trade it all for a win today. Still, it's worth taking a peek.

To catch Johnson-Koulianos, McNutt needed 85 receptions and 1,070, both single-season records for an Iowa receiver. Going into Iowa's final four games (including a bowl), McNutt has 57 catches for 959 yards and nine TDs.

Iowa's career TD reception record is in the books. He passed Danan Hughes and Tim Dwight four weeks ago against Indiana.

Yardage is next. McNutt needs 111 for the tie. Receptions might be the tough one. McNutt needs 28, that's seven a game.

Iowa's season records of 82 receptions, 1,037 yards and 11 TDs are all within striking range for the 6-4, 215-pounder.

In addition to passing Dwight, Hughes and Johnson-Koulianos, McNutt would leap Keith Chappelle (1,037 yards in the 1980 season), Kevin Kasper (82 receptions in 2000) and Mo Brown (11 TDs in 2002).

In other words, he'd be the undisputed greatest wide receiver in Iowa history.

"It's definitely a great honor," McNutt said. "When you play a position, you hope that one day people will say those things about you. It's a great honor, especially with some of the names on that list."

McNutt needs 41 yards against Michigan State Saturday to become just the fourth Iowa receiver to record a 1,000-yard season, the first since Kasper had 1,010 in 2000.

"It just means the hard work you put in off the field pays off a little bit," McNutt said. "The things you and the quarterback go through during the winter, you can see a reward from it."

And for added flair, McNutt faces Michigan State Saturday. His career numbers against the Spartans are probably lower than you might think -- four catches for 62 yards and two TDs in two games -- but, you know, the 2009 catch, final play, no time on the clock, seven gets six, Iowa wins on the last play in East Lansing.

"I don't know if it's fitting or drama or whatever," McNutt said. "It's a funny kind of story. That was the first time people really knew my name."