Getting to know James Vandenberg

For the first nine games of the 2009 season, redshirt freshman quarterback James Vandenberg was simply known as Ricky Stanzi's back-up.

Hawkeye fans were introduced to Vandenberg in Iowa's 17-10 loss to Northwestern on Nov. 7 after Stanzi suffered a high ankle sprain in the first half. Needless to say, Vandenberg was caught in no-man's land. An unprepared quarterback up against a hungry and improving defense is a recipe for disaster, especially under the pressure of defending an undefeated record.

Obviously Vandenberg's 9-for-27 performance hurt the Hawks that day. Not many fans had any faith in the young gun slinger heading into the Horseshoe to make his first career start.

Then Vandenberg proved why he holds 12 Iowa High School football passing records against Ohio State.

He started the game a perfect 6-for-6 passing. His first incompletion? A dropped pass in the endzone by Trey Stross.

The Keokuk native ended up throwing for 233 yards and two touchdowns against the Buckeyes' defense, a unit Kirk Ferentz said might as well be in the NFL.

So he will he fare in his second start tomorrow against a Minnesota defense that ranks ninth in the Big Ten in interceptions (9) and last in sacks?

If he has time to throw, Vandenberg is going to torch the young Gopher secondary.