Notebook: Boubacar Cissoko suspended; secondary has new look

Cornerback Boubacar Cissoko did not make the trip to Iowa after he was suspended for a violation of team rules. Cissoko started the first four games at right cornerback, but did not play last week against Michigan State.

“When he comes back, I couldn’t tell you,” Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez said. “It’s really up to him. He’s got certain things he’s got to do on and off the field, academically and all that. And if he does them he’ll be back sooner rather than later.”

Troy Woolfolk started in Cissoko’s place Saturday - J.T. Floyd replaced Cissoko against MSU - and Rodriguez said he likes his new-look secondary of Woolfolk and Donovan Warren at cornerback and Jordan Kovacs and Mike Williams at safety. Woolfolk, who made four tackles Saturday, said he was surprised Iowa didn’t challenge him more. “I was like really shocked,” he said. “I asked myself, 'Why aren't they attacking me, the fresh, young blood in the water.' They just kept going to Donovan.” Warren intercepted his third pass of the season on the game’s opening drive and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. Injury report Rodriguez said Woolfolk “tweaked his ankle” Saturday, but didn’t have any major injuries to report. On running back Carlos Brown, who did not travel to Iowa after suffering a concussion in practice mid-week, Rodriguez said, “I don’t think it was a major one. We’re hoping it’ll be cleared up for next week.” Kicker Jason Olesnavage also left the locker room walking gingerly with a heavy bandage on his left foot. Olesnavage handled Michigan’s on-side kick.

Praise for Campbell In his post-game press conference, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said he’s indebted to former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr - for retiring two years ago, thus allowing receivers coach Erik Campbell to change staffs. “I’m thankful to Lloyd that he retired, otherwise we wouldn’t have Erik here right now,” Ferentz said. “I hope Lloyd is enjoying himself and we’re enjoying having Erik here with us.” Campbell played defensive back at Michigan from 1984-87 and coached the Wolverines receivers from 1995-2007. He spent the final five years as assistant head coach.

“We gave Erik the game ball tonight,” Ferentz said. “He’s our rookie right now on the staff, only been here two years. I tell you what, we don’t have anybody that’s more of a Hawkeye than him, great addition.”

Stat of the day: turnovers Rodriguez was handed a stat sheet as he walked into the post-game interview room Saturday, and angrily flipped the paper in the air. “I can tell you what the problem is,” Rodriguez said. “I ain’t got to look at the stats.” Michigan committed four turnovers in Saturday’s 30-28 loss to Iowa, and though the Hawkeyes capitalized for only six points, all came at inopportune times. Tate Forcier threw an interception and lost a fumble in the first half, both in Michigan territory. Daniel Murray made field goals of 28 and 41 yards after the turnovers. Running back Brandon Minor lost a fumble in Iowa territory late in the second quarter, with Michigan driving for what would have been a go-ahead touchdown, and Greg Mathews dropped a punt late in the third that turned the field in Iowa’s favor. The Hawkeyes took over at the Michigan 16, got stopped on fourth-and-goal at the 1, but Michigan didn’t gain a yard on three plays and Ricky Stanzi threw the game-clinching touchdown to Tony Moeaki one series later. “The turnovers really hurt us,” Rodriguez said.