The Iowa Hawkeyes kicked off their Big Ten season with a 38–28 victory on the road against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights Friday night, showcasing both offensive versatility and timely defensive stops.
Gronowski Sparks Iowa’s Offense
Quarterback Mark Gronowski was instrumental in Iowa’s win, scoring all three of the team’s touchdowns. He finished the game with a decisive 1-yard quarterback sneak for his third rushing touchdown, putting the Hawkeyes ahead 38–28 with just over two minutes remaining.
Balanced Attack Controls the Game
Iowa totaled 346 yards on offense, combining 186 passing yards with 160 rushing yards. The team held possession for over 29 minutes, maintaining control of the game’s tempo and keeping Rutgers’ offense off balance.
Defense Comes Through When It Counts
Rutgers threatened late in the game, but Iowa’s defense came up with a crucial stop on a fourth-down play. This defensive stand allowed the Hawkeyes to run out the clock and seal the road win.
Looking Ahead
The victory gives Iowa a strong start to Big Ten play and momentum heading into upcoming matchups. With Gronowski leading the offense and the defense performing in key moments, the Hawkeyes are showing they can compete at a high level in conference play.
