In a thrilling Black Friday showdown, the Iowa Hawkeyes snagged a decisive 40-16 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers. That marks Iowa’s 10th victory against Nebraska in their last 11 meetings.
This win wrapped up Iowa’s regular season with a strong 8-4 record. Let’s dig into the game’s big moments, stats, and a few highlights that stood out.
Game Overview: Iowa Dominates Nebraska
The Hawkeyes really put their stamp on this one, especially after halftime. They led the whole second half and never looked back.
Mark Gronowski stood out, racking up 166 passing yards, 64 rushing yards, and three touchdowns. There were a handful of critical plays and smart calls that pushed Iowa over the top.
First Half Highlights
The first half had some real fireworks, with both teams showing off their offensive chops. Emmett Johnson was Nebraska’s spark, piling up 177 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Despite Nebraska’s push, Iowa kept their edge with sharp execution and a few timely plays.
- Early Lead: Iowa jumped ahead early with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Gronowski to DJ Vonnahme.
- Nebraska’s Response: Emmett Johnson broke loose for 71 yards, setting up a short touchdown that tied things at 10-10.
- Field Goals: Both sides traded field goals, keeping it tight.
- Late Surge: Iowa capped a 75-yard drive before halftime with a Gronowski rushing touchdown.
Second Half Dominance
After halftime, Iowa really took control. Nebraska just couldn’t find their rhythm, and Iowa’s defense started to clamp down.
- Safety: Nebraska muffed a punt, and Iowa grabbed a safety to push the lead to 26-16.
- Extended Lead: Gronowski ran in a 6-yard touchdown, then Iowa followed up with another drive for a score, making it 33-16.
- Sealing the Win: A deep shot to Reece Vander Zee set up Kamari Moulton’s 1-yard touchdown, stretching the gap to 40-16.
Key Players and Stats
Several Hawkeyes stepped up in this one. Mark Gronowski was the engine, making plays through the air and on the ground.
Kamari Moulton chipped in with some crucial runs and a couple of touchdowns.
Mark Gronowski
Gronowski’s ability to both pass and run made a difference. His final line:
- 166 passing yards
- 64 rushing yards
- Three total touchdowns
Kamari Moulton
Moulton’s running helped Iowa control the tempo and build their lead. His highlights:
- Multiple touchdown runs
- Clutch yardage gains
Defensive Highlights
Iowa’s defense was huge, especially after halftime. They shut down Nebraska’s offense and came up with some big plays.
Goal Line Stand
Brian Allen’s fumble recovery at the goal line was massive. That stop kept Nebraska from scoring and swung momentum Iowa’s way.
Shutting Down the Passing Game
Nebraska’s passing game just couldn’t get going—only 42 yards on 17 attempts. Iowa’s defense basically erased any threat through the air.
Game Impact and Series History
This win just adds to Iowa’s dominance over Nebraska lately. Since Nebraska joined the Big Ten in 2011, Iowa leads the series 10-4, with six straight wins in Lincoln.
Season Summary
Iowa wraps the regular season at 8-4. The team’s shown some grit and smart game planning, and they’re in a solid spot for the postseason.
Nebraska’s Struggles
Nebraska, now 7-4, has had a rough go, especially after losing starting QB Dylan Raiola to injury. Their recent performances have been all over the place, and this loss just puts a spotlight on what needs fixing.
Looking Ahead
The regular season’s wrapped up. Now both teams have to regroup and get ready for their postseason matchups.
Iowa’s strong finish feels like a good sign. Nebraska, on the other hand, has some work to do if they want to bounce back next season.
If you’re after a deeper dive or just want more takes on the game, check out the full article on KCCI.
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