Mark Gronowski isn’t the only reason Iowa football’s offense found late success against Penn State

IOWA CITY — This is why Iowa football brought in quarterback Mark Gronowski over the offseason.

It’s been said multiple times, but the Hawkeyes’ signal caller has stepped up in Iowa’s moments of need. Head coach Kirk Ferentz wanted a quarterback who could deliver, and well, Gronowski is delivering.

“What he did out there tonight, I’m sure he wasn’t thinking about it, he was thinking about helping the team, moving the team,” Ferentz said. “It’s been great having him on our football team.”

Gronowski prefers to give credit to his teammates — specifically the offensive line and running backs.

“I felt really good today,” Gronowski said. “I'm just preaching that our line is so awesome. They're having a great day today. When they make it that easy for us up front, it makes our lives a whole lot easier.”

The Hawkeyes offensive line hasn’t allowed a sack since Iowa faced now-No. 2 Indiana on Sept. 27. That includes the five linemen protecting the quarterback every snap, but also the running backs, wide receivers and tight ends who protect Gronowski depending on the play call.

Iowa’s O-line has been ranked one of, if not the, best offensive lines in the country all season, too. They’ve consistently given Gronowski time in the pocket to throw and provide protection as he’s moved in and around the pocket.

The quarterback has praised the group all season long, first and foremost.

“They're creating big holes for us up front,” Gronowski said. “They love running downhill. They're an athletic bunch. They're super strong, so they're moving guys up front, too. They're getting a push every single place when you can get guys that are blocking two three yards already downfield, and we're already guaranteed a three yard gain.”

Gronowski’s 14-yard dash to secure a first down in the final two minutes iced the game. He had the moment to bask in the field lights with Kinnick Stadium knowing he’d secured a comeback win.

But when the play call to secure the game-winning touchdown, Gronowski handed the ball off to wide receiver Kaden Wetjen — his first game-winning score of his collegiate career.

Additionally, Kamari Moulton’s 99 rushing yards helped bring the Hawkeyes through the midfield and set up some of Gronowski’s scoring chances. The running backs had been cracking at the Nittany Lions defensive line all night, trying to break through.

Gronowski did. He still gave credit to his teammates, but his teammates put the praise right back on their captain.

“He's putting the team on his back, really just being the leader that he is,” Moulton said. “Just knowing that any play, that it could be our play, and just knowing that this drive could be our drive.”

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