Mark Gronowski plays hero in Iowa football’s 25-24 win over Penn State

IOWA CITY — Two 2-point conversions weren’t made. Both passes were overthrown. It remained a 1-point game in the fourth quarter.

It didn’t matter.

With the game on the line and the Hawkeyes defense needing a stop, defensive back Deshaun Lee broke up a desperation pass by Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer to wide receiver Trebor Pena.

Kinnick Stadium erupted as the Hawkeye bench exploded in jubilation. Quarterback Mark Gronowski rushed for 14 yards to secure the first down, sliding down to the turf before throwing his arms up. A second-half comeback was complete.

That was the difference in Iowa football’s 25-24 win against Penn State.

“This is what you dream as a kid, and it was so much fun playing out there,” Gronowski said. “This is definitely one of those ones towards the top.”

Iowa (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) had pieced together its short-lived second quarter lead with a field goal and a 1-yard rushing touchdown. There weren’t many prolonged drives to gain momentum in the first half, and the Hawkeyes were in desperate need of some help.

The Doughboyz, Hawkeye defensive backs, were the immediate fix, offering up interceptions in back-to-back Penn State drives. The first, by Lee, didn’t do much on the scoreboard, but the second, by Xavier Nwankpa, set up the short rushing touchdown for Gronowski. The two picks made it five turnovers over two games for Iowa.

Gronowski had already been picked off himself. In his first drive of the game, Penn State (3-4, 0-4 Big Ten) forced the turnover and set up for the same short-distance score by Nittany Lions running back Kaytron Allen — his first of two scores against Iowa.

Gronowski was 10-for-16 for just 68 passing yards and an interception. He wasn’t taking many deep shots, and he overthrew a handful of passes the Hawkeyes would normally complete.

Instead, he used his legs. He ran for 130 rushing yards, averaging 14.4 yards per play and score two rushing touchdowns. He’s now tied with Larry Lawrence for the second-most rushing touchdowns in a single season at Iowa.

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

Things slightly unraveled in the Nittany Lions’ favor after head coach Kirk Ferentz chose to have kicker Drew Stevens attempt a 66-yard field goal to end the first half. He lined up for it, and the kick was blocked and returned for a touchdown.

“A lot of good things on special teams, too, and that's just bad decision on me,” Ferentz said. “Not looking back on that right now, but just really very pleased with our guys.”

The Hawkeyes then were staring down a 14-10 deficit, rather than a 10-7 halftime lead, with the Nittany Lions getting the ball back to start the third quarter.

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Iowa defense allowed 10 points in the second half, including Allen’s second touchdown of the first, making it the first time the Hawkeyes let a touchdown through in the third quarter this season.

Finally, after Moulton tapping at the door of a breakthrough on the ground all game, Gronowski found a way to burst through the line of scrimmage for a 67-yard gain. Moulton finished the game behind Gronowski with 99 rushing yards.

That set up wide receiver Kaden Wetjen’s 8-yard, game-winning score.

“There's nothing better. You can't buy that,” offensive lineman Gennings Dunker said.

Despite Iowa’s defense being on the field for 13 minutes longer than its offense, the Hawkeyes out-gained Penn State, 313-266, including 245 rushing yards.

What the win means for Iowa

The Hawkeyes’ win helps keep Iowa within the top half of the Big Ten, and puts Iowa in a position to secure a bowl game next week, to start a three-game homestand. Iowa limited Penn State receiver Devonte Ross to just 15 yards, after the former Troy Trojan scored three touchdowns against the Hawkeyes last season.

Iowa’s offensive line also hasn’t allowed a sack on Gronowski since its loss to Indiana on Sept. 27.

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