On Saturday evening, Iowa traveled to Ames and dropped a 16-13 loss to Iowa State, losing for the first time in Jack Trice since Matt Campbell took over as the head coach for the Cyclones in 2016.
In four downs, we'll breakdown the top four takeaways in instant reaction to Iowa games through the season. Let's get to it.
FIRST DOWN: Some Gifts Both Ways, Ultimately Favoring Iowa State
In classic Cy-Hawk fasion, both Iowa and Iowa State had their fair share of mistakes, and gifts to the other team.
In the first half, Iowa State was afforded a supposed timeout before they were stopped on 3rd and 3 -- they proceeded to convert on the following play. Then, Brett Eskildsen caught a 35-yard pass that set up their second field goal of the day.
Just before the end of the first quarter, Xavier Townsend muffed a punt that was recovered by Iowa and turned into a field goal.
Mark Gronowski proceeded to throw an interception to Jeremiah Cooper when Kaden Wetjen fell on a hitch to the near side. Rocco Becht then took the ISU offense from the 18-yard line to a touchdown on a two-yard pass to Benjamin Brahmer that was caught over the head of Jaden Harrell.
That was just the first half.
With 4:28 left in the third quarter after an Iowa field goal, Iowa kicked the ball off and defensive back Caden Cock called for a fair catch before moving out of the way. After the ball bounced, Xavier Townsend grabbed it at the three, forcing the Cyclones to take over deep in their own territory.
One can't forget the myriad of passes ISU dropped, too. Becht made the throws, but the Cyclones had to convert and make some catches, too.
Then again, Iowa State did get multiple breaks when they needed it most. On third and short on their last drive, Becht took a carry for what was called a first down. A replay make it appear as though he started his slide before the first down marker, but the call wasn't overturned.
Then, on a tipped ball passed by Becht on third and four that appeared destined to hit the ground, Gabe Burkle contorted his body around and snagged a pass for 17-yard catch that kept the same field goal drive going. Kyle Konrardy proceeded to hit another game-winning 54-yard field goal with less than two minutes remaining.
SECOND DOWN: Slow Mesh!?!
Seemingly out of nowhere, Gronowski and the Iowa offense ran the slow-mesh offense, which debuted at Wake Forest thanks to the innovative offensive mind of Hawkeyes' senior offensive analyst, Warren Ruggiero. While with the Demon Deacons, Ruggiero ran the slow-moving RPO offensive scheme with Sam Hartman, future Notre Dame transfer and now-practice squad quarterback with the Washington Commanders.
On Saturday against Iowa State, Gronowski and the Iowa offense ran it, with Gronowski pulling the ball and rushing for a first down. The second was a hand off to Washington that gained roughly five yards.
The concept didn't prove to result in any major scoring or explosive plays, but knowing the Hawkeyes are willing to try new schemes brought in by Ruggiero is encouraging going forward this season.
THIRD DOWN: Defense Taking A Step Forward, or Not?
Iowa's defense did exactly what its done year-after-year -- bend, but don't break. Though Becht made a variety of incredible throws, the Iowa defense put pressure on him all day, and TJ Hall registered three pass-breakups. For a corner that has struggled a large contingent of his career to this point, Hall has seemingly taken the leap forward we were told he'd made in the spring and during fall camp. If he keeps it that up and turns some of his pass-breakups into interceptions, he could enter the stratosphere of elite corners that Phil Parker has cultivated in his time at Iowa.
That, and the first and second levels of the defense looked the part, too. Though the Iowa DL didn't register a sack on Saturday, Ethan Hurkett and Max Llewellyn paired for two tackles-for-loss, and the Iowa defensive front put pressure on Becht the entirety of the game. At linebacker, Harrell and Karson Sharar led the team in tackles, each registering seven. Sharar, who received some hype this offseason, too, was seemingly around the ball on every play. Harrell, though improved and frequently in pursuit of the ball, needs to become a more consistent tackler.
Iowa was largely good against one of the best passers in the country, only allowing 16 points. If there is anyone to blame for dropping the game on the road, it's not Phil Parker and his defense.
FOURTH DOWN: This Isn't What Gronowski was Brought in For
Gronowski, Tim Lester and the Iowa offense were given not one, but two chances to go out and take the game in the fourth quarter on Saturday. With 13:27 left in the fourth quarter, Iowa took over on their own 11-yard line, moving the ball 40 yards over seven plays and five minutes and six seconds of game play. Though they moved the ball with some regularity, after reaching their own 48-yard line, the Iowa offense gained just one yard and proceeded to punt the ball to Iowa State's ten-yard line.
After a methodical, 13-play, 55-yard drive that took the game down to 1:52 left, Konrardy drilled his 54-yarder to give the Cyclones the lead.
Following the kickoff and a short return by Wetjen, Gronowski and the Iowa offense took over with something to prove, and a legacy to potentially leave.
After a six-yard pass pass to DJ Vonnahme, the big-time transfer addition took back-to-back sacks, and then threw an incomplete pass on fourth and long. The Hawkeyes lost yardage when the game was on the line and they needed points.
To put it point-blank, Gronowski, Lester and the Iowa offense as a whole didn't remotely live up to expectations when it mattered most. They didn't come close.
You can get an annual membership for 60% OFF! Take advantage now and be among the first people to know everything going on regarding Iowa football, men's and women's basketball, recruiting, the transfer portal and much, much, more!Click Here