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Cam Buffington was clear that Iowa has to 'let this one hurt' to learn from it

Buffington didn't hold back when asked about what the Hawkeyes need to do
ByJordan Underwood
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Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Oct 24, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Although Iowa took an inexcusable loss to Minnesota in week eight, there was one bright spot amid all the doom and gloom.

The defense played exceptionally well and gave Iowa every opportunity to snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat. The offense didn't hold up its end of the bargain, turning the ball over four times, but no one can blame the defense for the outcome. Bryce Hawthorne, Cam Buffington, and Zach Lutmer played well, leading the defense in a solid all-around performance. Despite the trio's solid day, Iowa lost, and Buffington clearly stated what they must do to learn from it.

Buffington said that Iowa needs to 'let this one hurt'

A loss like the one to Minnesota is never easy to stomach, especially after Iowa beat itself. The program prides itself on playing disciplined, mistake-free football, and the game against Minnesota was anything but. If you don't feel bad, you don't care enough, and Buffington echoed that sentiment when asked what was said in the postgame locker room.

Buffington didn't point fingers (although he easily could have), but said they didn't do enough little things correctly, and you have to in a game like that. He said it doesn't matter whether it's on offense, defense, or special teams; they are a team, and little mistakes eat at them. Buffington also said that everyone must take responsibility when they are on the field, and you always have to look at yourself first. To learn from it and move on, they have to let this one hurt. Buffington could have easily shifted the blame to the offense or special teams, but he took a team-first approach.

It won't be easy, but Iowa still has a chance to make some noise this season if they can right the ship. Losses like this stick with you, especially in a rivalry game with a trophy on the line, but there's still time. The offense must improve drastically for a turnaround, and while Buffington didn't say it, it's very clear what must change. The defense put together a solid all-around performance, racking up 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, and holding Minnesota to 209 total yards of offense. Buffington, Hawthorne, and Lutmer combined for 29 total tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss, proving that the defense is turning a corner.

The offense looked like some of Iowa's past offenses, which is a big problem. No team can turn the ball over four times and expect to win, and it comes down to execution and taking pride in the little things. Buffington hit the nail on the head: they didn't do the little things right, and it cost them. The squad needs to refocus on that area, as it was clear against Minnesota. Buffington is developing into a leader, and the defense and the rest of the program need him moving forward. He was right to call out their lack of focus on the little things, and he was right to say they need to let this one hurt.

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