The bottom line: Iowa football is 1-0 after their first game of the season.
Head Coach Kirk Ferentz and new starting quarterback Mark Gronowski acknowledged the fact that the passing attack struggled during the 34-7 win against Albany, but stated the most important thing was to get the first win of the season.
Both men also stated that the passing attack needs to improve, as Gronowski took the blame for the passing struggles in game one.
Gronowski chalked up his poor passing performance to anxiety and first-game jitters, stating he needs to slow down and not get too excited in the pocket.
Ferentz was quick to defend his new QB1, stating the reason for Gronowski's passing struggles is because his motor was running hot and he was wound so tight that he did not make thr throws he normally makes.
Whatever the case was, Gronowski only completed eight of 15 passing attempts for 44 yards, but was added two touchdowns (one passing, one rushing) in Iowa's victory.
You know who does not care about stats? Mark's father, Ray.
Week 1: The experience of college football in Iowa City is pretty special. Thanks to friends and family that came out to see Mark’s first game at Iowa. Winning his 50th game as a D1 QB is a blessing. No matter what the stats are, winning is the goal & the Hawkeye’s are now 1-0. pic.twitter.com/pthgmjq69U
— Ray Gronowski (@RayGronowski) September 1, 2025
Ray Gronowski explicitly stated that it did not matter what the stats were, winning is the goal, and the Hawkeyes are now 1-0.
Ray was also appreciative of all the friends and family who came out to see Mark for his first start in Iowa City, and called the Iowa City college football experience "pretty special."
Ray has Iowa ties, playing quarterback for Drake University from 1981 to 1985, and has returned to Iowa to watch his son play quarterback for the Hawkeyes.