An interception off a tipped pass, missed tackles, and a blocked FG leading to a TD were just some of the laundry list of mistakes that occurred in the first half. CBS Sports anchor and Hawkeye insider, Chris Hassel, even made his own list of mistakes that happened in the first half.
List keeps growing. Anything I should add? pic.twitter.com/j5jMcszHe3
— Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) October 19, 2025
Despite all the wrongs in the game, Iowa found a way to get just enough things to go right for them to beat the Nittany Lions under the Kinnick lights 25-24.
While the win was not pretty, there are many things the team can rely on and areas they can improve for future games. Here's what stood out in the exciting victory.
The passing game was off, but the running game was fantastic
The passing game had its struggles getting anything going, with Mark Gronowski only passing for 10/16 for 68 yards. However, as stated in the preview article, the key to winning this game was for the run to have one of the best games of the season. Thanks to Gronowski and Kamari Moulton, the offense succeeded
Mark Gronowski led the team with 130 yards and 2 rushing TDs, including his 67-yard scamper that led to the go-ahead touchdown with less than four minutes to play.
MARK GRONOWSKI HUGE RUN pic.twitter.com/i0tQJwHYEg
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) October 19, 2025
Kamari Moulton was not far behind Gronowski rushing 17 times for 99 yards on the game, the most he has had in a game this season.
The QB-RB duo gave all kinds of problems to Penn State's defense, and while there were issues offensively, both of them deserve all the credit for what they were able to do on the ground.
The defense did what was needed but has work to do
With two interceptions and two turnovers on downs that left points off the board for Penn State, the defense did its job to keep the game in control for the Hawkeyes. Those four defensive stops were critical, and those things should be looked at with pride.
However, it was far from a perfect game for the defense. The major problem in this game has been the same flaw we have seen all season: the defense continued to miss tackles.
Some of them were costly, including this one that led to a TD on fourth down.
On 4th down Ethan Grunkemeyer showing off his pocket presence 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/5qUc3ip3yj
— LandonTengwall (@LandonTengwall) October 18, 2025
I know this is something that Phil Parker is going to address harshly in film sessions and practices. Fans can hope that this will cease, and we can continue to see the brand of Hawkeye football that we know and love.
What in the world was the coaching staff thinking at the end of the first half?
Iowa gets 66yd FG attempt blocked and returned for a TD at the end of 1st half pic.twitter.com/k8nkcBKDLy
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) October 19, 2025
This has to be the biggest head-scratching call that I can remember in the Kirk Ferentz era. They wanted to attempt a field goal that would have not only beaten the CFB record but also tied an NFL record for the longest field goal in history?
Instead, the long attempt not only got blocked but also resulted in a return for a touchdown to give Penn State the lead. Fans everywhere did not understand the decision by the coaches.
All that the teams and fans can be thankful for is that this ended up not costing the team in the long run.
Despite the flaws of the game, a win is a win, and I, as well as every Hawkeye fan, should take that. We move on to a rivalry game against Minnesota. Hopefully everyone enjoys this win and improves going into next week. A Hawkeye win is the best win!