The Iowa Hawkeyes welcomed the No. 11 Indiana Hoosiers to Kinnick for homecoming on Saturday afternoon.
The Hooisers entered Kinnick with a lot of hype and high expectations for their second season under Head Coach Curt Cignetti.
The Hoosiers won the coin toss and elected to defer to the second half, giving the Hawkeyes the first possession of the game. Let's say it did not go well.
On Gronowski's first passing attempt, the ball was tipped at the line and intercepted, giving the high-powered Indiana offense the ball at the 25 yard line. They immediately took advantage.
Two plays later, Indiana put six points on the board and took and early 7-0 lead. After the opening possession, the Hawkeyes' offense woke up.
Quarterback Mark Gronowski was extremely efficient, completing 14 of 17 passes for 106 yards, and added a rushing score.
The Hawkeyes defense was also stellar, holding Indiana to 10 first half points, and stopping them on a crucial fourth down that led to Iowa's only touchdown of the half.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has thrown for 93 yards and a touchdown, but the Iowa defensive line is getting push up front.
In order for the Hawkeyes to keep this game close, the defensive line needs to do a better job of stopping the Indiana running backs at the point of attack.
The Indiana running backs have done a good job fighting through contact and gaining extra yards after the initial hit.
Iowa had a good first half, but they must keep their energy up in the second half, feeding off the energy from the crowd.
If Iowa wants to leave Kinnick with a win, they have to hold Indiana's high-powered offense in check, and sustain long drives on offense.