The Iowa Hawkeyes earned a tough win over Penn State this weekend, giving the squad their third Big Ten Conference win of the season.
To say the first have was sloppy would be an understatement as the offense struggled to move the ball and the special teams unit struggled.
Iowa Kicker Drew Stevens missed a makeable field goal, and Head Coach Kirk Ferentz made one of the worst calls of his career right before halftime.
He sent Stevens out to attempt a 66-yard field goal, which would have been an NFL record, as well as an NCAA record.
Penn State iced Stevens on his first attempt that was well short, but Ferentz still sent Stevens out to attempt it. The kick was blocked and taken back for a touchdown, giving Penn State a shocking 14-10 lead.
Iowa overcame. the mistakes in the first half to win the game, and here are the top three things we learned about Iowa after the win.
No. 1: Regardless of who is at QB or OC, Iowa will be Iowa
Peyton Manning could be the quarterback at Iowa, and the Hawkeyes would still heavily rely on the run game.
Starting quarterback Mark Gronowski has shown the ability to sling it around the field, especially during his time with South Dakota State, but he has not been given the full opportunity to excel in the passing game.
Gronowski has yet to attempt more than 24 passes in a single game as the Hawkeyes have relied on his legs, and the running backs to drive the offense.
No one is suggesting that Gronowski should put the ball in the air 30-plus times per game, but a little variety would not hurt.
No. 2: The Iowa defense has returned to form
The defense under Phil Parker has traditionally been elite, but got off to a slow start over the first few weeks of the season.
The defense forced only one turnover through the first three weeks of the season (a fumble against Iowa State), but they were holding teams to low point and yard totals.
Iowa has now forced six turnovers in three games, and have returned to elite form.
Excluding some of the tackling issues that have plagued the defense this season, they are keeping the team in games. After the win over Penn State, the futrue is bright for the Iowa defense.
No. 3: Iowa can win in a shootout
Gronowski and the Iowa offense showcased their ability to win games when the defense is struggling, showcased by Iowa's win over Rutgers and again against Penn State.
The defense struggled to stop Rutgers in the first half of Iowa's first conference game, allowing 21 points.
Iowa matched them point-for-point until the defense shut them down in the second half.
After Penn State went up 21-10 early in the third quarter, the Iowa offense responded by scoring a few touchdowns of their own.
The offense also sealed the victory over Penn State after the defense forced Penn State to turn the ball over on downs.
Iowa has been historically bad at coming back in games, but with Gronowski under center, the Hawkeyes have shown the ability to weather the storm, and win some tight games.
The Hawkeyes will attempt to carry the momentum they gained from a tough victory in their next game against Minnesota this weekend.