Starting quarterback Mark Gronowski was disappointed that he could not finish the Indiana game after suffering an injury early in the fourth quarter in that contest a few weeks ago.
The offense started slow, but was clicking when Gronowski went out. Backup quarterback Hank Brown was thrust into a tough situation against a tough, ranked Indiana squad, and the Hawkeyes could not complete the upset.
Luckily for the Hawkeyes, they had a bye week in week six, and Gronowski was able to rehab his injured left knee.
His status was up in the air for the rivalry game against Wisconsin last weekend, but he played most of the game.
Gronowski had an average game against the Badgers, and even though he said he was not limited, he did not look 100 percent.
Even during the first half against Penn State, Gronowski looked hampered by his injury, but by the end of the game, no one could tell.
Gronowski struggled passing, but torched the Penn State defense on the ground with 130 yards and two touchdowns. His 130 rushing yards set a new Iowa program record.
Gronowski was all smiles during his postgame media availability and spoke about how he was able to be so effective in the run game.
During his media availability after the win against Penn State (posted by "247Sports"), Gronowski could not help smiling as he talked about his performance.
With a funny anecdote, Gronowski stated that if he could have unhitched the trailer, he definitely would have scored on his 67-yard scamper in the second half, and he gave all the credit to the offensive line.
He praised the offensive line multiple times during his availability, stating they did a great job up front and are the best in the league.
Gronowski was also asked about a candid moment he shared with offensive coordinator Tim Lester after the game, and he stated he honestly did not know what was going on because he was "so juiced up."
THIS is the Gronowski Iowa fans were expecting all season, and we hope he and the rest of the offense can carry their momentum into a pivotal rivalry against Minnesota next weekend.