(Iowa City) — The Iowa Hawkeyes came out firing and never looked back, cruising to a commanding 41–3 victory over Minnesota on Saturday afternoon in Iowa City.
Iowa jumped out to a 17–0 advantage by the end of the first quarter. Quarterback Mark Gronoski capped a nine-play, 75-yard opening drive with a three-yard touchdown run. Gronoski completed 12 of 19 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown on the day. Drew Stevens added a 34-yard field goal, and Zach Lutmer returned an interception for a touchdown to close the first quarter with the Hawkeyes firmly in control.
In the second quarter, Gronoski connected with Reece Vander Zee on a 29-yard touchdown strike, and Kaden Wetjen electrified the crowd with a 50-yard punt return for a score, stretching Iowa’s lead to 31–0 at halftime.
The Hawks added ten points to their commanding lead in the second half on Stevens 46-year field goal, and backup quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski’s six-yard run. Minnesota’s only score was a 34-yard field goal.
Iowa totaled 274 yards of total offense, 141 passing, and 133 rushing. The Hawkeye defense played an outstanding game limiting the Gophers to a stingy 24 yards rushing, and 109 yards through the air.
In the second quarter, Mark Gronoski found Reece Vander Zee for a 29-yard touchdown, and Kaden Wetjen brought the crowd to its feet with a 50-yard punt return for another score, giving Iowa a 31–0 halftime lead.
The Hawkeyes added to their dominance in the second half with Drew Stevens’ 46-yard field goal and a six-yard touchdown run by backup quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski. Minnesota’s lone points came on a 34-yard field goal.
Iowa finished with 274 yards of total offense—141 through the air and 133 on the ground. The Hawkeye defense was stifling, holding the Gophers to just 24 rushing yards and 109 passing yards in a commanding all-around performance.
Iowa notched its’ third straight win, and move to 4-1 Conference record, and 6-2 overall.
