Iowa ends season on a high note after dramatic win over Vanderbilt

TAMPA, Fla. — The Hawkeyes are flying high after taking down one the top teams from the SEC in the ReliaQuest Bowl Wednesday, and now they have momentum heading into next season.

Iowa beat Vanderbilt 34-27 in front of a crowd of 35,382 to secure nine wins on the year, and Coach Kirk Ferentz couldn’t be more proud of his players. After all, the Hawkeyes made plays on offense, defense, special teams, and once the smoke cleared they were the ones hoisting the trophy in front of their fans and loved ones.

It was a great game day atmosphere, sunny weather and Ferentz made sure that his players took advantage of the spotlight, especially quarterback Mark Gronowski.

“Really proud of our guys and the effort that they exerted out there and the way they competed and played it right until the end,” Ferentz said. “Obviously it was a hard-fought game, both teams really going in, it’s a great feeling and a great way to end the season.”

Not to mention Iowa never trailed in the contest. The Hawkeyes got off to a fast start, and drew first blood on their first drive of the game, that ended with a four-yard touchdown run by running back Kamari Moulton. Iowa (9-4) missed out on an opportunity for more points after Gronowski threw an interception in the endzone.

The defense had his back though, and held the Commodores scoreless in the first quarter. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia didn’t play up to his potential early on, and absorbed some big hits from Iowa’s defense. However, the Heisman Trophy runner-up did get the Commodores on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter after he orchestrated a 13-play, 59-yard drive, that ended with a field goal, and took over seven minutes off the clock.

The Hawkeyes responded right before the end of the first half, with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Gronowski to wideout Reece Vander Zee to extend their lead to double-digits over the Commodores. Having a 14-3 lead at halftime did wonders for Iowa’s momentum. Ferentz knew his game plan was working, and he only needed to make a few adjustments for the second half.

The Hawkeyes picked up right where they left off on offense to start the second half too. Gronowski connected with tight end DJ Vonnahme for a 21-yard touchdown midway through the third quarter, and Iowa extended its’ lead 21-3, which was the largest of the afternoon. Regardless of the matter, a light bulb turned on for the Commodores at that moment.

Vanderbilt’s offense came out after that, and attacked Iowa’s defensive secondary with some explosive plays. Pavia connected with wideout Tre Richardson for a 75-yard touchdown, which was by far the most explosive play of the game. It lit a fire under the Commodores as they tried to shift the momentum, but a 47-yard field goal from kicker Drew Stevens gave the Hawkeyes a 24-10 lead.

Pavia responded again, and led the Commodores on an eight-play, touchdown drive that ended with a 16-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Joseph McVay. Ferentz grew concerned about the breakdowns in defensive coverage, and had to tighten up.

“There were a lot of ups and downs today, but we responded,” he said. “That’s the beauty of the game and finding an answer, it takes the right people, and that’s what these guys did a great job of today.”

The last 15 minutes of the game were arguably the most entertaining, as the two teams traded blows. Both Gronowski and Pavia generated a rushing score. Iowa even milked over seven minutes off the clock with a 13-play, 49-yard drive that ended with a second field goal by Stevens, and gave his team a two-score lead again. That really put the pressure on the Commodores.

With under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, Vanderbilt (10-3) did pull within a touchdown after a 37-yard field goal by kicker Brock Taylor, but the rally fell short after Iowa recovered the onside kick. Gronwoski led the offense out in victory formation, and took a knee on back-to-back plays as time expired. The Hawkeyes stormed the field, and Ferentz shook hands with Coach Clark Lea at midfield as they celebrated their great season.

“We’ve had some tough losses this year, but one thing they’ve done is shown up and competed each and every time,” the 70-year old said. “Just really gratifying to see them walk out with a win, and Mark, and representative of all the guys that we have.”

Iowa led Vanderbilt in rushing yards, third down efficiency and time of possession. Gronowski completed 16 of his 22 passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, to go along with a rushing score. For his heroics the signal-caller was named the MVP of the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Moulton finished with 95 yards on the ground, and a touchdown. Vonnahme posted seven catches for a game-high, 146 yards and a touchdown. On top of that, Gronowski was able to distribute the ball around, as six different Hawkeyes caught at least one pass.

Defensively, cornerback Jaylen Watson posted seven tackles, including six solo. Defensive back TJ Hall racked up a team-high, eight stops. Linebacker Karson Sharar had five tackles, including two sacks. Edge rusher Ethan Hurkett also made Pavia eat grass. Iowa’s defense limited Vanderbilt’s offense to 51 rushing yards. The Commodores only converted two of their nine third downs.

After beating a 10-win SEC team, the Hawkeyes can now approach 2026 with confidence, and Ferentz believes the best is yet to come for the program.

“These guys certainly deserved it, and they finished the season.”