Iowa City, Iowa — Quarterback Mark Gronowski ran for a career-high 130 yards and two touchdowns, including a game-changing 67-yard burst that set up Kaden Wetjen’s winning score, as Iowa rallied late to defeat Penn State 25–24 on Saturday night at Kinnick Stadium.
The South Dakota State transfer, who joined Iowa after winning two FCS national titles, was the difference-maker in the Hawkeyes’ dramatic victory — one that showcased his toughness, leadership, and mobility.
“I’m a guy who wants the ball in my hands,” Gronowski said. “Once I broke that first tackle, I looked up and saw nothing but open field. My eyes got pretty big.”
Trailing 24–19 with under five minutes remaining, Iowa (5–2, 3–1 Big Ten) needed a spark. Gronowski delivered instantly, breaking loose on the first play after Penn State’s field goal for a 67-yard run that brought the crowd to its feet. On the next snap, Wetjen dashed into the end zone from eight yards out to put the Hawkeyes in front with 3:54 to play.
The two-point conversion failed, but Iowa’s defense held firm when it mattered most. A fourth-down blitz near midfield forced Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer into an incomplete pass, sealing possession for Iowa. Gronowski then clinched the victory with a 14-yard scramble on third down, allowing the Hawkeyes to run out the clock.
“We certainly had to earn this one,” head coach Kirk Ferentz said. “I told the players this feeling doesn’t come easy — and it’s one you can’t buy.”
It’s been a resilient stretch for the Hawkeyes, who have rebounded from a tough September loss to Indiana to win back-to-back games. Gronowski, who briefly left that Indiana game with a knee injury, hasn’t missed a start since the team’s bye week, even while playing with a brace.
“If I didn’t have that brace, I might’ve finished the 67-yarder in the end zone,” Gronowski joked.
Ferentz praised his quarterback’s determination: “He’s not 100 percent yet, but he’s improving every day. That play — that drive — shows what kind of competitor he is.”
Gronowski scored on runs of 1 and 4 yards earlier in the game, keeping Iowa within reach. Kicker Drew Stevens added a pair of field goals, while the defense came up with two critical interceptions.
Penn State (3–4, 0–4 Big Ten) dropped its fourth straight game, its first under interim coach Terry Smith following the firing of James Franklin earlier in the week. Running back Kaytron Allen was a bright spot for the Nittany Lions, rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite leading 14–10 at halftime — thanks in part to Xavier Gilliam’s blocked 66-yard field goal attempt that Elliot Washington II returned 35 yards for a score — Penn State couldn’t close the deal.
Grunkemeyer threw for 185 yards but was intercepted twice, including one by Xavier Nwankpa, whose return to the 1-yard line set up Iowa’s first touchdown.
“I’m proud of our effort,” Smith said. “We played hard, but we have to finish. That’s the difference between good teams and great ones.”
For Iowa, the comeback added another chapter to an increasingly confident season. “These are the moments you’ll remember forever,” said cornerback Deshaun Lee.
Up Next:
Iowa: Hosts Minnesota next Saturday.
Penn State: Visits Ohio State on Nov. 1.
