The Iowa Hawkeyes delivered a heart-stopping finish at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, rallying from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Michigan State Spartans 20-17. Drew Stevens’ 44-yard field goal as time expired capped a wild comeback and sent Iowa fans into a frenzy, while Michigan State’s season-long woes continued with their eighth straight loss.
Hawkeyes Flip the Script in Final Quarter
For much of the game, it looked like Michigan State would finally snap their Big Ten losing streak. Spartans quarterback Alessio Milivojevic connected with Chrishon McCray for two third-quarter touchdowns, giving Michigan State a commanding 17-7 lead heading into the final period. The Spartans’ defense had stifled Iowa’s offense, and the visitors held a 335-301 edge in total yards.
But the fourth quarter belonged to Iowa. The Hawkeyes clawed back with a 26-yard field goal from Stevens, narrowing the gap to 17-10. Special teams then swung the momentum: Kaden Wetjen, one of the nation’s top returners, set up a crucial drive with a 40-yard punt return. Quarterback Mark Gronowski capitalized, finding Jacob Gill for a 13-yard touchdown to tie the game with just 1:29 left.
Stevens’ Heroics Seal the Win
After forcing a Michigan State punt, Iowa took over at their own 21-yard line with under a minute to play. Gronowski engineered a rapid five-play, 53-yard drive, highlighted by clutch completions to Reece Vander Zee and D.Vonnahme. With the clock ticking down, Stevens calmly drilled the 44-yard game-winner, snapping Iowa’s two-game skid and keeping their bowl hopes alive.
Michigan State’s Collapse Continues
The loss was especially painful for Michigan State, who have now dropped nine straight Big Ten games and remain winless in conference play this season. The Spartans’ inability to close out games has become a recurring theme, with head coach and players visibly frustrated after another late-game collapse.
What This Means for Both Teams
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Iowa (7-4, 5-3 Big Ten): The Hawkeyes’ resilience keeps them in the hunt for a strong bowl game and gives their seniors a memorable send-off in their final home appearance.
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Michigan State (3-8, 0-8 Big Ten): The Spartans will look to regroup as they host Maryland next week, hoping to salvage some pride in a difficult season.
Key Takeaways
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Special teams and defense were pivotal for Iowa, with Wetjen’s punt return and a late defensive stand setting up the comeback.
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Michigan State’s offense showed flashes of brilliance but faltered under pressure, managing just 26 yards in the fourth quarter.
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Drew Stevens emerged as the hero, delivering under immense pressure to secure the win.
As the regular season winds down, Iowa’s dramatic victory stands as a testament to their grit, while Michigan State faces tough questions about their future. For Hawkeye fans, this was a Senior Day to remember.
Sources
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