Iowa's Shock Victory: Gronowski Steals the Show in ReliaQuest Bowl
In a thrilling matchup at the ReliaQuest Bowl, Iowa pulled off a surprising win against Vanderbilt, with quarterback Mark Gronowski playing a pivotal role.
Gronowski's Stellar Performance
Gronowski, who transferred from South Dakota State, showcased his skills by:
- Throwing for 212 yards and two touchdowns
- Rushing for 54 yards and another score
His performance was crucial in helping Iowa exceed 30 points for the seventh time this season.
Pavia's Impressive Efforts Fall Short
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt's Heisman Trophy runner-up, put up impressive numbers as well:
- 347 passing yards and two touchdowns
- 36 rushing yards and another score
However, his efforts weren't enough to secure a victory for the Commodores.
Iowa's Defense Shines
Iowa's defense played a significant role in the win:
- Sacking Pavia four times
- Keeping Vanderbilt from scoring a touchdown until late in the third quarter
Key Milestones and Implications
This victory marked:
- Iowa's first win against a ranked opponent since 2021, breaking a 14-game losing streak
- Gronowski's tied Big Ten record with 16 rushing touchdowns for the season
His performance raised questions about his potential as an NFL prospect, with some suggesting he could be a valuable backup at the next level.
A Reminder of Iowa's Playoff Potential
The game also served as a reminder of how close Iowa came to making the College Football Playoff this season. With a few different outcomes in their losses, the Hawkeyes could have been in the mix. Instead, they finished the season with a strong showing, thanks in part to the leadership of head coach Kirk Ferentz, who became the winningest coach in Big Ten history.
Pavia's NFL Prospects
For Pavia, the game was a final chance to impress NFL scouts. While his arm strength has been a point of concern, he showed flashes of his potential with several downfield throws, including a 75-yard touchdown.
Despite his efforts, it's likely that Pavia will enter the NFL as a priority free agent, with some teams possibly taking a chance on him in the later rounds of the draft.
