Tuesdays with Torbee

Who would have thought a Friday night in Piscataway, New Jersey, could be so action-packed?

A game-opening 104-yard kickoff return touchdown was only about  the third most exciting thing that happened in the Big Ten opener for Iowa and Rutgers, although it ultimately helped provide the cushion in the Hawkeyes’ come-from-behind 38-28 victory over the Scarlet Knights.

Three times Rutgers surged into leads, made possible by pinpoint passing from the previously mundane Athan Kaliakmanis, whose transformation into a high-level quarterback after being marginal at best at Minnesota is remarkable. Special K, as I call him, also benefited from throwing to future NFL receiver Ian Strong (151 yards, 18.9 per catch) and the rest of Rutgers’ capable receiving corps.

Three times Iowa fought back, thanks to gritty play from quarterback Mark Gronowski, a key field goal block, and a game-sealing fourth-quarter interception. The Hawkeye offense finally found its stride in the fourth quarter, methodically chewing up time and yards, outscoring Rutgers 17-7 to put the game away.

Hawkeye fans have to feel good about the progress their signal-caller made, cementing himself as the “gamer” we expected when Iowa brought in D1 football’s all-time best game-winner.

It wasn’t easy.
With the score tied at 21 early in the fourth, Gronowski missed a wide-open touchdown pass to Zach Ortwerth, who would have walked into the end zone. Iowa settled for a field goal and a shaky 24-21 lead.

Rutgers immediately marched 75 yards to retake the lead, thanks to flawless passing. Then Terrell Washington Jr. bobbled the kickoff, nearly gifting it right back, and things felt bleak.

Instead, Gronowski showed the poise and skill that made him one of the most coveted transfer quarterbacks last winter. His first play after the botched return was a rollout strike to Jacob Gill for a first down, and things rolled from there. The 42-yard bomb to Dayton Howard that set up the go-ahead touchdown may be Iowa’s play of the year so far.

The Hawks scored the final two touchdowns behind Gronowski, who powered both in with decisive option runs.

It has been a long time since Iowa had a quarterback who could carry the team, but that’s exactly what Gronowski did—boding well for his confidence and Iowa’s remaining challenges.

I see a little of Brad Banks in Gronowski, though his running is more power than speed. Neither threw a “pretty” ball, but both made the right play at the right time. The Iowa offense still won’t keep defensive coordinators up at night, but it is a vast improvement over recent years, when every first down felt monumental.

It was a strange night for the defense. In the first half, Phil Parker’s unit looked unsure, failing to generate pressure and giving receivers too much room, which led to 330 passing yards.

Things improved massively in the second half, with Parker dialing up pressure and the secondary tightening coverage. Rutgers managed only one touchdown drive after halftime, and even then receivers had to make pinpoint catches.

The most heartening sight was Iowa seizing control of the game’s style and tempo. The first half was a shootout; the second half looked like Iowa football: grinding, physical, methodical. That’s how the Hawkeyes need to win.

The parallels to the 2002 Orange Bowl team are eerie. Iowa drops a heartbreaker to in-state rival Iowa State, looks unsettled on defense, but has a dual-threat quarterback who can keep the team in any game. The dream scenario is Ferentz dusting off the Brad Banks playbook while the defense grows and improves.

I am fascinated by this Saturday’s game against media darling Indiana, whose 63-10 demolition of Top 10 Illinois has pundits penciling them into the College Football Playoff.

Hoosier coach Curt Cignetti is an anti-Kirk: brash, big-talking, cut from the Steve Spurrier cloth. Indiana runs an attack-attack-attack offense that will test Iowa’s solid but not vintage defense. The Hoosiers also play aggressively on defense. Can a more confident Gronowski make them pay?

I don’t know what to expect, other than a raucous Kinnick crowd that could provide the decisive edge. And that makes for fun football.

Follow me on BlueSky @torybrecht.bsky.social, Substack notes and look for the revamped 12 Saturdays podcast on all platforms.