IOWA CITY – For the second consecutive year, the historic rivalry between Iowa and Nebraska concluded with an exhilarating finish, as both teams battled to a tense 10-10 tie in the fourth quarter. However, this time, it was Iowa's turn to shine.

Drew Stevens, once benched during last year's rivalry game, silenced critics by kicking a remarkable 53-yard field goal, granting the Hawkeyes their first lead of the game in a thrilling 13-10 victory at the frigid Kinnick Stadium, where fans braved the cold in droves.

In a dramatic twist, the Hawkeyes had learned from past experiences. Last year, Nebraska's Ethan Hurkett made a game-changing interception that set up Marshall Meeder’s 39-yard game-winning field goal in Lincoln. This year, it was Max Llewellyn who emerged as the defensive hero, helping Iowa cap off their regular season with an impressive 8-4 record, while Nebraska faced a disappointing finish at 6-6.

The game turned pivotal thanks to Kaleb Johnson, whose explosive performance saved Iowa from an abysmal offensive display. Trailing 10-3 at the start of the fourth quarter, Johnson executed a stunning 72-yard touchdown reception, showcasing sheer determination as he broke free from multiple defenders, even receiving valuable downfield blocking from teammate Dayton Howard.

As the wintry air filled the stadium, Iowa's fans sensed that only a miraculous play would spark the struggling offense, and Johnson delivered with his extraordinary run, tying the game at 10-10 and setting the stage for a nail-biting finish.

Third Quarter Surprises Set Up the Final Showdown

Despite being hailed as a strong third-quarter team throughout the season, Iowa found themselves stifled early on, managing only a 3-0 edge in the third quarter—but every point counted. Nebraska squandered a golden opportunity with a missed short field goal, while Iowa's offense scrambled to capitalize, finally putting points on the board with a 20-yard field goal after recovering a botched punt return.

Entering the final quarter with just 65 total yards, Iowa’s offense had stumbled through the first half, relying heavily on the run game with no passing attempts until the late in the third quarter, which allowed Nebraska to smother their plays effectively. After a dismal first half with just 20 total yards, a dramatic shift in strategy opened the door for Iowa.

Punting Woes and Turning Points

Iowa's special teams also faced an uphill battle, particularly in the first half where punter Rhys Dakin struggled under harsh conditions. Following years of excellence from former punter Tory Taylor, Dakin's early kicks were disappointing, contributing to the sluggish offensive performance. However, things improved for him in the second half, highlighted by a series of successful punts that helped turn the momentum in the closing stages of the game.

A Look Ahead: Bowl Prospects

Looking beyond the thrilling victory, Iowa's win was particularly significant for bolstering their bowl game prospects, especially in light of the stunning collapse of Wisconsin, which saw their two-decade streak of bowl appearances come to an end after a loss to Minnesota. Coach Kirk Ferentz's teams have thrived in bowl season, and with this victory, a likely destination is the Dec. 31 Reliaquest Bowl in Tampa, a game the Hawkeyes have traditionally excelled in.

As the dust settles on this dramatic matchup, fans and players alike are left to ponder what comes next for both teams, each aiming to harness the momentum of the season into a promising bowl berth. Will the Hawkeyes continue their impressive bowl streak? The excitement unfolds as the college football postseason approaches!