IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Mark Gronowski ran for a touchdown and threw for another as Iowa defeated Minnesota 41-3 on Saturday.
It was the third consecutive win for the Hawkeyes (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten), who became bowl eligible.
Iowa had rushing, passing, defensive and special teams touchdowns in the first half, building a 31-0 halftime lead.
Gronowski had a 2-yard touchdown run on the opening possession of the game; his 11th of the season. Drew Stevens had a 34-yard field goal to increase Iowa’s lead to 10-0, then Zach Lutmer returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown to give the Hawkeyes a 17-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Gronowski, who threw for 135 yards, threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Reece Vander Zee early in the second quarter, then Kaden Wetjen scored on a 50-yard punt return two minutes later.
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Iowa wide receiver Seth Anderson (6) reaches for an incomplete pass in the end zone in front of Minnesota defensive back Kerry Brown (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) -
Iowa defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) breaks up a pass intended for Minnesota wide receiver Javon Tracy (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) -
Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski, left, celebrates with teammate Jaziun Patterson after a touchdown run during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) -
Iowa wide receiver Kaden Wetjen (21) runs from Minnesota defensive lineman Deven Eastern (91) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) -
Iowa defensive back Zach Lutmer (6) intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota tight end Drew Biber (87) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) -
Iowa defensive lineman Bryce Hawthorne (96) celebrates after a sack during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) -
Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen (21) celebrates with teammates after returning a punt for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) -
Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen returns a punt for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) -
Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen celebrates after returning a punt for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) -
Iowa defensive lineman Kenneth Merrieweather (44) celebrates after sacking Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) -
Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (15) celebrates with teammate Kamari Moulton (28) after catching a touchdown pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Stevens’ 46-yard field goal in the third quarter gave Iowa a 34-0 lead. Iowa backup quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski had a 6-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to close the scoring.
Minnesota (5-3, 3-2), which came in having won three of its last four games, had just 133 yards against the Hawkeyes, who rank eighth nationally in total defense. The Gophers’ only points came on a 34-yard field goal from Brady Denaburg in the third quarter.
Iowa has won 10 of the last 11 games in the rivalry that dates back to 1891. The Hawkeyes retained Floyd of Rosedale, the 98-pound bronzed pig trophy that goes to the winner in the series.
Takeaways
Minnesota: The Gophers had nowhere to go against Iowa’s offense from the start of the game — the Hawkeyes had a 166-1 edge in yardage at one point in the first half. Seven of the previous 10 games in the series had been decided by a touchdown or less, but Minnesota never had a chance to make this one close.
Iowa: The Hawkeyes extended their winning streak since the 20-15 home loss to Indiana on September 27. Gronowski, who injured his knee in that game, has been comfortable in Iowa’s offense since then and it shows — the Hawkeyes have outscored their opponents 103-27 in the current streak.
Up next
Minnesota: Hosts Michigan State next Saturday.
Iowa: Hosts Oregon on November 8.
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