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, who transferred from South Dakota State, showcased his skills by throwing for 212 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 54 yards and another score. His performance was crucial in helping Iowa exceed 30 points for the seventh time this season. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt's Heisman Trophy runner-up, put up impressive numbers as well, with 347 passing yards and two touchdowns, along with 36 rushing yards and another score. However, his efforts weren't enough to secure a victory for the Commodores. Iowa's defense played a significant role in the win, sacking Pavia four times and keeping Vanderbilt from scoring a touchdown until late in the third quarter.This victory marked Iowa's first win against a ranked opponent since 2021, breaking a 14-game losing streak. It also highlighted the potential of Gronowski, who tied a 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. 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. 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.