In Iowa City, the stage was set for another thrilling showdown in the regular-season finale. For the second consecutive year, the fate of Iowa football hung in the balance until the final seconds. In 2023, it was Marshall Meeder who emerged as the hero with a game-winning field goal. And in 2024, it was Drew Stevens who stepped up to the plate.

Key Moments at Kinnick Stadium

This year at Kinnick Stadium, the Hawkeyes faced a tough challenge as they trailed by 10 points at halftime. But star running back Kaleb Johnson showed his exceptional skills by breaking free for an absurd receiving touchdown early in the fourth quarter. With the game tied and less than one minute remaining, defensive lineman Max Llewellyn made a crucial play, getting to Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola for a strip sack and giving Iowa the ball back. Shortly after, Stevens booted the game-winner as time expired, securing the victory for Iowa.

Regular Season Summary

Iowa football finished the regular season with an overall record of 8-4, including 6-3 in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes' postseason journey will be determined by a single bowl game. Let's take a look at the various projections for who Iowa might face and where the contest might be held.

Bowl Projections

According to Jerry Palm from CBS Sports, Iowa is projected to face Ole Miss in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31 in Tampa, Florida. Brad Crawford from 247Sports predicts Iowa will take on Boston College in the First Responder Bowl on January 3 in Dallas, Texas. Mark Schlabach from ESPN believes Iowa will battle Missouri in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31 in Tampa, Florida. Kyle Bonagura from ESPN also has Iowa facing Ole Miss in the ReliaQuest Bowl on December 31 in Tampa, Florida. College Football Network projects Iowa to play Missouri in the Music City Bowl on December 30 in Nashville, Tennessee. And The Sporting News suggests Iowa will face Clemson in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on January 3 in Charlotte, North Carolina.Iowa football's season finale was a rollercoaster ride of emotions and thrilling plays. The Hawkeyes' ability to come back from a halftime deficit and secure the win with a last-second field goal shows their resilience and determination. As they look ahead to the postseason, fans will be eagerly awaiting the announcement of their bowl destination and opponent. Iowa football has proven time and again that they are a force to be reckoned with on the field.