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Iowa City, Iowa – Drew Stevens kicked a 53-yard field goal as time expired to lead Iowa to a 13-10 victory over Nebraska on Friday night. The game-winning kick came after defensive end Max Llewellyn forced and recovered a fumble by Nebraska’s quarterback, setting up the opportunity for Stevens to redeem himself after struggling in last year’s matchup against the Huskers.
Last season, Stevens was replaced by Marshall Meeder for the game-winning field goal, causing him to feel undervalued and motivated to prove himself. This year, Stevens made 19 of his 22 field-goal attempts, showcasing his improvement and resilience.
Despite trailing 10-0 at halftime, the Hawkeyes rallied in the fourth quarter, tying the game with a 72-yard touchdown pass from Jackson Stratton to Kaleb Johnson. Iowa’s defense stepped up in the second half, holding Nebraska to 334 total yards and limiting Johnson, who had been a top rusher, to just 45 yards on 17 carries.
Nebraska’s turnovers proved costly, as they lost nine of the last ten games in this rivalry. Iowa’s victory was a display of grit and determination, with Coach Kirk Ferentz praising Stevens for his resilience and growth throughout the season.
Looking ahead, both teams await their bowl game matchups. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule expressed frustration with the team’s performance, highlighting the need for improvement. Meanwhile, Iowa will continue to build on their momentum from this win as they prepare for their next challenge.
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Photo credit www.kimt.com
