Iowa Holds Off Rutgers in High-Scoring Shootout, 35-28
Piscataway, NJ – In a back-and-forth affair that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final seconds, the Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 35-28 friday night at SHI Stadium. The game, a whirlwind of offensive fireworks, ultimately came down to crucial turnovers and special teams miscues for Rutgers.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The night began with a jolt for Rutgers fans. Iowa’s kaden Wetjen returned the opening kickoff a full 100 yards, immediately silencing the sold-out crowd and giving the Hawkeyes an early lead. Though, the Scarlet Knights responded swiftly.
Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis orchestrated a 75-yard drive, capped off by a 5-yard touchdown run from Antwan Raymond, tying the game. Kaliakmanis continued to shine, adding a 4-yard rushing touchdown of his own to give Rutgers its first lead of the night.
The scoring didn’t stop there. The first half alone saw a combined 42 points as both teams traded touchdowns. Iowa running back Kamari Moulton answered Kaliakmanis’ score, and the quarterback quickly responded with another rushing touchdown, showcasing the Scarlet Knights’ early offensive prowess. Iowa’s Gronowski then tied it up again with a 2-yard rush.
Turning Point: late-Game Mistakes
Despite a strong offensive performance, Rutgers ultimately couldn’t overcome its own errors. The Scarlet Knights were flagged for six penalties, totaling 50 yards, hindering their drives and giving Iowa opportunities.
With :39 left, Jaxon Rexroth’s interception of a Kaliakmanis pass proved to be the decisive play. This turnover led directly to Iowa’s fifth and final touchdown, effectively sealing the victory.
Kaliakmanis Shines, But Special Teams Struggles
Kaliakmanis finished the game with an impressive 330 passing yards, marking his second consecutive game exceeding 300 yards through the air. Wide receiver Ian Strong, battling through an injury, had a career-high 151 receiving yards.
Though, Rutgers’ special teams unit struggled. Kicker Jai Patel missed two field goal attempts, including a 37-yarder that hit the upright after a delay of game penalty. A 29-yard attempt was also blocked in the third quarter. Thes missed opportunities proved costly in a tightly contested game.
Key Takeaways for Rutgers
* Offensive Potential: Kaliakmanis and the Rutgers offense demonstrated significant potential, showcasing a dynamic passing attack and effective running game.
* Discipline is Crucial: Reducing penalties will be vital for future success. Avoiding self-inflicted wounds is paramount in close contests.
* special teams Consistency: Improving the consistency of the kicking game is a clear area for betterment.
Looking Ahead
This loss is a tough one for Rutgers, but it highlights areas for growth.The Scarlet Knights will need to address their discipline and special teams issues as they move forward in the season.
Image Captions:
* Deshaun Lee of the Iowa Hawkeyes breaks up a pass intended for KJ Duff #8 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at SHI Stadium on September 19, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey.(Getty Images)
* Rutgers Scarlet Knights tight end Logan Blake (11) during the fourth quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes at SHI Stadium. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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