By Garin Turner
TAMPA, Fla. — Iowa did what it has done all season long: control the pace, capitalize on mistakes and finish stronger than its opponent.
Behind an efficient performance from quarterback Mark Gronowski and a steady ground attack, the No. 23 Hawkeyes defeated No. 14 Vanderbilt 34–27 on Tuesday in the ReliaQuest Bowl, extending the Big Ten’s impressive postseason run. With the victory, the conference improved to 7–1 in bowl games, while the SEC fell to 2–6.
Iowa struck early and never trailed.
The Hawkeyes opened the game with a methodical five-play, 72-yard drive, capped by Kamari Moulton’s four-yard touchdown run. Iowa’s defense followed by holding Vanderbilt scoreless in the first quarter, setting the tone for a game that would require patience from both sidelines.
Vanderbilt managed only a field goal in the second quarter before Iowa widened the gap. Gronowski found Reece Vander Zee on a 10-yard touchdown pass to give the Hawkeyes a 14–3 lead, a margin that held heading into halftime.
Iowa continued to dictate play coming out of the break. Gronowski threw his second touchdown of the day early in the third quarter, connecting with DJ Vonnahme on a 21-yard score to push the lead to 21–3.
The Commodores finally found life moments later.
Quarterback Diego Pavia answered with a 75-yard touchdown strike to Tre Richardson, trimming Iowa’s lead and shifting momentum. Vanderbilt added another score to make it a one-possession game, but Iowa never fully let go.
Gronowski answered again early in the fourth quarter, finishing a short drive with a one-yard touchdown sneak to extend the lead to 31–17. Pavia kept Vanderbilt within reach with an 11-yard touchdown run, but Iowa’s composure down the stretch proved decisive. Each team added a field goal, allowing the Hawkeyes to close out the win without surrendering the lead.
Gronowski finished 16 of 22 for 212 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, while also rushing for 54 yards and a score. Moulton added 95 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Vonnahme was the game’s most productive receiver, hauling in seven passes for 146 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, TJ Hall led Iowa with eight tackles, while Karson Sharar added two sacks as the Hawkeyes repeatedly disrupted Vanderbilt’s rhythm.
Pavia threw for 347 yards and two touchdowns on 25-of-38 passing and also led the Commodores on the ground. Richardson caught six passes for 127 yards and a score, while Junior Sherrill added eight receptions for 123 yards. Linebacker Langston Patterson recorded eight tackles for Vanderbilt, and Martel Hight intercepted a pass.
What’s next
Both programs exit the postseason facing similar questions. With departures looming at quarterback, Iowa and Vanderbilt will spend the offseason reshaping the most important position on the field.
For now, Iowa leaves Tampa with a bowl trophy — and the Big Ten leaves with more evidence that its postseason success is no coincidence.
