Mark Gronowski’s leisurely stroll and Division I record with 52 career wins as Iowa QB, leads Hawkeyes to 38-28 win over Rutgers

Mark Gronowski solidified his place in Division I history on Friday, September 19, extending his record as the winningest starting quarterback with his 52nd career victory, guiding Iowa to a hard-fought 38-28 win over Rutgers. The Hawkeyes, in need of a confidence-boosting performance ahead of a challenging matchup against Indiana, got exactly what they needed from their star QB.

Gronowski became the first Iowa quarterback since 1968 to record a rushing touchdown in each of the first four games of the season, and he showed why he remains the centerpiece of Iowa’s offense. On September 13, Saturday. With Iowa football's 47-7 victory over UMass, Mark Gronowski surpassed Boise State's Kellen Moore for the most career wins as a Division I quarterback.

Gronowski’s balanced attack leads Iowa

After a slow start to the season, where he admitted pressing too much in week one, Gronowski looked more relaxed and decisive on Friday, reports 247 Sports. He completed 12 of 18 passes for 186 yards and added a punishing ground game with 13 carries for 55 yards and three rushing touchdowns. His third-quarter deep pass to Dayton Howard, a 42-yard gain, helped set up a red-zone opportunity that Gronowski finished with a two-yard touchdown run, giving Iowa a crucial lead.

Game highlights: Leisurely strolls and key plays

The game opened with fireworks as Kaden Wetjen returned the kickoff 100 yards for Iowa, but Rutgers responded quickly with a 5-yard TD run. The Scarlet Knights, led by Athan Kaliakmanis, moved the ball efficiently through both air and ground, taking a 14-7 lead early. Iowa’s defense struggled to contain Rutgers throughout the first half.

Gronowski’s leadership shone in critical moments. A 73-yard drive late in the first half tied the game at 21, and he orchestrated another long scoring drive in the fourth quarter. After Rutgers briefly took the lead at 28-24, Gronowski calmly marched Iowa down the field and capped it with a two-yard rushing touchdown, marking his fifth rushing TD of the season and securing the Hawkeyes’ victory.