IOWA CITY, Iowa – Drew Stevens kicked a 53-yard field goal as time expired as Iowa rallied to beat Nebraska 13-10 on Friday night.
Stevens got his chance after defensive end Max Llewellyn forced and recovered a fumble by Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola at the Huskers’ 36-yard line with 20 seconds left. Two runs from Kaleb Johnson cut the clock to three seconds before Stevens kicked the game winner.
It was redemption for Stevens who, after struggling in last season’s game against the Huskers, was replaced by Marshall Meeder for the game-winning field goal in Iowa’s 13-10 victory in that game.
The Hawkeyes (8-4, 6-3 Big Ten), who trailed 10-3 entering the fourth quarter, tied the game with 14:44 to play when Johnson took a short pass from Jackson Stratton, allowing a 72-yard touchdown after escaping five tackle attempts.
Nebraska (6-6, 3-6) led 10-0 at halftime. John Hohl had a 31-yard field goal in the first quarter, then Dante Dowdell scored on a 1-yard run with 38 seconds left in the half.
Iowa couldn’t mount an attack in the first half. The Hawkeyes had just one first down and 20 yards, going three-and-out on five of their first six possessions.
Iowa caught a break in the third quarter when Vincent Shavers Jr. from Nebraska muffed a punt and the Hawkeyes recovered at the Huskers’ 4-yard line. But Iowa only got two yards on three plays, settling for a 20-yard field goal from Stevens.
Nebraska outscored the Hawkeyes 334-164 and had 20 first downs compared to Iowa’s five. Johnson, who entered the game second in the nation with 1,492 rushing yards, was held to 45 yards on 17 carries.
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Nebraska: The Huskers moved the ball all game against the Hawkeyes, but turnovers proved costly. Nebraska kept Johnson in check until the touchdown pass. The Huskers have lost nine of their last ten games in this rivalry.
Iowa: The Hawkeyes came into this game with Stratton, who started the season as the fourth-string quarterback and making his second start, and the offense struggled until Johnson, who had been contained for most of the game, broke free for the touchdown.
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Nebraska: Bowl game TBA.
Iowa: Bowl game TBD.
