Introduction

PASADENA, Calif. – The atmosphere at Rose Bowl Stadium was electric, with around 20,000 passionate Iowa Hawkeye fans eager to witness a rare victory at this historic venue. Unfortunately, as the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, familiar feelings of disappointment began to wash over both fans and players alike. The script for Iowa football seemed to play out like a bad sequel, with the Hawkeyes falling to the UCLA Bruins by a narrow margin of 20-17.

The Rose Bowl Curse Continues

The defeat continued Iowa's frustrating streak at the Rose Bowl, marking their fourth loss in five decades at the famed site, with a combined score of 164-78 in those games. This long-standing curse, some would say, seemed destined to haunt them once again, leaving fans longing for a breakthrough victory.

Game Overview

The Hawkeyes had jumped out to a promising 10-0 lead, the team's best start at the Rose Bowl since 1959, but that momentum quickly crumbled. Iowa's defense, usually a hallmark of the program, struggled significantly throughout the game. Despite facing a UCLA rushing attack that had been ranked as the worst in the nation (averaging a mere 73.9 yards per game), the Hawkeyes allowed the Bruins to rush for a staggering 211 yards. This marks the third consecutive game where Iowa’s defense has conceded over 200 rushing yards, a dismal statistic for defensive coordinator Phil Parker's unit.

Senior defensive end Deontae Craig articulated the team's frustrations succinctly: “That’s what is most disappointing. You go through hundreds of plays during the week, and get to the field and it’s the same thing that you’ve been seeing.”

Struggles on Third Down

Even more concerning was Iowa's dismal performance on third downs, with UCLA converting 9 of 14 attempts, including a pivotal third-down pass that secured the game with just two minutes left on the clock. Overall, the Bruins outgained Iowa 415-265 and exhibited superior playtime with 73 plays compared to Iowa's 46.

Star Players' Performance

Iowa's star running back Kaleb Johnson struggled, finishing with a season-low of just 49 yards despite scoring a touchdown that broke the Iowa record for the most touchdowns in a season at 21. Head coach Kirk Ferentz acknowledged the team’s collective shortcomings, stating, “We certainly didn’t play well enough to expect to win tonight, basically in any category. Disappointing. Nothing really clicked for us, nothing looked great.”

Quarterback Drama

In a shocking twist, quarterback Brendan Sullivan, who began the game strong, sustained an injury after a heavy hit and was ultimately ruled out with a sprained ankle. Enter Jackson Stratton, a former walk-on and fifth-string quarterback, who stepped in unexpectedly. Stratton showcased brief flashes of promise, including a dynamic 14-yard scramble leading to a touchdown that tied the game at 17-17.

Final Minutes

However, UCLA swiftly responded with a 13-play, 66-yard drive, culminating in a field goal that would seal Iowa’s fate. The Hawkeyes’ final possession fizzled out in a three-and-out, ending any hopes of a comeback.

First Half Summary

The first half of the game was a rollercoaster of emotions, encapsulated by a total of five turnovers and 20 points before either team even managed a punt. Despite these untimely turnovers, Iowa clung to hope, even executing a standout 59-yard pass play from Sullivan to Jacob Gill, who finished the game as Iowa’s leading receiver with six catches for 138 yards.

Injuries and Their Impact

Injuries further compounded Iowa’s struggles this season, as three of their four Week 1 captains were impacted, including quarterback Cade McNamara (concussion) and All-American linebacker Jay Higgins (hamstring). Their absence was sorely felt on the field.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the Hawkeyes have a well-deserved bye week before facing Maryland on November 23. The importance of this upcoming matchup cannot be overstated, especially as they will face a familiar face. Brian Ferentz, Iowa’s former offensive coordinator and current offensive analyst for Maryland, will coach against his father, Kirk Ferentz, for the first time. This unique storyline adds an additional layer of intrigue to an already critical game.

Conclusion

After a stinging loss and desperately needed time to regroup, the Hawkeyes enter the final stretch of the season with a 6-4 record. The looming question remains: can Iowa finally shake off the burdens of the past and write a new chapter? Only time will tell.