IOWA CITY – Iowa spotted Michigan four turnovers before recovering a key Michigan fumble late in the game, sealing a 24-21 victory on senior day at a frigid Kinnick Stadium.
KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, reported that Saturday’s game-time temperature of 18 degrees set a record for coldest kickoff-temperature ever for an Iowa home football game.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said the cold temps and the tough competition was good for his team.
“According to research done by KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids, a record was set Saturday for coldest kickoff-temperature ever for an Iowa home football game.
“I think the biggest thing, I think we grew up a little bit today. So some of the younger guys caught up to the seniors a little bit, and that was good to see,” Ferentz said.
Iowa trailed Michigan 21-7 at the half, after a series of missed opportunities, including a muffed field goal attempt.
“The defense kept us alive. It’s just not a good formula,” Ferentz said about his team losing the turnover battle 4-1.
A fumble by Michigan with about 2 minutes to go in the game was almost enough to seal the victory for Iowa after a late field goal put the Hawks up 24-21. A converted first down with 2 minutes to go allowed Iowa to run out the clock.
Saturday’s victory is the first time that Iowa has defeated Michigan in Kinnick three straight times.
