Iowa Stuns Michigan on Final Play: Hawkeyes' Biggest Takeaways From Ann Arbor Thriller

For the first time since 2015, Iowa football went on the road and knocked off a ranked Big Ten opponent. And it did so in as incredible a fashion as one could ever imagine.

The Hawkeyes and Wolverines battled in a back-and-forth affair that Michigan controlled late in Ann Arbor. After a missed Iowa field goal with just over two minutes to go and the score stuck at 19-14 in Michigan's favor, it appeared the Hawkeyes would fall short.

Instead, an all-time ending gave Kirk Ferentz and Iowa its first win at Michigan Stadium since 2010. Iowa got the benefit of a couple fortunate plays and Michigan penalties but took full advantage. The Hawkeyes may have been outgained by 144 yards, but they leave Ann Arbor with the win and a 4-0 start.

How Did Iowa Win This Game?

Iowa perfectly executed a last-second pass play from 16 yards out, a finish that will go down in Hawkeyes lore. The game-winning touchdown capped a dramatic final sequence that stunned the Michigan crowd and gave Iowa its most significant road victory in over a decade.

Iowa Overcomes Run Game Woes

Try and try it did, but the run game wasn't happening Saturday for Iowa. The Hawkeyes delivered just 58 rush yards on 24 attempts, a dreadful average of just 2.4 yards per attempt. As a result, Iowa was out-possessed by nearly 10 minutes and outgained on the ground by nearly 100 yards.

Essentially, everything Hawkeyes fans are used to seeing Iowa control in games it wins, it didn't. Except for one crucial area.

Winning the Turnover Battle

Trailing 10-7 in the second quarter, Iowa didn't have much going its way. Bryce Underwood was leading Michigan on what appeared to be a pivotal drive, at least until the game's only turnover occurred.

Deshaun Lee stepped in front of an Underwood pass on third-and-11, putting an end to the Michigan drive and keeping the Wolverines off the board. Iowa didn't do much of anything when it got the ball back, but it was at least three huge points that were kept off the scoreboard.

Massive Fourth Down Stop in First Half

Michigan's other long drive that resulted in no points came in the first half as Underwood led the Wolverines on a 62-yard drive that stalled in the red zone as Iowa came up with a fourth-down stop.

Michigan's creativity wasn't exactly on display on a fourth-and-one quarterback sneak call, and that was another three points that didn't end up on the scoreboard for the Wolverines. Props to Cam Buffington for being the first on the scene for the Hawkeyes in a true game-changing moment.

Think Big, Iowa Fans: Really Big

There is plenty from this game to dissect, and that will be done. There was tons to like in terms of perseverance with this squad, though.

Yes, the running game needs to produce more against big-time foes, and a massive one comes to Iowa City next week in the form of Ohio State. But after going on the road and somehow, some way, finding a way to sneak out a last-second victory, all of a sudden the path to College Football Playoff contention looks plenty manageable.

And after a win like that, it's more than alright for Hawkeyes fans to start buying into this group in a bigger way than has been done in years.

What's Next for Iowa Football?

The Hawkeyes return to Kinnick Stadium for a marquee matchup against Ohio State next week. With a 4-0 record and a statement road win under their belts, Iowa has positioned itself as a legitimate contender in the Big Ten race. The running game will need improvement, but the resilience shown in Ann Arbor suggests this team has the character to compete with anyone.