Ducks survive Hawkeyes 18–16 on Last-Second Field Goal

photo from www.cincinnati.com

Nov, 9, 2025, 8:17pm

Blog by Walker Johnson

IOWA CITY — In a gritty, wind-and-rain-soaked showdown at Kinnick Stadium, the No. 9 Oregon Ducks escaped with a hard-fought 18–16 win over No. 20 Iowa on Saturday. The victory pushed Oregon to 8-1 overall and 5-1 in Big Ten play, while Iowa dropped to 6-3 (4-2 Big Ten) in what could prove to be a crucial late-season battle for both programs.

From the opening snap, this game was a slugfest. Oregon drew first blood after an Iowa special teams miscue led to a botched punt and a safety, giving the Ducks a 2–0 edge early. The Ducks extended their lead in the second quarter when running back Noah Whittington broke free for a 19-yard touchdown run to make it 9–0.

Iowa battled back with a precise drive capped by quarterback Mark Gronowski hitting DJ Vonnahme for a three-yard touchdown, trimming the score to 9–7. Before halftime, Oregon added a 46-yard field goal to take a 12–7 lead into the locker room.

The third quarter was defined by defense and field position until Oregon’s special teams struck again with another field goal to make it 15–7. Iowa kept clawing, closing the gap with a 58-yard field goal before Gronowski’s short rushing touchdown put the Hawkeyes ahead 16–15 with less than two minutes to go.

But Oregon’s sophomore quarterback Dante Moore stayed composed, leading a clutch 10-play, 54-yard drive. With just three seconds remaining, kicker Atticus Sappington drilled a 39-yard field goal through the wind to lift the Ducks to victory.

413’s Bottomline

For Oregon, this wasn’t an easy win, but a win is a win. The Ducks showed toughness and poise in difficult weather, relying on defense, special teams, and the steady hand of their young quarterback. Dante Moore may not have put up gaudy numbers, but his control and confidence down the stretch proved vital for a team eyeing the College Football Playoff.

For Iowa, it was another heartbreaking loss defined by missed opportunities. The Hawkeyes played strong defensively and capitalized on mistakes, but one bad snap and a failed late stop undid their effort. They remain in the Big Ten hunt but will need help to stay in contention for a major bowl.

Oregon: Host Minnesota next Friday 11/14.

Iowa: Travel to USC next Saturday 11/15.