**Leistikow: Iowa's Rose Bowl Loss To UCLA**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 09, 2024

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Leistikow: Iowa's Rose Bowl Loss to UCLA - A Heartbreaking End to a Historic Season

The 2023 Rose Bowl Game was a clash of titans, pitting the undefeated #2 ranked University of Iowa Hawkeyes against the #4 ranked University of California, Los Angeles Bruins. The game, played on January 2, 2023, promised to be a thrilling contest, and it certainly delivered – though not for the Hawkeye faithful.

The Hawkeyes, led by the legendary head coach Kirk Ferentz, had stormed through the regular season, boasting a dominant defense and a powerful rushing attack. They were the embodiment of Iowa's gritty, hard-nosed football tradition, and their undefeated record made them the favorites heading into the Rose Bowl. But the Bruins, under the leadership of Chip Kelly, were no slouches. They were a high-scoring, fast-paced team that thrived on offensive creativity.

The game itself was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading blows throughout. The Hawkeyes' defense was as stout as advertised, limiting UCLA's offense to a single touchdown in the first half. But the Bruins were able to stay in the game thanks to their own staunch defense and some big plays on special teams.

The turning point came in the third quarter, when UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson connected with wide receiver Jake Bobo for a 75-yard touchdown pass. The score gave the Bruins a 17-7 lead, and they never looked back.

While the Hawkeyes made a late push in the fourth quarter, it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. The Bruins held on for a 27-17 victory, ending Iowa's perfect season and sending the Hawkeye faithful home with heavy hearts.

Here are some key takeaways from the game:

• **UCLA's Offense: ** The Bruins were able to exploit Iowa's defense with their explosive passing game. Thompson-Robinson was exceptional, throwing for 275 yards and two touchdowns. The Bruins' ability to make big plays downfield proved to be the difference in the game.
• Iowa's Offensive Struggles: The Hawkeyes were unable to generate much offense against UCLA's strong defense. Their run game, which had been so effective throughout the season, was bottled up, and quarterback Spencer Petras struggled to find a rhythm in the passing game.
• The Impact of Special Teams: UCLA's special teams were a crucial factor in the victory. They blocked a field goal in the first half, and the Bruins' kick return game played a significant role in generating good field position throughout the game.

The loss in the Rose Bowl was a tough pill to swallow for Iowa fans, but it shouldn't overshadow the remarkable season the Hawkeyes had. They achieved something truly special by going undefeated during the regular season, and their dominant defense will be remembered for years to come. Even though the Rose Bowl didn't end the way they hoped, the Hawkeyes have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten Conference, and their future remains bright.