The second half shifted as Iowa’s scrum took charge, forcing multiple scrum penalties. Sophomore and vice captain Sam Zimmermann led the way there. This was Zimmerman's first match back after battling a life-threatening illness that kept him out for months.
Iowa's kept it tight and didn't try to do too much. That patience was rewarded as the hard running from the forwards started to find yardage. As the Hawkeyes worked the ball to the edges where Henry Schwob broke through for 25 meters and a try.
ISU followed that up with a well-taken individual try by Justin Johnson, counter-attacking on a high ball with footwork and pace. That restored Iowa State's lead at 17-14.
But Iowa wasn't done. Iowa wing AJ Douglas powered past four defenders to put the Hawkeyes ahead 21–17.
With three minutes remaining, Iowa State retook the lead on a lineout play finished by their No. 8 in the corner; with the conversion a tough ask from the touchline, it was now Iowa State 22 Iowa 21.
The Hawkeyes had one last answer. After earning a crucial penalty off the scrum, captain and flyhalf Ren Heimer pointed to the posts. He calmly slotted the 40-meter kick to win it for Iowa 24-22.
Kicking the game-winner was just reward for Heimer, who had been a star for Iowa as a fullback, running and juking his way to tries. His move to flyhalf asked him to be a distributor and reader of the game. He took on that role and was very good. And he kicks clutch goals.
The match showcased the intensity of Iowa rugby—tight scrums, defensive stands, and standout individual performances in challenging conditions—culminating in a dramatic finish worthy of the rivalry. But it was also a case of a team like Iowa not letting a rivalry's one-sidedness get them down. Instead, they got down to work, and now they have a win.
