Iowa got exactly what it needed.

With the offense generating no momentum through the first 3 quarters of Friday’s game against Nebraska, Kirk Ferentz decided to try to create some on special teams. It worked to perfection.

The Hawkeyes sent everyone after a punt early in the fourth quarter. Joe Evans was able to block the William Przystup punt and it was returned 14 yards to the end zone by Kyler Fisher.

It was Iowa’s first touchdown of the game:

That turned a 21-9 game into a 1-possession game.

Nebraska’s special teams have been an issue all season long. Iowa has had much more success in that phase of the game throughout the 2021 campaign.

On Friday afternoon, it generated a much-needed spark for the Hawkeyes.