Phewwww, Iowa and Nebraska. What just happened?
That was some bonkers football — though the ultimate display of Big Ten West chaos — Friday afternoon with both teams seemingly trying to be as tumultuous as humanly possible while also hitting the lowest under in college football history.
There were wild plays and blocked field goals, and the two teams traded interceptions late in the fourth quarter with the game tied at 10.
With about 40 seconds left, Nebraska picked off Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill, but then seconds later, Iowa returned the favor and picked off Cornhuskers passer Chubba Purdy. Iowa defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett returned the interception 10 yards to Nebraska’s 37-yard line, setting up the Hawkeyes’ game-winning drive.
RELATED: Matt Rhule wildly gesturing on Nebraska’s sideline quickly became a Thanksgiving meme
And on second-and-15 with four seconds left in the fourth quarter, Iowa brought in kicker Marshall Meeder, a transfer from Central Michigan who had not kicked a field goal all season for the Hawkeyes.
But he stepped up big — especially after Iowa previously suffered two blocked field goal attempts — and kicked the 38-yard game-winning field goal as time expired, delivering a 13-10 victory.
IOWA WALKS IT OFF!
Marshall Meeder connects on his FIRST field goal attempt of the season for @HawkeyeFootball. pic.twitter.com/vr6teHjJZO
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 24, 2023
Iowa notched a 10-win season ahead of next weekend’s Big Ten championship game while also keeping Nebraska ineligible for a bowl game.
After the game, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said Meeder had been solid and consistent in practice, and he felt he was the best guy for the job with the game on the line.
Meeder was immediately hailed as an Iowa legend after helping his team secure the Heroes Trophy in the Nebraska rivalry.
And college football fans couldn't get enough of the backup kicker, praising his walk-off field goal:
IOWA WITH THE WALKOFF FG TO WIN 13-10!!
THE UNDER HITS!!!
Marshall Meeder hits his first kick of the season to win it!
— CFB Home (@CFBHome) November 24, 2023
This is WILD. Marshall Meeder had the onions 🧅. https://t.co/Bkxm6zAF6L
— Jack Lido (@JackLido) November 24, 2023
Iowa hero (by a hair or two) Marshall Meeder made 30 field goals at Central Michigan. But you knew that.
— Mike Hlas (@Hlas) November 24, 2023
Marshall Meeder with the surprise appearance of the century.
— Kyle Huesmann (@HuesmannKyle) November 24, 2023
Marshall Meeder go right to the front of the line at the bar when you get back to the #Iowa campus.
— Steve Wiltfong (@SWiltfong247) November 24, 2023
MARSHALL MEEDER ONIONS
IOWA WINS IT
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) November 24, 2023
Marshall Meeder idk who tf you are but man do I love you!
— Penny Hennes (@anthonyhennes_) November 24, 2023
Marshall Meeder with his first FG attempt of the year in game 12 on the road against a rival in 20 degree weather…
And. It’s. Good. 🙌
Hahahahaha! Good for you Hawkeyes!
— BrAnonymousOminous (@brianjruiz) November 24, 2023
Happy Marshall Meeder Day to those who celebrate#UglyFootball
— Tim Wright (@Solontdubb) November 24, 2023
Marshall Meeder is now a Iowa god
— A CONGER (@MsACONBABY) November 24, 2023
marshall meeder iowa legend
— beverly🌻🫶 (@bvr1ymrd) November 24, 2023
Lifelong Marshall Meeder fan
— Josh Konicek (@jkonicek74) November 24, 2023
WHO THE HELL IS MARSHALL MEEDER!?!?! IDK BUT HE’S GOT STONES
— Hawkeye Recruiting (@Iowa_Recruiting) November 24, 2023
Every restaurant in Iowa City needs to give Marshall Meeder free meals for a year.
— Coach Vint (@coachvint) November 24, 2023
Marshall Meeder with the game on the line pic.twitter.com/rNLDpCob2y
— Kenny Fenton (@KennyFenton8) November 24, 2023
But…..MARSHALL MEEDER IS HIM!!! https://t.co/CAGdSSGDJu
— Pete (@ohcrapitspete) November 24, 2023
