After losing four games by a total of 12 points, Iowa has suddenly won two straight by a combined six points. The team that couldn't figure out how to win a close game has now beaten a top-10 team (Penn State) and Purdue in consecutive weeks.

The 22-17 victory over the Boilermakers gave Iowa (7-4) its most wins since 2005 and ensured the Hawkeyes of a bowl game. As to why his team is suddenly winning the close games it couldn't just a few weeks ago, coach Kirk Ferentz doesn't have any answers.

"It wasn't like we played totally clean, but we played clean enough and made plays when we had to," he said. "That's football. It would be wonderful if everything goes the way you draw it up or the way you script it, but it doesn't typically. You have to overcome some bumps, and fortunately our team was able to do that in all regards."

Shonn Greene was again a large part of the equation. The best running back in the country no one has heard of rushed for 211 yards and two touchdowns, including an impressive 75-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Greene leads the nation now with 1,585 rushing yards and he is averaging 6.2 yards per carry.

"I'm not into the national awards, but if you look at players playing football, I can't imagine there are many guys playing that position better than Shonn Greene across the country," Ferentz said. "That's a real credit to him."

SEASON RECAP

Iowa 46, Maine 3 -- The Hawkeyes used a balanced attack to jump out to a 22-0 lead, and a pair of touchdowns from RB Jewel Hampton late sealed the victory for Iowa. RB Shonn Greene had a big day, and the Hawkeyes' defense forced Maine to punt seven times in the win.

Iowa 42, Florida International 0 -- The offense exploded for 512 yards, Shonn Greene went over 100 rushing yards after the first quarter and the Hawkeyes (2-0) pounded winless Florida International. Sophomore Ricky Stanzi made his first career start, replacing Jake Christensen at quarterback. Stanzi went eight-for-10 passing for 162 yards and three touchdowns.

Iowa 17, Iowa State 5 -- The Hawkeyes beat their in-state rivals for the fourth time in the last six years. Former starter Jake Christensen came off the bench to direct Iowa's lone offensive scoring drive, and Andy Brodell added an electrifying 81-yard punt return in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Pittsburgh 21, Iowa 20 -- The Hawkeyes rallied from a double-digit deficit to briefly take the lead, but LeSean McCoy's 27-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter was the difference, sending Iowa to its first loss of the season. Shonn Greene ran for 147 yards, but was held to just 14 in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jake Christensen played the entire second half, but was unable to deliver a 4-0 record entering Big Ten play.

Northwestern 22, Iowa 17 -- The Hawkeyes blew a 17-3 lead in the second quarter by surrendering 19 points, thanks in part to five turnovers. Shonn Greene had 159 yards rushing, but Iowa was held scoreless over the game's final 32 minutes, thanks in part to a combined four fumbles by the offense and special teams.

Iowa 45, Indiana 9 -- Iowa scored 28 unanswered points after halftime to blow open what had been a close game and send Indiana to its fourth straight loss. Hawkeyes RBs Shonn Greene and Jewel Hampton both ran for more than 100 yards as Iowa controlled the ball for nearly 40 minutes.

Iowa 38, Wisconsin 16: Shonn Greene rushed for 217 yards and four touchdowns, while the defense held Wisconsin to one touchdown in a romp. Linebacker Pat Angerer had a monstrous day with 16 tackles and two interceptions, sending Wisconsin to its fourth-straight defeat.

Iowa 24, Penn State 23 -- The Hawkeyes ended third-ranked Penn State's perfect season on Daniel Murray's 31-yard field goal with one second left. Tyler Sash's interception set up the Hawkeyes' game-winning drive on their own 29 with 3:46 to play. Ricky Stanzi completed 15-of-25 passes for 171 yards, a touchdown and an interception for Iowa, which enjoyed its first victory over a top-10 team since beating Illinois in 1990.

Iowa 22, Purdue 17 -- Shonn Greene rushed for 211 yards and a pair of touchdowns and Iowa won its second close game in as many weeks. Mitch King came up with a big sack in the final minute and Iowa handed Purdue its seventh loss in eight games.

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