Sat Sep 06 15:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Iowa Dominates Albany, Ferentz Ties Big Ten Coaching Record
**IOWA CITY, IA** – Xavier Williams rushed for 122 yards and a touchdown, leading Iowa to a decisive 34-7 victory over Albany on Saturday night. The win marked a significant milestone for Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz, who tied Woody Hayes as the Big Ten’s all-time winningest coach with 205 wins.
Ferentz, in his 27th season at Iowa, downplayed the achievement, focusing instead on the team’s performance. “It was just good to get the win,” he said. “That’s what we came for.”
Iowa’s offense, despite a slow start and some struggles from quarterback Mark Gronowski in his Iowa debut, ultimately controlled the game. Gronowski, a transfer from South Dakota State, threw for 44 yards and a touchdown, and added a rushing touchdown before leaving the game with cramps.
Freshman running back Williams stepped up in the absence of injured starter Kamari Moulton, delivering a stellar performance that included a 43-yard run and a 3-yard touchdown. Williams is the first Iowa freshman to record a 100-yard game in his debut since 2005. “He played like a veteran guy,” Ferentz said. “He didn’t look out of place at all, and he did a great job.”
The Hawkeyes dominated on the ground, outgaining Albany 310-43. The offensive line’s performance was key, according to Gronowski. “Three hundred yards, you can’t ask for anything better than that,” he said.
Albany briefly took a 7-3 lead in the second quarter, but Iowa quickly responded with a touchdown drive capped by Williams’ run. Gronowski added a touchdown pass to Kaden Wetjen to give Iowa a 17-7 halftime lead.
Drew Stevens kicked a career-long 55-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, and backup quarterback Hank Brown added a late touchdown run to seal the victory.
With the win, Ferentz now shares the Big Ten record and will look to surpass Hayes next week. However, for now, the focus remains on the team’s continued improvement.
First Piper 