IOWA CITY, Iowa – Iowa spoiled Terry Smith’s first game as Penn State interim coach and Ethan Grunkemeyer’s first start at quarterback, rallying to beat the Nittany Lions, 25-24, Saturday night at Kinnick Stadium.

Penn State drove from its 22 to its 49, but was stopped on fourth-and-4 when the Hawkeyes (3-1 Big Ten, 5-2) blitzed several defenders and rushed Grunkemeyer into an incompletion with 1:14 left.

The Lions (0-4, 3-4) dropped their fourth straight at the end of a tumultuous week, which began with the firing of James Franklin after 11-plus seasons as coach.

Grunkemeyer, who handled himself with poise, completed 15-of-28 passes for 93 yards with two interceptions. Kaytron Allen carried 28 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski was 10-for-16 passin

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