1985

February
Chuck Long announced he would stay at Iowa for his fifth season.

1985
The Hawkeyes’ new indoor practice facility was completed north of Kinnick Stadium.

Mike Flag uses extra effort to break through Michigan State tacklers during Iowa's thrilling 35-31 come-from-behind victory. Watch the dramatic end of this memorable game. Listen to Ron Gonder talk about the game he will never forget.

October 19
ON A WING AND A PRAYER
The No. 1-ranked Hawkeyes got their sixth straight win of the season over No. 2 Michigan. For the first time, a portable lighting system was set up at Kinnick Stadium.

With 90 seconds to play, the Wolverines held a 10-9 lead. David Hudson and Ronnie Harmon advanced the ball down to the 12 yard line. With two seconds on the clock, the Hawks waved for a timeout.

Everything would depend on Rob Houghtlin. Sports Illustrated writer Rick Reilly described the scene: “Rob Houghtlin hunched over his kicking tee, hands on his knees, as though losing a bout with indigestion. His moment awaited…. Two seconds loomed on the clock. Rain dripped off his helmet. And here he was, a junior walk-on place-kicker whose sore leg had kept him out of practice for three weeks, standing 29 yards from never having to buy another beer in the state of Iowa.

“Watching him…, the largest crowd to ever see a sporting event in Iowa, took one last glug and forgot to swallow. Outside, tuned in on TV and radio, an entire state sucked in its stomachs….”

Two Michigan timeouts extended the tension. When Houghtlin finally made the kick—“sailing high and far and directly between the uprights”—it was the second time in five years Iowa defeated Michigan without scoring a touchdown. Thank heavens for that reliable Iowa field goal. Watch Houghtlin's game-winning kick and the Iowa crowds' reaction.

November 2
Noise in Ohio Stadium made it impossible for Long to audibilize and Iowa lost the only game of the year, 22-13.

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