The Iowa Hawkeyes’ playoff aspirations came to an end following their loss to USC today. Ahead of today’s game, according to PFSN’s College Football playoff meter, the Hawkeyes had a slim 3.35% chance of reaching the postseason. However, that all but ended today.
During the game, a series of controversial calls went ignored by the officials, leaving fans reeling and some suggesting a potential conspiracy against the Hawkeyes. At one point, Iowa was up by a wide margin. However, they scored 0 points in the second half.
Iowa Fans Call Out College Football Playoff Conspiracy.
In today’s game against USC, a potential missed facemask call began the most talked-about point from Iowa fans as their playoff hopes came to an end. Instead of 1st and 10 at USC 43, Iowa has to throw on 3rd and long, which was intercepted.
“Cannot believe the officials missed this obvious facemask call. Instead of 1st and 10 at USC 43 Iowa has to throw on 3rd and long and it’s picked.” CBS Sports’ Chris Hassel shared the play that led to massive backlash from fans.
Cannot believe the officials missed this obvious facemask call.
Instead of 1st and 10 at USC 43 Iowa has to throw on 3rd and long and it’s picked. pic.twitter.com/KPlCTk6pZn
— Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) November 15, 2025
With a 21-19 lead in the third quarter. Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton rushed for six yards, but clearly had his facemask pulled as he was being taken to the ground. Despite that, the flag remained unthrown, and Mark Gronkowski turned the ball over.
“It’s not a problem of missing it Bob, it’s just that I don’t care! If USC doesn’t make the playoffs I don’t see another dime! I have 8 different bosses Bob, so when I don’t miss calls for USC I have 8 different people telling me about it!” Fans called for a potential conspiracy.
“It’s not a problem of missing it Bob, it’s just that I don’t care! If USC doesn’t make the playoffs I don’t see another dime! I have 8 different bosses Bob, so when I don’t miss calls for USC I have 8 different people telling me about it!”
— Phil Jeneary (@pjeneary) November 15, 2025
Following their loss to Notre Dame earlier in the year, USC will most likely need to win out to reach the playoffs. After today’s victory over Iowa, a game against the No. 8-ranked Oregon on the road could set them up for a playoff berth.
“They didn’t ‘miss’ it, they didn’t care to call it,” another fan called for a potential conspiracy from the Big Ten officials. However, some were quick to pin the blame on Iowa’s quarterback, Mark Grownowski, who threw a pick on the ensuing play.
They didn’t “miss” it, they didn’t care to call it.
— Joe Hugen (@Joe_Hugen) November 15, 2025
Following his interception today, Grownoski’s interception-to-touchdown rate has grown worse. According to PFSN’s QB impact rankings, the quarterback ranks 102nd in the nation, with five passing touchdowns and four interceptions going into today’s game.
“Can’t believe the refs forced Mark to throw an interception. Investigate!” Another fan made fun of the meltdown from Iowa fans. While multiple other fans piled on the pressure, claiming that USC’s favorable officiating went deeper than just one call.
Can’t believe the refs forced Mark to throw an interception. Investigate!
— Matt Nelson (@MNelson_ISU) November 15, 2025
“Would love the Iowa everywhere team to go through this game play-by-play and see how many holding calls and other penalties that USC got away with tally them up,” One fan questioned.
Would love the Iowa everywhere team to go through this game play-by-play and see how many holding calls and other penalties that USC got away with tally them up
— RadioHawk59 (@Radio_Hawkeye) November 15, 2025
Following the game, the result is final, with Iowa being eliminated from the playoffs. However, there is still a route for the Big Ten to guarantee itself four playoff teams, with Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon, and USC all likely to cut.
Theoretically, if USC could potentially manage a road win against the Ducks, while Ohio State and the Hoosiers both remain undefeated, Dan Lanning’s Oregon could still clinch a playoff berth, allowing the Big Ten to sneak four teams into the playoffs.
