Since Iowa hadn't won a Big Ten title in almost thirty years, Brechler took that chance and hired Evy. Evy was a charismatic and ambitious man, a brilliant coach with a combative personality. Iowa struggled in 1952, though a shocking upset of Ohio State foreshadowed the success to come. Iowa ended the 1953 season with the most controversial game in school history. The Hawkeyes had a 5–3 record as they played their final game of the season against #1 Notre Dame in South Bend. The game ended in a controversial 14–14 draw, as Notre Dame scored both of their touchdowns at the end of each half by having players fake injuries and exploiting a rule which stopped the clock for an injury.