In the opening game of the 2012 season, the Hawkeyes wore gold and black uniforms to honor the 1921 team against Iowa State.

Fifty-six years later, Notre Dame coach Dan Devine decided to use green uniforms for the 1977 game against Southern California.

The Fighting Irish won 49–19 en route to a national championship and the legend of the Notre Dame Green Machines was born.

In 1921, Notre Dame was captained by All-American end Eddie Anderson, who later coached Iowa Ironmen team of 1939.

In the game, Iowa scored first when future All-American fullback Gordon Locke ran one yard for a touchdown in the first quarter.

All-American halfback Johnny Mohardt threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Ed Kelley.

All-American tackle Buck Shaw kicked the extra point, but Iowa still led, 10–7.

Olympian Gus Desch led Notre Dame to the 7-yard line of Iowa later in the fourth quarter, but the Hawkeyes held again.

Iowa beat the Irish for the third consecutive time in 1940 by the score of 7–0, before which Notre Dame was again 6–0 and ranked seventh in the US.

Gordon Locke had his best game of the season, carrying the ball 37 times and rushing for 202 yards, a Hawkeye record.

On October 29, Iowa made their first road trip of the season, traveling to West Lafayette.

The Boilermakers scored their first points of the season against the Hawkeyes, but Iowa won the game 13–6 on a field covered with several inches of water.

He later scored the touchdown that won the game on a memorable punt return and made the extra point.

The victory gave Iowa its first perfect season and outright Big Ten championship.

Devine, Slater, Locke, Lester Belding, center John C. Heldt, guard Chester Mead and end Max Kadesky were named All-Big Ten.

Iowa was named the 1921 national champion by Parke H. Davis, a selector who is recognized by the NCAA.