Iowa defensive back Desmond King breaks up a pass intended for Nebraska wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp during the first half Friday in Lincoln, Neb. The Hawkeyes won 28-20 to improve to 12-0.

LINCOLN, Neb. — Iowa certainly didn’t change the minds of critics who say the Hawkeyes don’t look the part of a national championship contender.

They didn’t do a whole lot on offense against Nebraska, their defense gave up a lot of yards again and they muffed a punt.

When the clock struck 0:00 Friday, though, they were celebrating a 28-20 victory that finished their first perfect regular season in 93 years.

“We’re not trying to be pretty, we’re trying to be productive,” coach Kirk Ferentz said. “Football’s not gymnastics. There are style points in gymnastics. Here it’s having one point more than your opponent. We’re 12-0. You can’t do better than that.”

The Hawkeyes (8-0 Big Ten, No. 4 CFP) locked arms and ran to the south end zone to pick up the Heroes Trophy that goes to the winner of this game. Then it was off to the corner to salute their fans before heading to the locker room.

There’s still work to be done to make this season even better. Next stop, the Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis where they’ll play for their first conference title since 2004.