Every team is going to run a scheme that the coaches believe is in the best interest of the team. If that means they're going to use ball control then so be it. If that means they're going to have an up tempo offense, great.
I'm guessing Iowa wished they had a better offense against Penn State and Michigan no different than I bet Iowa State had a better defense against Oklahoma and Baylor last year.
The best teams in the nation have adapted to more high tempo spread offenses and look at the success they've had. Clemson, LSU, OU, Ohio State, even Alabama. I'm not saying one way is better than the other but don't act like Iowa's offense is somehow morally better because they don't rack up yards and points every week and play a methodical style.