Minnesota Golden Gophers snap 8-game losing streak with 12-10 victory over Iowa Hawkeyes

Minnesota at Iowa | Extended Highlights | Big Ten Football | Oct. 21, 2023

The Minnesota Golden Gophers just ended an 8-game losing streak against Iowa Hawkeyes since 1999. In the game played at Kinnick Stadium on October 21, they beat the No. 24 Hawkeyes 12-10.

Minnesota kicker Dragan Kesich made four field goals and held Iowa to just 12 yards in the second half to secure the victory. The win also earned the team the coveted Floyd of Rosedale trophy.

The Gophers, who just came off a rest week, have capitalized on the Hawkeyes’ offensive struggles in the second half. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 126 yards, completing 10 of 25 passes and did not have any turnovers.

Next up for the teams, Minnesota will host the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday. Meanwhile, Iowa is set to play against the Northwestern Wildcats on November 4.

Last-minute turnaround

With just 1:21 remaining, Minnesota seized the lead. Cornerback Cooper DeJean fielded a punt that had bounced near the Minnesota sideline and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown.

However, a replay review determined that DeJean had signaled for a fair catch before fielding the punt, negating the return.

“The receiver makes a pointing gesture with his right hand and he makes multiple waving gestures with his left hand,” referee Tim O’Dey said through a pool reporter. “If you look at the video you’ll see that. That waving motion of the left hand constitutes an invalid fair catch signal. So when the receiving team recovers the ball, by rule it becomes dead.”

O’Dey said the review showed “indisputable evidence that there is a waving motion with the left hand. And that is when these rules are applied.”

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz mentioned that he had received information indicating that there was waving. He explained that according to the pre-game instructions, a wave is considered to be above the head, and for most individuals who run, their arms naturally exhibit waving motions.

Minnesota coach PJ Fleck commented that the official believed it was a fair-catch signal. Fleck acknowledged that he’s not an official but noted they’ve been penalized for any movement before a catch in the past, where the ball was declared dead on the spot. He also praised the player for a remarkable play if it wasn’t the case.

Overcoming adversity

With a minute remaining, Minnesota’s junior cornerback Justin Walley intercepted Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill’s pass, giving Iowa possession. Trailing 10-3 at halftime, the Gophers limited Iowa to negative 2 yards in the third quarter.

“We knew we were going to have to play the long game today,” Fleck said. “You’ve got to play the long game with them.”

Fleck remembered a discussion he had with Illinois coach Bret Bielema last summer. They discussed the strategic approach to facing Iowa. Bielema emphasized the importance of commitment to that strategy despite the temptations and frustrations that might arise.

“We faced a ton of adversity today,” Fleck said. “We had every opportunity to fold. But we just wouldn’t. Our team, our players, wouldn’t.”

The Hawkeyes are ranked 130th in the nation in total offense. They had 127 yards overall, while Hill, making the third start of his career, fumbled twice in Iowa territory, completing just 10 of 28 passes for 116 yards.