Gophers give up Floyd of Rosedale trophy in a disappointing defeat to Iowa.
It was a game of two distinct halves. After the Minnesota Gophers outgained Iowa 222 yards to 107 in the first half, the tide turned in the second, with the Hawkeyes dominating the yardage 227-61 and handing the Gophers a 31-14 defeat Saturday night in Minneapolis.
Iowa entered the game allowing 211.3 passing yards per game, ranking 77th in the nation. The Gophers identified this weakness and leaned heavily on the passing game in the first half, with a rare 26-10 pass-to-rush ratio.
Similar to Minnesota’s season-opening loss to North Carolina, quarterback Max Brosmer appeared overwhelmed early on. Iowa capitalized on an interception and a 24-yard run by star running back Kaleb Johnson, leading to an early rushing touchdown and a 7-0 Hawkeyes lead.
Brosmer bounced back, completing all seven passes for 68 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown to Jameson Geers on Minnesota’s first scoring drive.
He finished the half connecting on 11 of his last 13 attempts. Minnesota closed the half with a 68-yard drive, capped by Elijah Spencer’s impressive 11-yard touchdown catch, giving the Gophers a 14-7 lead and momentum heading into the break.
Iowa came out strong after halftime, marching 67 yards in five plays to tie the game at 14 early in the third quarter. They followed it up with another six-play, 73-yard drive, flipping Minnesota’s lead into a 21-14 deficit.
The Gophers struggled mightily in the third quarter, managing just 14 total yards, while Iowa took firm control with a field goal and another touchdown drive to open the fourth, extending their lead to 31-14. A promising start for Minnesota faded, as Iowa secured the win.
Next week won’t get any easier for Minnesota. After giving up 206 yards to Johnson and 272 total rushing yards to Iowa, they’ll travel to Ann Arbor to face the defending national champions, known for having one of the best rushing attacks in college football.
