Gophers prove they are Big 10 contenders after blasting Hawkeyes

MINNEAPOLIS — After pulling off one of the best upsets in week eight, the Golden Gophers are surging towards the top of the Big Ten standings, and looking like contenders.

Minnesota beat Iowa 13-10 in a defensive slugfest, and everything is still on the table to make some noise down the stretch of conference play. Coach P.J. Fleck made sure his players had a sense of urgency after an intense bye-week, and they didn’t disappoint the Homecoming crowd of 53,004 that turned Huntington Bank Stadium into a snakepit.

The Golden Gophers played complimentary football on offense, defense and special teams, but they also looked like they wanted Floyd of Rosedale more. Fleck beat Kirk Ferentz at his own game by winning the turnover battle, pounding the ball, and a suffocating defense. Which is why Fleck has no issues with winning ugly, especially against the Hawkeyes, and believes it’ll be beneficial for his players down the road.

“It’s really hard to score points on that football team, and it’s really hard to move the ball on that football team, especially when you have long fields constantly,” Fleck said. “You’re going to have to play the waiting game, be patient and play field position too, and then be able to make one more play than they do at the end, and I think we were able to do that.”

It was Minnesota’s first victory over Iowa in Minneapolis since 2014, and revamped the entire season. The Golden Gophers never trailed the entire afternoon, and held the opposition scoreless in the first, and third quarter.

Although the Hawkeyes led the Golden Gophers in total offense, passing yards, rushing yards, yards per play, first downs, plays, third down conversions and time of possession, turnovers cost them the game. In Fleck’s eyes, it came down to the way his team responded to adversity, adjustments and their ability to control the trenches.

“We’re going to have to beat Iowa at Iowa football, which is going to have to equal better Minnesota football, and we were able to do that at the very end,” he said. “Maybe one of the best defensive performances that I’ve been around at the University of Minnesota.”

After all, the Golden Gophers blocked a punt on the Hawkeyes’ first drive, picked off three passes in the red zone, and held the opposition to 90 yards on the ground. Minnesota’s defense never let up on the intensity, and forced Iowa to switch quarterbacks. It didn’t matter though, because neither Jeremy Hecklinski or Hank Brown looked comfortable in the pocket.

Edger rusher Anthony Smith dominated up front, linebacker Maverick Baranowski handled everything that made it past the first level and the game was basically played in a phone booth. The Golden Gophers even limited Kamari Moulton in the backfield, and he’s one of the Big Ten’s top running backs.

Quarterback Drake Lindsey didn’t have to be the hero, and used what the defense gave him, which wasn’t much. The Hawkeyes didn’t make anything easy. The pressure was more on kicker Luke Drzewiecki, and he delivered for Minnesota in the clutch. Drzewiecki made the 46-yard, walk-off field goal, and the fans stormed the field, which left a lasting memory on Fleck.

Lindsey completed 14 of his 26 passes for 137 yards and an interception. He also absorbed three sacks. Xavier Ford finished with a team-high, 33 rush yards. Darius Taylor scored Minnesota’s only touchdown of the game, and he was effective out of the wildcat formation.

Javon Tracy hauled in a game-high, seven passes for 45 yards, and he also had 22 on the ground. Jalen Smith had one catch, but it was a 39-yarder that happened at the perfect time, and put the team in position to end the game on a field goal.

Defensively, Zack Harden racked up a game-high, 12 tackles, which included one for loss, and a sack, plus he forced a fumble. John Nestor added 11 stops, and also forced a fumble. Joey Gerlach posted nine tackles, and an interception. Matt Kingsbury, and TJ Bush also picked off a pass.

Beating a ranked team is an accomplishment to Fleck, but he knows there’s plenty of room for improvement. The Golden Gophers showed the world what they can do when their backs are against the wall, and were clearly more physical than the Hawkeyes, and spoke volumes to Fleck.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, it doesn’t matter what school you go to, and it doesn’t matter what conference you’re in, it’s one of the toughest teams to beat in College Football, period,” the 43-year old said.

Minnesota (5-2) is currently tied for third place in the Big Ten standings with Wisconsin and Northwestern, but has Indiana in week nine. Fleck wants his team to celebrate winning Floyd of Rosedale over their rival, but there’s an even tougher test ahead against a top-10 team on the road.

Regardless, Fleck is ready to put the win over the Hawkeyes in the rearview mirror, and make sure his players doesn’t have any lingering hangovers from it. The team needs to prove that the win isn’t a fluke, and they’ll have a perfect opportunity. So Fleck is keeping his message to the team simple as Minnesota shift gears.

“It’s going to be special for the next 24 hours, and then we’re going to move on because your gift is the defending National Champions, we have the hardest schedule, and I think that’s very public.”