Iowa took control early in the game, driving 75 yards on their first possession to score a touchdown and jump ahead 7-0. The Hawkeyes continued their momentum on their second possession, moving 46 yards to secure a field goal and extend their lead to 10-0.
The defense then made a big play one snap later, as Iowa nickelback Zach Lutmer intercepted Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown, putting the Hawkeyes up 17-0. Quarterback Gronowski connected with wide receiver Reece Vander Zee for a 29-yard touchdown soon after, increasing Iowa’s advantage to 24-0.
Special teams also contributed when Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen returned a punt 50 yards for a touchdown, making it 31-0. Wetjen celebrated with a “row-the-boat” motion after reaching the end zone, adding a bit of flair to the dominant performance.
The scoring unfolded quickly, with the first three touchdowns occurring in the first quarter. Vander Zee’s touchdown came on the third play of the second quarter, and Wetjen’s punt return touchdown followed just four plays later.
Minnesota finally avoided a shutout late in the third quarter, as Brady Denaburg kicked a 33-yard field goal with only three seconds remaining in the period. However, the Gophers’ offense struggled all game, being outrushed 133 yards to 24. Lindsey finished 16-for-28 passing for 109 yards but threw three interceptions. Notably, running back Darius Taylor ran for just 1 yard on Minnesota’s first play from scrimmage and didn’t carry the ball again.
### What It Means
The Hawkeyes continued their dominance in the Floyd of Rosedale rivalry, securing their 10th win in the last 11 meetings against Minnesota. The Gophers fall to 5-3 and still need at least one more win to become bowl eligible. After a tough loss, Minnesota is left looking to salvage their season from the wreckage.
### Play of the Game
Reece Vander Zee made a critical adjustment to the ball in the end zone and outmuscled cornerback John Nestor for his touchdown reception, highlighting the difference-maker in Iowa’s offensive attack.
### Key Stat
128-12 | Iowa’s advantage in total yards in the first quarter, where the Hawkeyes built a commanding 17-0 lead. This figure does not even include the 34 yards gained on Lutmer’s interception return for a touchdown.
https://www.startribune.com/takeaways-minnesota-gophers-iowa-hawkeyes-floyd-of-rosedale/601489133