Iowa Dominates Minnesota Gophers in 41-3 Rivalry Showdown

The Minnesota Gophers faced a significant setback on October 14, 2023, suffering a decisive 41-3 defeat against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. The loss marked another chapter in a challenging rivalry, leaving the Gophers to reflect on their performance during the lengthy journey back to Minneapolis.

Following the game, Gophers athletics director Mark Coyle had hoped to celebrate the return of the Floyd of Rosedale trophy. Instead, the team boarded their buses for the 303-mile trip home, reflecting on a game that saw them struggle to find their footing. Coyle had even planned to visit his mother in Waterloo, Iowa, during the trip, recalling her enthusiastic encouragement to “kick their blank,” a sentiment he shared on the KFAN pregame show, albeit with some language omitted.

From the outset of the match, it was clear that Iowa was in control. The Hawkeyes quickly established a commanding 31-0 lead by the second quarter, leaving the Gophers scrambling to catch up. Despite head coach P.J. Fleck‘s goals of making the Gophers a “tough out” in the competitive landscape, the team struggled to meet those aspirations, with Fleck noting, “As bad as this hurts and stings, we’ve got a four-hour bus ride for it to sting and hurt.”

The Gophers were limited to just three points in the second half, a stark contrast to their recent success against Nebraska. They rushed for only 24 yards on 25 attempts, with star running back Darius Taylor leaving the game with an injury in the first half. Quarterback Drake Lindsey faced challenges throughout the game, throwing three interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown.

Lindsey, a redshirt freshman, acknowledged the need for improvement. “Once I got out there, you could tell their guys are executing the scheme at the highest level,” he stated. He plans to review the game footage on the bus to better understand his performance.

Defensively, the Gophers did not allow an overwhelming number of total yards—274—but they conceded 17 points on Iowa’s first three drives. Despite a record-setting performance against Nebraska with nine sacks, the Gophers managed only two against the Hawkeyes. Anthony Smith, a junior defensive lineman and current Big Ten sack leader, expressed his determination to analyze the game and improve, stating, “I can only see so much from playing in the trenches. So, seeing what I can do better is definitely big for me.”

The Gophers will regroup on Sunday at the Larson Football Performance Center to officially review the game. They will look to shift their focus to their upcoming matchup against Michigan State on Saturday, aiming to bounce back from this tough loss. As the team continues to navigate the season, the disappointment of this rivalry game remains fresh, but it serves as a pivotal moment for reflection and growth as they move forward.