.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
9-1 , 6-1
Iowa
7-3 , 4-3
Gophers Drop First Game at Iowa 23-19
11/16/2019 6:39:00 PM | Football
Minnesota needs one win and a Wisconsin loss to win the Big Ten West
Nate Stanley threw for two touchdown passes and Tyler Goodson ran for a score to help No. 23 Iowa beat No. 7 Minnesota 23-19 on Saturday, handing the Gophers their first loss while hurting their playoff prospects.
The Hawkeyes (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) struck quickly, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions, then held off Minnesota's charge in the second half for their first victory over a ranked opponent this season.
The Gophers (9-1, 6-1, No. 8 CFP) haven't won at Kinnick Stadium since 1999, losing nine straight on the road in the series.
Minnesota got to 23-19 with 3:27 to play when Rodney Smith scored on a 1-yard dive. But Brock Walker's extra-point attempt missed. Iowa's Nate Wieting then recovered the onside kick.
The Gophers had a final chance. But quarterback Tanner Morgan was sacked by Joe Evans and A.J. Epenesa on back-to-back plays, then backup Cole Kramer's pass was intercepted by Riley Moss on fourth down.
Stanley threw for 173 yards. Goodson rushed for 94 yards.
Morgan threw for 368 yards. Tyler Johnson had nine catches for 170 yards. The Gophers had 431 yards of offense.
THE TAKEAWAY
Minnesota: The Gophers' chance at making it to the CFP took a hit with the defeat. But they're still in command of the West Division race with two games remaining. Minnesota plays at Northwestern next week and closes the season at home against Wisconsin, the second-place team in the division. The Badgers are one game behind the Gophers.
Iowa: This was the Hawkeyes' fifth home win on Oct. 30 or late over a team with serious national title aspirations since 2008. The Hawkeyes talked all week about not having any pressure with their division hopes.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Minnesota rose 12 spots after beating Penn State a week ago. The Gophers will tumble, but it likely won't be as dramatic as last week's surge. As for Iowa, it should expect to move up at least three or four spots.
UP NEXT
Minnesota: At Northwestern on Nov. 23
Iowa: Hosts Illinois in its home finale Nov. 23
Follow Minnesota Football
Minnesota Football Tickets
Support Minnesota Football
Team Stats
MINN 0, IOWA 6
IOWA - Ragaini,Nico 21 yd pass from Stanley,Nate (Rastetter,C. passfailed) 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:34
MINN 0, IOWA 13
IOWA - Goodson, Tyler 10 yd run (Duncan, Keith kick), 9 plays, 68 yards, TOP 5:27
MINN 3, IOWA 13
MINN - Walker, Brock 24 yd field goal 12 plays, 87 yards, TOP 5:25
MINN 3, IOWA 20
IOWA - Smith-Marsette 5 yd pass from Stanley,Nate (Duncan, Keith kick) 6 plays, 69 yards, TOP 3:20
MINN 6, IOWA 20
MINN - Walker, Brock 20 yd field goal 5 plays, 44 yards, TOP 0:39
MINN 13, IOWA 20
MINN - Johnson, Tyler 28 yd pass from Morgan, Tanner (Walker, Brock kick) 6 plays, 66 yards, TOP 3:25
MINN 13, IOWA 23
IOWA - Duncan, Keith 27 yd field goal 10 plays, 29 yards, TOP 4:09
MINN 19, IOWA 23
MINN - Smith, Rodney 1 yd run (Walker, Brock kickfailed), 9 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:46
