Minnesota’s winning streak in bowl games under PJ Fleck goes on

Gophers Secure Overtime Victory in Rate Bowl

On Friday night, Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Jalen Smith made an impressive diving catch to score a touchdown, leading his team to a 20-17 overtime win against the New Mexico Lobos in the Rate Bowl.

Trailing by three points in overtime, Minnesota was in a tough spot. They needed either a touchdown or a field goal to clinch the game. On a crucial third down, quarterback Drake Lindsay spotted Smith, who managed to snag the ball right between three New Mexico defenders, sealing the victory for the Gophers.

Earlier in the game, Darius Taylor had given Minnesota a 14-6 advantage with his touchdown. However, the Lobos quickly responded—Damon Bankston returned the subsequent kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, and a two-point conversion from New Mexico tied the game.

This bowl win marks the seventh under head coach P.J. Fleck, who has yet to see his team lose a bowl game since he began coaching. In fact, Minnesota hasn’t lost in a bowl setting since the 2014 season when Jerry Kill was at the helm.

Lindsay was quite efficient, completing 18 of his 28 pass attempts, including both touchdowns to Smith. Interestingly, the Lobos’ turquoise uniforms created a bit of conversation during the match, but they couldn’t distract Minnesota’s defense, which held firm throughout. Meanwhile, New Mexico quarterback Jack Laine had a more challenging outing, finishing with 14 completions on 25 attempts, including one interception.