In an ugly game by the offense, the Gophers struggled to get on the scoreboard against Iowa, falling 14-7. The Minnesota defense played well most of the game, but just 268 yards by the offense made for a long day.
13 Tackles by linebacker Jonathan Celestin, 12 of which were solo. Celestin said it helped having linebacker coach Mike Sherels back on the sidelines.
“It was an awesome feeling,” said Celestin of having his coach there. “Throughout this whole process, to come back to the sidelines and see him was amazing because he lives and dies for the game of football.”
22 Carries for Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks COMBINED. The duo averaged 4.5 yards per carry, but didn’t get their usual number of carries.
1 Touchdown for the Hawkeyes. The Gophers defense looked good most of the day, but gave up a 54-yard run on Iowa’s scoring drive.
“The kids were in a position to make some tackles and they did up until that last drive. We missed one and gave up the big play,” said Tracy Claeys. “We cut down on our big plays, didn’t give up as many. But we need to make that tackle there at the end. If we hold them to a field goal, then maybe it’s different.”
8 Penalties for the Gophers, compared to just 4 for the Hawkeyes. The penalties totaled 58 yards, somehow below Minnesota’s weekly average coming into the game, but they came at critical times to stall drives.
51 Was the over/under coming into the game. Not. Even. Close.
2 Players came up with their first career interceptions. Cornerback KiAnte Hardin and Burnsville-native Kamal Martin each recorded an INT against the Hawkeyes. Hardin also finished with a career-best seven tackles.
20 Incompletions on the day for Mitch Leidner. The QB felt pressure throughout, and had a few easy catches dropped by his receivers. Still, 13/33 for 166 yards and two interceptions wasn’t what Minnesota needed in a rivalry game.