The Minnesota Gophers were beaten by the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday during homecoming at TCF Bank Stadium.
The Hawkeyes controlled the game from the early going building a 17-0 first half lead, on their way to a 23-7 victory over the Gophers.
The win means that Floyd of Rosedale will return to Iowa, for another year.
Gophers quarterback Philip Nelson returned, but struggled against the Hawkeyes defense, as he finished 12 of 24 passing for 124 yards a touchdown and two interceptions, including one to ice the win for the Hawkeyes on a key fourth and five with about four minutes to play and the Gophers trailing.
Iowa’s defense controlled the day holding the Gophers to just 30 yards rushing in the game. Rodderick Williams had just 22 yards on seven carries.
It was Iowa’s running back Mark Weisman who ran over the Gophers again, he rushed for 147 yards on 24 carries, according to the Star Tribune.
Minnesota’s only scoring drive came after another big kick return by Marcus Jones. Jones returned the kick 66 yards to set up the Gophers deep in Hawkeye territory. Four plays later Nelson connected with Derrick Engel on a 23-yard touchdown pass to get the Gophers on the scoreboard.
