Phoenix, LV — In an era when postseason rosters are often thinned by opt-outs and transfer decisions, Minnesota continues to treat bowl season as a proving ground — and the Golden Gophers keep winning.
Jalen Smith hauled in a diving 12-yard touchdown pass in the first overtime to lift Minnesota past New Mexico, 20–17, in a gritty, defense-driven Rate Bowl showdown Friday night at Chase Field.
The victory pushed Minnesota’s postseason winning streak to nine straight games, including seven in a row under head coach P.J. Fleck, tying USC and Utah for the second-longest bowl streak in college football history. Only Florida State’s 11-game run from 1985–95 stands longer.
“It’s about the players — their resolve, their resilience, their fight,” Fleck said. “That’s why we keep winning these games.”
A Defensive Battle Turns Chaotic
A year after a shootout defined the Rate Bowl, this edition unfolded as a defensive struggle until chaos erupted early in the fourth quarter.
Minnesota (8-5) appeared to seize control when Darius Taylor powered in from five yards out to give the Gophers a 14–6 lead. Moments later, Damon Bankston flipped the script, racing 100 yards on the ensuing kickoff for a New Mexico touchdown. A successful trick-play two-point conversion tied the game at 14–14, stunning the Gophers and their fans.
From there, both defenses clamped down again, trading punts and forcing overtime.
Overtime Drama in the Desert
New Mexico (9-4) struck first in overtime, but stalled after failing to convert a first down. Luke Drzewiecki knocked through a 36-yard field goal, putting the Lobos ahead 17–14.
Minnesota answered with precision — and a moment of suspense. Drake Lindsey lofted a pass toward the back corner of the end zone, where Smith laid out for a spectacular catch. Officials initially ruled it a touchdown, then confirmed it after review, setting off a second celebration as Minnesota sealed the win.
“Obviously, we didn’t start how we wanted, but we battled,” said Lindsey, who threw for 147 yards and two touchdowns. “That’s kind of been our season.”
Lobos Show Real Progress
Despite the loss, the night marked another step forward for New Mexico under first-year head coach Jason Eck.
Picked to finish 11th in the 12-team Mountain West, the Lobos exceeded expectations by going undefeated at home, beating UCLA for their first Power Four win since 2007, and earning their first bowl appearance since 2016 — and their first outside Albuquerque since 2004.
“I’m proud of everything this team accomplished,” Eck said. “They always respond, and they did again tonight.”
New Mexico’s resurgence was fueled by a dramatically improved defense. After ranking near the bottom of the FBS last season, the Lobos climbed to No. 49 nationally in total defense, slicing more than 220 yards per game off their previous totals.
That unit stifled Minnesota early, recovering a botched fourth-and-1 snap at midfield and limiting the Gophers to 112 first-half yards. Still, Minnesota found just enough offense late in the half when Lindsey capped a 75-yard drive with a perfectly placed touchdown to Smith for a 7–6 halftime lead.
Postseason Poise Prevails
Minnesota’s defense matched New Mexico’s intensity, bending but rarely breaking. The Gophers allowed only two scoring drives in the first half and held the Lobos to 124 total yards before intermission.
“They know who they are,” Eck said of Minnesota. “They’re tough, disciplined, and they execute when it matters.”
Once again, that postseason identity carried the day.
Up Next:
- Minnesota opens the 2026 season at home against Eastern Illinois on Sept. 3.
- New Mexico begins its next campaign hosting Central Michigan on Sept. 5.
