Kaleb Johnson rushed for a personal best of 206 yards and three touchdowns, including two in a strong third quarter, helping Iowa defeat Minnesota 31-14 and reclaim the bronze pig trophy on Saturday night.
The Hawkeyes (3-1, 1-0) were eager for this win after losing to the Gophers last year in a controversial game, where a fair catch signal negated a touchdown that could have changed the outcome. This time, they enjoyed a successful Big Ten opener on Minnesota’s home field.
Johnson’s total for the season now stands at 685 rushing yards, making him the NCAA leader after his impressive performance, which highlighted the strong play of Iowa’s offensive line.
“I just really appreciate them for opening up the holes for me and allowing me to do my thing,” Johnson said. “Without them, I’m not Kaleb Johnson. I just give credit to my o-line. My o-line scored them points, not me.”
With 21 carries, Johnson showcased his speed on outside runs and broke several tackles on runs inside.
“It’s the small things. It’s the technique. It’s being in the right spots,” said Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg, who recorded 10 tackles and a sack.
Iowa rushed for over 200 yards for the fourth consecutive game, the longest streak for the program since 2013, and did so against a Minnesota defense that had previously shut out Rhode Island and Nevada.
The experienced offensive line, featuring left tackle Mason Richman, left guard Beau Stephens, center Logan Jones, right guard Connor Colby, and right tackle Gennings Dunker, delivered a powerful performance after facing challenges in earlier games against Minnesota.
Last season, the Hawkeyes only managed 11 rushing yards in their game and, when including lost yardage from sacks, they had a total of just 141 yards on 81 attempts in their last three games against Minnesota. Johnson was determined to change that.
“What I really appreciate is how he’s really taken on and put the team first,” Cade McNamara said. “I think the guys really appreciate that.”
In the first half, the Gophers (2-2, 0-1) had the advantage, taking a 14-7 lead with touchdown passes from Max Brosmer to Jameson Geers and Elijah Spencer. The Hawkeyes’ only points came after a 38-yard drive set up by a diving interception from linebacker Jay Higgins in the first quarter.
Iowa punted four times after that and went into halftime with just 107 total yards. McNamara, who finished with 11 completions out of 19 attempts for 62 yards, struggled to find a rhythm, with several throws slipping through receivers’ hands but avoiding any interceptions.
“We were sitting there at halftime,” Higgins said, “knowing that we were better than that.” The Hawkeyes received the kickoff to start the second half and scored a tying touchdown in five plays.
McNamara began with a bootleg pass to tight end Addison Ostrenga for 20 yards, and then Johnson took over, helped by a late hit penalty on Lindenberg that gave Iowa a 15-yard advantage as he went out of bounds.
On their next drive, Iowa covered 73 yards in six plays, ending with a 40-yard run by Johnson, who broke through the line and sprinted free into the secondary to give the Hawkeyes a 21-14 lead.
“That’s where they want you. Now all of a sudden it’s like a boa constrictor, and you better start scoring some points really quick,” said Gophers coach P.J. Fleck.
