Indiana coach Curt Cignetti showed faith in backup quarterback Grant Wilson. On Saturday, Wilson stepped up. Replacing the injured Josh Hoover in the second half, Wilson threw a 25-yard touchdown pass on the first play of overtime, securing a 23-16 victory for No. 4 Indiana over Minnesota. The defense finished the game by sacking Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey on fourth down.
“This is entertainment, so I thought we’d bring some entertainment to this game,” Cignetti joked. “Minnesota played great, and we made some plays, but this team finds a way to win.” Indiana, with an 8-1 record and 5-1 in the Big Ten, needed overtime for the second consecutive week to avoid a costly second loss as it aims to repeat as national champions. Last week, the Hoosiers defeated Michigan 13-6.
The game appeared over when Minnesota gained a 16-13 lead with 19 seconds remaining following Luke Drzewiecki’s 60-yard field goal. But Becker’s 33-yard catch set up Paddy McAteer’s 60-yard field goal to tie the game as time expired. This marked only the second time in Big Ten history that multiple 60-yard field goals were made in a single game.
“They made some big-time plays, and we did everything we could to put ourselves in position to win,” Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said. “But our kids never blink, never back down. We expected to win this game. That’s a hurt locker room in there.”
Indiana substituted Hoover at halftime after a significant hit on his second interception of the season. Two late replay reviews overturned potential game-winning situations, nullifying a touchdown pass and taking away an interception that would have placed Indiana deep in Minnesota territory with 2:59 left in regulation. Tobi Osunsanmi celebrated with teammates after Indiana stopped Minnesota in overtime to secure the victory.
Wilson completed 9 of 17 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown after Hoover finished with 8 of 19 for 119 yards, one touchdown, and an interception in the first half. Becker caught eight passes for 149 yards and scored the decisive touchdown. Lindsey completed 20 of 37 for 120 yards and one touchdown, while Javon Tracy had seven receptions for 40 yards for Minnesota.
The Takeaways
Minnesota: The Gophers played solidly on defense, giving themselves a chance in a crucial game. Unfortunately, two pass-coverage errors late in the game were costly, and their offense, which finished with 215 total yards, couldn’t recover.
Indiana: Despite ongoing offensive challenges, Indiana’s defense, one of the stingiest in the Football Bowl Subdivision, remained formidable. This defense has been pivotal in all but one game so far, which is crucial with the College Football Playoff approaching.
Not So Special
Indiana’s special teams performed poorly compared to the offense. A 5-yard penalty occurred due to running into the kicker during the first punt. Coach Fleck argued for a 15-yard roughing-the-kicker call. Billy Gowers’ short punts of 15 and 27 yards contributed to Minnesota’s initial scores, resulting in a 10-7 halftime lead. Additionally, Nico Radicic had a 52-yard field goal blocked and missed a 31-yard attempt wide left. A 27-yard attempt was missed due to a bad snap later in the game.
Injuries
Indiana: Rolijah Hardy suffered a back injury during pregame warmups and did not play. Hoover began with a compromised right shoulder and worsened it landing hard during his interception return. RB Turbo Richard did not return after injuring his left shoulder in the third quarter. CB A.J. Harris exited with an undisclosed injury in the fourth quarter.
Minnesota: TE Julian Johnson was injured during an incomplete pass in the third quarter. He remained on the ground for several minutes before being assisted off the field and taken to the locker room.
Up Next
Minnesota: Faces No. 7 UCLA on Saturday.
Indiana: Prepares for a matchup against USC on November 14 following a bye week.
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