Indiana's Grant Wilson Leads Gophers to Overtime Loss
A late field goal by Paddy McAteer forced overtime, where a sack on fourth down sealed a seven-point victory for the No. 4 Hoosiers.
By Amelia Foster ·
The University of Minnesota football team entered Saturday's game as a 20-point underdog, carrying a national lead in wins against ranked opponents. That streak ended at 0-12 against defending national champions after a seven-point loss to Indiana in Bloomington, Ind.
The contest remained tight until the final minute of regulation. With 19 seconds left, kicker Luke Drzewieck connected on a career-long 60-yard field goal from the Hoosiers' logo. The kick gave Minnesota a 16-13 lead and offered the Gophers their first opportunity to beat a title-holder since 1969. Indiana's backup quarterback Grant Wilson responded with a 33-yard pass to Charlie Becker. That play set up a 60-yard attempt, which Paddy McAteer made as time expired to force overtime.
Indiana took control on the opening play of the extra session. Wilson completed a pass to Becker in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown, extending the Hoosiers' lead to 23-16. Minnesota received the ball on a fourth-and-goal from the four-yard line. Quarterback Drake Lindsey was sacked, resulting in a turnover on downs that ended the game.
The Gophers (5-3, 3-2 in the Big Ten) had built a 10-7 halftime lead on a trick play. Offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh called a reverse flea flicker on the first play of that drive. Lindsey threw a long touchdown pass to Roman Voss, who was unmarked. The drive began after Indiana punted the ball deep into its own territory. Earlier in the first half, the Gophers had blocked a 52-yard field goal attempt by Indiana.
Indiana's starting quarterback Josh Hoover left the game late in the first half after erratic throws and an apparent injury. Wilson took over and led the team's best drive in the third quarter. The Hoosiers moved 65 yards on 14 plays but settled for a 46-yard field goal to tie the score 10-10. Drzewieck retook the lead for Minnesota with a 51-yard field goal with 11:49 remaining in the third quarter.
The Hoosiers (8-1, 4-1) outgained Minnesota but missed three field goal attempts. Indiana's snapper and holder botched a 26-yard attempt in the fourth quarter, preventing the kick. In the second quarter, the Gophers blocked a 52-yarder, and Indiana missed a 31-yard attempt. The loss drops Minnesota to 5-3 overall while Indiana moves to 8-1.
The Gophers are scheduled to return home next week to continue their Big Ten schedule.
Source: The Forum of Fargo–Moorhead
