(Phoenix, AZ) — The Minnesota Gophers ended their season on a high note. The Gophers beat New Mexico in overtime 20-17 during the Rate Bowl from Chase Field on Friday.
Drake Lindsey threw a game-winning touchdown to Jalen Smith in OT to walk-off the game. Lindsey completed 18-of-28 passes for 147 yards and two scores. Smith led the receiving core with six receptions for 64 yards and two TD’s. Darius Taylor ran for 116 yards and a TD.
MINNESOTA WALKS OFF THE RATE BOWL ON A GAME-WINNING TD 🤯
THE GOLDEN GOPHERS WIN THEIR 9TH-STRAIGHT BOWL GAME 🔥 pic.twitter.com/da2gMvOcwM
— ESPN (@espn) December 27, 2025
Maverick Baranowski led the Minnesota defense with 17 tackles. Devin Williams added seven tackles while Anthony Smith added six tackles with two sacks.
The Golden Gophers have now won an FBS-best nine straight bowl games along with being 7-0 in bowl games in the P.J. Fleck era.
Minnesota finished the year with an 8-5 record.
