Minnesota’s bowl streak under PJ Fleck continues

Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Jalen Smith made an incredible diving touchdown catch to help the team to a Rate Bowl victory over the New Mexico Lobos on Friday night.

Trailing by three points in overtime, Minnesota needed a field goal to extend the period or a touchdown to win the game. On third down, Drake found Lindsey Smith between three Lobos defenders. Smith dove and made the wild catch to give Minnesota the 20-17 win.

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The Golden Gophers led 14-6 after Darius Taylor scored a touchdown. But on the ensuing kickoff, Damon Bankston returned a kick 100 yards for a touchdown. New Mexico’s trick play 2-point conversion tied the game.

The bowl victory marked Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck’s seventh since taking the helm of the Golden Gophers. Minnesota has not lost a bowl game under Fleck and has not lost a bowl game since the 2014 season when Jerry Kill was head coach.

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New Mexico safety Austin Brawley and safety Tavian Combs (7) react after losing to Minnesota in a Rate Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Lindsey was 18-of-28 with two touchdown passes — both to Smith.

The Lobos went viral during the game for their turquoise uniforms, but they didn’t do enough to distract Minnesota’s defense.

New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne was 14-of-25 with an interception.

Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck, wide receiver Jalen Smith and safety Albert Nunes lift the trophy after defeating New Mexico in a Rate Bowl NCAA college football game, Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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Minnesota finishes the season with an 8-5 record. New Mexico dropped to 9-4.