Floyd isn’t going anywhere.
For the first time since 1998-2000, the Minnesota Gophers will keep Floyd of Rosedale for two consecutive years.
Last year the Gophers won the trophy from the Iowa Hawkeyes in a thrilling 27-24 highlight-of-the-season type game. This year the swine will be staying right where he belongs; in the confines of the University of Minnesota.
While being dominated for the majority of the game, the Gophers (2-6, 1-3 in Big Ten) battled back from a 21-10 fourth quarter deficit to defeat arch rival Iowa (5-3, 2-2 in Big Ten).
Duane Bennett scored a one-yard touchdown with 8:22 left in the game, but the following two-point conversion failed leaving the score 21-16.
Then Gophers’ coach Jerry Kill got tricky.
Following the Bennett score, the Gophers attempted a gusty onside kick which was recovered by safety Kim Royston. The recovery topped off a career day for the sixth-year senior Royston.
After a five plus minutes drive, junior quarterback Marqueis Gray scampered into the end zone on a fourth and goal from the three yard line making the score 22-21. A second consecutive failed two-point conversion kept the Gophers lead at one.
After a four and out by the Iowa offense, Gray and the Gophers were able to run out the clock.
The Gophers and their fans celebrated the 22-21 upset of Iowa by hoisting Floyd high towards the Minnesota fall sky.
In a losing effort, Iowa running back Marcus Coker ran for a career high 252 yards along with two touchdowns.
While the Hawkeyes dominated the ball control game, the rushing game, and the passing game. The most important facet of the game– the score– was won by the now two-win Gophers.
While this has been another disappointing season for the Gophers. Today, the Gophers can celebrate as Floyd will stay theirs for another year to come.
-Brett Cloutier
Brett is a contributor to The Sports Bank. He covers all things Minnesota sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @brettcloutier