Gophers-Iowa player/coach ratings: Minnesota overcomes offensive struggles

Minnesota’s offense had just 11 first downs on Saturday evening against Iowa, but it didn’t matter. The Gophers’ defense carried them to a historic 13-10 win over No. 15 Iowa. Here are the top performers.

Drake Lindsey: 2.3

Lindsey had one of the best games of his Gophers career against Washington on the road, throwing for 204 yards and three touchdowns. He has looked like a completely different player since that game, and the struggles carried into Saturday. Last year’s disaster against Iowa was his worst performance of 2025, and it appeared that he didn’t learn his lesson. He finished 14 of 26 for 137 yards and one interception, but he made one throw when Minnesota needed it most.

Greg Harbaugh Jr.: 0.9

They don’t ask how, just how many. Harbaugh’s offense was severely out-schemed by Phil Parker’s Iowa defense on Saturday, but Minnesota did just enough to win the game. The entire Gophers offense needs to make huge improvements, but the unit made plays when it needed them most against the Hawkeyes. It’s still hard to feel confident about the offense going forward.

Danny Collins: 9.5

Collins is far from a perfect defensive playcaller, but he continues to show improvement. Minnesota’s defense was ready for everything Iowa threw at it on Saturday. With five forced turnovers, you really couldn’t ask for much more from the Gophers’ defense.

Run game: 1.8

Minnesota’s run game continues to be abysmal, and the Gophers have zero answers. Darius Taylor had just 12 carries for 20 yards, but TJ Thomas wasn’t much better, with six carries for eight yards. Second-year back Xavier Ford looked explosive with eight carries for 33 yards, but it’s clear that the Gophers’ run game still has a lot of issues.

Javon Tracy: 8.4

Tracy was Minnesota’s best offensive playmaker on Saturday evening. He was great in the return game with 43 yards as a punt returner, and he led the team with seven catches for 45 yards. He continues to be Minnesota’s most explosive playmaker this season.

Noah Jennings: 1.5

Jennings received four targets on Saturday and had zero receptions. One blatant drop stalled an early offensive drive, and he was clearly not at his best. True freshman Roman Voss operated as the Gophers’ No. 2 target with three catches for 34 yards.

Joey Gerlach: 9.2

Gerlach continues to experience a true breakout season in his fifth year with the Gophers. His first career interception marked his fourth turnover of the year, and he continues to be one of the most consistent playmakers on the Minnesota defense. This year will be his last at the college level, but he’s making quite a final impression.

Offensive line: 6.7

The Gophers’ banged-up offensive line faced another challenge when right tackle DJ Shipp left the game in the first half. Bennett Warren moved from left guard to right tackle, and Jerome Williams filled in at left guard. There are a lot of issues with this Gophers offense, but the offensive line isn’t near the top of the list.

P.J. Fleck: 7.2

Fleck has had 10 tries against Iowa, and his game plan has remained relatively the same, but he finally broke through for a signature win over the Hawkeyes at home. It was far from the cleanest game, but coaches are judged on wins and losses.