Minnesota’s bowl winning streak under PJ Fleck continues

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

Minnesota was down three points in overtime and needed a field goal to extend the period or a touchdown to win the game.

On third down, Drake Lindsey found Smith between three Lobos defenders. Smith dove in and made a wild catch to give Minnesota a 20-17 victory.

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Golden Gophers took the lead 14-6 with Darius Taylor’s goal. But on the ensuing kickoff, Damon Bankston responded with a 100-yard field goal. New Mexico’s trick play two-point conversion tied the game.

The bowl victory was Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck’s seventh since becoming head coach of the Golden Gophers. Minnesota hasn’t lost a bowl game under Fleck and hasn’t 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 the Rate Bowl on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Lindsey was 28/18 with two goals, both to Smith.

The Lobos went viral for their turquoise jerseys during the game, but it wasn’t enough to distract Minnesota’s defense.

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

Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck, winger Jalen Smith and safety Albert Nunes hoist the trophy after defeating New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

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Minnesota finished the season with an 8-5 record. New Mexico fell to 9-4.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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