Minnesota’s bowl winning streak under PJ Fleck continues

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

Minnesota trailed by three points going into 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 and made a wild catch, giving Minnesota a 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 the kick 100 yards for a touchdown. New Mexico trick play, two-point conversion equalized the score.

The bowl win was Minnesota head coach P.J. 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 Scouteri)

Lindsey scored 18 of his 28 points with two touchdown passes, both to Smith.

Lobos went viral while playing for their teal uniforms, but they didn't do enough to distract the Minnesota defense.

New Mexico defensive end Jack Lane was 14 of 25 with an interception.

Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, wide receiver Jalen Smith and cornerback Albert Nunez lift the trophy after defeating New Mexico in the Rate Bowl on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scouteri)

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

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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