MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Iowa football team won its fifth straight game against Minnesota in Minneapolis on Saturday night. The Hawkeyes defeated Minnesota, 31-14, at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Iowa tallied 334 yards to Minnesota’s 288 and the Hawkeyes outgained the Gophers by 193 yards on the ground.

Kaleb Johnson rushed for 206 yards on 21 attempts and found the endzone three times. Jaziun Patterson added 66 yards on 18 attempts. Brendan Sullivan had a rushing touchdown on a quarterback sneak.

Cade McNamara connected on 11 of his 19 passing attempts for 62 yards. Luke Lachey led the team with three receptions and Addison Ostrenga had 20 receiving yards.

Jay Higgins led the way on the defensive end with nine tackles (one solo), Deshaun Lee and Nick Jackson each added eight tackles. Quinn Schulte and Higgins each pulled in an interception and Jackson recorded a sack.

QUOTING KIRK FERENTZ

“Just really proud of the offense, started with the ball in the second half and got a chance to even the score back up. Continued to do a really good job the rest of the half. The defense looked more like what we are accustomed to. I credit Minnesota at the end of the first half, but it was good to see those guys settle down and play the way you hope we are capable of playing. So, happy about that.

Kaleb had a really great night again, he’s really playing well for us. Anytime a back gets 200 yards that is pretty special. The defense coming up with two interceptions, always a positive, and we got a touchdown off of Jay’s pick in the first half, good team football there.

A lot of good things, played clean, one penalty – it was costly – but just the one penalty, and a good job protecting the ball.

In short, we are going to enjoy this one a little bit more than 24 hours, give the guys a little bit extra time. Heading into a bye week we can. Again, just really proud of the guys, just a great great effort. Certainly have a lot of things to work on now between now and our next next ball game.”

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Iowa got on the board first with 8:03 remaining in the first half with a one-yard rush from Kaleb Johnson. The touchdown ended a five play 38-yard drive that lasted 2:05.
• A three-yard touchdown pass with 4:20 remaining in the first half for Minnesota evened the score to cap a seven play 64-yard drive that lasted 4:32.
• Minnesota took a lead into the locker room at halftime as an eight play 68-yard drive culminated with an 11-yard touchdown reception with 21 seconds left.
• Iowa tied the game on their opening drive of the second half. A 15-yard touchdown scamper with 12:56 remaining in the third quarter from Kaleb Johnson closed a five play 67-yard drive that lasted 1:59.
• Kaleb Johnson tallied his third touchdown of the day with 5:43 remaining in the third quarter. The scoring drive lasted 2:58 and covered six plays and 73 yards.
• Drew Stevens connected on a 46-yard field goal to push Iowa’s lead to two possessions. The score with 43 seconds remaining in the third quarter ended a nine play 34-yard drive.
• With 11:13 remaining in the game Brendan Sullivan punched in a QB sneak from the one-yard line to end a six play 52-yard drive that eclipsed 3:40.