When Mark Granowski, quarterback of University of Iowa took the snap at the 25‑yard line on Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Iowa Hawkeyes were already looking to write another chapter in a rivalry that’s older than most of the fans in the stands. Across the field, Athan Kaliakmanis Lindsay led the University of Minnesota offense, but the afternoon at Kinnick Stadium quickly turned into a showcase for Iowa’s all‑sides attack.
Rivalry Roots and the Floyd of Rosedale
The showdown is formally known as the Floyd of Rosedale game, a nod to the bronze pig trophy first contested in 1935 after Governors Floyd B. Olson of Minnesota and Clyde L. Herring of Iowa turned a fierce barn‑storming rivalry into a good‑natured competition. Over the decades the pig has changed hands more than 80 times, but the 2025 edition will be remembered for one thing: the sheer margin of victory.
Game Summary: Iowa’s 41‑3 Blowout
From the opening drive, Iowa set the tone. Granowski engineered a 22‑yard pickup on second‑down eight, followed by a crisp pass to Sam Phillips that earned a first down and set up a quarterback draw that slipped into the end zone. By the time the first quarter ticked down, the scoreboard read 14‑0.
Midway through the second quarter, Zack Luck intercepted Lindsay’s pass at the Gophers’ 32‑yard line and raced 28 yards for a defensive touchdown, stretching the lead to 21‑0. A few minutes later, Cam Buffington snagged another Lindsay throw, returning it 45 yards for a second pick‑six. Minnesota finally got on the board with a field goal, but the score was already 27‑3.
Late in the third, Iowa’s kicker Drew Stevens slotted his 69th career field goal – a 34‑yard effort that cemented a personal school record. The Hawkeyes added two more rushing scores in the fourth, including a 6‑yard plunge by running back Kaleb Johnson. The final whistle blew at 41‑3, giving Iowa a perfect 2‑0 start in Big Ten play.
Key Performers and Turning Points
- Mark Granowski finished 14‑of‑21 for 215 yards, two passing TDs, and one rushing TD.
- Kaleb Johnson rushed for 92 yards on 15 carries and returned one interception for a score.
- Zack Luck and Cam Buffington combined for two pick‑sixes, a rarity in rivalry games.
- Defensively, Iowa forced three turnovers and held Minnesota to just 164 total yards.
Coach Kirk Ferentz praised the “balanced attack” in his post‑game press conference, noting that “we trusted our kids to execute the screens, the draws, and the quick passes. The Gophers never figured out our rhythm.”
Reactions from Coaches and Analysts
The CBS Sports crew – play‑by‑play man Carter Blackburn and analyst Adam Archuleta – highlighted Iowa’s “all‑weapon” approach. “It wasn’t just a tailback‑heavy offense,” Archuleta said. “Granowski’s mobility, the screen game, and those aggressive defensive looks overwhelmed Minnesota.”
Meanwhile, Minnesota head coach P. J. Fleck lamented missed opportunities, stressing that “we’ll learn from this. The road environment at Kinnick is tough, but our boys showed heart. We’ve got a chance next week against Michigan State to get back on track.”
Implications for the Big Ten Race
With the win, Iowa improves to 2‑0 in conference play and keeps its impressive home record at Kinnick intact – the Hawkeyes have not lost a home game since the 2022 season. The Gophers, now 5‑4 overall and 3‑3 in the Big Ten, see their road woes grow; this was their first away loss of the year, and it drops them to a precarious position near the middle of the West division.
Looking ahead, Minnesota travels back to Huntington Bank Stadium on November 1 to face Michigan State. A win could restore some breathing room for bowl eligibility, but the Spartans, riding a 4‑2 conference record, present a fresh obstacle.
For Iowa, the next test comes against Northwestern on November 8. Maintaining the momentum could position the Hawkeyes as early contenders for the Big Ten title and possibly a New Year’s Six bowl.
Key Facts
- Date: October 25, 2025 (2:40 p.m. CT)
- Venue: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
- Final Score: Iowa Hawkeyes 41, Minnesota Golden Gophers 3
- Turnovers: Iowa forced three (two returned for touchdowns)
- Attendance: Capacity crowd (≈69,000)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect Minnesota’s bowl prospects?
The defeat drops the Golden Gophers to 5‑4 overall and 3‑3 in the Big Ten, meaning they now need at least two more wins to reach the six‑win threshold generally required for bowl eligibility. A win against Michigan State next week is essential, but they’ll likely need a final regular‑season victory to secure an invitation.
What made Iowa’s defense so dominant?
Iowa mixed aggressive man‑to‑man coverage with disguised blitzes, forcing three interceptions. Two of those picks were returned for scores, a rare occurrence that swung momentum early. Defensive lineman Jordan Black also logged four sacks, pressuring Lindsay into hurried throws.
Who were the standout players for Iowa?
Quarterback Mark Granowski led the offense with 215 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Running back Kaleb Johnson contributed 92 rushing yards and a defensive touchdown. On defense, cornerback Zack Luck and safety Cam Buffington each snagged an interception, with Luck’s pick‑six being the game‑changing play.
What’s the historical significance of the Floyd of Rosedale trophy?
First awarded in 1935 to ease tensions between Iowa and Minnesota, the bronze pig symbolizes more than a rivalry – it reflects regional pride and a tradition that has survived wars, conference realignments, and countless coaching changes. The 2025 game marks the 90th meeting, and Iowa’s 41‑3 victory is now one of the most lopsided scores in the series.
When does Iowa play its next game?
The Hawkeyes host Northwestern at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Central Time.
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