Smith’s Overtime Catch Lifts Minnesota 20-17 Over New Mexico/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Minnesota extended its bowl game win streak to nine with a 20-17 overtime victory over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl. Jalen Smith caught the game-winning touchdown in OT, his second score of the night. Both teams battled defensively, but Minnesota outlasted the Lobos in a gritty postseason contest.
Rate Bowl Recap Quick Looks
- Minnesota defeats New Mexico 20-17 in Rate Bowl overtime
- Jalen Smith scores game-winning 12-yard diving TD catch
- Gophers extend bowl win streak to nine games
- P.J. Fleck earns seventh consecutive bowl victory
- Drake Lindsey throws two TD passes, including game-winner
- New Mexico returns kickoff 100 yards to tie game
- Defensive battle keeps game close until late fireworks
- New Mexico ends strong season under coach Jason Eck
- Lobos made first non-Albuquerque bowl since 2004
- Minnesota opens 2026 season Sept. 3 vs. Eastern Illinois
Smith’s Overtime Catch Lifts Minnesota 20-17 Over New Mexico
Deep Look
PHOENIX — In an era when bowl games often lack energy due to player opt-outs and playoff distractions, Minnesota’s football team continues to show up — and win. The Golden Gophers once again proved their postseason prowess, edging New Mexico 20-17 in overtime at the Rate Bowl thanks to a diving 12-yard touchdown catch by wide receiver Jalen Smith.
Smith’s highlight-reel catch in the corner of the end zone came on the first possession of overtime, securing the win after New Mexico had taken a three-point lead with a field goal. It was Smith’s second touchdown of the night and the one that extended Minnesota’s postseason win streak to nine games, including seven in a row under head coach P.J. Fleck.
“It’s all about the players — the resolve, the resiliency, the scrap they have,” said Fleck. “I’m proud to be their coach for what they’ve done and what they continue to do.”
The Gophers (8-5) now sit tied with USC and Utah for the second-longest bowl win streak in NCAA history, trailing only Florida State’s 11-game streak from 1985 to 1995.
Defense Dominates, Then Momentum Shifts
Unlike last year’s Rate Bowl — a 44-41 shootout between Kansas State and Rutgers — this year’s contest unfolded as a defensive chess match, with both teams trading punts and field position through most of the game.
New Mexico took an early 6-0 lead behind two field goals, capitalizing on Minnesota’s early offensive struggles and recovering a botched snap on a key fourth-and-1 play. But late in the second quarter, the Gophers finally broke through. Quarterback Drake Lindsey lofted a perfect 10-yard touchdown pass to Smith in the back corner of the end zone, putting Minnesota up 7-6 just before halftime.
Minnesota’s defense was just as sturdy, holding the Lobos (9-4) to 124 first-half yards and tightening up inside the red zone to limit scoring opportunities.
“They have some really good players and a really good scheme,” said New Mexico coach Jason Eck. “They know who they are.”
Fourth-Quarter Fireworks and OT Drama
The game stayed tight into the second half, but action picked up early in the fourth quarter. Minnesota’s Darius Taylor punched in a 5-yard touchdown run to put the Gophers up 14-6. On the very next play, New Mexico answered emphatically — Damon Bankston returned the kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, and a successful two-point trick play tied the game at 14-14.
After trading punts through the final minutes of regulation, the game headed to overtime at Chase Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks.
New Mexico took the ball first but failed to gain a first down, settling for a 36-yard field goal from Luke Drzewiecki. That opened the door for Minnesota, and on third down, Lindsey found Smith once again — this time on a daring, full-extension grab in the end zone. After an official review upheld the call, Minnesota’s players stormed the field in celebration.
“Obviously, we didn’t start the way we wanted, but we battled,” said Lindsey, who threw for 147 yards and two touchdowns. “We had to battle back all season and we did it again.”
A Bright Future for New Mexico
While the loss stung, New Mexico walked away from the Rate Bowl with plenty to celebrate. In Jason Eck’s first season, the Lobos recorded their first bowl appearance since 2016 and their first non-home bowl game since 2004. After being predicted to finish 11th in the 12-team Mountain West, they defied expectations with a 9-win season.
The Lobos also beat UCLA, marking their first win over a Power Four opponent since 2007, and went undefeated at home for the first time since 1962.
New Mexico’s defense was one of the most improved in the nation — leaping from fourth-worst in the FBS in 2024 to No. 49 in total defense this year, cutting over 220 yards per game from last season’s average.
“I’m proud of all those things this team did,” Eck said. “In terms of toughness, we showed that we always respond — and we did that again tonight.”
Up Next
- Minnesota opens the 2026 season at home against Eastern Illinois on Sept. 3
- New Mexico returns to action Sept. 5 when it hosts Central Michigan
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