This Saturday was a huge day for the B1G West as two of the top teams in No. 20 Iowa and Minnesota were set for a big duel in Iowa City. Despite a potential big comeback from Minnesota, it was Iowa’s defense that came through to them the 27-22 victory at home.

Iowa’s defense had some struggles against this efficient, well-balanced offense of Minnesota. Minnesota outgained Iowa in total yards accounted for 409-to-277 and first downs accounted for 23-to-12.

After allowing a 68-yard touchdown from Tanner Morgan to Chris Autman-Bell with 5:28 left in the game, Iowa’s defense needed to make some key stops in drives to avoid Minnesota from taking the lead late in the game.

Iowa’s defense ended the second to last drive in a four-play drive resulting in a turnover on downs.

Minnesota got the ball back one more time with 30 seconds left on their 29-yard line. Iowa’s defense stalled Minnesota enough to force them to run out of time in their territory.

Iowa has won their seventh game in a row and nine of the last ten matchup versus their rivals for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy.