Iowa’s offense has struggled to generate big plays throughout a majority of the season, but it depended heavily on them on Saturday against Minnesota. Thanks to two explosive moments, Floyd of Rosedale won’t have to change his address for at least another year.

Both big plays for the Hawkeyes came in the second half.

Trailing 13-10 at the half, Minnesota got the ball to open the third quarter with a chance to build on its first lead over Iowa since 2016. The Hawkeye defense forced an early punt and the offense took advantage.

On the first play of the drive, Alex Padilla connected with Charlie Jones for a 72-yard touchdown pass to put the Hawkeyes back in front 17-13. On the following drive, Minnesota collected 64 yards on 11 plays and connected on a 29-yard field goal from Matthew Trickett to draw within 1 point.

Minnesota’s next possession ended on a blocked field goal on a 50-yard attempt, which would’ve given the Golden Gophers the lead. With the ball in their hands, the Hawkeyes were able score a touchdown thanks to a spectacular play by Keagan Johnson.

After hauling in a short pass from Padilla, Johnson was swarmed by a pair of Minnesota defenders, but was able to keep his footing and wiggle through the coverage, scoring a touchdown from 27 yards out.

That touchdown proved to be enough to keep Floyd of Rosedale in Iowa City.

Iowa added on an additional field goal and Minnesota had a chance to win the game with a touchdown on the final drive, but Tanner Morgan was sacked as time expired.

Padilla finished the day completing 11-of-24 passes for 206 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jones had 106 yards and a touchdown on 2 catches and Johnson and Sam LaPorta each had 34 yards in the receiving game.

Running back Tyler Goodson ended the afternoon with 59 yards on 18 carries.

Iowa is still in the mix of the B1G West race, though it will need some help down the stretch. In addition to the Hawkeyes winning out, they’d need either Nebraska or Minnesota to take down Wisconsin in the final two weeks.

Nobody is thinking about that right now in Iowa City, though. Instead, they’ve got a bronze pig to put back in the trophy case, a spot he’s occupied for seven straight seasons.