In a thrilling display of postseason resilience, Minnesota’s Golden Gophers proved once again why they’re a force to be reckoned with in bowl games, even when the national championship isn’t on the line. On December 26, 2025, the Gophers extended their remarkable postseason winning streak to nine games with a hard-fought 20-17 victory over New Mexico in the Rate Bowl, held at Phoenix’s Chase Field. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some teams opt out of bowls in this era, Minnesota thrives under the leadership of coach P.J. Fleck, whose seven consecutive bowl wins now tie him with Southern California and Utah for the second-longest streak in history—trailing only Florida State’s legendary 11-game run from 1985-95. Is this a testament to Fleck’s coaching genius, or are the Gophers simply capitalizing on a trend of bowl opt-outs? Let’s dive in.
The game itself was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. Minnesota’s Jalen Smith emerged as the hero, scoring his second touchdown on a breathtaking 12-yard diving catch in the first overtime, a play so spectacular it required an official review to confirm. But this is the part most people miss: New Mexico’s Damon Bankston had earlier returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, followed by a daring 2-point conversion on a trick play that tied the game at 14-all in the fourth quarter. The Lobos, under first-year coach Jason Eck, showed incredible grit, especially for a team predicted to finish 11th in the Mountain West Conference. They went undefeated at home for the first time since 1962, defeated a Power Four team (UCLA) for the first time since 2007, and played in a bowl outside Albuquerque for the first time in two decades. Yet, despite these strides, they fell just short in overtime.
Minnesota’s defense deserves credit, too. After allowing New Mexico to dominate early—holding the Gophers to just 112 yards in the first half—they stiffened when it mattered most, limiting the Lobos to two field goals and 124 total yards by halftime. Quarterback Drake Lindsey, who threw for 147 yards and two touchdowns, summed it up best: ‘We didn’t start the way we wanted, but we battled.’ And battle they did, mirroring their season-long resilience.
But here’s the question that’s sure to spark debate: Is Minnesota’s postseason success a result of their own tenacity, or are they benefiting from a system where fewer teams are willing to compete in bowls? And for New Mexico, does this near-miss signal a turning point for a program on the rise, or will they remain on the cusp of greatness? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
Looking ahead, Minnesota opens the 2026 season at home against Eastern Illinois on September 3, while New Mexico hosts Central Michigan on September 5. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the Gophers’ postseason prowess is no fluke, and the Lobos are a team to watch. For updates on the AP Top 25 and more, sign up for alerts here and here via the AP News mobile app. Stay tuned—the best of college football is yet to come.
