Halftime -- Pig ugly

The ball must've been made out of lava. Neither team seemed to want to hang onto it too long.

Despite an interception in the Minnesota end zone and three three-and-outs, the Hawkeyes took a 9-0 lead into the lockerroom.

Iowa's defense forced three turnovers and converted that into seven points.

On a wide receiver reverse, MarQueis Gray threw right into the arms of Iowa linebacker A.J. Edds, who returned the ball to Minnesota's 39. It was Edds' fourth interception this season.

On first down, the Gophers were called for holding, setting up the Hawkeyes at Minnesota's 29.

A 15-yard slant from quarterback James Vandenberg to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos move Iowa to UM's 2. On his second dive attempt, freshman running back Brandon Wegher plunged in from the 1 and gave Iowa a 9-0 lead after kicker Daniel Murray had his PAT attempt blocked.

Wegher tied the record for TDs from freshman running backs, set last season by Jewel Hampton. During the drive, the Hawkeyes lost freshman running back Adam Robinson, who appeared to re-injure the left ankle that he sprained against Michigan State. Before he left the game, Robinson was off to a big day, rushing 12 times for 72 yards.

The Hawkeyes took their first drive and flowed downfield before settling on a 30-yard field goal from Murray. Robinson spurred the drive with 51 yards on seven carries.

The Golden Gophers killed themselves with two turnovers in Iowa territory.

On a second-and-11 from Iowa's 13, quarterback Adam Weber flubbed a center exchange. Linebacker Bruce Davis recovered. He replaced senior Pat Angerer who missed a few plays with an ankle injury.

Next drive, from Iowa's 42, cornerback Amari Spievey forced a fumble out of Weber. Linebacker Troy Johnson recovered at Iowa's 46. Johnson played for Jeff Tarpinian (knee) who was supposed to play for Jeremiha Hunter (ankle). Basically, Iowa was down to No. 3 weakside linebacker.

Iowa doesn't have a running game without Robinson. Wegher had seven rushes for 8 yards.

Vandenberg finished 8 of 13 for 74 yards with an interception. He was also sacked twice.

The Gophers had the two fumbles and an interception.