Kaleb Johnson fuels Iowa’s second-half surge in win over rival Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS — The Huntington Bank Stadium video boards displayed a warning before Saturday’s Floyd of Rosedale game.

“We are monitoring storms that may be headed towards campus, please be aware,” the message said.

In reality, the only storm that hit Huntington Bank Stadium during Saturday’s Floyd of Rosedale game was Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson's unstoppable running.

Johnson rushed for 206 yards and scored three of Iowa’s four touchdowns as the Hawkeyes (3-1, 1-0) outlasted rival Minnesota (2-2, 0-1), 31-14, and reclaimed the Floyd of Rosedale trophy.

“Any time a back gets 200 yards, that’s pretty special,” Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said.

It’s even more special when looking at how long it has been since Iowa running backs have accomplished what Johnson accomplished in the 31-14 rivalry win.

Johnson is the first Hawkeye to rush for 100-plus yards in four consecutive games since Mark Weisman in 2012. Even then, Weisman totaled 623 yards versus Johnson’s 685 yards this year.

“I’m not sure I remember anybody in four games doing what he’s done,” Ferentz said of Johnson. “He just continues to run really well. ... He’s always been a big, strong guy and a talented guy, but right now he’s really focused and I think really coming into his own in terms of using what strengths and abilities he does have.”

He also is the first Hawkeye to rush for three touchdowns in a game since now-NFL running back Tyler Goodson did so in 2021.

Johnson, who single-handedly accounted for about 61 percent of Iowa’s 334 total offensive yards, repeatedly deflected credit to the offensive line.

“Without them, I wouldn’t have 200 and all that,” Johnson said of the offensive line. “They work their butts off every day. ... I just really appreciate them for opening the holes and allowing me to do what I do.”

Iowa’s only other touchdown on Saturday came on a 1-yard quarterback sneak by backup Brendan Sullivan. While Johnson was not involved in that touchdown, his 33-yard run at the beginning of the drive was paramount in setting up the scoring opportunity.

The Hawkeyes also scored on a 46-yard Drew Stevens field goal in the third quarter. Stevens is 6-for-6 on field goal attemps so far this season.

The win was not always smooth sailing against P.J. Fleck’s row-the-boat Gophers.

Starting quarterback Cade McNamara was 11-of-19 passing for 62 yards in the win. He did not have any touchdowns or interceptions.

Iowa faced a 14-7 halftime deficit, and Minnesota had a 222-107 advantage in yards in the first half. McNamara had only 16 passing yards in the half.

“There's a lot of things we can build on from that first half, but that second half was a lot of fun,” offensive lineman Mason Richman said.

Iowa’s defense also showed vulnerability as it allowed 222 total yards before intermission.

“It felt like 450 yards in the first half,” Ferentz said.

Phil Parker’s unit was much better in the second half, keeping Minnesota out of the end zone as the offense retook and then padded its lead.

“I promise if we were doing something different, calling a different play, I’d tell you guys,” linebacker Jay Higgins said. “But we just kept playing. We kept going out there, kept doing what we do.”

Minnesota, after amassing 79 yards in the first quarter and 143 in the second quarter, only had 14 in the third quarter.

Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer was 22-of-37 for 209 yards, but 17 of those completions were in the first half.

The Gophers struggled to gain traction on the ground against Iowa’s defense, rushing for 79 yards while averaging 3.8 yards per carry.

Punting was a strength throughout the game for the Hawkeyes, as Rhys Dakin averaged 49.6 yards on his five punts.

Iowa has now won nine of its last 10 games against Minnesota. The 17-point margin breaks the trend of three consecutive Floyd of Rosedale games decided by five points or fewer.

Looking ahead, Iowa will have an early bye week before visiting No. 3 Ohio State on Oct. 5. The Hawkeyes will be seeking their first win in Columbus since 1991.

“Certainly have a lot of things to work on between now and our next ball game,” Ferentz said.

For now, though, the Hawkeyes can spend a little bit of time savoring the Floyd of Rosedale trophy’s return to Iowa City.

“We’re going to enjoy this one a little bit more than 24 hours,” Ferentz said. “Give the guys a little bit extra time heading into a bye week. ... Really, really proud of the guys.”

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com

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