PHOENIX — The Rate Bowl has been everything and more as Minnesota takes an early 7-6 halftime lead over New Mexico.
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Nov 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) warms up before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Both teams had no luck in their first drives of the Rate Bowl, but the Lobos struck first with a 31-yard field goal from kicker Luke Drzewiecki late in the first quarter — the only points made in the first. The Golden Gophers struggled to gain any momentum, with dropped passes and New Mexico’s defensive pressure.
A crucial interception from Minnesota’s John Nestor to open the second quarter gave some energy back into its side of the crowd. However, penalties and a fumble on fourth and one gave way for the Lobos to add another Drzewiecki kick from 29 yards.
Nov 22, 2025; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; New Mexico Lobos kicker Luke Drzewiecki (13) celebrates with quarterback Jack Layne (2) in the second quarter against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
With six minutes left in the half, Minnesota rallied for a score as quarterback Drake Lindsey connected with wide receiver Jalen Smith and an extra point from kicker Brady Denaburg.
Lindsey threw 6-for-12 for 56 yards and a touchdown.
New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne has been efficient in finding his receivers, throwing 12-for-16 for 62 yards and one interception.
Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs in for a touchdown against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
While the score is close during this year’s Rate Bowl, the Golden Gophers will need to channel what they did late in the first half against the Lobos’ pressure and correct penalty mistakes in the second half.
For New Mexico, it needs to feed off the crowd’s energy for its offense to find the spark it needs to go on a run before Minnesota does if they want to win the Rate Bowl.
Another takeaway for @UNMLoboFB! 💪pic.twitter.com/RQ3dfMra6l
— Rate Bowl (@RateBowl) December 26, 2025
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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