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5d ago

Jalen Smith’s Overtime Catch Lifts Minnesota Over New Mexico in Rate Bowl

The win extended P.J. Fleck’s perfect bowl mark to 7-0.

Nov 30, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs quarterback Preston Stone (2) passes for a touchdown to wide receiver Key'Shawn Smith (not pictured) during the second half against the California Golden Bears at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Minnesota Gophers wide receiver Jalen Smith (8) catches the game winning touchdown pass against the New Mexico Lobos during overtime of the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Mexico Lobos quarterback Jack Layne (2) against the Minnesota Gophers during the first half of the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Officials upheld Smith’s 12-yard diving touchdown on review to seal a 20-17 overtime finish at Chase Field in Phoenix.
  • Quarterback Drake Lindsey went 18-for-28 for 147 yards with two scoring throws to Smith, who caught six passes for 64 yards.
  • Darius Taylor paced Minnesota on the ground with 24 carries for 116 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown.
  • New Mexico took a 17-14 overtime lead on a field goal after Damon Bankston’s 100-yard kickoff return and a two-point trick play tied the game in regulation.
  • The result gave Minnesota an 8-5 finish and its ninth straight bowl win, while New Mexico closed 9-4 with Jack Layne limited to 88 passing yards and an interception.