Minnesota Beats Iowa After Controversial Call Nullifies Punt-Return Touchdown

In a dramatic twist, referees rule "invalid fair catch" on Hawkeye's last-minute punt return, costing Iowa a crucial game and ending their College Football Playoff hopes.

Minnesota beat Iowa 12-10, after a controversial call in which referees ruled a Hawkeye punt return as an 'invalid fair catch', wiping out a potential winning touchdown by Cooper DeJean with less than two minutes left in the game.
The call effectively ended Iowa's chance of a College Football Playoff berth, with the Hawkeyes' offense failing to meet a goal set in offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz’s contract that the team must average 25 points per game this season.
The ruling was based on a stipulation in college football rules that any waving motion during a punt return constitutes an 'invalid fair catch', resulting in a dead ball situation. DeJean's actions were judged to have caused confusion, hence the call.
This ruling did not sit well with Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz and DeJean who believed the review was to check if DeJean had stepped out of bounds, not for a fair-catch signal. Ferentz indicated his willingness to face potential fines for criticizing the officials.
Iowa's offensive woes were further highlighted in the second half where the Hawkeyes were only able to gain 2 yards. This game marked Minnesota's first win against Iowa since 2014 and their first at the Kinnick stadium since 1999.