Bloomington, IN – The Indiana Hoosiers, ranked No. 4 nationally, escaped an upset by the unranked Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday night, winning 23‑16 in overtime. The win improves Indiana’s record to 8‑1 for the 2026 season and keeps the defending national champions on track for another strong campaign.
Late‑game drama
Missouri’s visit to Assembly Hall turned into a nail‑biter as Minnesota rallied late in regulation. With 19 seconds left, Minnesota’s kicker Luke Drzewiecki nailed a 60‑yard field goal that appeared to seal the game. However, Indiana answered with a 60‑yard field goal of its own as time expired, kicked by senior punter‑turned‑kicker Paddy McAteer, sending the contest into overtime.
Overtime showdown
In the extra period, Minnesota chose to defend first. Quarterback Charlie Becker, who had earlier set up the tying score, connected on a touchdown pass on the opening play of the Hoosiers’ possession. Indiana’s defense held firm on Minnesota’s subsequent drive, preventing a response and clinching the win.
Key takeaways
- The Hoosiers avoided their first back‑to‑back loss under head coach Curt Cignetti, a milestone not achieved in his three‑year tenure.
- Indiana’s victory over Michigan the previous week marked the program’s first win in Ann Arbor since 1967, extending its streak to 29 games against unranked opponents.
- Minnesota fell to 5‑3 after the loss, despite having won four of its last five games and already defeating three ranked teams this season.
Coach Cignetti praised his team’s resilience, noting that “the boys showed true championship character by staying composed under pressure and executing when it mattered most.” The Hoosiers will look to build on this momentum as they continue their conference schedule.
Looking ahead
Indiana’s next matchup is slated for next Saturday against a top‑ten conference rival, a game that could further solidify the Hoosiers’ claim to a repeat national title run. Fans are encouraged to attend the game at Assembly Hall, where the atmosphere remains electric following the overtime triumph.
Original reporting: KOCO Sports (Oklahoma City) — read the source article.
