The Minnesota Gophers faced the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Mayo Bowl held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on January 2, 2025. The Gophers were defeated 34-24, dashing their hopes for a successful finish. Despite leading early in the game, the Gophers were unable to maintain their momentum, with the Mountaineers surging ahead. The Gophers scored on a touchdown pass from quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis to Brevyn Spann-Ford, followed by a strong performance from running back Mar’Keise Irving, who rushed for 147 yards. However, the Mountaineers’ quarterback, Garrett Greene, proved too much to handle, throwing for 260 yards and three touchdowns. Minnesota’s head coach P.J. Fleck expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating, ‘We fought hard and showed resilience. I’m proud of our players for the way they battled.’ This loss marks a challenging season for the Gophers, who were hoping to secure a win and solidify their place in the college football landscape for the upcoming year.
Minnesota Gophers’ Mayo Bowl Journey Ends in Heartbreak Against the West Virginia Mountaineers
