Minnesota vs. Iowa 2012 results: Hawkeyes cruise to 31-13 win

The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday, 31-13, in the Big Ten opener for both teams.

Iowa set the tone immediately, kicking a field goal on the game's opening drive. The Hawkeyes would then add three touchdowns in the second quarter -- in a span of just six minutes and five seconds. Mark Weisman scored on an 8-yard touchdown run, before James Vandenberg and Jordan Cotton hooked up on a 47-yard touchdown pass. Vandenberg added a 1-yard touchdown scamper, giving Iowa a commanding 24-0 lead.

Minnesota began a modest comeback in the third quarter, when Max Shortell completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to Isaac Fruechte, cutting Iowa's lead to 24-7.

With 5:15 left to go in the game, Christian Kirksey intercepted an errant Shortell pass, and returned it 68 yards for a touchdown, giving Iowa a 31-7 lead.

Iowa's defense caused four turnovers in the contest, intercepting three passes and forcing one fumble.

With the win, Iowa improves to 3-2 on the season, and 1-0 in the Big Ten. The loss drops Minnesota to 4-1, and 0-1 in the Big Ten.

Box Score Hero: Mark Weisman, Iowa. Weisman carried the ball 21 times for 177 yards and 1 touchdown.

Rankings Ramifications: Neither school figures to factor into next week's top 25.

But Did They Cover? Iowa entered the game as six-point favorites, and covered the spread with ease.

For More On This Game: For more on Gophers football, visit Minnesota blog The Daily Gopher, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire and SB Nation Minnesota. For more on Hawkeyes football, visit Iowa blog Black Heart Gold Pants, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire.

Next Week's Schedule: Minnesota has a bye week, and will resume play Saturday, Oct. 13, when the Golden Gophers host Northwestern. Iowa also has a bye week, and will resume play Saturday, Oct. 13, when they head to East Lansing to take on Michigan St.

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