Minnesota quarterback gets kicked in the crotch by teammate en route to upset win over Michigan

Minnesota Surprises Michigan in a 20‑to‑14 Victory Amid Celebration Mishap

HUNTERTON, Minn. — The Minnesota Golden Gophers pulled off a noteworthy win against the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday afternoon, beating the Wolverines 20‑14 at Huntington Bank Stadium. The victory, which came after Minnesota entered the game as an 8½‑point underdog, added to a week of unexpected triumphs for the Gophers.

Minnesota’s offense was efficient in the first half, taking an early lead that the Wolverines were unable to overcome. The Gophers’ defense held Michigan to just 14 points, with a key turnover that sealed the game. Minnesota’s 4‑win, 1‑loss record improved to 5‑1 overall and 1‑0 in the Big Ten, keeping the team firmly in the national conversation.

The game, however, was not without controversy. Midway through the fourth quarter, offensive lineman Bennett Warren, energized by a first‑down play, leapt onto the field to celebrate. In the ensuing scramble, Warren accidentally kicked quarterback Drake Lindsey in the groin. The incident drew a brief pause and a few stunned cheers from the crowd, but the Gophers’ offense remained focused.

“We were in a groove, and it was just a moment of excitement,” Warren told reporters afterward. “I didn’t realize I was going to hit the quarterback. It was a misstep, and we’re taking responsibility for that.”

Coach PJ Fleck, who had previously been seen wiping a player’s blood on his own face after a win over Washington, did not address the incident in a post‑game press conference. “We’re proud of the win and we’re working on our celebrations,” he said. “We’ll take a look at how we celebrate to keep everyone safe.”

Minnesota’s recent upset over Washington (27‑24) had already energized the team. In that game, Fleck famously smeared a player’s blood on his face in a celebratory display that drew media attention. The Michigan game followed a similar pattern of exuberance, though the team’s coaching staff cautioned against excessive celebration.

The Gophers’ win was the latest in a string of upsets for the program under coach Fleck. After a slow start to the season, the Golden Gophers have shown resilience, and their latest victory over Michigan was seen as a statement to the Big Ten and the nation.

Looking ahead, Minnesota will travel to West Lafayette for a showdown against the Purdue Boilermakers next weekend. The Boilermakers, who finished the season with a 3‑3 conference record, will look to capitalize on Minnesota’s momentum.

For the Gophers, the win against Michigan is a reminder that they can compete with the nation’s top programs, even if celebrations sometimes get a bit too loud. As coach Fleck noted, “We’re learning to keep the excitement in check while staying focused on the field.”