Gophers’ disastrous fourth quarter ends in 26-19 loss to Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck got inside the offensive huddle before a pivotal fourth-quarter drive against Rutgers on Saturday. He appeared to be challenging his team to win at the line of scrimmage and produce a game-clinching drive.

It started off bad. Then disaster hit.

First, Minnesota’s offensive line was flagged for holding. Then Jameson Geers made a catch but fumbled it away at the Rutgers’ 12-yard line.

Rutgers Athan Kaliakmanis — who transferred away from the Gophers last November — took advantage with his third touchdown pass of the game.

Minnesota’s four-game winning streak went poof to a Rutgers team that had lost four consecutive in a 26-16 defeat at SHI Stadium.

The game hinged there, when Minnesota was up 16-14 with eight minutes left.

After that turnover and Rutgers TD, the U offensive line continued to struggle and Max Brosmer was sacked in the end zone for a safety. Then Rutgers tacked on a 22-yard field goal to make it a 10-point lead with 2:45 remaining.

A disastrous 12-point swing within six minutes.

The Gophers (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) were a 6.5-point favorite over Rutgers (4-5, 1-5) and fans started to dream about a bowl game in Florida.

Former Gophers offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca, who left for the same job at Rutgers two years ago, hit Minnesota with the same RPO slant concept he was successful with in Dinkytown. In the first half, Kaliakmanis threw for 219 yards, two touchdowns and a 14-9 lead.

But Gophers defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman — who was Rutgers’ linebacker coach the last two years — countered in the second half, bringing more pressure on Kaliakmanis. It resulted in quarterback hits, sacks and hurries that resulted in four consecutive punts before the fumble.

The game hinged there, when Minnesota was up 16-14 with eight minutes left.

Without standout running back Kyle Monangi — who was second on the Big Ten in rushing yards — Rutgers turned to true freshman Antwan Raymond and Ja’Shan Benjamin. They combined for more than 100 yards.

The Rutgers rush defense was one of the worst in the nation coming into Saturday, but slowed down Minnesota. Running back Darius Taylor was dealing with a lingering ankle injury from the Illinois and he had only 28 yards on 10 carries.

In the first half, Kaliakmanis often exposed the U cornerbacks downfield in the first 30 monists. But as Kailiakmanis was going for a third passing TD, senior corner Ethan Robinson intercepted it in the end zone for a touchback.

Minnesota had opened up the game with 6-0 lead after Max Brosmer avoided a sack on the opening drive. He scrambled right and got a downfield block from Nick Kallerup for a 28-yard gain. Then Darius Taylor scored from 18 yards for the opening touchdown.

After Kaliakmanis’ first touchdown pass, a laser to Dymere Miller from 1 yard out, Minnesota’s next drive ended with  a 51-yard field goal from Dragan Kesich to retake the lead at 9-7.

Kaliakmanis, who played in 23 games at Minnesota, hit a career long 65-yarder to Ian Strong, with Justin Walley getting beat downfield. Then Robinson stepped up with the pick.