Minnesota Defeats Virginia Tech 24-10, Wins Dukes Mayo Bowl (1-3-25)

By: Joey Raymond

Headline Photo Credit: Katie Raymond-LMS Network

Charlotte, NC –The Duke’s Mayo Bowl, one of college football’s quirkiest and most entertaining traditions, set the stage for an unforgettable showdown between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Virginia Tech Hokies. Played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina—the home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers—the game offered a unique experience for both teams and their fans. Adding to the intrigue, this matchup marked the first-ever meeting on the football field between these two programs, making it a historic moment for both schools.

For players and coaches alike, competing in an NFL stadium provided a rare and exhilarating opportunity. The buzz of the crowd, the pristine field, and the stakes of ending the season on a high note amplified the energy on both sidelines. The Hokies aimed to cap off their season with a statement win, while the Gophers sought to add another trophy to their collection. After all, a win from the Gophers would make 8 straight bowl-game wins. From the opening kickoff, it was clear that neither team would back down in this battle for bowl (and mayonnaise) glory.

First Quarter: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

The Minnesota Golden Gophers won the toss and deferred, giving the Virginia Tech Hokies the first shot on offense. The Hokies started flat, going three-and-out. But fortune smiled briefly—Minnesota muffed the punt, and Virginia Tech recovered. The Hokies, however, squandered the opportunity, with quarterback Pop Watson sacked on the first play of the drive. A depleted offensive line hinted at trouble ahead. After another three-and-out, the Gophers finally got their chance.

Minnesota’s first offensive drive also stalled after three plays. A strong punt pinned Virginia Tech back, but the Hokies continued to struggle, punting once again. Minnesota found life on their next possession, with Darius Taylor sparking the offense and a trick play adding flair. A 26-yard pass to Elijah Spencer put the Gophers in the red zone, but the Hokies’ defense held firm. Dragan Kesich’s 33-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right, leaving the game scoreless.

Virginia Tech capitalized on the momentum. A holding penalty briefly stalled the Hokies, but Colin Schlee electrified the field with a 67-yard bomb to Ayden Greene. Schlee finished the drive with a 3-yard quarterback keeper, putting Virginia Tech up 7-0. After a Minnesota incompletion, the first quarter ended with the Hokies holding the lead.

Second Quarter: Gophers Take Charge

The second quarter began with Minnesota continuing their offensive push. A controversial defensive pass interference call on Virginia Tech set the tone, followed by Jaren Mangham’s 13-yard run. The Gophers gained momentum, eventually pulling off a 35-yard strike to Lemeke Brockington that placed them on the Hokies’ 10-yard line. A creative halfback pass into the end zone tied the game at 7-7.

Virginia Tech struggled to respond, going three-and-out, while Minnesota seized the moment. Two big pass plays and an 18-yard run by Mangham put the Gophers back in the red zone. Max Brosmer connected with Elijah Spencer for a 12-yard touchdown, giving Minnesota a 14-7 lead.

The Hokies tried to rally before halftime but were derailed by back-to-back sacks, forcing a punt. Minnesota struck again with Taylor’s explosive 28-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 21-7. With under a minute remaining, Virginia Tech showcased poor clock management but redeemed themselves with a 22-yard pass to Greene. John Love then nailed an astonishing 60-yard field goal, setting a Duke’s Mayo Bowl record and cutting the deficit to 21-10 at halftime.

Third Quarter: Defensive Grit and Missed Chances

Minnesota opened the second half with a steady drive but stalled near midfield, pinning Virginia Tech at their 1-yard line with a pinpoint punt. The Hokies managed a couple of first downs, but another sack ended their drive prematurely.

The Gophers resumed their methodical offense, highlighted by a 26-yard pass to Spencer. They pushed into Hokie territory, eating up valuable clocks. Virginia Tech’s defense stepped up late in the quarter, forcing a screen pass for a loss as the period ended with Minnesota threatening to score again.

Fourth Quarter: Gophers Seal the Deal

Minnesota started the final quarter with a fourth-down conversion and moved into the red zone. A critical Hokies sack forced the Gophers to settle for a 44-yard field goal, extending their lead to 24-10. Desperation set in for Virginia Tech. A thrilling 47-yard reverse run gave the Hokies a glimmer of hope, but their drive faltered on a failed fourth-down conversion.

Minnesota sought to drain the clock but was intercepted on a tipped pass, giving the Hokies one last chance. A quick strike to Greene brought Virginia Tech to the 4-yard line, but the drive fell apart with a fumble and a costly interception. With 4:24 remaining, Minnesota methodically ran down the clock, sealing the 24-10 victory with a clever fake quarterback sneak and a final series of kneel-downs.

Closing Thoughts: 

As the final whistle blew, the Minnesota Golden Gophers emerged victorious, securing a hard-fought 24-10 win over the Hokies. Their balanced attack and timely defensive stops proved too much for Virginia Tech to overcome. For Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, the win came with a bonus few coaches experience: the honor (or hilarity) of being doused in a cooler full of mayonnaise during the postgame celebration—a fitting end to the Duke’s Mayo Bowl tradition.

Both teams brought their fans in force, making Bank of America Stadium come alive in Charlotte. Minnesota’s traveling contingent was particularly impressive, with Gopher fans making the long trip from the Midwest and showing up in droves. Virginia Tech’s loyal fan base was equally loud, creating a sea of maroon and gold that added to the vibrant atmosphere. The energy in the stands was only matched by the on-field antics, from bobbing for apples in pools of mayo to ‘Flava Flav’ being revealed as the Duke’s Mayonnaise mascot, Tubby. The historic first meeting between these two squads ended in style, as the Duke’s Mayo Bowl once again delivered a perfect blend of competitive football and lighthearted fun.