Minnesota pulled off a road upset over Northwestern, winning 35-38 in Week 13 despite entering as a four-point underdog. The Golden Gophers covered the spread in a game that exceeded the over-under of 41 points with 73 combined points.

Northwestern struck first, scoring 10 points in the opening quarter, but Minnesota exploded for 21 second-quarter points to seize control. The Wildcats answered with 15 third-quarter points to keep the game competitive through the final stretch.

Preston Stone led Northwestern's passing attack with 305 yards, while Joseph Himon II rushed for 47 yards. Javon Tracy paced Minnesota's receivers with 87 receiving yards.

The game featured 16 lead changes, reflecting its competitive nature. Minnesota's defense made critical plays throughout, including a 3.98 EPA stop in the first quarter that resulted in a Northwestern touchdown before the Gophers' momentum shift. The fourth quarter proved decisive as Minnesota held on for the narrow victory in an exciting conference matchup that swung momentum repeatedly before the visitors prevailed.