Iowa Has Go-Ahead Touchdown vs. Minnesota Negated by Controversial Fair Catch Ruling

The Hawkeyes ended up losing the game on the next drive.

Iowa nearly came back to win against Minnesota on Saturday with just over a minute left of the game.

Hawkeyes defensive back Cooper DeJean returned a punt all the way to the end zone for a touchdown, giving the Hawkeyes a late 16–12 lead.

However, the touchdown was taken back after it was determined that DeJean signaled for a fair catch. Iowa fans at Kinnick Stadium loudly disagreed with this ruling as it appeared that DeJean was just signaling at his teammates to stay away from the ball, which he recovered off of a bounce before returning it for a touchdown.

Here’s one angle of DeJean’s signal, which officials ruled as a fair catch.

Reggie Smith breaks down the ruling that called back an Iowa punt return touchdown. pic.twitter.com/eknp29L3Ok

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) October 21, 2023

The “getaway signal” that DeJean gave is what turned the ball dead on the play.

Iowa fans at Kinnick Stadium were furious, and began throwing trash onto the field in protest.

Iowa fans throwing trash on the field pic.twitter.com/iWNDhJY6hb

— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) October 21, 2023

The Hawkeyes weren’t able to score on the drive after the controversial call. Iowa quarterback Deacon Hill was intercepted to effectively end the game. 

The Golden Gophers held on to win, 12–10.