Play of the Game: Williams pulls it in

DOWN AND DISTANCE:

Minnesota ball, third and 7 at the Iowa 48

SCORE/TIME AT THE SNAP:

Minnesota led 14-7, 8:48, second quarter

FORMATION AND PERSONNEL:

Iowa - Base 4-3 defense; Minnesota - 2 TEs, 2 WRs, 1 RB

WHAT HAPPENED:

Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner passed 25 yards to tight end Maxx Williams near the right sideline. Williams initially was ruled out of bounds, but the play was revesed after review.

WHY IT WAS IMPORTANT:

The pass kept a drive alive for the Gophers, who scored four plays later in a 9-yard pass from Leidner to Williams to give the Gophers a 21-7 lead. The game's complexion changed dramatically from there.

THE QUOTE 1:

'I thought I bobbled it when I hit the ground so that's why I thought he called it incomplete. I thought I had my feet in.” - Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams

THE QUOTE 2: '

He is unreal. I've coached this game for 31 years, and I've coached a lot of great players, but I have never anybody catch the ball like that kid does. If you get it close to him, he's going to find a way to catch it. He's unbelievable.” - Minnesota Coach Jerry Kill

THE QUOTE 3:

'I put a little bit too much on that one. Luckily Maxx was able to go up and make a play for me.” - Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner

THE ANALYSIS:

Minnesota wide receiver Isaac Fruechte ran in motion from left to right. Minnesota lined up with one tight end on the right side, Williams in the right slot and wide receiver KJ Maye split to the right. The left tackle was not covered up. Maye sprinted straight down the field at Iowa cornerback Greg Mabin. Williams ran a post-corner route behind Iowa strong safety John Lowdermilk, who was playing the flat, and in front of Mabin, who was preoccupied with Maye. Leidner faked the handoff to Fruechte, which kept Iowa's linebackers near the line of scrimmage. Leidner tossed a high-arcing pass to Williams, who pulled it in and dragged his left foot.

l Comments: (319) 339-3169; scott.dochterman@thegazette.com