Minnesota faced the Orange in the 2022 iteration of the Pinstripe Bowl, when the Gophers won 28-20. They last faced Pitt in 1992 in a true road game. If Minnesota loses this week against Wisconsin as 2-point underdogs, its chances of returning to the Bronx would rise dramatically.

Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer had not turned the ball over since September, but he threw his first interception in 206 attempts in the first half. It led to a Penn State field goal. In the second half, Brosmer fumbled while attempting a pitch and it led to another Penn State field goal and a 26-22 hole.

A gutsy call by James Franklin sent the Gophers off their home field for the final time in 2024 with a loss. On 4th-and-1 at their own 34-yard line, Luke Reynolds took a fake punt for 32 yards and a first down with 3:47 to play.