Iowa vs. Minnesota: The Big Ten Opener and the Legacy of the “It Wasn’t a Fair Catch” Controversy

As Iowa and Minnesota prepare to face off tomorrow night in their Big Ten opener, the tension is higher than ever—not only because of the Floyd of Rosedale trophy on the line but also due to the lingering controversy from last year’s matchup at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. That game will be forever remembered by Hawkeye fans for the now infamous call that led to the rallying cry: “It wasn’t a fair catch.”

The Call That Sparked a Movement

In the final moments of last year’s game, with Iowa trailing and needing a big play, Hawkeye return man Cooper DeJean fielded a punt and took it to the house for what appeared to be a game-winning touchdown. However, the celebration was cut short when officials ruled that DeJean had made an invalid fair catch signal, nullifying the touchdown and ultimately costing Iowa the game.

The call sparked immediate outrage, not just from fans in Kinnick Stadium, but from Hawkeye supporters across the country. Social media erupted with debates, videos were analyzed frame by frame, and the phrase “It wasn’t a fair catch” was born. For many Iowa fans, the ruling felt unfair and has since become a rallying cry, immortalized on t-shirts, hoodies, and other fan gear that proudly displays the phrase.

From Controversy to Tradition

In true Iowa fashion, Hawkeye Nation took the controversy and turned it into a badge of honor. Apparel emblazoned with “It Wasn’t a Fair Catch” became a popular way for fans to express their frustration and solidarity after the tough loss. The phrase symbolizes the passion of Iowa football fans, who stand behind their team through thick and thin, and who never shy away from calling out a bad call when they see one.

The moment, while painful, also cemented last year’s Iowa-Minnesota game as one of the most memorable in the rivalry’s long history. The play and the aftermath became part of the lore surrounding the Floyd of Rosedale, adding even more emotion and intensity to an already heated rivalry.

Tomorrow’s Showdown: Reclaiming Floyd and Redemption

With last year’s controversy still fresh in the minds of Iowa fans and players alike, tomorrow’s game offers a shot at redemption. The Hawkeyes will head to Minnesota not only hoping to secure their first Big Ten win of the season but also to reclaim the Floyd of Rosedale trophy, which Minnesota took home after their narrow victory in Iowa City.

For the players, the focus is on the game, but for fans, tomorrow’s matchup is a chance to right the wrongs of last year’s controversial call. The Hawkeyes will be looking to play with a chip on their shoulder, fueled by the memories of the missed opportunity and the phrase that still echoes in the minds of Iowa fans: “It wasn’t a fair catch.”

The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

With Floyd of Rosedale on the line and both teams looking to start Big Ten play on the right foot, tomorrow’s game promises to be an intense, physical battle. For Iowa, it’s a chance to bring Floyd back to Iowa City and reclaim a trophy that has been fiercely contested for decades. For Minnesota, it’s about defending their home turf and keeping Floyd in Minneapolis for another year.

As the Hawkeyes and Gophers take the field, the shadow of last year’s controversial call will loom large, but Iowa will be ready to make their case on the field—and this time, they hope there will be no debate.

Hawkeye fans, are you still sporting your “It Wasn’t a Fair Catch” gear? What are your predictions for tomorrow night’s game? Let us know in the comments below!