The Gophers pass defense got a big boost Saturday with two of the team's top cornerbacks, KiAnte Hardin and Ray Buford, back from suspensions.
Coach Tracy Claeys reinstated Hardin, Buford, Dior Johnson and Tamarion Johnson on Tuesday after a three-game suspension for a violation of team rules.
Antonio Shenault had filled in as a starting cornerback, but he was sick Saturday and unable to play. So Hardin started, just as he did in the season opener, and Buford made his Gophers debut as part of their nickel package.
Hardin intercepted a first-quarter pass from C.J. Beathard. The Hawkeyes took a deep shot, but Hardin had Jerminic Smith covered, tipping the pass and then grabbing it. He went into the end zone and returned the ball to the Minnesota 31.
Hardin finished with seven tackles, and Buford had two tackles and one pass breakup.
The Gophers entered with the Big Ten's worst pass defense (255.3 yards per game) but held Beathard to 142 passing yards.
"I thought our D-line did awfully well, and coverage was good," Claeys said. "I wasn't disappointed with the defense at all."
Injury updates
Receiver Rashad Still returned after missing three games because of a broken clavicle and made two catches for 36 yards on the Gophers' final drive.