MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — This game against Iowa was building up to be so big for Minnesota. The Gophers just needed to win at Illinois, a team struggling as much as any in the Big Ten. Then they’d emerge from a week off in sole possession of first place in the West Division, with an unbeaten record in conference play and the benefit of staying home to host the Hawkeyes. Well, the Gophers fumbled away their control of the race with that 28-24 loss.