10 most critical questions Wisconsin must answer in 2022 (7. Will the Badgers bring home the Axe?)

[BleedGopher]

per Paul:

7. Will the Badgers bring home the Axe?​

Wisconsin leads the all-time series with Minnesota 62-59-9. The Badgers have won 16 of the last 18 but lost to PJ Fleck’s squad last year.

But the Badgers’ domination of the trophy series should resume, especially with the game in Madison this year. Returning the Axe to Wisconsin will not only give the program much-needed bragging rights, but it would also mean a win to close out the regular season. Considering the state of the B1G West, a season-ending win could play a large role in determining the division winner.

10 most critical questions Wisconsin must answer in 2022

Can a new OC fix Graham Mertz? Wisconsin faces that and other questions as it tries to regain the top spot in the B1G West.

saturdaytradition.com

Go Gophers!!

 

[Cayman]

That series record seems incorrect. I think Wisconsin only tied up the series in 2016 or 2017. Wikipedia says we’re only 1 game behind, not 3.

 

[hello-world]

That series record seems incorrect. I think Wisconsin only tied up the series in 2016 or 2017. Wikipedia says we’re only 1 game behind, not 3.

Yup: http://www.winsipedia.com/wisconsin/vs/minnesota

 

[BilldGopher]

Yep, just like Wisky has 4 Natties under their belt...

 

[nitramnaed]

Does it include the Slab of Bacon?

 

[Ogee Ogilthorpe]

11. Why are so many of our fans filthy animals?

 

[Taji34]

Answer: No

 

[GopherRock]

They neglected to mention how they intend to do so. Both of their lines, Mertz, and Allen all looked like trash in last year's Axe game, and everything starts on the line.

 

[Gophers_4life]

They neglected to mention how they intend to do so. Both of their lines, Mertz, and Allen all looked like trash in last year's Axe game, and everything starts on the line.

No line (either) transfers for the 2021 or 2022 classes, and tough for me to think a true freshman or 2nd year in the program guy is going to make a big impact this year.

But obviously some impressive OT recruits for 21, so we will see if they're ready this fall.

https://247sports.com/college/wisconsin/Season/2021-Football/Commits/
https://247sports.com/college/wisconsin/Season/2022-Football/Commits/

 

[Gophers_4life]

So looking back at who they started against us: https://uwbadgers.com/sports/football/stats/2021/minnesota/boxscore/8886 (click on Participation)

All their DL were seniors, and so was Sanborn. So they definitely must feel good about their dept at those positions.

 

[Plato]

The WI OL as a group has been underwhelming for a few years despite having, on paper, very good recruits.
Their deficiencies in pass blocking sent Mertz to the hospital in the MI game.
Rudolph is gone and Bosted is back coaching the OL. That has to be a significant upgrade.
Chryst has added an OC, which was very much needed.
Will Chryst actually let the new guy set the game plan and call the plays has yet to be determined?
So like most teams in the West, there are more questions than answers.

 

[Triple D]

Kinda funny that they don't point out they've won 2 of the last 4 and go with 16 out of the last 18 instead