Minnesota (8-3 overall, 5-3 Big Ten) at No. 5 Wisconsin (9-2 overall, 6-2 Big Ten)
When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. CT – Madison, Wis.
Stadium: Camp Randall (80,321)
TV/Radio: BTN, KFAN 100.3 FM
Coach: Paul Chryst (2nd season)
Spread: Wisconsin -14, o/u: 44
INSIDE THE GAME
Badgers at a Glance
The Minnesota/Wisconsin border-battle has been played 125 times with the Gophers holding a one-game advantage in the overall series record, 59-58-8. A win by the Badgers would tie series for the first time since 1901.
A key to a Minnesota victory could be preventing the Badgers from having a 100-yard rusher. In the last 12 victories over the Gophers, Wisconsin has had at least one player top the century mark running the ball.
Wisconsin’s defense has been stout this season. The Badgers rank in the top-10 nationally in six defensive categories, including scoring defense (5th, 13.4 ppg) and total defense (8th, 292.5 ypg).
Outside linebacker T.J. Watt, is tied for second in the conference with eight sacks. He’s also added an interception to go with 49 tackles.
The Badgers lead the nation in time of position, averaging a whopping 35:24 per game. They have topped the 40-minute mark three times this season.
Coach Speak
“That’s the good thing about the big Big Ten in rivalry games. There’s something special about it and know it’s important. It’s the same thing; in other words, you have to play four quarters of better football than they do in order to win the game, you know, and they’re not going give it to you. We haven’t been able to do that yet. We’ve played the half against them, we’ve played three quarters against them, but we have yet to play four quarters of good football, and a lot of that has to do with them sometimes, too.
“They’ve been awfully good here the last few years. So we’re going to find a way to play four good quarters. I know it’s important to the people of the state. It’s important to our kids, but the only way to get it back is to win the football game. And that sounds kind of crazy but everybody wants it back. We’ve got to play well enough football in order to get it back.”– Tracy Claeys on the Wisconsin rivalry
“I know it’s always special in this game. I’ve been lucky to go the Minnesota/Wisconsin game with my dad, just me and him in the stands, and then when he was coaching. I got a chance to be a part of it as a player, and then as a coach here.” – Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst on the rivalry
STORYLINE CENTRAL
Rhys Lloyd’s game-winning kick in 2003 can still bring back chills as he starts to celebrate. Jesse Temple with ESPN has a nice story on Lloyd’s long wait to watch his alma mater retake the Axe.
Yes, we get it. It’s been awhile since we’ve brought the Axe home. The Gophers, like their fans, are tired of hearing about the 12-year drought, says Andy Greder.
Jake Kocorowski with Bucky’s 5th Quarter recaps Paul Chryst’s weekly press conference. Chryst notes how the Gophers are playing well, especially Minnesota’s defense.
Jason Galloway of the Wisconsin State Journal profiles how the Badgers view Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Like their coach, they know it’s never a guarantee when playing in a rivalry game.
WHO WINS?
The Gophers Win If…
They can move the ball on the ground. As Gopher fans know well, this is a key for success week-in and week-out. But against the Badgers, it’s even more important. Wisconsin is the Big Ten’s top rushing defense, allowing less than 100 yards per game. It’s a different season, but last year’s game is a reminder of what it looks like when the Gophers can’t run the ball. The Maroon and Gold totaled just 53 rushing yards on 18 carries, forcing Mitch Leidner into passing downs. How’d that end? In three interceptions.
The Gophers need to establish the two-headed monster of Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks early in drives to keep Minnesota out of third-and-long situations. If they can control the ball with long, sustained drives on the ground, they can pull the upset at Camp Randall.
The Badgers Win If…
They can hang on to a lead. Now, we’d all love to see the Gophers take the lead early and go wire-to-wire for the win, but it’s (obviously) more likely Wisconsin gets the lead at some point. In their one home loss this year (to Ohio State), the Badgers let leads of 10-0, 16-6, and 23-20 slip away, eventually falling in overtime. Now, the Gophers certainly aren’t OSU, but the idea still applies. Wisconsin is a 14-point favorite at home. If they want to win on Saturday, they can’t let a talented and motivated Gopher team hang around and mount a comeback like the Buckeyes.