The Gophers take on the Badgers for Rivalry Week for a chance to be bowl-eligible and take home Paul Bunyan’s Axe for the third consecutive year. Securing a victory would mark the Gophers’ sixth win and propel them into a bowl game for the fifth time in the last six seasons. The Gophers have been inconsistent this season but can close out their Big Ten schedule with a win over their biggest rival.
Border Battle
Minnesota and Wisconsin have played 132 times since 1890, making it the most played rivalry in FBS football. The series record between the teams is 62-62-8, who have played every season except 1906. Despite the even record, Wisconsin never had the series lead until the 127th game when the Badgers beat the Gophers in 2017. If the Gophers beat the Badgers, the three-game win streak would be an accomplishment not achieved by Minnesota in the past 35 years. This is the 10th consecutive season that the Gophers play the Badgers in the regular season finale.
The game against Wisconsin will be the seventh Border Battle game for P.J. Fleck. Fleck is 3-3 in games for Paul Bunyan’s Axe, and he has won three of the last five games. Prior to Fleck’s first win against the Badgers in 2018, the Gophers had lost 14 consecutive games to Wisconsin. Here’s a look at Fleck’s record against Wisconsin.
| Date | Location | Winner | Score |
| November 25, 2017, | Minneapolis | #5 Wisconsin | 31–0 |
| November 24, 2018 | Madison | Minnesota | 37–15 |
| November 30, 2019 | Minneapolis | #12 Wisconsin | 38–17 |
| December 19, 2020 | Madison | Wisconsin | 20–17 OT |
| November 27, 2021 | Minneapolis | Minnesota | 23–13 |
| November 26, 2022 | Madison | Minnesota | 23–16 |
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, November 25
- Time: 2:30 PM CST
- Location: Huntington Bank Stadium
- TV: BTN
- Radio: KFAN
- Record: Minnesota (5-6 Overall, 3-5 Big Ten), Wisconsin (6-5 Overall, 4-4 Big Ten)
Betting Line
- Spread: Wisconsin -2.5
- Over/Under: 42.5
- Money Line: Minnesota +120, Wisconsin -142
Gophers Offense vs. Wisconsin Defense
The Gophers come into the game ranked #122 in total offense, averaging 304 yards per game and scoring 23 touchdowns on the season. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has struggled at times while showing some flashes of potential. Kaliakmanis enters the final week of the regular season ranked #7 in passing yards in the Big Ten and tied for #5 in passing touchdowns, but is only completing 52.6% of his passes. Last year, Kaliakmanis had one of his best games against the Badgers when he passed for 319 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Badgers in Madison.
Wide receiver Daniel Jackson has been the most consistent pass catcher and ranks #3 in the Big Ten in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. Through 11 games, the Gophers have started four different running backs, and five total have carried the ball over 35 times. Minnesota averages 152 rushing yards per game, ranked #75 in the FBS. Wisconsin’s defense ranks #79 in the FBS and has allowed 367 yards per game and 28 offensive touchdowns. Wisconsin’s passing defense has been tough in the second half, making it challenging for opponents to come back late in games against the Badgers.
Gophers Defense vs. Wisconsin Offense
The Gophers have been uncharacteristically average on defense this year, averaging 370 yards per game, ranked #56 in the FBS. Joe Rossi‘s bend-but-don’t-break defense has been prone to allowing explosive plays, especially in the second half. The Gophers’ defensive line has improved this season, but the lack of depth at linebacker has hurt the defense. Even the Gophers defensive backfield, led by Tyler Nubin, has been prone to making mistakes.
Wisconsin has been hampered by injuries this season, particularly on offense. Badger running back Braelon Allen is coming off a solid performance last week against Nebraska, where he rushed 22 times for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Wisconsin will look to establish the run against the Gophers, as they are 4-0 this season when rushing at least 40 times.
Did You Know?
- If the Gophers lose, it would be the team’s first four-game losing streak since the 2018 season
- This week’s game against Wisconsin is the 75th game for Paul Bunyan’s Axe
- Saturday is Senior Day for Minnesota. There are 28 Gopher seniors, of which 14 are in their last year of eligibility
- Minnesota has 13 Wisconsin natives on their roster, and Wisconsin has five Minnesotans on its roster
- Fleck is one win away from becoming the fifth coach in Gopher history to reach 50 wins
Prediction
The Gophers and Badgers have had disappointing seasons, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of the game. A win would make the Gophers bowl-eligible, and give them a three-game winning streak over their biggest rivals. It would also be the first time the Gophers have beaten Wisconsin and Iowa in the same season since 1990. While many Gopher fans were frustrated with the season, a win should quiet Fleck’s critics, at least in the short term. The Gophers have a lot on the line, and with a strong home crowd on their side, will keep the Axe in Minnesota.
Projection: Gophers win 24-20
