Minnesota vs. Wisconsin Prediction, Preview, Spread, Channel

Wisconsin was out played in all three phases in the first half and trailed 17-7 at halftime for the first time since Oct.1.

Minnesota defense vs. Wisconsin run game.

Minnesota’s goal is to take Paul Bunyan’s Axe for the first time since the 2003 season – George W. Bush was in his first term as president – and end UW’s playoff hopes. The Gophers led 17-10 heading into the fourth quarter but couldn’t survive Leidner’s myriad foibles. If it beats Minnesota, it will be playing in Indianapolis for the Big Ten championship, no matter if Nebraska beats Iowa on Friday.

“We knew they were going to give us some problems”, said Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst to the media after the victory.

If you’ve paid attention to this program throughout the season, or the better part of the past 60 years, nothing about the Gophers’ second-half meltdown was unexpected. “The rest speaks for itself”. “That’s what’s fun about it. Penn State’s a very talented team that obviously is playing at a very high level right now”.

“Our defensive staff has done a good job of getting our kids on the field in those situations”, Gophers coach Tracy Claeys said.

Leidner threw four interceptions – all in the second half, including three in the fourth quarter. The protection around him crumbled as the Badgers mixed up their defensive pressures.

“I was just feeling down during the game”, Clement said.

Key Play: The jet sweep claims another victim, as Jazz Peavy’s run around the right tackle netted Wisconsin 71 yards and got the Badgers to the Minnesota 11. Corey Clement leads the charge with 1,040 yards and 11 touchdowns while Dare Ogunbowale has 451 yards and two scores. Though Houston’s performance proved he could lead the team on the offense, Chryst’s two-quarterback system has worked throughout the second half of the season, something even Houston admits can be an advantage for the team.

His second interception came early in the fourth quarter after a miscommunication with his receiver. 115 rushing yards and 111 passing yards.

But the interceptions shifted momentum. There was no evidence of panic, no sign of players trying to do too much.

These two teams have played five common opponents this season; Iowa, Illinois, Purdue, Nebraska and Northwestern.

Hornibrook, the starter, did not return to the game in the second half. Hornibrook then fell to the turf, with the back of his helmet slamming hard into the ground.

LeShun Daniels Jr. ran for 158 yards and two scores and George Kittle caught two TD passes for the Hawkeyes (8-4, 6-3).

So in five games since its overtime loss to Ohio State that Wisconsin defense has allowed a total of 56 points. He recalls fondly how the Badgers were able to keep the axe the last time the rivalry game was played in Madison two years ago.

Minnesota blew leads of 24-6 and 34-27 but drove 62 yards in the final 2 minutes 49 seconds for the game-winning field goal.

The comeback charge continued in the fifth set, with Minnesota outside hitter Sarah Wilhite taking center stage. Take care of business, he said, and they wouldn’t be the ones to give up the Axe.

This is a tough one to hand out after a game like this, but we’ll go with senior wide receiver Drew Wolitarsky, who had four catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. Wisconsin linebacker Leon Jacobs made an interception and returned it 25 yards to Minnesota’s 8.

Gophers players can’t recall the last win over their rival to the East. Quarterback Mitch Leidner was 9 years old, running around as a boy in Lakeville the last time Minnesota possessed the axe.

Minnesota: Awaits its bowl destination.