Wisconsin Badgers vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Picks and Predictions November 29th 2024

Wisconsin Hosts Minnesota in Paul Bunyan’s Axe Showdown with Bowl Streak on the Line

The Wisconsin Badgers face a must-win game on Friday as they host arch-rival Minnesota in the annual battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. With their proud 22-season bowl streak and a 23-year run of winning records on the line, the Badgers need a victory to avoid ending the season on a bitter note.

A Storied Rivalry with High Stakes

Dating back to their first matchup in 1890, Wisconsin and Minnesota share one of college football’s most storied rivalries. This year, the stakes are particularly high for the Badgers (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten), who must win to secure bowl eligibility.

Minnesota (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten), already bowl-eligible, looks to finish the regular season strong after back-to-back losses, including a heartbreaker against No. 4 Penn State. For head coach P.J. Fleck, the significance of this rivalry game isn’t lost.

“This is what it’s all about,” Fleck said. “You wouldn’t want to have it any other way, being able to end the season with one of your biggest rivals.”

Wisconsin’s Struggles and Offensive Woes

The Badgers are reeling after a 44-25 loss to Nebraska, their fourth straight defeat. Defensive breakdowns and inconsistent offensive play have plagued Wisconsin during their skid, and the Nebraska game underscored those issues. The Badgers surrendered 473 yards and five touchdowns, further highlighting a unit that has struggled to contain opponents in key moments.

Quarterback Braedyn Locke, thrust into the starting role after Tyler Van Dyke’s season-ending knee injury, has endured growing pains. Locke has thrown at least one interception in eight consecutive games, completing just 56.4% of his passes for 180.6 yards per game, with 12 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

On the ground, Tawee Walker leads the team with 828 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, but he’s failed to surpass 60 yards in three of his last four outings.

Minnesota’s Formula for Success

The Gophers bring a balanced attack, averaging 26.6 points per game while allowing just 18.5, the 15th-best mark in the nation. Quarterback Max Brosmer has been efficient, completing 67% of his passes for 221 yards per game, with 15 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Wide receiver Daniel Jackson leads the team with 802 receiving yards, while running back Darius Taylor has contributed 730 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.

Minnesota’s defense will look to capitalize on Wisconsin’s offensive struggles, while its offense aims to control the tempo and avoid costly mistakes.

Wisconsin’s Identity in Question

After the Nebraska loss, Wisconsin legend J.J. Watt took to social media to voice his frustration, calling for a return to the physicality that has long defined the program.
“Losing happens, it’s part of the game,” Watt wrote. “But hearing announcers talk about how much tougher and more physical Nebraska & Iowa are while getting blown out … that’s the issue. We are Wisconsin. Physicality, running game, great O-Line, and great defense. That is our identity.”

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Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell, however, remains laser-focused on the rivalry rather than the implications of the game.
“When it gets down to this last week, it’s about one thing: the rivalry,” Fickell said. “It’s about preparing to play in the most important game of the year.”

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Wisconsin’s Defense vs. Minnesota’s Offense: The Badgers need to contain Max Brosmer and Darius Taylor, both of whom can exploit defensive lapses.
2. Braedyn Locke’s Turnovers: With 10 interceptions on the season, Locke must protect the ball to give Wisconsin a chance.
3. Tempo Control: Minnesota’s ability to extend drives and play keep-away could frustrate Wisconsin’s offense and keep the Badgers’ defense on the field.
4. The Run Game: Tawee Walker and Wisconsin’s offensive line must reestablish their identity to break through Minnesota’s stout defense.

Rivalry and Redemption

The battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe is more than just another game—it’s a fight for pride, tradition, and momentum heading into bowl season. Minnesota has already secured postseason play but would love to deny Wisconsin the same. The Badgers, meanwhile, have their backs against the wall in a rivalry game with everything on the line.

With Wisconsin leading the all-time series 63-62-8, Friday’s game could further tip the scales in this historic matchup. Will the Badgers keep their bowl streak alive, or will the Gophers take home the Axe for the second time in three years? All eyes will be on Camp Randall Stadium as two Big Ten rivals collide.