Minnesota @ Wisconsin preview
Camp Randall Stadium
Last Meeting ( Oct 3, 2009 ) Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 28
Still stinging from its first loss of the season, No. 19 Wisconsin welcomes reeling Minnesota to Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday in the annual battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe.
The Badgers (4-1, 0-1 Big Ten) have won 12 of the last 14 meetings and six in a row over the Gophers, including a 31-28 thriller last year in Minneapolis. They should make it seven straight as Minnesota (0-4, 0-1) enters off four straight home losses – the first time the Gophers have started so poorly at home in 27 years.
Wisconsin has frustration to expel after last week’s 34-24 loss at Michigan State. Dropped passes, special-teams blunders and shaky defense wrecked the Badgers’ chance at a statement win.
Despite the loss, some positives emerged. Freshman tailback James White ran so well that he is pushing fourth-year junior John Clay for the starting job. The speedier White has run for 367 yards and six touchdowns while averaging an eye-popping 8.3 yards a carry. Clay hasn’t been shabby, rushing for 581 yards and six scores while averaging 6.2 yards a carry.
As a team, Wisconsin ranks second in the Big Ten in rushing (239.0 per game).
Quarterback Scott Tolzien has been efficient, completing 68.8 percent of his throws. Wideout Nick Toon returned from a turf toe injury last week after missing three games and showed his rust by dropping two passes.
Minnesota’s defensive problems were on full display last week when the Gophers blew an eight-point, fourth-quarter lead in a 29-28 loss to Northwestern.
The Gophers rank second-to-last in the Big Ten in total defense, allowing 407 yards per game. Minnesota generates almost no pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Gophers have just three sacks in five games.
Minnesota surrendered 480 yards at home last week to Northwestern. It’s scary to think how many they’ll give up in one of the most hostile environments in the nation.
However, the Gophers have a few potent offensive weapons. Senior quarterback Adam Weber has thrown 61 career touchdown passes, running back DeLeon Eskridge is coming off a 119-yard outing and tight end Eric Lair is averaging 14.7 yards per catch.
Minnesota hasn’t won in Madison, Wis., since a 17-14 victory in 1994.
This rivalry dates to 1890, and the Paul Bunyan Axe has gone to the winner since 1948. The scores of each game are engraved on the axe’s six-foot handle.