How do you watch the Gophers at Wisconsin and 3 keys to Minnesota winning The Axe
The final regular season game of the year is a trip to Madison for the Gophers. Paul Bunyan’s Axe is on the line, can Minnesota secure a trophy win this season?
How to Watch
TV: CBS
Time: 11:00
Stream: Paramount+
This game completely alters the perception of this season. Minnesota has won two of the last three in Madison. Here is how we make it three out of four.
3 KEYS
- No Brosmer turnovers – Max Brosmer has been mostly great this season and he’s only had 5 interceptions on the season and had 2 fumbles. But two picks against Iowa, both fumbles led to points in close losses (Penn State and North Carolina) and interceptions thrown against Michigan and Penn State also were critical. If he can take care of the ball, I like our chances.
- Run the ball / Stop the run – This game rarely comes down to who is throwing the ball effectively. The Badgers rush for over 160 yards per game but they also give up 160+ yards per game. Can the Gophers limit the Badger ground game while simultaneously finding success on the ground?
- Don’t get cute – We don’t need screen passes to the left tackle or other ill-fated play-calls in critical situations. Run what you do best and beat them by executing better.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #3 RB – Taweee Walker – The team’s leading tailback, stop this kid and maybe they get some turnovers from Braedyn Locke.
- #28 LB – Christian Alliegro – Sophomore linebacker who makes a bunch of plays.
PREDICTION
I’m strangely confident about this game. This is probably the worst Badger team that they have put on the field in quite some time. They are reeling and this could get ugly.
The hiring of Luke Fickell, at the time, was a good one. But his two years in Madison have not been great. This year’s team is limping to the end of the season and they are on the verge of missing a bowl game for the first time since 2001.
The Gophers could make that happen with a win in Madison and I think it’s going to happen.
Minnesota – 31
Wisconsin – 23