RECAP: Minnesota keeps Axe at home with 17-7 win over Wisconsin

It was an uneventful fourth quarter between the Gophers and Badgers. Wisconsin looked to make a comeback effort late in the quarter, but turned the ball over on downs as part of a 10-play, 40-yard drive. The Gophers taking over with 2:52 to go would drain the clock on seven plays that covered just 18 yards, to clinch their fourth win over the Badgers in their last five tries.

One quarter to go in the regular season. The Gophers enter the final quarter of play up 17-7.

After failing to take advantage of their first two turnovers of the game, Minnesota doesn’t ruin their third opportunity. On third and seven, Drake Lindsey floats one to Jameson Geers for a 13-yard touchdown. Geers grabbed his knee shortly after the play and needed assistance off the field.

Minnesota’s defense looked to be in trouble with Wisconsin’s offense driving but John Nestor umps a route and picks off Wisconsin’s Hunter Simmons for the second straight drive, returning the interception 68 yards. The Gophers’ offense will start their drive at Wisconsin’s 16-yard line.

Like their first possession of the game, Wisconsin’s first possession of the second half results in a turnover. Maverick Baranowski tipped a Carter Smith pass, and John Nestor is able to pick it off, his fourth interception of the day, to give the Gophers the ball at Wisconsin’s 44.

It appeared that Minnesota forced a turnover on downs after Wisconsin faced a first and goal from the Gophers’ own five, but after review, Wisconsin tight end Jackson Acker made a tremendous catch to score and get the Badgers on the board. Wisconsin needed seven plays and 2:18 to go 75 yards, with 67 of those yards being on a 67-yard reception from wide receiver Vinny Anthony after a broken coverage player from Jai’Onte’ McMillan.

Wisconsin is about to get itself right back in this game after a defensive breakdown allows Hunter Simmons to complete a pass to Vinny Anthony for 67 yards, setting up Wisconsin at the Gophers’ 5-yard line.

Darius Taylor extends Minnesota’s lead to 10-0 after breaking free on a 49-yard touchdown run, his second-longest run of the season. Taylor, who ran for 143 yards last season against Wisconsi,n is up to 86 yards today on 10 carries.

It took over 20 minutes of play, but there has finally been a score in the game. Brady Denaburg hits a 33-yard field goal to give the Gophers a 3-0 lead with just under seven minutes to play in the second quarter.

Minnesota drove 20 yards in seven plays to get into field goal range. They have 83 total yards of offense, averaging 2.8 yards per play in today’s winter conditions.

It was a scoreless first quarter with not much action. The two teams combined for just 84 yards on a total of 29 plays. Gophers have 21 plays to Wisconsin’s eight and have a 10:31 to 4:29 time of possession advantage.

Gophers are unable to take advantage of the fumble and plus field position as Brady Denaburg’s 38-yard field goal attempt is blocked by Wisconsin, the weather also playing a factor.

Minnesota drove into Wisconsin territory on its first drive of the game but had to punt from the Badgers’ 45-yard line. On Wisconsin’s opening drive, quarterback Carter Smith was unable to handle an unexpected snap before being recovered by John Nestor. The Gophers took over at Wisconsin’s 22-yard line.

Wisconsin wins the toss, defers to the second half. Gophers to receive.

Where: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Stadium: Huntington Bank Stadium
Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
Odds: Minnesota is a 1.5-point underdog for Saturday’s game with a total of 37.5 points according to BetMGM.

How to watch, stream Minnesota Football vs Wisconsin
Saturday’s game will be televised on FS1. Noah Reed will be handling the play-by-play, and Robert Smith will serve as the analyst. Fans can also listen to the game on KFAN 100.3 with Mike Grimm, Darrell Thompson, and Justin Gaard on the call.

Weather
It will be a cold November day at Huntington Bank Stadium on Saturday with a high of 25 and a low of 15. Snow is expected in the area from late Friday night through Sunday morning, accumulating 2-4 inches. Flurries are expected throughout the game with little accumulation. Wind gusts will be upwards of 20 mph.