Gophers Secure Fourth Axe Victory Over Wisconsin in Snowy Clash
In a fiercely contested matchup, the Gophers triumphed over the Badgers with a 17-7 victory, securing Paul Bunyan’s Axe for the fourth time in five years. This marked the 135th showdown between Minnesota and Wisconsin, played in challenging snowy conditions as temperatures plummeted.
Key Moments in the Game
The game began with a significant play when John Nestor recovered a fumble by Wisconsin at the 22-yard line. Though Minnesota’s offense struggled to capitalize, kicker Brady Denaburg managed to redeem himself with a 33-yard field goal in the second quarter, snapping a streak of three consecutive misses. Shortly after, Gophers’ running back Darius Taylor broke through for a stunning 49-yard touchdown, giving Minnesota a commanding 10-0 lead just minutes before halftime.
Wisconsin’s Response
Despite their slow start, Wisconsin responded with a 67-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Carter Smith to receiver Vinny Anthony II, narrowing the gap to 10-7 before halftime. There was some controversy over a potential illegal touching penalty against Wisconsin’s Jackson Acker during this play, which could have impacted the score.
Turnovers and Defensive Highlights
- John Nestor recorded his fourth interception of the season early in the second half, further bolstering the Gophers’ defensive efforts.
- He added another interception later in the game, returning it 68 yards and leading to a touchdown by Jameson Geers.
Nestor’s standout performance solidified his reputation among fans, as Minnesota increased their lead to 17-7. The game concluded with numerous punts exchanged between the rivals, as the Gophers effectively utilized the clock to seal their seventh win of the season.
Season Overview
With this victory, the Gophers wrapped up their regular season with a 7-5 record. They are now set to participate in their fourth consecutive bowl game. Fans eagerly await the bowl selections on December 7, when the College Football Playoff field will also be announced.
