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Game Preview Wisconsin @ Minnesota
There’s more than pride at stake when the Wisconsin Badgers travel to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in one of college football’s most historic rivalries. The series, tied 63-63-8 since its inception in 1890, will be decided again on Saturday in Minneapolis, with Paul Bunyan’s Axe on the line.
Wisconsin (4-7, 2-6 Big Ten) enters on the heels of a surprising 27-10 upset over ranked Illinois, snapping a skid with a dominant defensive showing. Minnesota (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten), though already bowl-eligible, has lost two straight and three of its last four games, including a 38-35 loss to Northwestern on a final-minute field goal.
Both teams are looking to end their seasons on a high note. For Wisconsin, it’s about salvaging a difficult year. For Minnesota, it’s about regaining momentum and keeping the Axe in the Twin Cities.
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Odds and Key Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Spread | Minnesota -2.5 |
| Moneyline | Wisconsin +120 / Minnesota -140 |
| Total (O/U) | 41.5 |
| Location | Huntington Bank Stadium, MN |
| Time & Date | Saturday, Nov. 30, 3:30 PM ET |
| TV Coverage | FOX Sports |
Live odds updates and line movement can be tracked at Scores and Stats NCAAF Odds.
Wisconsin Outlook
The Badgers snapped a four-game losing streak by stunning Illinois last week, powered by a resurgent run game and a fierce defensive front. Freshman quarterback Carter Smith, the team’s fourth starter of the season, managed the game efficiently and avoided major mistakes. He’s 21-of-38 on the year with one touchdown and one interception across three appearances.
Running back Darrion Dupree gave Wisconsin its best rushing performance of the season, finishing with 131 yards on 17 carries, including an 84-yard touchdown run. That physicality will be essential against a Minnesota defense that’s struggled in recent weeks.
Defensively, Wisconsin has allowed just 3.7 yards per play over its last three games. Outside linebacker Darryl Peterson III was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after registering three sacks and a forced fumble against Illinois.
This defense has quietly become one of the more disruptive units in the Big Ten. Learn how these types of performances factor into alternate total points bets.
Minnesota Outlook
Minnesota’s offense came alive in a narrow loss to Northwestern, thanks to the emergence of redshirt freshman Drake Lindsay. He threw for four touchdowns, including three to Javon Tracy, and now boasts a 62.3% completion rate with 2,145 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions on the season.
Le’Meke Brockington remains the team’s most consistent target, hauling in 44 receptions for 460 yards and four touchdowns. The Golden Gophers have posted 30+ points in three of their last five games, showing more balance under center.
But defensively, the Gophers have struggled in close games. They’ve allowed game-winning scores in the final minutes of losses to Purdue and Northwestern. Third-down defense and red-zone stops will be crucial against a run-heavy Wisconsin team.
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Key Matchup Table
| Matchup | Edge |
|---|---|
| Rushing Attack | Wisconsin |
| Passing Efficiency | Minnesota |
| Run Defense | Wisconsin |
| Pass Rush | Wisconsin |
| Turnover Margin | Even |
| Coaching Experience | Minnesota |
Betting Trends
- Wisconsin is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games overall.
- Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 home games.
- The under is 6-3 in Wisconsin’s last 9 games.
- The over is 4-1 in Minnesota’s last 5.
- The underdog is 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
- Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 home games vs Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin has covered 3 of the last 5 Axe games.
- Road teams are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
- Wisconsin has allowed just 17 PPG over its last three contests.
- Minnesota has scored 30+ in 3 of its last 5.
Explore how to leverage these insights with our unit betting guide for smarter wagers.
Prediction
Rivalry games often throw logic out the window, but recent performances and matchups point toward a tight, low-scoring affair. Wisconsin’s defensive front is playing its best football of the year, while Minnesota’s offense has found some rhythm behind a rising quarterback.
Still, Wisconsin’s ability to generate pressure, control the clock with its run game, and limit explosive plays gives them the edge in a grind-it-out Big Ten battle.
Projected Score: Wisconsin 24, Minnesota 20
Spread Pick: Wisconsin +2.5
Total Lean: Under 41.5
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