The highly anticipated college football rivalry between Wisconsin and Minnesota is set to ignite on Friday as both teams compete for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. This matchup marks the 134th meeting between the Badgers and the Golden Gophers, with it being the 117th consecutive game—an achievement that underscores the longest uninterrupted rivalry in FBS history.
In recent years, the teams have been closely matched, with Minnesota and Wisconsin deadlocking at 3-3 since 2018. Notably, the visiting team has triumphed in the last two encounters. Minnesota has shown impressive performance in Madison, winning two of their last three games there after previously enduring an 11-game losing streak from 1996 to 2016. Overall, the six most recent games between these rivals have been tightly contested, with only two decided by one possession.
Wisconsin previously dominated this series, claiming a record 14 consecutive victories from 2004 to 2017. As it stands, the historical record is tied at 63-63-8, making this game crucial for the Badgers, who aim to reverse their current trend after suffering four consecutive losses, the longest streak since 2008. On the other hand, Minnesota is entering the match with confidence, having captured four of its last six games following a rocky start of 2-3.
Fans can catch this exciting game on Friday, November 29, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. The kickoff is scheduled for noon ET and will be broadcast live on CBS.
Wisconsin faces added pressure as they strive to maintain their bowl game streak, which currently stands at 22 consecutive seasons—the third-longest in active FBS history. The Badgers last experienced a losing season in 2001 and are determined to avoid their first five-game losing streak since 1991.
On the sidelines, coaches P.J. Fleck of Minnesota and Luke Fickell of Wisconsin share a noteworthy history from their time at Ohio State in 2006, where they contributed to a Big Ten Championship-winning squad. This adds an intriguing layer to their rivalry as head coaches.
Defensively, Minnesota has excelled this season, ranking among the top 15 nationally for scoring defense, total defense, and turnovers forced. Freshman defensive back Koi Perich has emerged as a standout player, leading the Big Ten with five interceptions and boasting a strong overall performance.
As for predictions, the teams’ offensive struggles might result in a low-scoring affair, with analysts indicating a projected total in the low range. Both teams will find it challenging to consistently reach the end zone, making for a potentially defensive battle.
With so much at stake, both teams have much to prove, offering fans an exciting and dynamic rivalry matchup. This contest not only serves as a testament to their enduring rivalry but also carries hope for Wisconsin to reclaim its path to postseason play.