In one of the most storied rivalries in Big Ten history, two teams from across the border will meet this weekend as the Wisconsin Badgers travel to Minneapolis to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers. For both teams more will be on the line than the post game hoisting of Paul Bunyan’s Axe.
The Gophers have already made some heads turn this season and silenced the doubters that predicted they would finish in the lower division of the Big Ten by beginning the season with six straight wins. Like the Badgers, though, the Gophers have also endured a two game losing streak, dropping home games to Michigan and Michigan State by the narrowest of margins. Minnesota has rebounded to record back-to-back dominating wins over conference bottom feeders Illinois and Indiana. In doing so, the Gophers have won eight games for the second straight season and for the first time since 1961.
Minnesota’s offensive attack has lit up the scoreboard this season in scoring at least 35 points in nine out of its ten games. Minnesota averages 496 yards per game, first in the conference and fourth in the nation.
Two players have been an integral part of Minnesota’s high offensive output. Senior quarterback Asad Abdul-Khaliq will look to build upon several successful performances. Abdul-Khaliq completed 12 of 15 passes for 237 yards while firing three touchdowns in the Gophers’ win over Illinois. He followed that up with a 9-of-13 passing effort to go along with one touchdown in Minnesota’s blowout of Indiana. He ranks first in the NCAA in pass efficiency, at 176.3. In the Gophers’ home loss to Michigan State he recorded career highs with 27 completions, while chalking up 377 yards.
With Abdul-Khaliq carrying out his quarterback duties as needed, tailback Marion Barber has been able to literally run wild. Barber has scored 16 rushing touchdowns this season, tops in the nation. He also has remained consistent with over a 100 yards rushing in the last three games. Due to the dominant ground attack last week against Indiana, Abdul-Khaliq needed only to throw for 66 yards.
“We’ve been trying to get everyone the ball, and it’s been nice to spread it around so everyone touches,” Abdul-Khaliq said. “Our experience and our talent has done good things for us and hopefully we’ll finish the season on a high note.”
Minnesota has taken the idea of balanced offense to a new level. Last week they had six rushing touchdowns from five different players. The Golden Gophers registered 527 yards of total offense against the Hoosiers, the sixth time they have gone over 500 yards this season.
“We are really running the ball well right now,” head coach Glen Mason said. “Right now, I would say we are a great running football team.”
With the Gopher offensive providing consistent numbers weekly, the defense has shut out the opposition when needed. Despite giving up an average of 41 points to Michigan and Michigan State, Minnesota’s defense is back on track after holding Illinois and Indiana to lackluster performances, not giving up more than 10 points.
The Badgers will particularly need to be aware of strong safety Justin Isom. He has tallied six interceptions and 13 pass breakups while registering 157 total tackles in his career. Isom, like counterpart Jim Leonhard, has primarily focused on the opponent’s passing game.
Minnesota’s defensive ability cannot go unnoticed or Wisconsin could find themselves with another disappointing loss when they head back to Madison.
Both teams will be eager for Saturday’s matchup, especially Minnesota who has lost seven out of the last eight meetings with the Badgers.
