Wisconsin vs. Minnesota score: Badgers suffer first losing season in 22 years as Gophers roll to rivalry win

Minnesota reclaimed Paul Bunyan’s Axe Saturday afternoon with a 24-7 win against rival Wisconsin, earning its third victory in Madison since 2018 in the process. The Gophers also improved to an impressive 3-1 in their past four games against Wisconsin and secured seven wins for the third time in four years under coach P.J. Fleck. 

Saturday’s result also likely snapped Wisconsin’s streak of 22 consecutive seasons with a bowl appearance. The 5-7 Badgers could still make it in to the selection process if enough teams don’t reach six wins, but that’s leaving things entirely up to chance. 

Wisconsin has arguably its worst offensive performance of the entire season to thank for the loss. The Badgers didn’t cross midfield until their second drive in the third quarter after punting on each of their first seven possessions. Just two of Wisconsin’s 12 drives ended in Minnesota territory. 

The Badgers had 166 total yards, a season low, and rushed for 36 yards on 24 attempts for a paltry 1.5 yards per carry. By comparison, Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer had 191 yards and two touchdowns passing — both more than Wisconsin’s team totals. 

Minnesota’s defense, obviously, deserves a tip of the cap. The Gophers had two sacks, four tackles for loss and 10 pass breakups, several of which were due to Minnesota players getting a hand on the pass at the line of scrimmage. 

While Wisconsin will likely spend the holiday season at home, Minnesota now awaits its bowl fate for a fourth straight season. 

• Wisconsin has now lost five games in a row, its longest such streak since 1991 in its second season under former coach Barry Alvarez. 
• The Badgers were outscored 184-68 in their five-game losing streak to close the season. 
• Wisconsin’s 166 total yards are its fewest in a single game since 2016 against Michigan.