Minnesota led Wisconsin 21-0 midway through the third quarter, but instead of the Badgers facing a fourth and 15, a late hit by linebacker Joey Gerlach gave Wisconsin a first down. The Baders scored a touchdown two plays later to make it 21-7.

In the 134th playing of Minnesota's historic rivalry with Wisconsin, the Gophers left with a 24-7 win and Paul Bunyan's Axe.

By beating Wisconsin, the Gophers denied their bitter rival bowl eligibility. The Badgers have appeared in a bowl for 22 consecutive years, but the only wa

Gophers football players race to Paul Bunyan's Axe to celebrate after a 24-7 win at Wisconsin on Friday to close out the regular season 7-5.

The Gophers are 6-5 on the season, and 4-4 in Big Ten play entering the annual battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. P.J. Fleck is 3-4 in his seven games against the Badgers as Minnesota’s head coach. The Gophers are looking to finish the season 7-5 and can improve their bowl situation with a victory.

The loss officially ends Wisconsin's run of 22 consecutive winning seasons. It was the longest mark among all FBS teams. Minnesota will learn of its bowl game fate next month as they finish with a 7-5 overall record.

The next chapter plays out Saturday in the tightly contested football rivalry between Minnesota and Wisconsin for Paul Bunyan’s Axe.

Max Brosmer passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another to help Minnesota beat Wisconsin. Friday's game was the 134th meeting between the teams. The rivalry is the oldest rivalry in the nation among Football Bowl Division schools.

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.