Following a complete dismantling of Indiana’s offense, No. 19 Wisconsin (5-1 Big Ten, 8-2 overall) will head to the Twin Cities to take on No. 25 Minnesota (4-2, 8-2) in the battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe.
This is perhaps one of the most evenly matched games of the season.
Both teams head into Saturday 8-2, and are climbing in the BCS Rankings. Each of the teams, as head coach Gary Andersen said, share a “run-first” mentality.
The Gophers make use of a two-quarterback system, often switching between sophomore Philip Nelson and redshirt freshman Mitch Leidner. Both like to run, contributing to a system that rushes just over 70 percent of the time.
“They do use that two-quarterback system and they’re both great runners,” freshman cornerback Sojourn Shelton said. “With [the quarterbacks] being able to run and create plays a guy can slip behind you, and a lot can go wrong from there.”
The true freshman is coming off an impressive showing against Indiana, recording two tackles and an interception on the Hoosiers’ first drive, which ultimately led to Wisconsin’s first touchdown of the afternoon.
Wisconsin has faced many different offensive styles throughout the course of the season, and the Badgers defense has adjusted exceptionally well to their matchups week by week.
“I think the big factor isn’t necessarily run or pass, but it’s spread or pro-style,” redshirt senior defensive end Ethan Hemer said. “We’ve faced a lot more spread teams, and that’s prepared us pretty well in the past.”
Wisconsin will look to keep the axe in Madison for the 10th consecutive year Saturday. Kick-off at TCF Bank Stadium is slated for 2:30 p.m., and the game will broadcast on ESPN.
