Wisconsin and Minnesota are gearing up for their 134th meeting in college football, with the Badgers and the Golden Gophers set to clash for Paul Bunyan’s Axe on Friday. The matchup has become one of the sport’s most hotly contested rivalries, with the road team winning the past two games. Minnesota has been successful in Madison recently after losing 11 straight games from 1996-2016. The overall record between the two teams is even over the past six years, with Wisconsin winning 14 straight games before 2018. Both teams are looking to bounce back from recent struggles, as Wisconsin has lost its last four games, while Minnesota has won four of its last six. Despite the fierce competition, Wisconsin has a lot at stake, as they aim to continue their 22-season bowl streak.
Coaches P.J. Fleck of Minnesota and Luke Fickell of Wisconsin have a history dating back to their time at Ohio State in 2006, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the rivalry. Minnesota’s strong defense, led by freshman Koi Perich, has been a key factor in their success this season. The Golden Gophers are a top-15 team in scoring defense, total defense, and turnovers forced. Both teams have struggled offensively, with a low projected point total for the game, making it likely to be a defensive battle. Despite their recent setbacks, both teams are aiming for a win in this crucial rivalry matchup. Fans can catch the action on CBS and stream it live on CBSSports.com or the CBS Sports App.
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