5 Bold Predictions for Minnesota vs. Wisconsin Football

By Sam Mattfolk

5 Bold Predictions for Minnesota vs. Wisconsin

Peniel Jean — The Big Ten West division is on the line in a de-facto championship game between the Golden Gophers and Badgers in Madison. Wisconsin will celebrate Senior Day as well as the final home game of star RB Melvin Gordon's career. Minnesota comes in off an inspiring win at Nebraska despite losing RB David Cobb to injury in the second half. His questionable status will play a large factor in this year's fight for the Paul Bunyan Axe.

5. Melvin Gordon Will Top 200 Yards, Again

Melvin Gordon

5. Melvin Gordon Will Top 200 Yards, Again

Melvin Gordon — Gordon has topped 200 yards five times this season, including three consecutive contests entering this game. The Golden Gophers have a sturdy front seven, but Gordon will get his yards. How successfully Minnesota can limit Gordon's big plays will play a large role in the outcome of the game. With everything on the line for Gary Andersen's team, expect 30-plus carries for Gordon.

4. Minnesota Will Commit 3+ Turnovers

Mitch Leidner

4. Minnesota Will Commit 3+ Turnovers

Mitch Leidner — Wisconsin's defense has become elite in the second half of this season, and much of the reason why has been forcing turnovers. Minnesota will play in a hostile environment with a shaky quarterback. The Golden Gophers will have to throw a little more than usual with David Cobb unable to play the role of workhorse back, and the Badger defense has recovered 10 fumbles this season.

3. Combined Passing Yardage Will Be Less Than 250 Yards

Stave

3. Combined Passing Yardage Will Be Less Than 250 Yards

Stave — Wisconsin's two QB system with Tanner McAvoy and Joel Stave has worked for them of late, but passing is still not this offense's strength. Minnesota similarly doesn't air it out, and Mitch Leidner is much more of a running threat. The yards on the ground may pile up, but this game will have little aerial fireworks with mediocre quarterback play and no elite receivers.

2. Minnesota Will Have Less Than 300 Total Yards

David Cobb

2. Minnesota Will Have Less Than 300 Total Yards

David Cobb — Minnesota will miss David Cobb's bruising running dearly against an elite Badger defense. Wisconsin will load up the box and stop the second and third-string runners of the Golden Gophers. The key to the game will be Mitch Leidner, both as a runner and a thrower, but he will struggle with the entire defense keying on him.

1. Wisconsin Will Win Easily

Wisconsin

1. Wisconsin Will Win Easily

Wisconsin — In a game that is clearly a smash-mouth rushing battle, Wisconsin boasts a superior rushing offense and defense. As long as the Badgers take care of the football, the home crowd at Camp Randall should be celebrating a return to the Big Ten Championship Game and a shot at Ohio State.

Teams in this article »

Minnesota Golden Gophers

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Wisconsin Badgers

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