Wisconsin falters at Minnesota

Badgers lose rivalry game, spot in conference title game
By: 
NEW Media Staff

The Wisconsin Badgers football team suffered a 23-13 loss to Big Ten Conference rival Minnesota on Nov. 27 in Minneapolis.

The setback not only gave the hosting Gophers Paul Bunyan’s Axe for winning the rivalry game, but it also cost the Badgers a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Wisconsin led 10-3 after safety Scott Nelson intercepted a tipped pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter.

It was the last touchdown the Badgers scored, as the offense struggled for most of the contest and the Gophers pulled away in the second half.

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz completed 21 of his 38 attempts for 171 yards. He threw a costly interception in the third quarter that led to a Minnesota score.

Star freshman running back Braelon Allen battled through injuries and managed just 47 yards on 17 attempts. The Badgers had just 62 total rushing yards in the loss.

Receiver Danny Davis III hauled in five receptions for 60 yards, while receiver Kendric Pryor had 33 yards on five grabs.

Linebacker Leo Chenal racked up 14 total tackles in the game for the Badgers. He and linebacker Jack Sanborn — who had seven total tackles — shared a sack.

Linebacker Nick Herbig tallied eight total tackles, while defensive lineman Keeanu Benton had six. Benton had two sacks.

The only points the Badgers’ offense were able to muster on the day came on a pair of field goals from kicker Collin Larsh. He also missed a field goal in the fourth quarter.

With the loss, Wisconsin dropped to 8-4 overall and 6-3 in Big Ten play. Iowa finished atop the West Division with a 7-2 mark.

Iowa will take on Michigan — which defeated Ohio State for the East Division title on Nov. 27 — in the Big Ten Championship Game at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 in Indianapolis.