It was a Saturday to remember in Madison last Friday as the Gophers knocked off the Badgers to complete the regular season campaign. In a game that felt close the whole way the Gopher’s were able to maintain the lead throughout the game winning 24-7. The team improved to 7-5 in the regular season putting them in a great position for bowl season.

Max Bromser shined again, proving why he is one of the best quarterbacks in college football as he threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Brosmer was also able to get Minnesota on the board early as a QB sneak led to a running touchdown for the senior transfer. 

After the Gopher struck first they were able to continue to add on with another touchdown in the second quarter, giving them a 14-0 lead. The touchdown went to Daniel Jackson who had another great day for the Gophers. In the game Jackson had six receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. Gopher Elijah Spencer also had a great day with five receptions for 75 yards. 

Most of all the Gopher defense came to play in the first half. Temperatures were low, the wind was high and Minnesota knew it. The defense was able to stop the run early and bat down passes at the line leading to a scoreless half for the Badgers. However, the cold must have gotten to the Badgers who allowed 143 yards for the great Darius Taylor on the ground.

As the second half started on the Friday after Thanksgiving many tuned in across the nation as the axe was on the line. Minnesota struck again in the third quarter as Jameson Geers hauled in a 15 yard touchdown reception. With the 21-0 Gopher lead it seemed like it was over. However, that was when Wisconsin decided to show up, driving down the field and scoring a touchdown to keep them in the game. 

That is when the Minneasotian in the crowd got into it, as you could say it was too little too late for the Badgers. That is due to the Gopher defense showing up again in the fourth quarter. They held Wisconsin to just 166 total yards in the game and had the run game in check throughout. Wisconsin’s running back Tawee Walker recorded just 36 yards on the ground in 14 tries.

The win gives the Gophers the all time series over Wisconsin, and the team has won the battle three out of the last four years. As for the Badgers, it was another poor season as the 5-7 team will likely miss out on bowl eligibility. The Gophers will look to continue their stellar play late into the year as the team will be given a bowl designation in the coming weeks.