Gophers tighten grip on Paul Bunyan's Axe
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The first big play of the game happened when John Nestor recovered a Wisconsin fumble at the 22-yard line, which set the Gophers up in prime scoring position. Their offense gained only two yards before attempting a 38-yard field goal with Brady Denaburg, which was blocked. It was his fourth miss in his previous seven attempts.
Wisconsin football ended its season with a 17-7 loss to Minnesota at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Here's how the game unfolded with all the highlights in the snow.
Drake Lindsey threw a touchdown pass to Jameson Geers for the only second-half score in snow-globe conditions, and John Nestor had two interceptions and a
The snowstorm in Minneapolis made life difficult for the Wisconsin Badgers as they failed to win back Paul Bunyan's Axe from the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
After taking down Wisconsin 24-7 last year to win the Paul Bunyan Axe, the Minnesota Gophers will try to retain the trophy Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m.
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Wisconsin Badgers vs. Minnesota Gophers 1st Half Game Thread: Bowl game on the line?
The Wisconsin Badgers are taking on the Minnesota Gophers in the regular season finale, looking to reclaim the Axe Trophy after a disappointing 24-7 loss kept them out of a bowl game last season. Wisconsin has rejuvenated its season this month, putting together two Top 25 wins, including a 27-10 beating of the Illinois Fighting Illini last weekend.
A fter Saturday's win, the Gophers have now beaten Wisconsin four times in the last five seasons. It's their best stretch in the historic rivalry since 1986-1990. They capped off the 17-7 win with a field storm, and they chopped down the goalposts with Paul Bunyan's Axe in one of the best traditions in college football.
Key matchup: Wisconsin run game vs. Gophers rush defense. The Badgers ran for 209 yards and three scores against the Illini, while an unsound Gophers defense gave up 220 and two TDs to the Wildcats.
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Gophers drop third straight game, losing 86-75 to Santa Clara
Minnesota dropped to 4-4 after losing to Santa Clara 86-75 on Friday night. Christian Hammond led the way for the Broncos with 20 points but it was a balanced attack with six players in double figures.
Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back John Nestor (17) kneels in the endzone before a football game against the Iowa Hawkeyes Oct. 25, 2025 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. / Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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