Overview
- Cornerback John Nestor logged two interceptions plus a fumble recovery, setting up Drake Lindsey’s third-quarter touchdown to Jameson Geers after Darius Taylor’s 49-yard run.
- Minnesota finished 7-5 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten, now leading the rivalry 64-63-8 after four Axe wins in five seasons.
- The Gophers completed a 7-0 home schedule for the first time since 1967 and now await a bowl bid, with the Rate Bowl or Pinstripe Bowl cited as realistic options.
- Wisconsin closed 4-8 and 2-7 in conference play with a second straight bowl miss, their worst season in more than three decades and a result that drew pointed criticism from program alums.
- Snowy conditions turned the game into a field-position battle, highlighted by punter Tom Weston repeatedly pinning the Badgers deep and Wisconsin committing three turnovers.