The Minnesota-Wisconsin series is the most-played FBS rivalry, and a Gophers victory would enable them to tie the all-time series at 63-63-8. Since 1948, the winner of this game has gained possession of Paul Bunyan's Axe.

The Badgers (5-7) fell to Minnesota 24-7 at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, giving the Gophers (7-5) the rights to Paul Bunyan's Axe for the third time in the last four years. This loss cemented Wisconsin's first five-game losing streak since 1991.

Wisconsin had a string of 22 consecutive bowl appearances and winning seasons. But the team needed a win to get to .500 and become bowl eligible.

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel was talking to safety Hunter Wohler in September during the week of the Alabama game, trying to gauge how one of his star players felt about the excitement surrounding the matchup.

Minnesota defeated Wisconsin 24-7 on Friday to take back the Axe. Wisconsin's 22-year bowl streak has come to an end. The Badgers had the third longest active bowl

A victory by Minnesota would enable the Golden Gophers to tie Football Bowl Subdivision's most-played series at 63-63-8.