The Badgers’ defense sits atop the FBS for fewest yards per game. The Badgers' offense has begged, borrowed and stolen only 20 points in its last three outings, and it could be missing two reliable WRs (injured) and a RB (undisclosed). The Gophers have been run-oriented since a healthy standout, NFL-bound WR Rashod Bateman, decided to shorten his season, so Wisconsin is sure to load up the box and tempt them to throw. Minnesota held Nebraska to 17 points last Saturday even with several Covid-connected absentees on defense. Temperatures expected to hover around freezing will not allow the Badgers' ice-cold offense to thaw out.

The thing about Minnesota this season is that the Gophers came in with high expectations after having nine starters back on offense, including the QB, from an 11-2 team. The early 2020 losses were a result of a lack of spring practice. They have come back with big wins as dogs in their last two games. Wisconsin is now that team in a funk, losing its last three. I took the points with Minnesota, which won at Wisconsin in 2018, and the Gophers might even win outright.