Expect Paul Bunyan's Axe to be going back to Madison with the Badgers. That's because Wisconsin is looking like, well, Wisconsin again the past month, almost coincidentally since HC Luke Fickell got a vote of confidence and commitment to keep him for 2026 in hopes of a turnaround. Maybe it's already begun as the Badgers are starting un and defend as they used to do both, and frosh QB Carter Smith is at least providing serviceable leadership in November. The Gophers got a career passing day from QB Drake Lindsey last week vs. Northwestern at Wrigley Field and still lost, likely because this PJ Fleck edition isn't running the ball nearly as well as his past Gophers teams. Play Wisconsin

Can't ignore these numbers: 0-4, 6-0. Those are the respective SU records of Wisconsin on the road and Minnesota at home. The Badgers are playing much better than the Gophers but, being run-oriented, seem unlikely to capitalize on a soft pass defense. Wisconsin is on its fourth QB of the season, freshman Carter Smith, and he is not exactly tearing it up with his 53 percent completion rate. The percentage probably will not rise, given the expected unpleasant weather, as the Badgers have little choice but to stick to a ground game. If the home side offense can generate 20 points, that should be enough.