The 126th edition of major college football’s oldest rivalry will kick off this Saturday. Minnesota is the only thing standing between Wisconsin and a spot in the Big Ten Championship. Also on the line for the Badgers is a chance to even the all-time record, currently led by Minnesota 59-58-8.
For Minnesota, this game represents opportunity. There's a chance here to put an exclamation point on a good season that still feels like it fell short of expectation. A win over a much-hated rival would inject enthusiasm back into the fan base.
And oh yeah, the Gophers would really like Paul Bunyan’s Axe back.