In order to advance to the Big Ten Championship Game, Minnesota has to win back-to-back games over Wisconsin for the first time since 1993 and 1994.
The Big Ten West leader holds a one-game advantage on the Badgers, and it is possession of Paul Bunyan's Axe following the first win over its rival since 2003.
If P.J. Fleck's team finishes off a perfect home slate, it will earn a matchup with Ohio State that keeps it in on the fringe of the College Football Playoff for another week.
The Buckeyes won the Big Ten East through their Week 13 victory over Penn State, but they still have a difficult hurdle to overcome to reach Indianapolis perfect.