Journal Sentinel staff predictions for the Wisconsin Badgers' game vs. Minnesota

Our Wisconsin football coverage team predicts the outcome of the Badgers' game vs. Minnesota on Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Jeff Potrykus

Neither team is an offensive juggernaut. Minnesota is averaging 19.4 points per game in league play. UW is at 18.9. The Badgers’ biggest edge is on the defensive side. Although they continue to struggle early in games, they are limiting foes to 18.9 points per game in league play. Minnesota is giving up 29.3. The Gophers have to shorten the game by controlling the ball on the ground and/or force turnovers to give their offense a short field. UW should be able to prevail. Wisconsin 17, Minnesota 10

Mark Stewart

The resolve Wisconsin took with it to the field last week is what Minnesota will bring this time. The Gophers have lost three straight and were blown out at Ohio State last week. They need a win to become bowl eligible. Sounds like a spoiler situation for UW, provided it can get off to a solid start. What better way to end the regular season than to get back the Axe and send the Gophers into cover for the winter? Wisconsin 24, Minnesota 21

JR Radcliffe

The Illinois and Nebraska wins were satisfying, but both required good fortune, and UW still isn't in a place where you can expect it to truly handle any opponent, even a Minnesota team with some ugly recent outcomes. The Gophers are desperate for a win to secure bowl eligibility, and I still feel like this comes down to the wire. I'll give the Gophers the benefit of the coin flip thanks to the hostile road environment. Minnesota 20, Wisconsin 16

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Badgers vs. Minnesota Gophers football game predictions