PLAYERS TO WATCH
–LB Blake Cashman is setting himself up to earn many postseason awards after another sterling performance. He tallied 20 tackles against Northwestern, becoming the first Big Ten player to notch 20 stops in a regulation game since 2014. He was named Big Ten Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Week. He enters the Wisconsin game with 29 tackles in his last two games.
–WR Tyler Johnson is having one of the best seasons in school history for a receiver. He has 70 receptions for 1,036 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s 14 catches and 89 yards away from setting single-season records. With Wisconsin’s secondary hit by numerous injuries and playing several underclassmen, Johnson could be in store for a big game.
–QB Tanner Morgan faces a difficult task against Wisconsin, but due to injuries, the Badgers’ defense is struggling. If given time, Morgan can have a big game as long as he avoids turnovers and forcing passes.
–RB Mohamed Ibrahim is playing a big role for the Gophers after entering the season as the third running back. He has rushed for 815 yards and six touchdowns in eight games. He has missed three games this season, but how he plays and his ability to move the chains is key to Minnesota pulling off an upset and becoming bowl-eligible.
SERIES HISTORY: Wisconsin leads Minnesota 60-59-8. The Badgers have owned the series over the last two decades, winning 14 straight and 11 in a row in Madison. Wisconsin defeated Minnesota 31-0 last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I’ll definitely sleep better at night knowing that I went out my senior year with the Axe and getting bowl eligibility and being able to spend more time with all our teammates and our coaching staff. I know myself and the rest of the seniors aren’t ready to end the season early. We want one more.” — Minnesota senior linebacker Blake Cashman on the importance of beating Wisconsin.