An old-school “Battle for the Axe,” has broken out at Camp Randall through 30 minutes. Punts, missed field goals, and a key turnover have defined the first 30 minutes. Wisconsin and Minnesota are tied at 7 after two quarters, with the running game leading the way for both teams.
Minnesota opened the scoring with a late first quarter pass from Tanner Morgan that found Cam Wiley in the end zone. Wisconsin responded with a drive that took 2:47 seconds to go 75 yards. A massive play from RB Garrett Groshek finished it off as he exploded for a 39-yard touchdown run.
It’s been more of the same for redshirt-freshman QB Graham Mertz, as he has struggled to move the football and missed a couple of throws he would want back. Wisconsin has taken care of the football so far, and the Gophers had a key turnover in the second quarter that flipped momentum. Morgan’s pass was intercepted by Eric Burrell in the end zone, keeping the game tied at 7.
Minnesota’s star RB Mohamed Ibrahim has 11 carries for 69 total yards to lead P.J. Fleck’s team.
Groshek has stepped up for the Badgers without Jalen Berger and Nakia Watson available. The senior has 9 carries for 80 yards and the long touchdown scamper.