The Wisconsin Badgers could not muster much offense against the Minnesota Gophers Saturday, as the Gophers outplayed the Badgers and claimed the Paul Bunyan Axe while denying Wisconsin the Big West Division title. 

The Badgers offense could not find the end zone and freshman standout Braelon Allen was held to 47 yards on 17 carries as the Minnesota defense stifled Wisconsin’s running game. 

Scott Nelson returned an interception 25 yards to give the Badgers a 10-3 lead early in the second quarter, but the game turned on a third quarter interception by Minnesota’s Just Walley who outbattled Kendric Pryor for the ball and set up a Gopher’s touchdown two plays later. 

This is the second time in four years that Minnesota defeated Wisconsin after 14 straight losses.  Wisconsin now will await a bowl invitation, after losing an opportunity to play Michigan in the Big Ten Championship game.  Iowa will now represent the Big Ten East against the Wolverines who beat Ohio State 42-27 on Saturday to claim the Big Ten West.