Wisconsin State Journal columnist Tom Oates grades the 13th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers' performance in their 38-17 win over the 9th-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Offense: A-minus
With Minnesota playing nine in the box to stop the run, Jack Coan and Quintez Cephus took over the game. Jonathan Taylor's contested catch on a wheel route for a touchdown was a thing of beauty. The jet sweeps and end arounds just keep working. Aron Cruickshank fumbled when he was smoked on a run from the wildcat formation.
Defense: B-plus
Minnesota had runs of 23 and 36 yards; otherwise, UW held it to 34 yards on 21 carries. The Badgers slowed the run using only two down linemen because Garrett Rand and Isaiahh Loudermilk were outstanding. Caesar Williams' first-half interception changed the momentum and his late end-zone breakups stopped Minnesota on downs.
Special teams: B
Isaac Guerendo's 49-yard kickoff return on a reverse came after Minnesota cut UW's lead to 17-10. Senior Zach Hintze, the No. 1 kicker for the first time, made his only field goal. Anthony Lotti averaged 33 yards per punt, though, to be fair, it was miserable weather. So miserable that Jack Dunn didn't even try to field punts.
Coaching: A-minus
Not sure what was better on Garrett Groshek's 70-yard catch on a screen — the timing of the call or the execution of the play. A freshman cornerback got beat on a deep post for a 51-yard touchdown on Minnesota's second play. Shouldn't there be some safety help there? Nice call on the reverse on the kickoff, Chris Haering.
Overall: A-minus
Down 7-0 after Minnesota's second play on a cold, windy, snowy day, UW took a 10-7 lead just before halftime, then thoroughly dominated Minnesota in the second half to win the Big Ten West Division title and a spot in the conference championship game. The Badgers' strength advantage in both lines simply wore down the Gophers.
Photos: Wisconsin Badgers take back Paul Bunyan's Axe from Minnesota Golden Gophers
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) carries the ball into the end zone for a touchdown against Wisconsin during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Minnesota wide receiver Tyler Johnson (6) jumps up in the air to celebrate with teammate wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) after Bateman scored a touchdown against Wisconsin during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Wisconsin wide receiver Kendric Pryor (3) is knocked down by Minnesota defensive back Jordan Howden (23) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Minnesota wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell (7) is tackled by Wisconsin cornerback Semar Melvin (20) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Wisconsin running back Bradrick Shaw (7) holds Paul Bunyan's Axe in celebration after Wisconsin defeated Minnesota 38-17 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Wisconsin wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) holds Paul Bunyan's Axe in celebration after Wisconsin beat Minnesota 38-17 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun (56) holds out Paul Bunyan's Axe for fans to touch after Wisconsin beat Minnesota 38-17 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Wisconsin wide receiver Kendric Pryor, left, celebrates with teammates running back Jonathan Taylor, center, and offensive lineman Logan Bruss, right, after Pryor scored a touchdown against Minnesota during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis. Wisconsin won 38-17.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Minnesota linebackers Thomas Barber, left, and Kamal Martin, right, try to tackle Wisconsin fullback Mason Stokke (34) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis. Wisconsin won 38-17.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Wisconsin running back Garrett Groshek (37) runs the ball against Minnesota during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis. Wisconsin won 38-17.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) falls in the end zone for touchdown against Minnesota linebacker Carter Coughlin (45) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Wisconsin wide receiver Quintez Cephus (87) hands Paul Bunyan's Axe to teammate linebacker Zack Baun (56) after Wisconsin beat Minnesota 38-17 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) looks to handoff the ball to running back Mohamed Ibrahim (24) during an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis. Wisconsin won 38-17.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst watches during an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis. Wisconsin won 38-17.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan (17) throws the ball before getting hit by Minnesota linebacker Thomas Barber (41) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis.
Badgers 38, Golden Gophers 17
Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck hugs defensive back Chris Williamson (6) during an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis. Wisconsin won 38-17.
