Minnesota vs Wisconsin: NCAA Soccer | get started time, date, Game Preview, Odds & Prediction

Game Overview

• Matchup: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Wisconsin Badgers
• Date: Friday, November 29, 2024
• Time: 12:00 PM ET
• Venue: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin
• Broadcast: ESPN TV, FOX TV, CBS TV
• Live Stream: ESPN App, Fox Sports Live, CBS Sports Online, Hulu Live TV, FuboTV

The battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe returns, as Minnesota and Wisconsin clash in one of college football’s most storied rivalries. With both teams eyeing postseason aspirations and state bragging rights, this Big Ten matchup promises to be as intense as ever.

How to Watch: Viewing Details

1. TV Broadcast:
   • ESPN TV: Game-day coverage with expert commentary and analysis.
   • FOX TV: Live action with pre- and post-game insights.
   • CBS TV: High-definition broadcast with exclusive halftime updates.
2. Streaming Options:
   • ESPN App: Available for cable subscribers and ESPN+ users.
   • Fox Sports Live: Stream on mobile, smart TVs, and web browsers.
   • CBS Sports Online: Access with your TV provider login.
   • Hulu Live TV: Watch live through sports bundles.
   • FuboTV: Stream with a free trial and enjoy live sports.
3. Radio:
   Tune into local stations or platforms like TuneIn for live commentary and game analysis.

Game Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers and Wisconsin Badgers share a historic rivalry that dates back to 1890. With Paul Bunyan’s Axe on the line, this game carries extra significance. Both teams enter the matchup with competitive records, adding fuel to the already fierce rivalry espn.com.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

• Record: 7-4
• Strengths: Ground-and-pound offense, stout defensive front, and disciplined special teams.
• Key Player: RB Darius Taylor – A breakout star, Taylor’s ability to break tackles and gain tough yards is crucial for the Gophers.

Wisconsin Badgers

• Record: 8-3
• Strengths: Balanced offense, aggressive defense, and home-field advantage at Camp Randall Stadium.
• Key Player: QB Tanner Mordecai – The experienced leader of the Badgers’ offense, Mordecai’s dual-threat capabilities make him a focal point.

Key Storylines

1. The Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe

This rivalry trophy game adds extra stakes to the contest. Minnesota reclaimed the Axe in 2022 and looks to defend it, while Wisconsin aims to bring it back to Madison Foxsports.com.

2. Bowl Implications

Both teams are fighting for higher bowl placements, making this game pivotal for postseason positioning.

3. Running Game Dominance

Minnesota relies heavily on Darius Taylor, who leads the Big Ten in rushing yards. Wisconsin counters with a strong run defense, setting up a classic strength-vs-strength battle.

4. Wisconsin’s Home Advantage

Camp Randall Stadium is one of the toughest venues in college football. The energy from the home crowd could give the Badgers a crucial edge.

Odds and Predictions

• Spread: Wisconsin -3.5
• Over/Under: 48.5 points
• Moneyline: Wisconsin -160, Minnesota +140

Prediction

Wisconsin’s home-field advantage and balanced offense give them a slight edge in this matchup. While Minnesota’s running game will keep it close, the Badgers’ ability to exploit the Gophers’ secondary could prove decisive. Final Score Prediction: Wisconsin 27, Minnesota 20.

Key Players to Watch

Minnesota Golden Gophers

1. RB Darius Taylor
   • 2024 Stats: 1,300 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns.
   • Taylor is the focal point of Minnesota’s offense and will need a big game to keep the Gophers competitive.
2. QB Athan Kaliakmanis
   • 2024 Stats: 2,100 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, 7 interceptions.
   • Kaliakmanis’ ability to make plays in the passing game will be critical against Wisconsin’s stout defense.
3. LB Cody Lindenberg
   • 2024 Stats: 85 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles.
   • Lindenberg anchors the Gophers’ defense and will play a key role in stopping Wisconsin’s offense cbssports.com.

Wisconsin Badgers

1. QB Tanner Mordecai
   • 2024 Stats: 2,800 passing yards, 500 rushing yards, 30 total touchdowns.
   • Mordecai’s leadership and dual-threat ability make him the engine of Wisconsin’s offense.
2. RB Braelon Allen
   • 2024 Stats: 1,100 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns.
   • Allen’s physical running style complements Wisconsin’s balanced attack.
3. LB Maema Njongmeta
   • 2024 Stats: 90 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 interceptions.
   • Njongmeta’s ability to disrupt plays will be critical for the Badgers’ defense.

Game Strategy

Minnesota Golden Gophers’ Strategy

1. Run the Ball Effectively
   Lean on Darius Taylor to control the clock and wear down Wisconsin’s defense.
2. Contain Tanner Mordecai
   Keep Mordecai in the pocket and limit his ability to make plays with his legs.
3. Win on Special Teams
   Field position will be crucial in a game where every yard matters.

Wisconsin Badgers’ Strategy

1. Establish the Passing Game
   Use Mordecai’s arm to exploit Minnesota’s secondary and open up the run game for Braelon Allen.
2. Stop the Run
   Focus on containing Darius Taylor and forcing Minnesota to rely on its passing attack.
3. Feed Off the Crowd
   Use the energy of Camp Randall Stadium to gain momentum and put pressure on Minnesota.

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