Wisconsin Badgers predictions: Game 12 vs. Minnesota

Wisconsin gamers now not have to stump for Jim Leonhard to be the brand new head coach. That’s going to occur (there’s no purpose for UW to have posted the job in-season in any other case). 

Now can they make that call look good, a minimum of within the quick time period, with a win over rival Minnesota, getting again Paul Bunyan’s Axe and clinching a profitable season? 

It appears arduous to foretell something out of this Badgers group in 2022. It’s been a roller-coaster of a trip.  

Minnesota, nonetheless, is a bit one-dimensional lately, feeding working again Mohamed Ibrahim typically (5 consecutive video games with 30+ carries).  

The Gophers protection is powerful, which could portend a low-scoring affair, based mostly on how Wisconsin’s offense has struggled for consistency this season. 

In case you’re on the lookout for one quantity that tilts this in Wisconsin’s favor maybe it’s this: Minnesota is 0-4 towards groups which personal profitable information in 2022 and the Badgers enter at 6-5. 

Who will run round Camp Randall’s Stadium with the Axe? Right here’s this week’s picks from across the net: 

The Related Press’ Ralph D. Russo: Wisconsin 21, Minnesota 16.  

Pete Fiutak of Collegefootballnews.com: Wisconsin 21, Minnesota 17. “Wisconsin is a distinct group in Camp Randall. It blew out Northwestern in Evanston, but it surely struggled within the win final week over Nebraska to get bowl eligible. It gagged at Michigan State, couldn’t cease screwing up towards Iowa, and received rolled by Ohio State. The O hasn’t all the time been nice regardless of the place it performs, and Minnesota’s protection will hold this shut, however the Badger run D shall be a wee bit higher because it takes again the Paul Bunyan Axe.” 

Scott Whittum of Athlon Sports activities: Wisconsin 17, Minnesota 13. “This can be a tough recreation as a result of if Morgan had been to return from damage, it will give Minnesota extra steadiness on offense. If he would not play and Kaliakmanis begins, it’s going to be a shortly performed, low-scoring affair since each groups will run the ball a ton. If Wisconsin completely hires Leonhard earlier than the sport on Saturday morning, the Badgers ought to begin scorching. After the emotion of that wears off, the sport will settle in and turn out to be a defensive slugfest, with the Badgers profitable by one rating and elevating the standard of their bowl recreation.” 

Randy Johnson of the Minneapolis Star Tribune: Minnesota 24, Wisconsin 14. 

Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press: Minnesota 21, Wisconsin 20. 

Trent Knoophttps://wolverineswire.usatoday.com/lists/predicting-every-big-ten-college-football-score-in-week-1/ of Wolverines Wire: Wisconsin 17, Minnesota 14. “As soon as upon a time lots of people believed this recreation would decide who would make it out of the Huge Ten West, however between accidents and poor play, neither group lived as much as expectations. It doesn’t look seemingly that Minnesota could have Tanner Morgan again at quarterback this week. Even with Mo Ibrahim working the ball, the Gophers are too one-dimensional towards a hungry Wisconsin protection desirous to win its closing recreation for Jim Leonhard. I just like the Badgers at dwelling to complete the season.” 

Riley Donald of Hawkeyes Wire: Minnesota 21, Wisconsin 16. “Minnesota is only a higher group at this level within the yr. They run the ball higher and play higher protection. Wisconsin escaped Nebraska by one level in an unsightly recreation and lose this to fall to 6-6.” 

Morgan Moriarty of Bleacher Report: Wisconsin 20, Minnesota 14. 

Heath of Sportsbook Wire: Minnesota 21, Wisconsin 14. 

Fairway Jay of FanDuel: Minnesota 23, Wisconsin 20. 

Bill Connelly of ESPN: His S&P+ projection has it Minnesota 22, Wisconsin 17. 

Two of three Athlon Sports activities analysts are choosing Minnesota to win. 

The 4 analysts at FootballScoop.com are cut up: Two predict a Wisconsin victory, two go along with Minnesota.