Wisconsin Football 2024 Preview: Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Wisconsin football program will cap off the regular season with a rivalry match against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

After securing a 24-10 win over Minnesota last season, Luke Fickell is now 1-0 all-time against the Gophers. He will look to remain perfect against a Minnesota team that will look a bit different than they did a season ago, with some new contributors on offense and what should be a good Gophers defensive unit.

Game Info

When: Friday, November 29th at 11 AM CST

Where: Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI

TV: TBD

Radio: Badger Sports Network

History

Wisconsin regained the all-time series lead last season, moving to 63-62-8 all-time against the Gophers. After losing two straight battles for Paul Bunyan's Axe in 2021 and 2022, getting back in the win column was big for the Badgers, especially in their first season under Luke Fickell.

UW is 9-2 at home since 2000 in the rivalry matchup. With the series headed back to Madison, Wisconsin will have an opportunity to grow their all-time lead against the Gophers in front of the Badger faithful.

Last Season

6-7 Overall; 3-6 Big Ten

20.9 points per game (102nd of 133)

26.7 opp. points per game (63rd of 133)

2023 SOS: 63rd of 133

Last season was a step back for the Gophers in their seventh year under PJ Fleck. After two straight 9-4 seasons, Minnesota finished the year at 5-7. Still, they were selected for a bowl game against Bowling Green, which they won 30-24.

Minnesota struggled mightily on offense with Aithan Kaliakmanis -- who threw for 1,838 yards, 14 touchdowns, and nine interceptions last season -- at the helm. They leaned on a rushing duo of Darius Taylor and Jordan Nubin, but they could only do so much in helping an offense that lacked firepower.

The Gophers did have a solid defensive unit last season under Joe Rossi, headlined by second-round NFL Draft pick Tyler Nubin, but Rossi moved to Michigan State shortly after Minnesota's loss to the Badgers.

2024 Outlook

Minnesota made some upgrades through the transfer portal while bringing back some of its top contributors from a season ago. After losing Aithan Kaliakmanis to Rutgers in the offseason, the Gophers brought in former New Hampshire QB Max Brosmer. The former Wildcat led the FCS in passing yards and passing yards per game while ranking second in passing touchdowns and fourth in completions per game.

The Gophers will also bring back top contributors RB Darius Taylor and WR Daniel Jackson. Taylor and Jackson were at the top of the stat sheet in touchdowns last season, and having them return will be a big key to the team's success this year.

Minnesota's defense also projects to be a solid group under new defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman. He came over from Rutgers in the offseason, but prior to his time there, he served as defensive coordinator for James Madison for three seasons. Under his direction, the Dukes ranked in the top ten in total defense and scoring defense in all three years.

Minnesota won't be a pushover this year after adding some talent on both sides of the ball. A lot will be riding on the Gophers offense this year, and the Wisconsin football defense will need to come to play.

Related: Wisconsin Football 2024 Preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers

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