Much has already been written about how much is on the line this Saturday for Wisconsin and Minnesota: the Axe, gloating over your rival for a year and winning the Big Ten West.
But one thing hasn't changed from last week: I can't find anyone who is not picking Wisconsin to win. Being at home certainly helps. I wonder if anyone woluld have taken the Gophers if this game was at Minnesota.
Alas, it will be played in Camp Randall Stadium with the Badgers listed as a two touchdown favorite.
And now, this week's predictions:
Our own Jesse Temple via his Know the Foe series: Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 14.
FOXSports.com's Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel: Mandel --Wisconsin 34, Minnesota 17. "It doesn't bode well for the Gophers' Big Ten title game chances that they'll likely be without star RB David Cobb. It's hard enough to move the ball on the Badgers' top-10 defense as it is. Melvin Gordon is moving on to Indianapolis."; Feldman -- Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 14. "Melvin Gordon's Heisman pursuit continues. He's averaging a ridiculous 10 yards a carry in his last seven games against ranked teams. Expect more fireworks from him. The Gophers are No. 76 in the country in yards allowed per carry (4.42)."
The Associated Press' Ralph D. Russo: Wisconsin 35, Minnesota 14
All three Big Ten Network analysts are picking Wisconsin to win. The scores: Tom Dienhart 17-14; Sean Merriman 35-24; Brent Yarina 20-16.
All three Athlon Sports analysts are picking Wisconsin to win. The scores: David Fox, 31-21; Steven Lassan, 30-20; Mitch Light, 30-15. Braden Gall is absent of picks for some reason.
Collegefootballnews.com: Wisconsin 34, Minnesota 20. "Minnesota desperately needs Cobb to play, but considering that's not likely, Roderick Williams needs to become a star who can carry the team to the Big Ten championship. It's not going to happen. After a rocky second half against Iowa, the Badger defense will find its form, and while the offense will sputter a wee bit early, Gordon will get his yards on the way to a Big Ten West title."
Whatifsports.com simulation: Wisconsin is given a 60.4% chance of winning with an average score of 20.6-16.0.
All six ESPN.com Big Ten contributors picked Wisconsin to win. With a predicted score of 24-20 listed along with this analysis: "The Gophers have a real chance here, but the potential absence of David Cobb (hamstring) and the road environment will make it tough. Melvin Gordon is held under 200 yards but rips off the game-winning score in the fourth quarter."
All six of CBSSports.com analysts are picking Wisconsin to win. Against the spread (listed as Wisconsin -13.5) only one is still taking the Badgers.
All seven analysts at USAToday.com pick Wisconsin to win.
All six of the analysts at CFB 24/7 are picking Wisconsin to win. The scores: Gil Brandt, 35-13; Bucky Brooks, 24-21; Daniel Jeremiah, 36-28; Bryan Fischer, 27-20; Chase Goodbread, 35-21; Mike Huguenin, 28-16.
All seven of the analysts at the Sporting News pick Wisconsin to win.
The Oklahoman's Berry Tramel: Wisconsin 44, Minnesota 21
Yahoo.com's Pat Forde and Graham Watson pick Wisconsin to win.
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