Wisconsin has not lost to Minnesota since 2003, and after one half of play, it appears that streak will continue. Wisconsin’s defense has shut the door on the Gophers after one half of play, while the Badgers have put together a 17-0 lead in the battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. The Badgers had more points than Minnesota had offensive yards at halftime after going up 17-0, but the Gophers picked up some yards before the end of the half.
Wisconsin opened the scoring in the first quarter when Alex Hornibrook completed a short touchdown pass to tight end Troy Fumagalli to cap a 12-play drive. After the defense pitched a three-and-out to force a punt, Wisconsin tacked on three more with a 32-yard field goal off the leg of Rafael Gaglianone.
Wisconsin pushed the lead to 17-0 in the final minute of the half when Hornibrook completed a pass to Kyle Penniston from five yards out following a 27-yard run by Garrett Groshek.