Wisconsin and Minnesota played the most meaningful Paul Bunyan Ax game in the last decade. Many on both sides of the rivalry were happy to see the rivalry back in full force and for Badgers fans, they had to worry about losing the ax for the first time since some people were in elementary or middle school. After years of futility, Minnesota knew they had an opportunity to actually win this rivalry game. It all went for naught as Wisconsin won 20-7 keeping the ax for the 10th straight year.
Wisconsin's defense once again shined through in the frigid Minnesota air. Wisconsin's defense is playing at a championship level right now. We mentioned it before the game started that Wisconsin needed to get a little more respect for their defense that seems to really be connecting with David Arnada's blitzing style. In the last four games, Wisconsin has allowed two offensive touchdowns. Two and they both happened in the same game plus one was very late when Badgers had a 17 point lead. This has to be one of the best runs by a defense in a long time, and I would not be surprised if teams come asking about Arnada for head coaching positions. This defense is playing out of their minds right now and honestly on Saturday, they had to be this good.
Reason being is Joel Stave had arguably his worst game this season. He did not adapt to the cold well and despite offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig trying to make the passing game happen like Karen from Mean Girls trying to make 'Fetch' happen, it did not work at all. All of Stave's passes were off from the simple outs to the deep routes plus he had a brutal pick-six netting Minnesota their only points. I have no idea if it were the cold or just a bad outing, but Stave needs to be better this week against Penn State. I realize there needs to be balance with this offense, but right now, there is really no reason why Stave should be throwing the ball 26 times especially when Wisconsin held a lead for almost the entire football game.
This last month for Wisconsin has shown three things... One, this is a top ten team in college football without question. I cannot name 10 schools that are better than Wisconsin right now. Two, I think they are most deserving of a BCS game. They came into two tough environments, Iowa City and Minneapolis, and blew the doors off both teams plus Wisconsin had an unusual non-conference game against tough opponent and they held strong in that one too. There is no reason to not think of this team as a BCS squad. The third thing is the B1G is on the rise for the first time in awhile.
It took me awhile to come around to the third point, but I think we are seeing a better Big Ten than in years past. Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin are three of the best teams in college football. The second-tier of teams is honestly not bad if you consider who they have lost to this season. I think all three teams would give anybody in college football a game. It is to the point where I am casually interested in seeing what Alabama-Ohio State would be like in the National Championship or Florida State-Ohio State. If the Buckeyes end up beating Michigan State in two weeks and let's say they put up 30 plus on Sparty, they make their case more so as a top team more than ever before in Urban Meyer's last two years.
Wisconsin's win was not just about getting the ax for a 10th consecutive year, no it was about showing off the strength of the Big Ten which will only get better with years to come and new members to join.
Charlie.
Monday, November 25, 2013
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