On the run, No. 5. Wisconsin leads FBS in time of possession

Minnesota (8-3, 5-3 Big Ten) at No. 5 Wisconsin (9-2, 6-2, No. 6 CFP), 3:30 p.m. (Big Ten Network)

Line: Wisconsin by 14.

Series record: Minnesota leads 59-58-8.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

This annual grudge match could be just about Paul Bunyan's Axe, the trophy that goes to the victor. The prize is enough to get tempers flaring between the Gophers and Badgers. But there's a chance that Wisconsin will need a win to secure the Big Ten West division title and a trip to the league championship game. Nebraska is tied with Wisconsin atop the West going into the last weekend of the regular season. If the Cornhuskers beat Iowa on Friday, Wisconsin will need to beat Minnesota to take the division by virtue of its victory last month over Nebraska.

KEY MATCHUP

Minnesota defense vs. Wisconsin run game. For the Gophers to have a chance, the defense will need to force turnovers and slow a Wisconsin rushing attack averaging 249 yards over the last four games. Minnesota is allowing 116.6 yards on the ground. It's especially critical for Minnesota to force Wisconsin into third-and-long passing situations.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Minnesota: RBs Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks. The Gophers have scored the first touchdown - each coming on the ground - in their last six games. Getting an early lead will be important against Wisconsin, which leads the FBS in time of possession (35:24 per game).

Wisconsin: RB Corey Clement. One of 13 Badgers to be honored in Senior Day pregame ceremonies, Clement has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career. Expect the Badgers' best breakaway threat to try to put an exclamation point on his senior season at Camp Randall Stadium.

FACTS & FIGURES

Wisconsin's 12-game win streak is the longest in the series. ... Minnesota last won nine games in a season in 2003, when Gophers finished 10-3. It's also the same season that Minnesota last beat Wisconsin, 37-34. ... Badgers seeking their sixth 10-win season since 2009. ... Since coming off the bench at Iowa, senior QB Bart Houston has a pass efficiency rating of 199.6 in the five-game span splitting reps with starter Alex Hornibrook.

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