Ad Disclosure
Paul Chryst speaks on rivalry game against Minnesota: ‘The Axe is symbolic’
Published:
Each year, Wisconsin plays Minnesota to close the regular season for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. In recent years, Wisconsin has had better records and has had more at stake. Minnesota is certainly coming along, though.
Last season, the Golden Gophers handled the Badgers in Madison, 37-15. Prior to that meeting, Wisconsin had won the last 14 matchups. The rivalry hadn’t been close.
But in 2018, that changed. And for 2019, Minnesota is 10-1 overall and at home. Wisconsin enters with a 9-2 record and will, obviously, be away from the comforts of Camp Randall Stadium.
RELATED: Jonathan Taylor not thinking about future decision just yet
This game should be a treat, and we can’t wait for it to start on Saturday. Ahead of the B1G clash, Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst talked about the rivalry, what it means and getting his players ready for it:
Paul Chryst was asked if the Gophers parading the Axe around the state of Minnesota "ticked them off" at all.
"They can do what they want to do. They earned the right to have it."#Badgers
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) November 25, 2019
“The Axe is symbolic. It’s awesome to be part of a rivalry such as this. It’s a symbol of who won that year. Our guys know the history of this rivalry, they understand what’s in it for this year and the biggest thing is that they focus on playing the game.“It’s about playing. Not what you’re playing for.”
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.