Here’s what Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst had to say at his weekly press conference

Remember when we were worried about Wisconsin reaching the six-game threshold to qualify for the Big Ten Championship Game?

That seems like a lifetime ago. Now, the Badgers are on a three-game losing streak heading into Saturday’s championship week game against Minnesota and looking to salvage what seems like a lost 2020 season.

As Wisconsin prepares to resume its rivalry with the Gophers and play to keep hold of Paul Bunyan’s Axe, Badger head coach Paul Chryst spoke to the media on Monday.

Paul Chryst: We're grateful that we get an opportunity to play Minnesota and keep the rivalry going this year. Very appreciative of how it all came together. This game always means a lot. We need to have a great week of preparation so we can be at our best. #Badgers

— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) December 14, 2020

Though Minnesota has also struggled in 2020, the Gophers certainly present a threat to the Badgers. That comes in large part thanks to a running game led by Mohamed Ibrahim.

Chryst on Minnesota's run game: When they are rolling, I think they do a great job. They do a nice job of combining the run with the action passes. If you commit to stopping the run, you can leave yourself exposed to some big plays. #Badgers

— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) December 14, 2020

As for Wisconsin’s next move after playing Minnesota. That seems up in the air, like many things in 2020. There are questions about the Badgers’ bowl prospects, who will return and who will even play on Saturday.

Paul Chryst declines to speculate about playing in a bowl game and says he hasn't had any conversations with the players. Says he wants to finish the season first but adds bowls "are an awesome part of the experience for players and the program."

— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) December 14, 2020

Paul Chryst said it's "too early to tell" on potential availability of Berger, Davis & Pryor (among others). #Badgers

— Dave Heller ✍️ (@dave_heller) December 14, 2020

Paul Chryst says it's too early to know if any of his seniors will return next year with their extra year of eligibility.

— George Balekji (@GeorgeBalekji) December 14, 2020

#Badgers Paul Chryst never looks past the next meeting, much less to the next game. But he was asked if he wants his players to get a shot at a bowl game. He does. Still thinks every chance to play is worth + wants his guys to get as many games as possible.

— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) December 14, 2020

I asked #Badgers coach Paul Chryst the question about a bowl game, prefacing it by noting he doesn't like to look ahead. He joked: "I guess we have been around each other for a while." Since 2002 when he was the TE coach and Leonard was a sophomore safety. 🤣

— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) December 14, 2020

One high note for Chryst and the Wisconsin staff was the fact a number of players graduated last weekend. Some earned undergraduate degrees while some acquired a Master’s.

Paul Chryst when asked about seeing so many #Badgers players get their degree on Sunday

"I now have to call @EricBurrell_ Master EB because he got his masters degree."

Endless pride when answering that question about what his upperclassmen have achieved in the classroom.

— George Balekji (@GeorgeBalekji) December 14, 2020