No. 14 Wisconsin (8-3; 6-2 in B1G play) are looking to finish the 2021 season with a big road game against Minnesota (7-4; 5-3 in B1G play). With a win over their rival in the battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe, Wisconsin would clinch the B1G West Division. Wisconsin could win the West Division for the fourth time in six seasons.

Wisconsin had a rough start to the season by losing 16-10 to No. 19 Penn State at home in Week 1, No. 12 Notre Dame 41-13 in a neutral site game in Chicago in Week 3, and No. 14 Michigan 38-17 at home in Week 4.

The Badgers have since won seven in a row with wins at No. 25 Purdue 30-13 and No. 9 Iowa at home 27-7.

Wisconsin has one of the most efficient rushing offenses in the nation behind the fantastic blocking of their offensive line and their stout freshman running back in Braelon Allen. Their defense ranks fifth in the nation in points allowed per game (15.8 points allowed per game).

On College GameDay, the college football analysts praised the tremendous turnaround from the team and head coach Paul Chryst.

CFB analyst Kirk Herbstreit had this to say about the team and Chryst’s turnaround.

“Paul Chryst is a perfect example of turning it around and getting your guys to buy in,” Herbstreit said. “They were 1-3. Season looked like it was over. They went down from 31 passes per game to 17 passes per game in the last 7 games. That’s how they win football games. They’re running the ball, playing defense. It’s very much like Oklahoma State.”

Desmond Howard had plenty of praise for the offense.

“When I look at the Badgers offense, I think how Graham Mertz started the season. They were trying to throw the ball too much,” Howard said. “He was just out of his element, he wasn’t comfortable. Now, they can run the ball more. That’s his best friend. … A much more balanced offense, not as much pressure on Graham Mertz.”

Kickoff between Wisconsin and Minnesota is set for 4 p.m. ET.