Is this the year the Minnesota Golden Gophers finally reclaim Paul Bunyan’s Axe from the hands of the Wisconsin Badgers? Or will Wisconsin keep it in the Badger state for an unprecedented 14th year in a row?
Minnesota comes into the 2017 with new head coach P.J. Fleck at the helm. Gopher fans are hoping he can row the boat back to winning ways. Wisconsin is familiar with Fleck, having faced him and his former Western Michigan Broncos in the Cotton Bowl in January.
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Last season: Minnesota finished 4th in Big Ten West with record of 5-4, 9-4 overall. Defeated Washington State 17-12 in National Funding Holiday Bowl.
One bright spot on offense for the Gophers is on the ground. Their running game is stout, and looks to be dangerous once again this season. Rodney Smith leads the way having finished fourth in the Big Ten in rushing last year. Smith racked up 1,158 yards and 16 touchdowns, a total that was second in conference. Next to him is Shannon Brooks, who missed some time due to injury. Brooks ran for 650 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Fleck and defensive coordinator Robb Smith will have to figure out how to fill holes on a defense that returns less than a handful of starters. Defensive tackle Steven Richardson will look to disrupt offenses again, coming off a seven sack campaign last year. Same with linebacker Jonathan Celestin who recorded 80 tackles a season ago. And chalk Minnesota as another Big Ten team who is deep at the linebacker position.
Do I think the Gophers will be a threat in the Big Ten West? Not this year. But you know that Fleck will have Minnesota absolutely ready for their battle with Wisconsin. Don’t think that he doesn’t want to win the Axe in his first season and make a huge splash in the conference.
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The Axe has not been in Minnesota’s possesion since 2003. The battle returns to Minneapolis. P.J. Fleck and crew are all about making a really good first impression. Nothing would make him and the fan base happier than to reclaim Paul Bunyan’s Axe. He’s going to treat this as a bowl and an opportunity to spoil any hopes Wisconsin might have heading into post season play. This will not be a cake walk for the Badgers, it will be the complete opposite. If Wisconsin comes into the game unprepared and looking ahead, it could end up being a very long afternoon for head coach Paul Chryst and company.