The Gophers close out the 2024 regular season to seek Paul Bunyan’s Axe

Minnesota celebrates their 23-16 victory over Wisconsin by chopping down the goal post with the Paul Bunyan ax after a college football game between the University of Wisconsin Badgers and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers on Nov. 26, 20. ((Photo by Lawrence Iles/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images))

The University of Minnesota football team closes its 2024 regular season against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium on Friday.

The Gophers are 6-5 on the season and 4-4 in Big Ten play entering the annual battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe.

Why it matters

PJ Fleck is 3-4 in his seven games against the Badgers as Minnesota’s head coach. The Gophers are looking to finish the season 7-5 and can improve their bowl situation with a win. They can also eliminate Wisconsin from bowl contention with a win. The Badgers are 5-6 heading into the final. It is the longest-running rivalry in major college football, with Friday marking the 134th meeting between the two programs. Wisconsin currently holds a 63-62-8 edge.

The Gophers are coming to their sixth bowl game under Fleck and are 5-0 in the postseason. Friday also happens to be Fleck’s 44th birthday.

Damage report

Safeties Aidan Gousby and Darius Green will miss Friday’s game. Both have dealt with injuries throughout the season. Tyler Cooper is listed as questionable. He returned last week after missing two games in concussion protocol.