AP-- Just three weeks ago, Minnesota looked like it would be more than ready to challenge Wisconsin.
The Gophers completed their non-conference games unbeaten, an important step in the program's development. The defending Big Ten champion Badgers, meanwhile, slogged through September with a loss and three ugly wins.
But on Saturday, they'll meet again in familiar circumstances. The Gophers' run defense was trounced by Iowa and Northwestern. The Badgers, after wilting in the second half in losing at Nebraska, used Illinois to get back on track and then rolled over Purdue with 645 total yards.
The Badgers were 17 1/2-point favorites when the week began. The Gophers are seeking their first win at Camp Randall Stadium since 1994.