GOPHERS OFFENSE VS.

BADGERS DEFENSE

David Cobb's left hamstring injury likely will force the Gophers to plow forward without the player who has 57 percent of their rushing yards. Wisconsin won't make it easy. The Badgers have allowed an average of just 73.4 rushing yards over their past five games. Advantage: Wisconsin

SPECIAL TEAMS

This is a Gophers strength, but Wisconsin freshman Rafael Gaglianone has made 10 consecutive field goal attempts, including a 50-yarder at Iowa. Advantage: Even

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Joel Stave began the year with the yips but is 6-0 since replacing Tanner McEvoy as Wisconsin's starting QB. Stave isn't flashy; his biggest job is handing off to Melvin Gordon. But the Badgers will take what he did against Nebraska (7-for-11, 46 yards) and Iowa (11-for-14, 139 yards).

THE OPPONENT

No. 14 Wisconsin blew a 24-7 lead to LSU in the opener, then quietly regained momentum under coach Gary Andersen. Stave and Tanner McEvoy each threw two interceptions in a 20-14 loss at Northwestern, but since then, the Badgers have a six-game winning streak.

GOPHERS DEFENSE VS.

badgers OFFENSE

The Gophers need to dominate a full game the way they have been in the second half. In their past five games, Purdue, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio State and Nebraska have combined to score 38 offensive points (an average of 7.6) in the second half. But slowing Gordon is incredibly tough. Advantage: Even

INTANGIBLES

David Cobb could be out.

Wisconsin is 12-1 at home under Andersen. The one loss came last Nov. 30, to Penn State. The forecast says it will be 38 degrees and partly sunny at kickoff. Advantage: Wisconsin

JOE'S PREDICTION

24 20

WISMINN

Turnovers could be an equalizer for the Gophers, who are plus-11, compared to minus-2 for the Badgers. But it will be a struggle without Cobb.