The Gophers might have the higher ranking, home-field advantage and a better record, but oddsmakers see them as underdogs for Saturday's showdown against Wisconsin.
Badgers favored over Gophers for Big Ten West title showdown
The early betting lines have Wisconsin favored by a field goal over Minnesota.
November 25, 2019 at 4:57AM
![After 15 years Minnesota took back the Paul Bunyan's Axe after they defeated Wisconsin 37-15 at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, November 24, 2018 in Madison, Wis. It's the 128th meeting between the two teams. ] ELIZABETH FLORES • liz.flores@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/TSPJZQHTXZUMES6WXWYG5UULDA.jpg?&w=712)
According to Oddshark.com, the early lines have the Badgers favored by either three points or 2-1/2.
The Badgers are 5-0 all-time at TCF Bank Stadium and had a 14-game winning streak against the Gophers before Minnesota finally reclaimed Paul Bunyan's Axe last November in Madison.
This game is back in Minneapolis and will determine the Big Ten West champion.
The Gophers (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) are ranked No. 9 in the latest AP poll, and the Badgers (9-2, 6-2) are No. 13.
Wisconsin's two losses have come against Illinois and Ohio State. Minnesota's lone loss came at Iowa.
JOE CHRISTENSEN
The Gophers will lose senior setter Melani Shaffmaster, but they don’t expect players to leave via the transfer portal.
