The recap: The Gophers closed their season with a second consecutive blowout loss, falling to the Badgers on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium a week after their 39-0 loss at Northwestern. Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook completed 15 of 19 passes for 151 yards and three touchdowns, and freshman running back Jonathan Taylor rushed 20 times for 149 yards, including a 53-yard TD run. The Badgers outgained the Gophers 456 yards to 133, and the Gophers had only 40 yards passing, with Demry Croft going 3-for-9. The loss left the Gophers 5-7 overall and 2-7 in the Big Ten in coach P.J. Fleck's first season in Minnesota. Any chance at a bowl game disappeared, too, because there are enough six-win teams to fill all 78 bowl spots.
Players honored at banquet
The Gophers held their annual banquet on Sunday and handed out the following awards:
• Bronko Nagurski Award (team MVP): running back Rodney Smith, a repeat winner.
• Carl Eller Award (outstanding defensive player): linebacker Jonathan Celestin.
• Bruce Smith Award (outstanding offensive player): tight end Nate Wozniak.
• Bobby Bell Award (outstanding special teams player): punter Ryan Santoso.
• Paul Giel Award (unselfishness and most concern for Minnesota): receiver Eric Carter and defensive back Adekunle Ayinde.
• Neil Fredenburg Award (love of the game): quarterback Conor Rhoda and linebacker Thomas Barber.
