MADISON, WIS. -- The Gophers had one of their most impressive halves of the season, playing well on offense, defense and special teams, and took a 17-7 lead to the locker room at halftime Saturday at Wisconsin.
Mitch Leidner passed for a touchdown and rushed for a touchdown, and KiAnte Hardin delivered a big 69-yard kickoff return.
Leidner completed seven of 12 passes for 111 yards, and three of those incompletions came on dropped passes. Leidner also rushed nine times for 60 yards, including his 10th rushing touchdown of the season.
The Gophers outgained the Badgers 133-29 in the first quarter and 226-144 for the half.
Badgers starting quarterback Alex Hornibrook was injured on a hit near the sideline by Gophers linebacker Jack Lynn. Backup QB, senior Bart Houston, had entered the game earlier, leading Wisconsin's only touchdown drive.
The Gophers will get safety Duke McGhee back for the second half. He missed the first half after being ejected for targeting in the second half of last week's win over Northwestern.
Wisconsin will get the ball to start the second half.
