Wisconsin Football: 3 takeaways from shutout win over Minnesota in Week 13

1. Badgers defense dominant as ever as they retain Paul Bunyan’s Axe

After the first 11 games of the season, Wisconsin had put up some of the best defensive numbers in the country. The Badgers were ranked second in yards allowed and second in points conceded, giving up fewer than two touchdowns and 250 yards per game. They boasted the top rushing defense in the country, giving up 79.4 yards per game to opposing backfields. And they boasted 23 turnovers gained, 12th-best in the nation.

Against Minnesota, the Badgers clamped down even further. Wisconsin pitched the first shutout in the Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe by either team since Wisconsin won the 1982 edition of the game. It was an effort that punctuated a dominant season wire-to-wire by a championship-level defense.

Demry Croft managed to complete just three of his nine passing attempts for Minnesota, finishing the day with 40 yards through the air. The Golden Gophers ground game fared little better, though they actually beat Wisconsin’s season average. Minnesota mustered 93 yards on its 39 carries, with Rodney Smith gaining 82 of those yards on his 16 touches.

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The Badgers will be challenged by an Ohio State team that features a pair of standout running backs in Mike Weber and J.K. Dobbins along with dual-threat quarterbacks J.T. Barrett and Dwayne Haskins. But the Buckeyes might find it hard to generate much offense against what has emerged as the best defense in the country throughout the 2017 season.