Upon Further Review: Opportunities Axed as Gophers fall in OT to rival Badgers

It was an opportunity no one thought Minnesota would have a few weeks ago.

When COVID-19 issues forced the Gophers to cancel its longtime rivalry game with Wisconsin, it was bemoaned as one more horrible circumstance of 2020. But the Big Ten used its championship week to pit the two teams against each other and allow the playing for Paul Bunyan’s Axe to continue.

Minnesota certainly had its chances to beat the Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium, but, as often happens, it was a couple of mistakes that cost the Gophers the chance to bring the Axe back to Minneapolis, falling in overtime, 20-17.

The Gophers showed fight, though. A 12-play, 75-yard drive in the fourth quarter tied the game with 4:40 remaining and a Corey Dunn interception in the end zone on Wisconsin’s ensuing drive helped secure an extra period and a chance for victory.

Minnesota got the ball first in OT and on a third-and-3 play, Tanner Morgan’s pass was deflected away. Anders Gelecinskyj’s ensuing 36-yard field-goal attempt went wide left, giving the Badgers the advantage of just needing a field goal to win, which they got from 30 yards out.

It was a tough way to lose, but if the Gophers can take any solace it is that they played much better in their final three games of the season, perhaps giving a little hope for 2021.

Game story

Here’s a recap of Saturday’s game:

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Wisconsin entered the game allowing just 83.2 rushing yards per game, which was second in the nation, and 3.2 yards per carry. Mohmed Ibrahim didn’t get into the end zone (well he did but it was erased thanks to a holding penalty), but did rush for 151 yards on 26 carries, a 5.8 average. Wisconsin’s previous high for rushing yards allowed in a game this season was 131. It marked Ibrahim’s eighth straight 100-yard game, the longest such streak in Minnesota history. Ibrahim also surpassed 1,000 yards on the season. Only he and Buffalo’s Jaret Patterson have 1,000+ yards rushing in fewer than eight games played this season.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT ME

Minnesota has been looking for receivers to step up. Even more so in this one with Rashod Bateman gone and Chris Autman-Bell having to leave due to injury. Freshman Daniel Jackson had but four catches for 67 yards – however, both were team highs. Jackson had two key catches on Minnesota’s game-tying drive in the fourth quarter: A 24-yarder – the longest pass play of the game for the Gophers – on a second-and-7 and a seven-yard grab on second-and-8. He also had Minnesota’s second-longest reception for 22 yards.

THAT MOMENT

The missed field-goal attempt was obviously big as was Morgan’s touchdown pass to Mike Brown-Stephens on third-and-goal from the 9 to tie the game. But if you’re looking at one play that swung the game’s fortunes, it was Morgan’s interception in the second quarter. Minnesota had second-and-goal from the 12 (after that above-mentioned hold) when Morgan tried to hit Clay Geary, who was double-teamed, in the end zone. Wisconsin safety Eric Burrell came up with an interception – and the Gophers had no points when they should have at least had three. In a game that went to overtime, any points left on the field hurt. Yes, we know the game would have played out differently, but this lost opportunity was incredibly costly.

THIS NUMBER

That this game went into overtime is not surprising when you look at the final statistics. It’s hard to imagine there’s been a game so evenly played in recent memory. Minnesota ran 62 plays for 362 yards. Wisconsin had 61 for 322. Each team had 18 first downs. The Gophers were 4-of-11 on third-down conversions, the Badgers 4-of-12. Each team averaged 5.3 yards per play and had a turnover. Time of possession was nearly split down the middle, with Wisconsin holding a slight 30:28-29:32 edge. Yes, OT was wholly appropriate.

THEY SAID IT

“Thankful for the Big Ten for scheduling this game. Somebody had to win, somebody had to lose, It’s unfortunate that way that we’re on the other end. … To have our rivalry game in Madison come down to overtime and have opportunities to win it, couldn’t ask for anything more. Unfortunately, we didn’t come away with the victory.” — head coach P.J. Fleck

“I mean he’s made a lot of them. And I just told him, I said, listen, we’re going to get this thing somehow, someway to the second overtime and you’re going to come back and win it. I said get a smile on your face, change your best, respond. That’s it. I told him I love him. That’s all.” — Fleck on what he said to Gelecinskyj

“It’s on me. I just got to eat it or throw into a second window, but it’s my fault. It was a critical error that can’t happen in a game.” — Morgan on the interception

“Being from Minnesota and knowing how much this game means to me and my teammates and the people I play with, it hurts. It hurts a lot.” — defensive end Boye Mafe

WHAT’S NEXT

After Saturday’s game, Fleck mentioned there a lot more involved than just playing in a bowl game – being away from family, having relatives dealing with COVID, spending the holidays eating boxed meals and not being able to have large gatherings, etc. It’s not surprise then that the Gophers declined any potential bowl bid. Next up: The 2021 season.