By beating Wisconsin, the Gophers denied their bitter rival bowl eligibility. The Badgers have appeared in a bowl for 22 consecutive years, but the only wa

Minnesota led Wisconsin 21-0 midway through the third quarter, but instead of the Badgers facing a fourth and 15, a late hit by linebacker Joey Gerlach gave Wisconsin a first down. The Baders scored a touchdown two plays later to make it 21-7.

Minnesota quickly got the ball back and this time it was a 40-yard run from Marcus Major that set up a Jackson touchdown as the Gophers jumped out to a 14-0 lead.Minnesota's defense limited Wisconsin to one of the worst halves of the season.