The Gophers finished the 2024 regular season with a three-point victory over border rivals Wisconsin on Friday. Minnesota reclaimed Paul Bunyan’s ax with a dominant, physical victory in frigid Camp Randall Stadium.

Here are the five things that stood out Minnesota wins 24-7 against Wisconsin:

Minnesota’s defense showed up Friday and completely stifled Wisconsin’s struggling offense. The Badgers mustered just 166 total yards on offense, most of them in the second half. The Gophers held Wisconsin to just 43 yards and three first downs on 1.7 yards per play in the first half. The Badgers were forced into five three-and-outs as the Gophers defense clearly outplayed Wisconsin’s offense.

Jackson played an important role for Max Brosmer and the Gophers offense. The final line – six catches, 61 yards and a touchdown – may not be much to write home about, but it was the way Jackson racked up that line that impressed on Friday.

In the first half, Jackson made an incredible over-the-shoulder catch in tight coverage to extend a drive. His touchdown came on a route where he ran directly to the Badgers cornerback, sliding the corner, giving Jackson plenty of space for the score. In the third quarter, the senior receiver made a dive down the sideline to extend a drive.

Between Jackson and Darius Taylor (156 yards from scrimmage), the Gophers’ two best offensive weapons emerged.

Minnesota’s 24-7 victory evens the all-time series between the teams at 63-63-8. PJ Fleck wins the ax for the fourth time since arriving in Minnesota, the Gophers’ third victory in Madison during the Fleck era. By defeating Wisconsin, Minnesota officially ended the Badgers’ 22-year winning streak.

The Gophers shut out the Badgers in the first half, which was the first time they had done that in 31 years. The Badgers’ lone score prevented Minnesota from earning its first overall shutout against Wisconsin since 1963.

The Gophers’ offense had to operate for much of the day without left tackle Aireontae Ersery, who left the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury. Even if Ersery is healthy in time for the bowl game, this may be the last time Gophers fans see the mammoth tackle don a Gophers jersey. He’s a projected first-round NFL draft pick who could choose not to play, regardless of his health.

Despite a strong defensive performance, the Gophers allowed the Badgers to hang around longer than was ideal on Friday. After going up 14-0 early in the second quarter, the Gophers’ offense struggled on the next three drives, gaining just nine total yards on ten plays.

In the second half, the Gophers defense was close to forcing a punt, but an unnecessary late hit by Joey Gerlach gave the Badgers another set of downs, which they converted into their only score of the day. Minnesota piled up the yards on the next drive, but Dragan Kesich missed a field goal wide left that briefly gave Wisconsin more life.