Wisconsin quarterback Joel Stave scanned for his receiver in the left flat and delivered a screen pass that was promptly intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Minnesota defensive back Briean Boddy-Calhoun. After only one offensive play, the Badgers already trailed by seven points Saturday and could not have asked for a worse start to a football game.
What followed was considerably more encouraging for Wisconsin, which all but abandoned its passing game for long stretches and decimated Minnesota's defense with an impressive rushing attack. By the end of the game, Wisconsin had worn down Minnesota in a 31-21 victory at TCF Bank Stadium, capturing Paul Bunyan's Axe for a 12th consecutive game.