Madison — Will the play of quarterback Mitch Leidner determine whether Minnesota takes Paul Bunyan's Axe from rival Wisconsin for the first time since 2003?
Recent history suggests the Gophers (5-6, 2-5 Big Ten) will struggle when they host UW (8-3, 5-2) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday if their quarterback does not play well.
Since the current coaching staff took over at Minnesota in 2011, the Gophers' quarterbacks in four losses to UW have completed a combined 31 of 79 attempts (39.2%) for 378 yards, with three interceptions and two touchdowns.
Leidner started last season in Madison and completed 5 of 18 attempts for 95 yards in a 34-24 loss to UW.