In the highly anticipated season finale, the Wisconsin Badgers are preparing to face off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a bid to reclaim the Axe Trophy. The Badgers, coming off a thrilling overtime victory against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, are eager to end their season on a high note.

With a current record of 6-5, including a 4-4 standing in conference play, the Badgers have had an uneven season so far. However, DraftKings Sportsbook has them as 2.5-point favorites over Minnesota, setting the over/under at 42.5 points.

Looking back at the expectations set for the Badgers at the beginning of the season, there is a sense of underwhelming performance. Despite securing bowl eligibility, Wisconsin was expected to compete for the Big Ten West title, given their favorable schedule and the arrival of new head coach Luke Fickell. Fickell, in his first season as head coach, has received a grade of C- for the season so far. Although Fickell has shown promise with his recruiting efforts, the team's execution and disciplinary issues have hindered their success.

One significant change made by Fickell was hiring offensive coordinator Phil Longo, known for his Air Raid roots. The transition to the Air Raid scheme has had its ups and downs, with injuries to key players impacting the offense's performance. The run schemes have shown creativity and promise, but short-distance situations and penalties have proven to be challenging for the Badgers.

On the defensive front, the Badgers have had to adjust to new defensive coordinator Mike Tressel replacing Jim Leonhard. The defense has shown both strengths and weaknesses, with Hunter Wohler standing out as a standout player. However, tackling and gap responsibilities have been issues for the defense, and the pass rush has had its struggles throughout the season.

Heading into the game on Saturday, the Badgers will rely on quarterback Tanner Mordecai to make plays and extend drives. Defensively, cornerback Ricardo Hallman has been exceptional despite his size. The availability of injured players such as Will Pauling and Hunter Wohler will play a crucial role in the Badgers' success.

The Wisconsin-Minnesota rivalry is one of the most storied in college football, with the famous Paul Bunyan's Axe at stake. The series is currently tied at 62-62-8, and Minnesota has won the last two games. The Badgers, therefore, have a lot riding on this game as they hope to reclaim the Axe and prevent Minnesota from reaching bowl eligibility. With both teams showing flaws, the outcome is expected to be closely contested, with a score prediction of Wisconsin 24, Minnesota 20.

As the Wisconsin Badgers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers prepare to face off in their 133rd meeting, football fans eagerly anticipate what promises to be an exciting battle for the Axe Trophy.