(All this week we’re taking a look back at the last 10 years of wins in this rivalry, reminding everyone of the decade of domination by the Badgers)
Wisconsin came in to the 2006 Axe game with a two game winning streak, but this game would be remembered for a few good reasons of its own. Game three in the 10-game streak was a massive Badger win, and it had long-lasting consequences.
Final Score: Wisconsin 48, Gophs 12
So, about that whole domination thing? This was the definition of it after two years in which the Badgers had to re-establish it’s place at the top of this rivalry. The 2006 game was like icing on the cake, as the Badgers made sure to let the Gophs know who was boss.
John Stocco threw for a career-high four touchdowns, the defense held Minnesota under 300 yards for just the second time in 46 games and running back P.J. Hill ran for 164 yards to make sure the Axe stayed in Madison for a third straight time.
It was even sweeter, as it was homecoming for the Badgers. Fans were treated to a 36-point victory, which was the Badgers largest win over Minnesota since a 56-17 win over the Gophers on Oct. 15, 1983.
Things were beginning to go down hill for the Gophs head coach Glen Mason, but a third-straight loss in this game was the real final nail in the coffin of the Glen Mason era in Minneapolis. Of course, the Gophs being the Gophs, it would turn out to be a move they would regret for years to come. I mean, this team would fail to be anywhere near good for the next six years.
Mason would finish with just two wins in 10 games in the Axe series, a microcosm of the issues Mason had winning in the Big Ten (32-48).
Needless to say Badger fans were sad to see such an easy mark leave his post. After all, the Badgers won by 10 points or more in six of the eight wins during Mason’s time with the Gophs.
While some may not remember this game because of it’s blowout nature, you should remember it as the biggest nail in the coffin of the Gophs’ head coach.
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