Badgers hold on to Paul Bunyan's axe by beating Gophers, 34-24

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Melvin Gordon ran for 151 yards and accounted for two scores, and No. 14 Wisconsin rallied from a two-touchdown deficit to beat No. 22 Minnesota 34-24 on Saturday night to earn a trip to the Big Ten championship game.

Joel Stave threw for 215 yards, including 160 to receiver Alex Erickson. Stave's 17-yard touchdown pass to Robert Wheelwright with 4:41 left in the game gave the Badgers (10-2, 7-1) a 10-point lead, and Wisconsin's defense held from there.

The Badgers will play Ohio State next week for the league title after claiming the West Division crown.

It was not easy. Physical Minnesota (8-4, 5-3) let a 17-3 lead early in the second quarter slip away. David Cobb ran for 118 yards on 25 carries, including a 40-yard score.

Gordon, a Heisman Trophy contender, limped off the field with 3:12 left in the game, favoring his right ankle.