MADISON, Wis. — Not a single Gophers football player touched Paul Bunyan’s Axe from 2004-17, so there was no chance to start or even rekindle a tradition for when they got their hands on the seven-foot trophy.

In the 134th playing of Minnesota's historic rivalry with Wisconsin, the Gophers left with a 24-7 win and Paul Bunyan's Axe. Wisconsin hosted Minnesota at Camp Randall Stadium in sub-20 degree temperatures,

Gophers football players race to Paul Bunyan's Axe to celebrate after a 24-7 win at Wisconsin on Friday to close out the regular season 7-5.

The Gophers are 6-5 on the season, and 4-4 in Big Ten play entering the annual battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. P.J. Fleck is 3-4 in his seven games against the Badgers as Minnesota’s head coach. The Gophers are looking to finish the season 7-5 and can improve their bowl situation with a victory.

The next chapter plays out Saturday in the tightly contested football rivalry between Minnesota and Wisconsin for Paul Bunyan’s Axe.

Max Brosmer passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another to help Minnesota beat Wisconsin. Friday's game was the 134th meeting between the teams. The rivalry is the oldest rivalry in the nation among Football Bowl Division schools.

Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mike Tressel was talking to safety Hunter Wohler in September during the week of the Alabama game, trying to gauge how one of his star players felt about the excitement surrounding the matchup.