Minnesota Gophers cancel game against Badgers due to confirmed COVID-19 cases

MADISON, Wis. — This year’s battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe has been axed due to confirmed COVID-19 cases within the Minnesota Gophers football program.

The Gophers shared the announcement Tuesday evening via Twitter.

#Gophers pause all team-related activities as it responds to positive COVID-19 cases in the program. https://t.co/LZxSyP3fZI

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) November 24, 2020

According to a news release, the game will not be rescheduled. The game will be ruled a no contest, per Big Ten policy.

The Wisconsin Badgers have now had three games cancelled due to coronavirus complications. The Badgers previously cancelled games against Nebraska and Purdue after several players and staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

The Gophers announced Monday night that they wouldn’t practice on Tuesday due to presumptive positive tests.

Saturday’s game would have marked the 130th time the teams have met, the most in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

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