The Gophers have made it over two very important psychological humps. They have beaten Purdue and Michigan -- in the same season.

It does not matter that the Boilermakers and the Wolverines are two of the most disappointing teams in the Big Ten when put up to their preseason expectations. Minnesota regularly found painful ways to lose to both of these teams and the fact that they pulled out late wins means they have turned the corner.

RB Laurence Maroney put it in perspective after backup RB Gary Russell ran 61 yards down the right sideline with less than a minute to go to set up PK Jason Giannini with the game-winning 30-yard field goal at the one-second mark. "You know that little hump that everybody talks about?" Maroney told the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Sunday night. "We just made it over it."

As a result, the Gophers have a world of confidence headed into their annual border war with Wisconsin. A year ago, Gophers were in the middle of a psychological tailspin when they went to Madison and they absorbed a 38-14 defeat. Now they are in the middle of a surge and they could be ready to take it out on Wisconsin.

The Badgers are trying to send head coach Barry Alvarez out on a memorable note, and they ran off five straight wins before losing at Northwestern. Despite their winning way, the Badgers have some significant defensive weaknesses that were exposed by Bowling Green in the season opener (through the air) and by the Wildcats last week (on the ground).

Northwestern's Tyrell Sutton ripped the Wisconsin defense for 244 yards and three rushing TDs (one more as a receiver) and that should be enough to whet the appetite of Maroney and Russell. The Gophers are the top rushing team in the league with an average of 280.5 yards per game.

An even-keeled effort may be all that is needed to record a big win over the Badgers.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: There's no secret that the Gophers will try to overpower Minnesota with RBs Laurence Maroney and Gary Russell. However, it's the blocking scheme that has been the key to their success. Not only does C Greg Eslinger and Mart Setterstrom lead the way, but the Gophers also get a big assist from WR Jared Ellerson and Ernie Wheelwright when it comes to blocking in space and providing alleys for the backs to make big plays.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The defense responded with a great game against Michigan after being pummeled at Penn State. The Gophers held Michigan to 94 rushing yards and that came one week after the Gophers gave up 371 rushing yards in a 44-14 loss to the Nittany Lions. Minnesota is No. 2 in the Big Ten in pass defense. The Gophers have limited opposing quarterbacks to a completion percentage of 49.5, the best mark in the Big Ten, and have given up just six TD passes.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We're a mature team now. We don't fall apart when faced with adversity." -- Minnesota head coach Glen Mason on what differentiates this Gopher team from previous versions.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: vs. Wisconsin, Oct. 15 -- Minnesota is no longer living in the Big Ten's version of Bill Murray's Ground Hog Day. The Gophers' late-game win over Michigan shows that heartbreak is no longer a key byproduct of Minnesota football and the team has learned how to win. Minnesota will try to dominate with its ground game against Wisconsin as the Gopher offensive line is one of the best in the nation.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: C Greg Eslinger -- He is in the middle of a run for the Dave Rimington Award that goes to the nation's best blocker. With signature moments like Gary Russell's 61-yard sideline jaunt against Michigan, he has an excellent chance of getting there.

RBs Laurence Maroney and Gary Russell -- This RB duo may be even better than the combination of Maroney and Marion Barber the past two years. Maroney and Russell have combined for 1,380 yards and 14 TDs through the first six games.

WR Logan Payne -- The Gophers' leading receiver with 15 catches for 235 yards and a touchdown. Minnesota needs more out of its starting wideouts.

S John Pawielski -- He leads the team in solo tackles (32) and total tackles (45). He represents the heart and soul of an improving Minnesota defense.

ROSTER REPORT: Quarterback Bryan Cupito (shoulder), running back Laurence Maroney (arm) are listed as questionable, but they should be able to play vs. the Badgers. Offensive lineman Joe Ainslie (hand), linebacker Mike Sherels (undisclosed) and defensive back Terrance Campbell (undisclosed) are questionable against Wisconsin. Defensive back Brandon Owens (shoulder) is sidelined indefinitely.