MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — There’s hardly a richer or quirkier tradition in college football than rivalry trophies.
They’re one of the few elements of the game remaining the same in the new era of revenue sharing as decades ago when a 10-team conference was considered full. From the small schools to the powerhouse programs, nothing captures a sports fan’s attention quite like a traveling trophy. The long-time members of the Big Ten boast the richest histories of these one-of-a-kind prizes.
Paul Bunyan’s Axe is awarded annually to the Minnesota-Wisconsin winner of the most-played series in major college football history.
When time expires on Saturday in the 135th edition of the Gophers-Badgers grudge match, currently even at 63-63 with eight ties, the victors will sprint toward Paul Bunyan’s Axe, take turns hoisting the six-foot shaft above their heads as they parade it around the stadium, and aim the head at one of the goal posts in pretending to chop it down like it’s a giant tree in the north woods.
The axe has been awarded annually since 1948.
The Badgers play Gophers on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in Minnesota. Broadcast starts at 12:30 p.m. on 96.1 FM WJMC.