Safety Was the Best Course of Action

Glen Mason didn't look for safety on Saturday, but he no doubt was seeking it on Sunday. How else could you explain Minnesota's loss to Wisconsin? The Golden Gophers ran all over the Badgers, but instead of taking an intentional safety with 35 seconds remaining, Mason decided to punt the ball. The kick was blocked and the Badgers rumbled into the end zone for a winning touchdown. Mason didn't do a good job of explaining his logic afterward. Now the Badgers, known as the Big Ten's kingpin of negative recruiting, have plenty of ammo for another season. Oh, they have Paul Bunyan's Axe, too (registration).