Athan Kaliakmanis #8 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers throws a pass during the first half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 26, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. ((Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS - Athan Kaliakmanis was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday after helping lead the University of Minnesota football team to a 23-16 win at Wisconsin on Saturday to keep Paul Bunyan’s Axe.
Kaliakmanis, a redshirt freshman, finished 19-of-29 passing for 319 yards and two touchdowns as the Gophers rallied from down 16-13 late in the third quarter for their second straight win over the Badgers, and third in the last five seasons.
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Gophers celebrate on field after beating Wisconsin 23-16, keeping Paul Bunyan's Axe
The University of Minnesota football team celebrated on the field Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium after beating Wisconsin 23-16 to keep Paul Bunyan's Axe for the second straight year.
Kaliakmanis hit Daniel Jackson for Minnesota’s first touchdown, on a slant from six yards out, to give the Gophers a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. He also hit Lemeke Brockington on a slant for a 45-yard touchdown, the eventual game-winner, with 3:40 to play in regulation.
Kaliakmanis also ran seven times for 39 yards, giving a glimpse of what the future looks like at quarterback for the Gophers. That’s after going just 7-of-15 for 87 yards and a fourth quarter interception against Iowa.
His 19 completions, 319 yards and two touchdowns are all career-highs.
"As a team, the Iowa loss hurt a lot. I knew I had to play better to be able to come in and win this game. Just as a team, I knew I had to play better. I knew I couldn’t play like I did with Iowa. I had to respond and play a lot better," Kaliakmanis said after Saturday’s win. "I wanted to do everything in my power to make sure we went out with a win tonight. I have no words right now, I’m just so happy for this team and for the seniors."
The Gophers finish the 2022 season 8-4, one game behind Purdue in the Big Ten West, and wait their bowl game destination after conference title games next weekend.