Wisconsin lost last year’s Rose Bowl game 21-19 to TCU, but they’ll get another chance this season when they take on the Oregon Ducks.
The 15th ranked Badgers (11-2) came from behind to knock off the 11th ranked Michigan State Spartans (10-3) 42-39 to win the inaugural Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Wisconsin lost the first meeting to Michigan State on a last second “Hail Mary” past play 37-31 back on Oct. 22nd. This time, Badger quarterback Russell Wilson threw one up for grabs on 4th down and Jeff Duckworth came down with a 36-yard reception which set up Wisconsin’s game winning touchdown, a 7-yard run by Montee Ball with 3:45 left to play.
The touchdown for Montee Ball was his 3rd of the game and leaves him one behind Barry Sanders single season record of 39 set back in 1988. Ball now has 38 on the season.
The Badgers got a stop from the Spartans and Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio punted instead of going for it on 4th and 8. Michigan State then forced the Badgers to punt, but while attempting to block Brad Nortman’s punt, Isaiah Lewis was called for roughing the kicker and the Badgers were able to run the clock out from there.
Russell Wilson completed 17 of 24 for 187 yards and three touchdowns. He was named the Big Ten Championship game MVP. Montee Ball finished with 137 yards rushing to go along with his 3 touchdowns. Ball also completed a halfback option pass, to Russell Wilson for 32 yards.
Michigan State finished with 471 yards of total offense, the most given up by the Badgers this season.
