Madison, WI (Sports Network) - The Wisconsin Badgers ran all over Minnesota, defeating the Golden Gophers by a score of 38-13, in a Big Ten bout at Camp Randall Stadium.
James White led the Badgers (6-2, 3-1 Big Ten) with 175 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries, while Montee Ball ran 24 times for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Joel Stave completed just 7-of-15 passes for 106 yards, but the Badgers' offense was still productive as it accumulated 337 yards on the ground. Mike Taylor anchored the defense with 12 total stops and one for loss. The win made Wisconsin bowl eligible for the 11th season in a row.
Minnesota (4-3, 0-3) drops their third straight game after starting the season 4-0. Philip Nelson completed 13-of-24 passes for 149 yards. He also threw two touchdowns and two interceptions, both in the second half, while rushing for a team-high 68 yards on 16 carries.
After a pair of three and outs to begin the game, Wisconsin struck first when White took a direct snap 14 yards for a Badger touchdown. Jared Abbrederis made a difficult catch down the field for a 42-yard completion on the first play of the drive, setting up White's touchdown.
Minnesota bounced right back, scoring on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Nelson to Brandon Green, but Jordan Wetstein's extra point hit the upright which kept Wisconsin ahead 7-6.
White added his second touchdown of the game late in the second quarter, this time from 34 yards away. The Badgers held a 14-6 halftime advantage after a strong defensive effort. Minnesota struggled offensively in the half, going 0-6 on third downs and punting five times.
Kyle French opened the third quarter scoring for the Badgers with a 33-yard field goal, which was followed by another White touchdown run. After Nelson found A.J. Barker for a short touchdown strike, Ball responded with two fourth quarter touchdown runs, his 67th and 68th of his career. Only Ricky Williams of Texas and Travis Prentice of Miami-Ohio have more career rushing touchdowns in FBS history.
Wisconsin has now won nine games in a row against Minnesota and has scored at least 31 points in 13 consecutive matchups. Despite the losing streak, Minnesota still leads the all-time series with the Badgers, 58-56-8.
Game Notes
