2011 Wisconsin Badgers football team
Encyclopedia
The 2011 Wisconsin Badgers football team will represent the University of Wisconsin–Madison
in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
. The Badgers, led by sixth-year head coach Bret Bielema
, are members of the Leaders Division of the Big Ten Conference
and will play their home games at Camp Randall Stadium
.
, received the opening kick and drove 65 yards in 3:11, taking a 7–0 lead on Wilson's first touchdown pass as a Wisconsin Badger to RB Montee Ball
. The Badgers forced a three and out on UNLV's first possession, and WR Jared Abbrederis returned the UNLV punt 30 yards to put the Badgers in excellent field position. Wilson and the Badgers capitalized; as Montee Ball broke several tackles on a 20-yard touchdown run. With K Philip Welch sidelined to a leg injury, backup K Kyle French missed the PAT, leaving Wisconsin ahead only 13–0. But that wouldn't be all for Wisconsin in the first quarter: after UNLV missed a 34 yard field goal, Wisconsin drove 80 yards in 8 plays and extended their advantage to 20–0 on a 1 yard touchdown run by James White
.
The Rebels were able to drive to Wisconsin's 35, but Nolan Kohorst missed his second field goal attempt of the game wide left from 52 yards. The Badgers wasted no time in capitalizing; Wilson dropped a short pass to Montee Ball, who proceeded to take it 63 yards to the UNLV three-yard line. Two plays later, Ball scored his third touchdown of the first half from a yard out, giving Wisconsin a 27–0 lead. But the pesky Rebels answered with a 13 play, 64 yard drive to the Wisconsin 20, scoring for the first time after Kohorst banked in a 37 yard attempt off the left upright.
Whatever hopes this raised on the UNLV sideline were quickly squashed as Wisconsin answered with a 3 play, 56 yard drive. Russell Wilson himself scored on a 46 yard touchdown run in which he accelerated past several defenders and scampered almost untouched into the endzone. UNLV managed to lose 8 yards and go three and out on their next drive, and after UNLV's punt gave Wisconsin excellent field position, the Badgers tacked on another field goal to take a 37–3 lead at the half.
The Badgers then scored on their first two possessions of the second half. A 8 yard pass to tight end Jacob Pedersen from Wilson and a 1 yard touchdown run by Ball (his 4th touchdown of the game). That would spell the end for the starting offense for the Badgers as they scored on all 8 possessions they had. UNLV would then score a touchdown with 2:53 left in the 3rd quarter and the scoring was closed out by UNLV with a touchdown pass with 11:41 remaining in the game.
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. The Badgers out gained the Beavers 397 yards (208 rushing, 189 passing) to 284 yards (23 rusing, 261 passing). The scoring got started at the 8:35 mark in the first quarter with a 17 yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Pedersen from Wilson. The extra point was good by kicker Kyle French who is still filling in for the injured Philip Welch. With 7:42 in the 2nd quarter, Wilson connected with Nick Toon
on a 10 yard TD pass. Then with 27 seconds left in the half, Wilson hit Pedersen again with a 6 yard TD pass. The Badgers led 21-0 at the half. Oregon State had done a nice job containing the Badgers powerful rushing attack but Wilson was able to pick apart the Beavers secondary. The Badgers got back on track with the running game in the second half and at the 12:09 mark in the 3rd quarter, Montee Ball scored on a 19 yard touchdown run. The scoring was closed out in the 4th quarter at 14:55 with a 1 yard TD run by Ball.
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, who spent the last five years in Madison as the Badgers' defensive coordinator. The Badgers rolled up 621 yards of offense (355 passing and 266 rushing) at Soldier Field
. The scoring started early by the Badgers in the 1st quarter at the 12:55 mark with a 12 yard TD pass to Nick Toon
from Russell Wilson
. Northern Illinois did answer with a 3 yard TD run by Jasmin Hopkins with less than 2 minutes to go in the first quarter. Wisconisn did not waste anytime after the Huskies touchdown as they needed only 3 plays to go 49 yards and score on a 16 yard pass to Toon from Wilson. In the sencond quarter, Wisconsin scored twice. First was a Montee Ball
1 yard TD run and then a 20 yard TD run by James White
. The Badgers lead the Huskies 28-7 at the half. The 3rd quarter was much of the same from the Badgers. Another 1 yard TD run by Ball and a 9 yard TD pass to Jacob Pedersen from Wilson. The only blemish for the Badgers was a interception by Russell Wilson in the 3rd quarter, the first turnover of the season for Wisconsin. The scoring was closed out in the 4th quarter with all the Badger backups in the game, backup quarterback Joe Brennan scored on a 6 yard TD run for his first touchdown of his young career. Russell Wislon passed for 347 yards which was the seventh best total in UW history. Wilson's 384 total yards in the game, was the fifth highest total offense in school annals. The defense was lead by sophomore linebacker Chris Borland who totaled a game high 11 tackles, including a pair of tackles-for-loss. Montee Ball has now scored in nine straight games, and has 22 touchdowns since last October 23.
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from the FCS in their final "tune-up" game before the start of the Big Ten season. Wisconsin rolled up 612 yards on offense, 345 through the air and 267 on the ground, and only yielded 173 offensive yards to the Coyotes (124 rushing and 49 passing).
The Badgers started a bit slow on offense but got on the board first with a 5 yard touchdown run by Montee Ball. The Badgers got their first defensive turnover of the season with a interception by safety Shelton Johnson and then their second on the next Coyotes drive with another interception this time by linebacker Chris Borland
. The Badgers managed only three points off the two turnovers, a 25-yard field goal by Kyle French. French also missed a 50-yard attempt. The Coyotes drove to a first and goal but were then forced to settle on a 24-yard field goal by Kevin Robb to cut the Wisconsin lead to 10-3 with 6:34 left in the second quarter. Then Wisconsin took over, scoring three touchdowns in the final six minutes of the half. First, it was James White on a 49-yard touchdown run. Then, Nick Toon caught a short pass from Russell Wilson and tip-toed down the sideline for a 59-yard touchdown. The Badgers got the ball back in the final two minutes of the half, and facing a third-and-goal on the 2, Wilson found Toon in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. Wisconsin went into the half leading 31-3.
The Badgers then scored twice in the third quarter to put the game out of reach for South Dakota. The first score of the third quarter was a 51-yard touchdown pass to Jared Abbrederis from Wilson. Then with 5:57 left in the third quarter, Montee Ball scored his second touchdown of the game on a 2-yard run. In the fourth quarter, most of the Badgers starters were done for the day. Wisconsin scored again at the beginning of the 4th quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run by a true freshman running back Melvin Gordon, his first career touchdown. After an interception was thrown by the Badgers backup QB Joe Brennen, South Dakota scored their first and only touchdown of the game, a 4-yard pass from the Coyotes backup QB. The scoring was closed out by Wisconsin on a 41-yard touchdown run by redshirt freshman running back Jeffrey Lewis, also his first career touchdown.
Statistical Leaders
also threw 3 interceptions which the Badgers capitalized by scoring 21 points on all three of the turnovers. Between Russell Wilson's ability to pass and elude passing rushers, and Montee Ball running the ball, the Cornhuskers could not stop the potent Badgers attack. The Badgers also matched largest-ever margin of victory over a top-10 team (31 points).
Nebraska struck first on a 1 yard touchdown run by quarterback Taylor Martinez. The Badgers answered back with a 1 yard touchdown of their own by running back Montee Ball. In the second quarter, the Cornhuskers took the lead back with a 1 yard touchdown run by Rex Burkhead. Again, the Badgers drove right down on Nebraska's defense and scored on a Ball 3 yard touchdown run. Kicker Philip Welch playing is his first game of the season, had the extra point blocked by Jared Crick
of Nebraska. The Huskers led 14-13 about halfway through the 2nd quarter. At that point the Badgers defense tightened up and forced two straight turnovers on back-to-back possessions. Taylor Martinez threw a INT to Badgers linebacker Mike Taylor
. The Badgers took advantage and scored on a 36 yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Jared Abbrederis. On the very next drive for Nebraska, Martinez again threw and interception to The Badgers safety Aaron Henry. Again the Badgers turned the turnover into 7 points with a 46 yard touchdown pass to Nick Toon from Wilson. Nebraska's kicker Brett Maher then attempted a 50 yard field right before halftime but missed wide right. The Badgers led at the half 27-14.
Nebraska started with the ball to start the second half. The first offensive play of the half, Martinez again threw an interception to the Badgers cornerback Antonio Fenelus. Wisconsin cashed in again on the turnover with a 10 yard touchdown run by quarterback Russell Wilson. Any chance of a comeback for the Cornhuskers was all but gone. The Badgers scored again later in the 3rd quarter with a 4 yard touchdown by Ball. Nebraska would close out their scoring early in the 4th quarter on a 32 yard field goal by Brett Maher. The Badgers were not done as Montee Ball scored his 4th touchdown of the game on a 14 yard run. With 5 minutes left in the game, Nebraska tried to make the score a little more respectable as they drove all the way to the Badgers 1 yard line with the clock running out. With the game well out of reach, Nebraska coach Bo Pelini
called a timeout with 12 seconds left to try to score. The Badgers defense stuffed quarterback Taylor Martinez keeping him out of the end zone and keeping the score a very dominating victory for the Badgers, 48-17. Following this victory the Badgers moved up to #4 on the AP Poll and #5 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, making them possible contenders for the BCS national championship game. The last time the Badgers were ranked this highly in the AP Poll was after their victories in the 1999
and 2000
Rose Bowls and have not been ranked higher since the season-ending #2 ranking in 1962
(the highest the Badgers have ever been ranked in the AP poll is #1 for just one week during the 1952 season
).
Statistical Leaders
The game stated with the Hoosiers forcing the Badgers to punt on their first series of the game. Indiana started strong on offense using a no-huddle and a full-house backfield look that kept the Badgers' defense off balance. The drive stalled near midfield for Indiana and the Badgers went to work. After a 46-yard catch-and-run by Montee Ball, Ball finished the drive with a 5 yard touchdown run, for a Wiscosnin 7-0 lead. Things then got ugly for Indiana's special teams, as punter Adam Pines tried a rugby style punt and kicked the ball too low and right into the back of his own lineman. The ball bounced straight up in the air and was caught by Wisconsin's fullback Bradie Ewing. Indiana's punter was credited with a 1 yard put and the Badgers took over at Indiana's 26 yard line. Two plays later, running back James White faked out two Hoosiers defenders on his way to a 15-yard touchdown run and a 14-0 Wisconsin lead at the end of the first quarter. After a failed fourth-down conversion by the Hoosiers, the Badgers answered quickly. Running back Montee Ball took a pitch to the right and turned a threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Russell Wilson (the first touchdown catch of his career) who was all alone on the leftside of the field. After a interception by cornerback Antonio Fenelus in the end zone, the Badgers drove down and scored on a 35-yard touchdown run by Ball. The Hoosiers finally got on the board, thanks to a 67-yard touchdown run by running back Stephen Houston. Wisconsin again had no problem marching down the field but stalled and was forced to kin a 38-yard field goal by Philip Welch. After an interception by safety Aaron Henry, the Badgers would score once more before halftime. After a 25-yard scramble by Wilson, Wilson then connected with tight end Jacob Pedersen on a 3-yard pass and the Badgers led 38-7 at the half.
The second half started with both teams defenses' forcing punts. Then with about 4:30 left in the third quarter, wide receiver Jared Abbrederis returned his first career punt 60 yards for a touchdown. After another Indiana punt, Montee ball went untouched on a 54-yard touchdown run. Wisconsin then pulled almost all of their starting offense and defensive players at the start of the fourth quarter. The scoring was closed out at the 9:17 mark of the 4th quarter when Indiana's quarterback, Edward Wright-Baker
, fumbled in the end zone and was recovered for a touchdown by backup linebacker Derek Landish. This was Wisconsin's 13th-straight regular-season win.
Statistical Leaders
The Badgers started off strong in the first quarter striking first on their opening drive of the game with a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Pedersen from Russell Wilson. After a Spartans fumble, the Badgers scored again on a 9-yard touchdown run by running back Montee Ball. The second quarter was all Michigan State. After a Spartans punt pinned the Badgers at their own 5-yard line, quarterback Russell Wilson was forced thr throw the ball away in his own end zone. Wilson was called for intentional grounding and a safety that made the score 14-2. After the free kick, the Spartans scored on a 34-yard reverse to wide receiver Keshawn Martin. The Baqgers resonded with an impressive drive but stalled and ended up settling for a 30-yard field goal attempt. The Spartans blocked the kick and responded with a 80-yard drive capitalized with a 35-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver B.J. Cunningham from quarterback Kirk Cousins
on fourth-and-2. That gave Michigan State a 16-14 lead with 1:20 left in the half. The Spartans weren't done. They used timeouts to stop the clock and force the Badgers to punt. The Spartans blocked the punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. Michigan State went into the half leading 23-14.
The only scoring in the third quarter was a 33-yard field goal Badgers kicker Philip Welch. Then in the fourth quarter, Michigan State pulled farther ahead with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Keshawn Martin from Cousins. The Spartans converted the 2-point conversion with a pass to Cunningham from Cousins. With the game almost out of reach, the Badgers came down and scored on a Russell Wilson 22-yard touchdown run. The Badgers got the ball back and scored on a 2-yard touchdown pass to Ball from Wilson that tied the game at 31-31 with 1:26 left. The Spartans got the ball back and on first down, Cousins was flused from the pocket and lost a handle of the ball but it was recovered by the Spartans. Wisconsin called a timeout with 42 seconds left and second-and 20 from the Spartans own 24 yard line. After a 12-yard completion from Cousins to Cunningham, both coach's were waiting to see who or if anyone was going to call a time out. The Badgers coach Bret Bielema
called a timeout again thinking they would get the ball back if they can stop the Spartans on third down. The Spartans picked up the first down on a 11-yard shovel pass for Martin. Michigan State's last drive appeared to stall at the Wisconsin 44, but the Spartans had time for one more play. Cousins was able to buy enough time for his receivers to get down field for a final Hail Mary pass
. The ball bounced off Cunningham's helmet and into Keith Nichol's hands at the 1-yard line. Badgers linebacker Mike Taylor was fighting to keep Nichol's from getting into the endzone but Nichol's made one final lunge to try to get the ball across the goal line. The officials ruled that the ball was short and marked at the half yard line. After review, it was determined that Nichol's had crossed the goal line and it was a touchdown. This was the second year in a row that Michigan State handed Wisconsin their first loss of the season.
Statistical Leaders
The first half was all defense on both sides. The Badgers struck first in the first quarter with a 22-yard touchdown pass to running back Montee Ball from Russell Wilson. In the second quarter, Ohio State kicker Drew Basil, kicked a 39-yard field goal the hit off the right upright and went in. The Badgers led 7-3 at the half.
In the second half, both teams offense's turned it up. Ohio State started the second half with the ball and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Braxton Miller
. The Buckeyes scored again on a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Jordan Hall. The Badgers answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Montee Ball to make it a 17-14 Ohio State led at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter started with a 22-yard field goal by Ohio State's Drew Basil. Then with a 4:30 left in the game, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller scored on a 44-yard touchdown run which seemed to close the door on the Badgers. Wisconsin never let down as they scored two quick touchdowns. The first was a 17-yard towuchdown pass from Russell Wilson to wide receiver Jared Abbrederis and then a 49-yard touchdown pass to Abbrederis from Wilson. The Badgers took a 29-26 lead with 1:18 to go in the game. The Buckeyes drove down to the Badgers 40-yard line and with about 30 seconds to go. It looked like they were trying to get into field goal range to try to tie the game. The next play Ohio State quarterback scrabled around and it looked like he was going to run but at the last second just before he crossed the line of scrimmage, Miller threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Devin Smith in the back of the end zone. The Badgers only had 20 seconds left as they got the Ohio State's 45 yard line and took three shots at the end zone but failed.
Statistical Leaders
Wisconsin started the game with the ball and the first play from scrimmage, running back Montee Ball took the ball right up the middle for a 44-yard gain. A few plays later, quarterback Russell Wilson connected with tight end Jacob Pedersen on a 1-yard touchdown pass. The Boilermakers came right back after a 49-yard kickoff return. Purdue quarterback Caleb TerBush
hit tight end Crosby Wright for a 30-yard touchdown pass, which tied the game at seven. Wisconsin took a 14-7 lead in the first quarter, as Wilson's 66-yard strike to wide-open receiver Jeff Duckworth which helped set up Wilson's 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jared Abbrederis. Special teams problems struck again, as Wisconsin allowed a 74-yard kickoff return. The Badgers held the Boilermakers to a 25-yard field goal by kicker Carson Wiggs, cutting Wisconsin's lead to 14-10 with 1:13 left in the first quarter. Montee Ball got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter with a easy 1-yard touchdown run. After an interception by Badger linebacker Mike Taylor, Russell Wilson scored on a 6-yard touchdown run. The Badgers got the ball back a few minutes later and Montee Ball found the end zone again on a 3-yard touchdown run. Purdue then put an long drive togther before halftime and wide receiver Justin Siller scored on a 2-yard touchdown run. But Wisconsin had just enough time for a drive that set up a 52-yard field goal by kicker Philip Welch and took a 38-17 lead into the half.
The third quarter started with Purdue getting the ball and quickly punting it back to Wisconsin. Montee Ball the scored on a 29-yard touchdown run which was his 24th total touchdown of the season tying former Badger Brian Calhoun
for most total touchdowns in a single season in Badgers history. After an interception by Badger linebacker Chris Borland deep in Purdue territory, running back James White
scored on a 5-yard run right up the middle. Most of the Badgers starters were done for the day by the time the fourth quarter started. James White scored again for the Badgers on a 1-yard touchdown run, the Badgers 6th rushing touchdown of the game. The scoring was closed out at the 5:02 mark of the fourth quarter when Badger backup kicker, Kyle French, kicked a 29-yard field goal. Montee Ball, who leads the nation in total touchdowns with 24, had a career-high 223 rushing yards while only playing 2 and a half quarters.
Statistical Leaders
for the 8th straight year with a dominating performance on the road against Minnesota. The Badgers, offensively out gained the Golden Gophers 461 yards (283 rushing, 178 passing) to 156 yards (105 rushing, 51 passing) for Minnesota. Again, Wisconsin controlled the time of possession battle by controlling the ball for almost ten minutes more than Minnesota. The Badgers also moved the chains 20 more times than the Golden Gophers.
The Badgers started the game with the ball and chewed up more than half of the first quarter on the opening drive of the game. The drive was capped off by a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Montee Ball from quarterback Russell Wilson. After the Badger defense forced the Golden Gophers to punt on their opening drive, Montee Ball scored a few plays later on a 14-yard touchdown run. The yardage at the end of the first quarter was 189 for Wisconsin and minus-1 for Minnesota. The Badgers scored within the first minute of the secound quarter on a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nick Toon from Wilson. Then Golden Gophers put their best drive of the game together as they drove down inside the Badgers 10-yard line but stalled and were about to attempt a chip-shot field goal. Then, Minnesota's holder pitched the ball to their kicker, Jordan Wettstein who broke a tackle and scored a touchdown on a 5-yard run. Wettstein then missed the extra point to make the score 21-6. The Badgers scored with less than a minute before halftime on a 17-yard touchdown pass to Nick Toon from Russell Wilson putting the Badgers up 28-6 at the half.
The Golden Gophers opened the second half with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Duane Bennett. The Badgers answered back with a long sustaining drive and scored on a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Pedersen from Russell Wilson, his fourth touchdown pass of the game. The scoring was capped off in the fourth quarter by a 1-yard touchdown run by Montee Ball. That touchdown by Montee Ball was his 27th for the season and broke the Big Ten record for most touchdowns in a single season breaking the mark previously held by Ohio State
's Pete Johnson
(1975), Indiana
's Anthony Thompson (1988) and Penn State
's Ki-Jana Carter
(1994). Russell Wilson is now the Badgers single season record holder for most touchdown passes (25) passing John Stocco
.
Statistical Leaders
and freshman Reilly O'Toole. O'Toole threw two interceptions in the second half and Scheelhaase threw one late in the fourth quarter which just about sealed the win for the Badgers.
After both team went scoreless in the first qurter, with less than two minutes into the second quarter, the Illini struck first on a 12-yard touchdown run by running back Donovoon Young. About five minutes later, Illinois scored again on a 1-yard touchdown run by Young. The Illini led 14-0 about halfway through the second quarter. After a botched punt attempt where the Illini punter dropped the snap and was tackled at the 2-yard line, Wisconsin got on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Montee Ball. With less that three minutes until halftime, Illinois dorve down and settled for a 41-yard field goal by kicker Derek Dimke. The unranked Illini who had lost four straight after winning their first six games of the season, led the Badgers 17-7 at the half.
The Illini got the ball to start the second half and had a chance to put the game almost out of reach but Badger linebacker Chris Borland hit Illini wide receiver Darius Millines forcing a fumble that was recovered by Badger linebacker Mike Taylor. The Badgers then put together a long drive converting on a couple of fourth downs. The drive was capped on a 5-yard touchdown pass to Ball from quarterback Russell Wilson. The Badgers next score came after another special teams mistake as Illini punt returner, Terry Hawthorne, let a put sail over his head and bounced about 30-yards and was downed at the 3-yard line for a 74-yard punt by Badgers punter Brad Nortman. His longest punt of the season. After an Illini three-and-out, the Badgers took over at Illinois 44-yard line. Two plays later, Wilson scored on 1-yard touchdown run on a naked bootleg which closed out the third quarter. The Badgers had their first led of the day, 21-17. The Illini opened the fourth quarter with O'Toole throwing an interception to the Badgers safety Aaron Henry. This then led to a brilliant 17-yard touchdown run by the Badgers Montee Ball, his third touchdown of the game. After the Illini drove to the Badgers 29-yard line, Illini quarterback Scheelhaase threw an interception to Badgers safety Shelton Johnson with 7:30 left in the game. The Badgers used Ball and a couple key completions by Wilson to run out the clock. The Badgers scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to pull away with the victory.
Montee Ball became only the fifth FBS player to score 30 touchdowns in a single season. Ball also rushed for a career-high 224 yards, one more yard than his previous high which he had two games earlier against Purdue.
Statistical Leaders
. The Badgers dominated the Nittany Lions in all phases of the game. Wisconsin almost doubled the total offensive yards of Penn State. The Badgers totaled 450 yards on offense (264 rushing, 186 passing) to the Nittany Lions 233 yards (114 rushing, 119 passing). The Badgers also forced four turnovers and held a 38:17 to 21:43 in the time of possession battle.
Wisconsin started with the ball and moved into Penn State territory but stalled and was forced to punt. After the Badgers forced a punt on Penn State's first possession, the Badgers were flaged for running into the kicked which gave new life to the Nittany Lions dive. Four plays later, Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin
, connected on a 44-yard touchdown pass to a wide open receiver, Curtis Drake. Penn State stuck first but the Wisconsin answered back with a 10 play, 76-yard drive that was capped with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Jared Abbrederis. On the next Penn State drive, McGloin threw an interception to Wisconsin safety Shelton Johnson near midfield. The Badgers then scored a few plays later on a Montee Ball 1-yard touchdown run. The Wisconsin defense would continue to dominate and force Penn State to punt. The Badgers scored again on a Montee Ball 2-yard touchdown run. Penn State would fumble the kickoff and the Wisconsin capitalized on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Nick Toon, who was wearing number 87 not his usual number 1 in tribute to his father Al Toon
on senior day. The Badgers led 28-7 at halftime.
Penn State running back Silas Redd
fumbled early in the third quarter and Wisconsin recovered again near midfield. The Badgers marched down on the Nittany Lions defense and Montee Ball scored again, this time on a 9-yard touchdown run. Later in the third quarter, Montee Ball tied his career high with his fourth touchdown of the game, on a 18-yard run. The scoring was closed out by the Badgers kicker Philip Welch, when he kicked a 44-yard field goal with 10:47 left in the game.
With the win, Wisconsin will face the Legends Division champion Michigan State
in the Big Ten Championship Game
. Montee Ball
scored four touchdowns which moves him into second place on the all-time FBS single-season touchdown list with 34. He now only trails Oklahoma State's Barry Sanders
record of 39 set in 1988.
Statistical Leaders
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
The 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season, play of college football in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level, began on Thursday, September 1, 2011...
. The Badgers, led by sixth-year head coach Bret Bielema
Bret Bielema
-Personal life:Bielema announced on April 1, 2011 that he was engaged to his girlfriend, Jen. The wedding is scheduled for spring 2012.-External links:* *...
, are members of the Leaders Division of the Big Ten Conference
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
and will play their home games at Camp Randall Stadium
Camp Randall Stadium
Camp Randall Stadium is an outdoor stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. It has been the home of the Wisconsin Badgers football team in rudimentary form since 1895, and as a complete stadium since 1917. It is located on the center-southern region of the University of Wisconsin campus. The stadium seats...
.
Recruiting
Watchlists
- Montee BallMontee BallMontee Ball is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-College career:Ball began the 2010 season as the backup running back to John Clay, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year...
- Doak Walker AwardDoak Walker AwardThe Doak Walker Award, first awarded in 1990, honors the United States's top college football running back. It is named after the Southern Methodist and Detroit Lions football player Doak Walker...
- Maxwell AwardMaxwell AwardThe Maxwell Award is presented annually to the collegiate American football player judged by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and National Collegiate Athletic Association head coaches and the membership of the Maxwell Football Club to be the best football player in the United States. The...
- Preseason second-team All-American by Consensus Draft Services
- Preseason third-team All-American by Phil SteelePhil SteelePhil Steele is an American sportswriter and analyst who focuses exclusively on college and professional football. He currently writes a column for the Orlando Sentinel, and is considered a "highly respected prognosticator" within the sports media...
- Preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Athlon, Blue Ribbon and Phil Steele
- Chris BorlandChris BorlandChris Borland is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2009:Borland was named the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year in 2009. Borland played in 13 games, starting six. He led the leam with five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He finished third on the team in...
- Chris Borland
- Butkus Award
- Preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele
- Preseason second-team All-Big Ten by Athlon
- Antonio Fenelus
- Jim Thorpe AwardJim Thorpe AwardThe Jim Thorpe Award, named in memory of multi-sport legend Jim Thorpe, has been awarded to the top defensive back in college football since 1986...
- Preseason second-team All-Big Ten by Athlon and Phil Steele
- Aaron Henry
- Preseason second-team All-Big Ten by Athlon and Phil Steele
- Lott IMPACT AwardLott TrophyThe Lott IMPACT Trophy is presented annually to the college football Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year. IMPACT is an acronym for: integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community, and tenacity. The award purports to equally recognize the personal character of the winning player as well as...
- Preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Blue Ribbon and Phil Steele
- Preseason second-team All-Big Ten by Athlon
- Jordan Kohout
- Preseason honorable mention All-American by Consensus Draft Services
- Peter KonzPeter KonzPeter Konz is an American football center for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is considered one of the best center prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft.-Early years:...
- Peter Konz
- Lombardi AwardLombardi AwardThe Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the best college football lineman or linebacker. The Lombardi Award program was approved by the Rotary Club in Houston in 1970 shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi. The committee outlined the criteria for eligibility for the award, which...
- Rimington Trophy
- Preseason second-team All-American by Consensus Draft Services
- Preseason third-team All-Big Ten by Athlon
- Preseason fourth-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele
- Brad Nortman
- Preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Athlon, Blue Ribbon and Phil Steele
- Louis Nzegwu
- Preseason fourth-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele
- Mike TaylorMike Taylor (linebacker, born c. 1990)Mike Taylor is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2008:Taylor redshirted his first season. He was named Wisconsin's defensive scout player of the week at Indiana on November 8.-2009:...
- Mike Taylor
- Butkus Award
- Preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Athlon and Blue Ribbon
- Preseason second-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele
- Nick ToonNick ToonNick Toon is an American football wide receiver for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is the son of former New York Jets and Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Al Toon.-College Stats:-External links:*...
- Nick Toon
- Preseason fourth-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele
- Philip Welch
- Lou Groza AwardLou Groza AwardThe Lou Groza Award is presented annually to the top college football placekicker in the United States by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The award is named after former Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns player Lou Groza.-Winners:...
- Preseason third-team All-Big Ten by Athlon and Phil Steele
- James WhiteJames White (running back)James White is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-High school career:Attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School . Was a part of the 2009 St. Thomas Aquinas mythical high school "National Championship" team...
- James White
- Preseason third-team All-Big Ten by Athlon and Phil Steele
- Doak Walker AwardDoak Walker AwardThe Doak Walker Award, first awarded in 1990, honors the United States's top college football running back. It is named after the Southern Methodist and Detroit Lions football player Doak Walker...
- Maxwell AwardMaxwell AwardThe Maxwell Award is presented annually to the collegiate American football player judged by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and National Collegiate Athletic Association head coaches and the membership of the Maxwell Football Club to be the best football player in the United States. The...
- Walter Camp AwardWalter Camp AwardThe Walter Camp Player of the Year Award is given annually to the collegiate American football Player of the Year, as decided by a group of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-A head coaches and sports information directors under the auspices of the Walter Camp Football Foundation;...
- Preseason second-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele
- Preseason third-team All-Big Ten by Athlon
- Russell WilsonRussell WilsonRussell Wilson is a quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers football team. Wilson formerly played for the NC State Wolfpack football and baseball teams before transferring for his final season of eligibility in 2011...
- Russell Wilson
- Davey O'Brien AwardDavey O'Brien AwardThe Davey O'Brien Award, officially the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, named after Davey O'Brien, is presented annually to the collegiate American football player adjudged by the Davey O'Brien Foundation to be the best of all National Collegiate Athletic Association quarterbacks. The...
- Maxwell AwardMaxwell AwardThe Maxwell Award is presented annually to the collegiate American football player judged by a panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and National Collegiate Athletic Association head coaches and the membership of the Maxwell Football Club to be the best football player in the United States. The...
- Kevin Zeitler
- Lombardi AwardLombardi AwardThe Rotary Lombardi Award is awarded annually to the best college football lineman or linebacker. The Lombardi Award program was approved by the Rotary Club in Houston in 1970 shortly after the death of Vince Lombardi. The committee outlined the criteria for eligibility for the award, which...
- Outland TrophyOutland TrophyThe Outland Trophy is awarded to the best United States college football interior lineman by the Football Writers Association of America. It is named after John H. Outland. One of only a few players ever to be named All-America at two positions, Outland garnered consensus All-America honors in...
- Preseason fourth-team All-American by Phil Steele
- Preseason honorable mention All-American by Consensus Draft Services
- Preseason first-team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele
- Preseason second-team All-Big Ten by Athlon
Schedule
The schedule is as follows:Rankings
UNLV
Wisconsin started off the 2011 season with a bang, recording 499 yards of total offense en route to a 51–17 pounding of visiting UNLV. The Badgers, and in particular, QB Russell WilsonRussell Wilson
Russell Wilson is a quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers football team. Wilson formerly played for the NC State Wolfpack football and baseball teams before transferring for his final season of eligibility in 2011...
, received the opening kick and drove 65 yards in 3:11, taking a 7–0 lead on Wilson's first touchdown pass as a Wisconsin Badger to RB Montee Ball
Montee Ball
Montee Ball is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-College career:Ball began the 2010 season as the backup running back to John Clay, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year...
. The Badgers forced a three and out on UNLV's first possession, and WR Jared Abbrederis returned the UNLV punt 30 yards to put the Badgers in excellent field position. Wilson and the Badgers capitalized; as Montee Ball broke several tackles on a 20-yard touchdown run. With K Philip Welch sidelined to a leg injury, backup K Kyle French missed the PAT, leaving Wisconsin ahead only 13–0. But that wouldn't be all for Wisconsin in the first quarter: after UNLV missed a 34 yard field goal, Wisconsin drove 80 yards in 8 plays and extended their advantage to 20–0 on a 1 yard touchdown run by James White
James White (running back)
James White is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-High school career:Attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School . Was a part of the 2009 St. Thomas Aquinas mythical high school "National Championship" team...
.
The Rebels were able to drive to Wisconsin's 35, but Nolan Kohorst missed his second field goal attempt of the game wide left from 52 yards. The Badgers wasted no time in capitalizing; Wilson dropped a short pass to Montee Ball, who proceeded to take it 63 yards to the UNLV three-yard line. Two plays later, Ball scored his third touchdown of the first half from a yard out, giving Wisconsin a 27–0 lead. But the pesky Rebels answered with a 13 play, 64 yard drive to the Wisconsin 20, scoring for the first time after Kohorst banked in a 37 yard attempt off the left upright.
Whatever hopes this raised on the UNLV sideline were quickly squashed as Wisconsin answered with a 3 play, 56 yard drive. Russell Wilson himself scored on a 46 yard touchdown run in which he accelerated past several defenders and scampered almost untouched into the endzone. UNLV managed to lose 8 yards and go three and out on their next drive, and after UNLV's punt gave Wisconsin excellent field position, the Badgers tacked on another field goal to take a 37–3 lead at the half.
The Badgers then scored on their first two possessions of the second half. A 8 yard pass to tight end Jacob Pedersen from Wilson and a 1 yard touchdown run by Ball (his 4th touchdown of the game). That would spell the end for the starting offense for the Badgers as they scored on all 8 possessions they had. UNLV would then score a touchdown with 2:53 left in the 3rd quarter and the scoring was closed out by UNLV with a touchdown pass with 11:41 remaining in the game.
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 10 Car, 63 Yds, 3 TDs
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 10/13, 255 Yds, 2 TDs
- Receiving: Montee Ball - 2 Rec, 67 Yds, 1 TD
- Defense: Louis Nzegwu - 4 Tkls, 2.0 TFL, 2 Sacks
Oregon State
The Badgers posted their first shutout since a 37-0 victory on October 31, 2009 against the Purdue Boilermakers2009 Purdue Boilermakers football team
The 2009 Purdue Boilermakers football team represented Purdue University in the 2009–2010 college football season. They played their home games at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. It was Danny Hope's first season as head coach following the retirement of Joe Tiller following the 2008...
. The Badgers out gained the Beavers 397 yards (208 rushing, 189 passing) to 284 yards (23 rusing, 261 passing). The scoring got started at the 8:35 mark in the first quarter with a 17 yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Pedersen from Wilson. The extra point was good by kicker Kyle French who is still filling in for the injured Philip Welch. With 7:42 in the 2nd quarter, Wilson connected with Nick Toon
Nick Toon
Nick Toon is an American football wide receiver for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is the son of former New York Jets and Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Al Toon.-College Stats:-External links:*...
on a 10 yard TD pass. Then with 27 seconds left in the half, Wilson hit Pedersen again with a 6 yard TD pass. The Badgers led 21-0 at the half. Oregon State had done a nice job containing the Badgers powerful rushing attack but Wilson was able to pick apart the Beavers secondary. The Badgers got back on track with the running game in the second half and at the 12:09 mark in the 3rd quarter, Montee Ball scored on a 19 yard touchdown run. The scoring was closed out in the 4th quarter at 14:55 with a 1 yard TD run by Ball.
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 18 Car, 118 Yds, 2 TDs
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 17/21, 189 Yds, 3 TDs
- Receiving: Jacob Pedersen - 6 Rec, 80 Yds, 2 TDs
- Defense: Mike Taylor - 9 Tkls, 1.5 TFL, Sack, FF
vs. Northern Illinois
It was an unwelcome "homecoming" for the Northern Illinois coach Dave DoerenDave Doeren
-External links:*...
, who spent the last five years in Madison as the Badgers' defensive coordinator. The Badgers rolled up 621 yards of offense (355 passing and 266 rushing) at Soldier Field
Soldier Field
Soldier Field is located on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the Near South Side. It is home to the NFL's Chicago Bears...
. The scoring started early by the Badgers in the 1st quarter at the 12:55 mark with a 12 yard TD pass to Nick Toon
Nick Toon
Nick Toon is an American football wide receiver for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is the son of former New York Jets and Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Al Toon.-College Stats:-External links:*...
from Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson is a quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers football team. Wilson formerly played for the NC State Wolfpack football and baseball teams before transferring for his final season of eligibility in 2011...
. Northern Illinois did answer with a 3 yard TD run by Jasmin Hopkins with less than 2 minutes to go in the first quarter. Wisconisn did not waste anytime after the Huskies touchdown as they needed only 3 plays to go 49 yards and score on a 16 yard pass to Toon from Wilson. In the sencond quarter, Wisconsin scored twice. First was a Montee Ball
Montee Ball
Montee Ball is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-College career:Ball began the 2010 season as the backup running back to John Clay, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year...
1 yard TD run and then a 20 yard TD run by James White
James White (running back)
James White is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-High school career:Attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School . Was a part of the 2009 St. Thomas Aquinas mythical high school "National Championship" team...
. The Badgers lead the Huskies 28-7 at the half. The 3rd quarter was much of the same from the Badgers. Another 1 yard TD run by Ball and a 9 yard TD pass to Jacob Pedersen from Wilson. The only blemish for the Badgers was a interception by Russell Wilson in the 3rd quarter, the first turnover of the season for Wisconsin. The scoring was closed out in the 4th quarter with all the Badger backups in the game, backup quarterback Joe Brennan scored on a 6 yard TD run for his first touchdown of his young career. Russell Wislon passed for 347 yards which was the seventh best total in UW history. Wilson's 384 total yards in the game, was the fifth highest total offense in school annals. The defense was lead by sophomore linebacker Chris Borland who totaled a game high 11 tackles, including a pair of tackles-for-loss. Montee Ball has now scored in nine straight games, and has 22 touchdowns since last October 23.
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 20 Car, 91 Yds, 2 TDs
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 23/32, 347 Yds, 3 TDs
- Receiving: Nick Toon - 5 Rec, 75 Yds, 2 TDs
- Defense: Chris Borland - 11 Tkls, 2.0 TFL
South Dakota
The Badgers dominated South DakotaSouth Dakota Coyotes
The South Dakota Coyotes, also known as the USD Coyotes , are the athletic teams for the University of South Dakota. Their team colors are vermilion and white. They have been members of The Summit League of the NCAA's Division I since the 2011-12 season...
from the FCS in their final "tune-up" game before the start of the Big Ten season. Wisconsin rolled up 612 yards on offense, 345 through the air and 267 on the ground, and only yielded 173 offensive yards to the Coyotes (124 rushing and 49 passing).
The Badgers started a bit slow on offense but got on the board first with a 5 yard touchdown run by Montee Ball. The Badgers got their first defensive turnover of the season with a interception by safety Shelton Johnson and then their second on the next Coyotes drive with another interception this time by linebacker Chris Borland
Chris Borland
Chris Borland is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2009:Borland was named the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year in 2009. Borland played in 13 games, starting six. He led the leam with five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He finished third on the team in...
. The Badgers managed only three points off the two turnovers, a 25-yard field goal by Kyle French. French also missed a 50-yard attempt. The Coyotes drove to a first and goal but were then forced to settle on a 24-yard field goal by Kevin Robb to cut the Wisconsin lead to 10-3 with 6:34 left in the second quarter. Then Wisconsin took over, scoring three touchdowns in the final six minutes of the half. First, it was James White on a 49-yard touchdown run. Then, Nick Toon caught a short pass from Russell Wilson and tip-toed down the sideline for a 59-yard touchdown. The Badgers got the ball back in the final two minutes of the half, and facing a third-and-goal on the 2, Wilson found Toon in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. Wisconsin went into the half leading 31-3.
The Badgers then scored twice in the third quarter to put the game out of reach for South Dakota. The first score of the third quarter was a 51-yard touchdown pass to Jared Abbrederis from Wilson. Then with 5:57 left in the third quarter, Montee Ball scored his second touchdown of the game on a 2-yard run. In the fourth quarter, most of the Badgers starters were done for the day. Wisconsin scored again at the beginning of the 4th quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run by a true freshman running back Melvin Gordon, his first career touchdown. After an interception was thrown by the Badgers backup QB Joe Brennen, South Dakota scored their first and only touchdown of the game, a 4-yard pass from the Coyotes backup QB. The scoring was closed out by Wisconsin on a 41-yard touchdown run by redshirt freshman running back Jeffrey Lewis, also his first career touchdown.
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 15 Car, 88 Yds, 2 TDs
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 19/25, 345 Yds, 3 TDs
- Receiving: Nick Toon - 7 Rec, 155 Yds, 2 TDs
- Defense: Chris Borland - 8 Tkls, 2.0 TFL, INT
Nebraska
Nebraska's Big Ten debut was very unwelcoming. #7 Wisconsin out gained #8 Nebraska, 486 yards (255 passing, 231 rushing) to 335 yards (176 passing, 159 rushing). The Badgers also held a commanding advantage in the time of possession battle, 35:15 to 24:45. Penalties and turnovers doomed Nebraska during this game. The Cornhuskers committed 9 penalties which cost them 80 yards. Taylor MartinezTaylor Martinez
Taylor Martinez is an American football quarterback who plays for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.-High school career:Martinez played his senior year of high school football at Centennial High School in Corona, California, where he was a teammate of Vontaze Burfict...
also threw 3 interceptions which the Badgers capitalized by scoring 21 points on all three of the turnovers. Between Russell Wilson's ability to pass and elude passing rushers, and Montee Ball running the ball, the Cornhuskers could not stop the potent Badgers attack. The Badgers also matched largest-ever margin of victory over a top-10 team (31 points).
Nebraska struck first on a 1 yard touchdown run by quarterback Taylor Martinez. The Badgers answered back with a 1 yard touchdown of their own by running back Montee Ball. In the second quarter, the Cornhuskers took the lead back with a 1 yard touchdown run by Rex Burkhead. Again, the Badgers drove right down on Nebraska's defense and scored on a Ball 3 yard touchdown run. Kicker Philip Welch playing is his first game of the season, had the extra point blocked by Jared Crick
Jared Crick
Jared Crick is an American football defensive tackle for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.-College career:After being redshirted as a freshman in 2007, Crick played in nine games as a redshirt freshman in 2008, recording two tackles.As a sophomore in 2009 Crick has recorded 75 tackles and nine and a half...
of Nebraska. The Huskers led 14-13 about halfway through the 2nd quarter. At that point the Badgers defense tightened up and forced two straight turnovers on back-to-back possessions. Taylor Martinez threw a INT to Badgers linebacker Mike Taylor
Mike Taylor (linebacker, born c. 1990)
Mike Taylor is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2008:Taylor redshirted his first season. He was named Wisconsin's defensive scout player of the week at Indiana on November 8.-2009:...
. The Badgers took advantage and scored on a 36 yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Jared Abbrederis. On the very next drive for Nebraska, Martinez again threw and interception to The Badgers safety Aaron Henry. Again the Badgers turned the turnover into 7 points with a 46 yard touchdown pass to Nick Toon from Wilson. Nebraska's kicker Brett Maher then attempted a 50 yard field right before halftime but missed wide right. The Badgers led at the half 27-14.
Nebraska started with the ball to start the second half. The first offensive play of the half, Martinez again threw an interception to the Badgers cornerback Antonio Fenelus. Wisconsin cashed in again on the turnover with a 10 yard touchdown run by quarterback Russell Wilson. Any chance of a comeback for the Cornhuskers was all but gone. The Badgers scored again later in the 3rd quarter with a 4 yard touchdown by Ball. Nebraska would close out their scoring early in the 4th quarter on a 32 yard field goal by Brett Maher. The Badgers were not done as Montee Ball scored his 4th touchdown of the game on a 14 yard run. With 5 minutes left in the game, Nebraska tried to make the score a little more respectable as they drove all the way to the Badgers 1 yard line with the clock running out. With the game well out of reach, Nebraska coach Bo Pelini
Bo Pelini
Mark "Bo" Pelini is the head football coach at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He had previously been defensive coordinator for the LSU Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers...
called a timeout with 12 seconds left to try to score. The Badgers defense stuffed quarterback Taylor Martinez keeping him out of the end zone and keeping the score a very dominating victory for the Badgers, 48-17. Following this victory the Badgers moved up to #4 on the AP Poll and #5 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, making them possible contenders for the BCS national championship game. The last time the Badgers were ranked this highly in the AP Poll was after their victories in the 1999
1999 Rose Bowl
The 1999 Rose Bowl was the 85th Rose Bowl game and was played on Friday January 1, 1999 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. It was a college football bowl game at the end of the 1998 college football season. Wisconsin defeated by a score of 38-31. Ron Dayne of Wisconsin was named...
and 2000
2000 Rose Bowl
The 2000 Rose Bowl was a college football bowl game played on January 1, 2000. It was the 86th Rose Bowl game and was played on January 1, 2000 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. The game featured the Wisconsin Badgers defeating the Stanford Cardinal by a score of 17-9...
Rose Bowls and have not been ranked higher since the season-ending #2 ranking in 1962
1962 Wisconsin Badgers football team
The 1962 Wisconsin Badgers football team represented the University of Wisconsin in the 1962 college football season, and in the 1963 Rose Bowl as the champions of the Big Ten Conference.-Season:...
(the highest the Badgers have ever been ranked in the AP poll is #1 for just one week during the 1952 season
1952 Wisconsin Badgers football team
The 1952 Wisconsin Badgers football team represented the University of Wisconsin in the 1952 college football season. The Badgers offense scored 228 points while the defense allowed 150 points.-Season:...
).
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 30 Car, 151 Yds, 4 TDs
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 14/20, 255 Yds, 2 TDs
- Receiving: Jared Abbrederis - 5 Rec, 95 Yds, 1 TD
- Defense: Mike Taylor - 14 Tkls, TFL, INT
Indiana
Number four Wisconsin routs Indiana for the second straight season. Last year it was a 83-20 debacle and this year the Badgers roll 59-7. The Badgers outgained the Hoosiers 524 yards (332 rushing, 192 passing) to 287 (223 rushing, 64 passing). Indiana turned the ball over three times, two interceptions and a fumble, which hurt the Hoosiers chance of keeping the game close.The game stated with the Hoosiers forcing the Badgers to punt on their first series of the game. Indiana started strong on offense using a no-huddle and a full-house backfield look that kept the Badgers' defense off balance. The drive stalled near midfield for Indiana and the Badgers went to work. After a 46-yard catch-and-run by Montee Ball, Ball finished the drive with a 5 yard touchdown run, for a Wiscosnin 7-0 lead. Things then got ugly for Indiana's special teams, as punter Adam Pines tried a rugby style punt and kicked the ball too low and right into the back of his own lineman. The ball bounced straight up in the air and was caught by Wisconsin's fullback Bradie Ewing. Indiana's punter was credited with a 1 yard put and the Badgers took over at Indiana's 26 yard line. Two plays later, running back James White faked out two Hoosiers defenders on his way to a 15-yard touchdown run and a 14-0 Wisconsin lead at the end of the first quarter. After a failed fourth-down conversion by the Hoosiers, the Badgers answered quickly. Running back Montee Ball took a pitch to the right and turned a threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to quarterback Russell Wilson (the first touchdown catch of his career) who was all alone on the leftside of the field. After a interception by cornerback Antonio Fenelus in the end zone, the Badgers drove down and scored on a 35-yard touchdown run by Ball. The Hoosiers finally got on the board, thanks to a 67-yard touchdown run by running back Stephen Houston. Wisconsin again had no problem marching down the field but stalled and was forced to kin a 38-yard field goal by Philip Welch. After an interception by safety Aaron Henry, the Badgers would score once more before halftime. After a 25-yard scramble by Wilson, Wilson then connected with tight end Jacob Pedersen on a 3-yard pass and the Badgers led 38-7 at the half.
The second half started with both teams defenses' forcing punts. Then with about 4:30 left in the third quarter, wide receiver Jared Abbrederis returned his first career punt 60 yards for a touchdown. After another Indiana punt, Montee ball went untouched on a 54-yard touchdown run. Wisconsin then pulled almost all of their starting offense and defensive players at the start of the fourth quarter. The scoring was closed out at the 9:17 mark of the 4th quarter when Indiana's quarterback, Edward Wright-Baker
Edward Wright-Baker
Edward Wright-Baker is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Indiana Hooisers.-High school career:...
, fumbled in the end zone and was recovered for a touchdown by backup linebacker Derek Landish. This was Wisconsin's 13th-straight regular-season win.
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 14 Car, 142 Yds, 3 TDs
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 12/17, 166 Yds, 1 TD
- Receiving: Jared Abbrederis - 4 Rec, 63 Yds
- Defense: Chris Borland - 15 Tkls, 0.5 Sack
at Michigan State
Michigan State handed Wisconsin their first loss of the season despite being out gained by the Badgers 443 (223 passing, 220 rushing) to 399 (290 passing, 109 rushing). The key stat for the game was Michigan State did not commit a penelty. The Spartans also controlled the time of possession which is the first time this season that the Badgers have not won the TOP battle.The Badgers started off strong in the first quarter striking first on their opening drive of the game with a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Pedersen from Russell Wilson. After a Spartans fumble, the Badgers scored again on a 9-yard touchdown run by running back Montee Ball. The second quarter was all Michigan State. After a Spartans punt pinned the Badgers at their own 5-yard line, quarterback Russell Wilson was forced thr throw the ball away in his own end zone. Wilson was called for intentional grounding and a safety that made the score 14-2. After the free kick, the Spartans scored on a 34-yard reverse to wide receiver Keshawn Martin. The Baqgers resonded with an impressive drive but stalled and ended up settling for a 30-yard field goal attempt. The Spartans blocked the kick and responded with a 80-yard drive capitalized with a 35-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver B.J. Cunningham from quarterback Kirk Cousins
Kirk Cousins
-College career:In 2007, newly hired Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio recruited Cousins to play for the Spartans. Cousins was redshirted for the 2007 season. In 2008, he spent the season as the back up quarterback to Brian Hoyer. He played in five games passing for a total of 310 yards and...
on fourth-and-2. That gave Michigan State a 16-14 lead with 1:20 left in the half. The Spartans weren't done. They used timeouts to stop the clock and force the Badgers to punt. The Spartans blocked the punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. Michigan State went into the half leading 23-14.
The only scoring in the third quarter was a 33-yard field goal Badgers kicker Philip Welch. Then in the fourth quarter, Michigan State pulled farther ahead with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Keshawn Martin from Cousins. The Spartans converted the 2-point conversion with a pass to Cunningham from Cousins. With the game almost out of reach, the Badgers came down and scored on a Russell Wilson 22-yard touchdown run. The Badgers got the ball back and scored on a 2-yard touchdown pass to Ball from Wilson that tied the game at 31-31 with 1:26 left. The Spartans got the ball back and on first down, Cousins was flused from the pocket and lost a handle of the ball but it was recovered by the Spartans. Wisconsin called a timeout with 42 seconds left and second-and 20 from the Spartans own 24 yard line. After a 12-yard completion from Cousins to Cunningham, both coach's were waiting to see who or if anyone was going to call a time out. The Badgers coach Bret Bielema
Bret Bielema
-Personal life:Bielema announced on April 1, 2011 that he was engaged to his girlfriend, Jen. The wedding is scheduled for spring 2012.-External links:* *...
called a timeout again thinking they would get the ball back if they can stop the Spartans on third down. The Spartans picked up the first down on a 11-yard shovel pass for Martin. Michigan State's last drive appeared to stall at the Wisconsin 44, but the Spartans had time for one more play. Cousins was able to buy enough time for his receivers to get down field for a final Hail Mary pass
Hail Mary pass
A Hail Mary pass or Hail Mary route in American football refers to any very long forward pass made in desperation with only a small chance of success, especially at or near the end of a half....
. The ball bounced off Cunningham's helmet and into Keith Nichol's hands at the 1-yard line. Badgers linebacker Mike Taylor was fighting to keep Nichol's from getting into the endzone but Nichol's made one final lunge to try to get the ball across the goal line. The officials ruled that the ball was short and marked at the half yard line. After review, it was determined that Nichol's had crossed the goal line and it was a touchdown. This was the second year in a row that Michigan State handed Wisconsin their first loss of the season.
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 18 Car, 115 Yds, 1 TD
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 14/21, 223 Yds, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
- Receiving: Jared Abbrederis - 6 Rec, 91 Yds
- Defense: Chris Borland - 13 Tkls, Sack, 1.5 TFL
at Ohio State
For the second week in a row, the Badgers lost on a long pass in the final 30 seconds of the game. For the first time this season, the Badgers were out gained. Wisconsin gained 342 total yards on offense (253 passing, 89 rushing) while Ohio State gained a total of 357 yards (89 passing, 268 rushing). For the second week in a row the Badgers lost the time of possession battle, 24:12 to 35:48.The first half was all defense on both sides. The Badgers struck first in the first quarter with a 22-yard touchdown pass to running back Montee Ball from Russell Wilson. In the second quarter, Ohio State kicker Drew Basil, kicked a 39-yard field goal the hit off the right upright and went in. The Badgers led 7-3 at the half.
In the second half, both teams offense's turned it up. Ohio State started the second half with the ball and scored on a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-High school career:Miller went to Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. While there, he was named Mr. Football Award Finalist, and also competed in the UnderArmour All-American Game. He...
. The Buckeyes scored again on a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Jordan Hall. The Badgers answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Montee Ball to make it a 17-14 Ohio State led at the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter started with a 22-yard field goal by Ohio State's Drew Basil. Then with a 4:30 left in the game, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller scored on a 44-yard touchdown run which seemed to close the door on the Badgers. Wisconsin never let down as they scored two quick touchdowns. The first was a 17-yard towuchdown pass from Russell Wilson to wide receiver Jared Abbrederis and then a 49-yard touchdown pass to Abbrederis from Wilson. The Badgers took a 29-26 lead with 1:18 to go in the game. The Buckeyes drove down to the Badgers 40-yard line and with about 30 seconds to go. It looked like they were trying to get into field goal range to try to tie the game. The next play Ohio State quarterback scrabled around and it looked like he was going to run but at the last second just before he crossed the line of scrimmage, Miller threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Devin Smith in the back of the end zone. The Badgers only had 20 seconds left as they got the Ohio State's 45 yard line and took three shots at the end zone but failed.
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 17 Car, 85 Yds, 1 TD
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 20/32, 253 Yds, 3 TDs
- Receiving: Jared Abbrederis - 6 Rec, 113 Yds, 2 TDs
- Defense: Mike Taylor - 22 Tkls, 2.5 TFL, PBU
Purdue
The Badgers got back on track at home after two heartbreaking losses on the road. Wisconsin dominated the line of scrimmage and the powerful Badger offensive line imposed their will on the Purdue defense. Wisconsin racked up 605 total yards on offense (364 rushing, 241 passing) compared to Purdue's 284 total offensive yards (120 rushing, 164 passing). The Badgers also got back to what they do best, which is controlling the time of possession battle. The Badgers controlled the clock for 36:43 compared to Boilermakers 23:17. Purdue also threw two interceptions which turned into 14 Badger points.Wisconsin started the game with the ball and the first play from scrimmage, running back Montee Ball took the ball right up the middle for a 44-yard gain. A few plays later, quarterback Russell Wilson connected with tight end Jacob Pedersen on a 1-yard touchdown pass. The Boilermakers came right back after a 49-yard kickoff return. Purdue quarterback Caleb TerBush
Caleb TerBush
Caleb Stephen TerBush is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Purdue Boilermakers, and is in his 4th season with the program....
hit tight end Crosby Wright for a 30-yard touchdown pass, which tied the game at seven. Wisconsin took a 14-7 lead in the first quarter, as Wilson's 66-yard strike to wide-open receiver Jeff Duckworth which helped set up Wilson's 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jared Abbrederis. Special teams problems struck again, as Wisconsin allowed a 74-yard kickoff return. The Badgers held the Boilermakers to a 25-yard field goal by kicker Carson Wiggs, cutting Wisconsin's lead to 14-10 with 1:13 left in the first quarter. Montee Ball got on the scoreboard early in the second quarter with a easy 1-yard touchdown run. After an interception by Badger linebacker Mike Taylor, Russell Wilson scored on a 6-yard touchdown run. The Badgers got the ball back a few minutes later and Montee Ball found the end zone again on a 3-yard touchdown run. Purdue then put an long drive togther before halftime and wide receiver Justin Siller scored on a 2-yard touchdown run. But Wisconsin had just enough time for a drive that set up a 52-yard field goal by kicker Philip Welch and took a 38-17 lead into the half.
The third quarter started with Purdue getting the ball and quickly punting it back to Wisconsin. Montee Ball the scored on a 29-yard touchdown run which was his 24th total touchdown of the season tying former Badger Brian Calhoun
Brian Calhoun
Brian Calhoun is a gridiron football running back for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin....
for most total touchdowns in a single season in Badgers history. After an interception by Badger linebacker Chris Borland deep in Purdue territory, running back James White
James White (running back)
James White is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-High school career:Attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School . Was a part of the 2009 St. Thomas Aquinas mythical high school "National Championship" team...
scored on a 5-yard run right up the middle. Most of the Badgers starters were done for the day by the time the fourth quarter started. James White scored again for the Badgers on a 1-yard touchdown run, the Badgers 6th rushing touchdown of the game. The scoring was closed out at the 5:02 mark of the fourth quarter when Badger backup kicker, Kyle French, kicked a 29-yard field goal. Montee Ball, who leads the nation in total touchdowns with 24, had a career-high 223 rushing yards while only playing 2 and a half quarters.
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 20 Car, 223 Yds, 3 TDs
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 15/20, 205 Yds, 2 TDs
- Receiving: Jacob Pedersen - 2 Rec, 28 Yds, 1 TD
- Defense: Chris Borland - 11 Tkls, 3.5 TFL, 2 FF, INT
at Minnesota
Wisconsin retains Paul Bunyan's AxePaul Bunyan's Axe
Paul Bunyan's Axe, named after the mythical giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan, is a prize awarded every year to the winner of the college football game between Minnesota and Wisconsin.-History:...
for the 8th straight year with a dominating performance on the road against Minnesota. The Badgers, offensively out gained the Golden Gophers 461 yards (283 rushing, 178 passing) to 156 yards (105 rushing, 51 passing) for Minnesota. Again, Wisconsin controlled the time of possession battle by controlling the ball for almost ten minutes more than Minnesota. The Badgers also moved the chains 20 more times than the Golden Gophers.
The Badgers started the game with the ball and chewed up more than half of the first quarter on the opening drive of the game. The drive was capped off by a 5-yard touchdown pass to running back Montee Ball from quarterback Russell Wilson. After the Badger defense forced the Golden Gophers to punt on their opening drive, Montee Ball scored a few plays later on a 14-yard touchdown run. The yardage at the end of the first quarter was 189 for Wisconsin and minus-1 for Minnesota. The Badgers scored within the first minute of the secound quarter on a 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Nick Toon from Wilson. Then Golden Gophers put their best drive of the game together as they drove down inside the Badgers 10-yard line but stalled and were about to attempt a chip-shot field goal. Then, Minnesota's holder pitched the ball to their kicker, Jordan Wettstein who broke a tackle and scored a touchdown on a 5-yard run. Wettstein then missed the extra point to make the score 21-6. The Badgers scored with less than a minute before halftime on a 17-yard touchdown pass to Nick Toon from Russell Wilson putting the Badgers up 28-6 at the half.
The Golden Gophers opened the second half with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Duane Bennett. The Badgers answered back with a long sustaining drive and scored on a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jacob Pedersen from Russell Wilson, his fourth touchdown pass of the game. The scoring was capped off in the fourth quarter by a 1-yard touchdown run by Montee Ball. That touchdown by Montee Ball was his 27th for the season and broke the Big Ten record for most touchdowns in a single season breaking the mark previously held by Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes football
The Ohio State Buckeyes football team is an intercollegiate varsity sports team of The Ohio State University. The team is a member of the Big Ten Conference of the NCAA, playing at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, formerly Division I-A, level. The team nickname is derived from the state...
's Pete Johnson
Pete Johnson (American football)
Pete Johnson is a former college and professional American football running back. He spent 8 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Cincinnati Bengals. Before his NFL career, Johnson played for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-College career:Johnson played fullback for Ohio State from 1973 through 1976...
(1975), Indiana
Indiana Hoosiers football
The Indiana Hoosiers football program represents Indiana University Bloomington in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football and in the Big Ten Conference.-Bowl games:...
's Anthony Thompson (1988) and Penn State
Penn State Nittany Lions football
The Penn State Nittany Lions football team represents the Pennsylvania State University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big Ten Conference. It is one of the most tradition-rich and storied college football programs in the...
's Ki-Jana Carter
Ki-Jana Carter
Kenneth Leonard "Ki-Jana" Carter is a former American football running back in the National Football League who played for the Cincinnati Bengals and later the Washington Redskins and the New Orleans Saints. His nickname, "Ki-Jana", is from a character in the movie Shaft in Africa and Carter has...
(1994). Russell Wilson is now the Badgers single season record holder for most touchdown passes (25) passing John Stocco
John Stocco
John Stocco is a former collegiate American football quarterback. Stocco played football for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, starting at quarterback for the Badgers during his sophomore, junior and senior seasons...
.
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 23 Car, 166 Yds, 2 TDs
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 16/17, 178 Yds, 4 TDs
- Receiving: Nick Toon - 8 Rec, 100 Yds, 2 TDs
- Defense: Mike Taylor - 13 Tkls
at Illinois
The Badgers pulled out a hard fought victory against the Illini in Champaign. It was a tale of two halves as the Illini owned the first half and the Badgers took over in the second half. Illinois offensively outgained the Badgers 301 yards (149 rushing, 151 passing) for the Illini to 285 yard (195 rushing, 90 passing) for the Badgers. It was only the second time this season that the Badgers had been out gained (Ohio State). Four turnovers and special teams miscues cost Illinois in this game. The Illini rotated two quarterback throughout the game, Nathan ScheelhaaseNathan Scheelhaase
Nathan Scheelhaase is an American football quarterback at the University of Illinois. While playing at Rockhurst High School, he won the 2008 Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year.-High school career:...
and freshman Reilly O'Toole. O'Toole threw two interceptions in the second half and Scheelhaase threw one late in the fourth quarter which just about sealed the win for the Badgers.
After both team went scoreless in the first qurter, with less than two minutes into the second quarter, the Illini struck first on a 12-yard touchdown run by running back Donovoon Young. About five minutes later, Illinois scored again on a 1-yard touchdown run by Young. The Illini led 14-0 about halfway through the second quarter. After a botched punt attempt where the Illini punter dropped the snap and was tackled at the 2-yard line, Wisconsin got on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Montee Ball. With less that three minutes until halftime, Illinois dorve down and settled for a 41-yard field goal by kicker Derek Dimke. The unranked Illini who had lost four straight after winning their first six games of the season, led the Badgers 17-7 at the half.
The Illini got the ball to start the second half and had a chance to put the game almost out of reach but Badger linebacker Chris Borland hit Illini wide receiver Darius Millines forcing a fumble that was recovered by Badger linebacker Mike Taylor. The Badgers then put together a long drive converting on a couple of fourth downs. The drive was capped on a 5-yard touchdown pass to Ball from quarterback Russell Wilson. The Badgers next score came after another special teams mistake as Illini punt returner, Terry Hawthorne, let a put sail over his head and bounced about 30-yards and was downed at the 3-yard line for a 74-yard punt by Badgers punter Brad Nortman. His longest punt of the season. After an Illini three-and-out, the Badgers took over at Illinois 44-yard line. Two plays later, Wilson scored on 1-yard touchdown run on a naked bootleg which closed out the third quarter. The Badgers had their first led of the day, 21-17. The Illini opened the fourth quarter with O'Toole throwing an interception to the Badgers safety Aaron Henry. This then led to a brilliant 17-yard touchdown run by the Badgers Montee Ball, his third touchdown of the game. After the Illini drove to the Badgers 29-yard line, Illini quarterback Scheelhaase threw an interception to Badgers safety Shelton Johnson with 7:30 left in the game. The Badgers used Ball and a couple key completions by Wilson to run out the clock. The Badgers scored 21 unanswered points in the second half to pull away with the victory.
Montee Ball became only the fifth FBS player to score 30 touchdowns in a single season. Ball also rushed for a career-high 224 yards, one more yard than his previous high which he had two games earlier against Purdue.
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 38 Car, 244 Yds, 2 TDs
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 10/13, 90 Yds, 1 TD
- Receiving: Nick Toon - 6 Rec, 67 Yds
- Defense: Chris Borland - 16 Tkls, 1.5 TFL, 2 FF, PBU
Penn State
This game determined who would represent the Leaders Division in the first ever Big Ten Championship Game2011 Big Ten Football Championship Game
The 2011 Big Ten Football Championship Game will be played on December 3, 2011, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, to determine the 2011 football champion of the Big Ten Conference. The game will feature the Wisconsin Badgers and the Michigan State Spartans. This will be the first...
. The Badgers dominated the Nittany Lions in all phases of the game. Wisconsin almost doubled the total offensive yards of Penn State. The Badgers totaled 450 yards on offense (264 rushing, 186 passing) to the Nittany Lions 233 yards (114 rushing, 119 passing). The Badgers also forced four turnovers and held a 38:17 to 21:43 in the time of possession battle.
Wisconsin started with the ball and moved into Penn State territory but stalled and was forced to punt. After the Badgers forced a punt on Penn State's first possession, the Badgers were flaged for running into the kicked which gave new life to the Nittany Lions dive. Four plays later, Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin
Matt McGloin
Matthew James "Matt" McGloin is an American football quarterback for Penn State University He is the first former walk-on quarterback to start at Penn State since scholarships were reinstated in 1949...
, connected on a 44-yard touchdown pass to a wide open receiver, Curtis Drake. Penn State stuck first but the Wisconsin answered back with a 10 play, 76-yard drive that was capped with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to Jared Abbrederis. On the next Penn State drive, McGloin threw an interception to Wisconsin safety Shelton Johnson near midfield. The Badgers then scored a few plays later on a Montee Ball 1-yard touchdown run. The Wisconsin defense would continue to dominate and force Penn State to punt. The Badgers scored again on a Montee Ball 2-yard touchdown run. Penn State would fumble the kickoff and the Wisconsin capitalized on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Nick Toon, who was wearing number 87 not his usual number 1 in tribute to his father Al Toon
Al Toon
Albert Lee Toon, Jr. is a former professional American football player. He was selected by the New York Jets in the 1st round of the 1985 NFL Draft...
on senior day. The Badgers led 28-7 at halftime.
Penn State running back Silas Redd
Silas Redd
Silas Redd is an American football running back. He is currently the lead running back for the 2011 Penn State Nittany Lions football team....
fumbled early in the third quarter and Wisconsin recovered again near midfield. The Badgers marched down on the Nittany Lions defense and Montee Ball scored again, this time on a 9-yard touchdown run. Later in the third quarter, Montee Ball tied his career high with his fourth touchdown of the game, on a 18-yard run. The scoring was closed out by the Badgers kicker Philip Welch, when he kicked a 44-yard field goal with 10:47 left in the game.
With the win, Wisconsin will face the Legends Division champion Michigan State
2011 Michigan State Spartans football team
The 2011 Michigan State Spartans football team competes on behalf of Michigan State University in the Legends Division of the Big Ten Conference during the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Head coach Mark Dantonio is in his fifth season with the Spartans...
in the Big Ten Championship Game
2011 Big Ten Football Championship Game
The 2011 Big Ten Football Championship Game will be played on December 3, 2011, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, to determine the 2011 football champion of the Big Ten Conference. The game will feature the Wisconsin Badgers and the Michigan State Spartans. This will be the first...
. Montee Ball
Montee Ball
Montee Ball is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-College career:Ball began the 2010 season as the backup running back to John Clay, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year...
scored four touchdowns which moves him into second place on the all-time FBS single-season touchdown list with 34. He now only trails Oklahoma State's Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders is a former American football running back who spent all of his professional career with the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Sanders left the game just short of the all-time rushing record...
record of 39 set in 1988.
Statistical Leaders
- Rushing: Montee Ball - 25 Car, 156 Yds, 4 TDs
- Passing: Russell Wilson - 19/29, 186 Yds, 2 TDs
- Receiving: Jared Abbrederis - 7 Rec, 93 Yds, TD
- Defense: Conor O'Neill - 6 Tkls, FF, FR
vs. Michigan State
Roster
| (as of 10/06/2011) | ||||||
Quarterbacks
Wide receivers
Offensive line
|
Running backs
Tight ends
|
Defensive line
Linebackers
|
Defensive backs
Punters
Place kickers
Long snappers
|
|||
Passing
Note: G = Games played; COMP = Completions; ATT = Attepmts; COMP % = Completion percentage; YDS = Passing yards; TD = Passing touchdowns; INT = Interceptions; EFF = Passing efficiency| Pos. | Player | G | COMP | ATT | COMP % | YDS | TD | INT | EFF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RB | Montee Ball | 12 | 1 | 1 | 100.0 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 640.0 |
| QB | Joe Brennan | 6 | 6 | 15 | 40.0 | 48 | 0 | 1 | 53.5 |
| QB | Russell Wilson Russell Wilson Russell Wilson is a quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers football team. Wilson formerly played for the NC State Wolfpack football and baseball teams before transferring for his final season of eligibility in 2011... |
12 | 189 | 260 | 72.7 | 2,692 | 28 | 3 | 192.9 |
Rushing
Note: G = Games played; ATT = Attempts; YDS = Yards; AVG = Average yard per carry; LG = Longest run; TD = Rushing touchdowns| Pos. | Player | G | ATT | YDS | AVG | LG | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WR | Jared Abbrederis | 12 | 11 | 62 | 5.6 | 21 | 0 |
| RB | Montee Ball Montee Ball Montee Ball is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-College career:Ball began the 2010 season as the backup running back to John Clay, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year... |
12 | 248 | 1,622 | 6.5 | 54 | 29 |
| QB | Joe Brennan | 6 | 6 | 9 | 1.5 | 31 | 1 |
| RB | Melvin Gordon | 4 | 20 | 98 | 4.9 | 14 | 1 |
| RB | Jeffrey Lewis | 7 | 33 | 187 | 5.7 | 41 | 1 |
| RB | James White James White (running back) James White is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-High school career:Attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School . Was a part of the 2009 St. Thomas Aquinas mythical high school "National Championship" team... |
12 | 133 | 683 | 5.1 | 49 | 6 |
| QB | Russell Wilson | 12 | 66 | 325 | 4.9 | 46 | 5 |
| RB | Kyle Zuleger | 12 | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 6 | 0 |
Receving
Note: G = Games played; REC = Receptions; YDS = Yards; AVG = Average yard per catch; LG = Longest catch; TD = Receving touchdowns| Pos. | Player | G | REC | YDS | AVG | LG | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WR | Jared Abbrederis | 12 | 48 | 749 | 15.6 | 51 | 6 |
| RB | Montee Ball | 12 | 17 | 248 | 14.6 | 63 | 5 |
| TE | Jake Byrne | 12 | 1 | 14 | 14.0 | 14 | 0 |
| WR | Kenzel Doe | 9 | 2 | 4 | 2.0 | 3 | 0 |
| WR | Jeff Duckworth | 11 | 12 | 177 | 14.8 | 66 | 0 |
| FB | Bradie Ewing | 12 | 16 | 225 | 14.1 | 41 | 0 |
| WR | Manassen Garner | 8 | 2 | 45 | 22.5 | 27 | 0 |
| RB | Jeffrey Lewis | 7 | 2 | 14 | 7.0 | 8 | 0 |
| TE | Jacob Pedersen | 12 | 28 | 326 | 11.6 | 55 | 8 |
| WR | Nick Toon Nick Toon Nick Toon is an American football wide receiver for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is the son of former New York Jets and Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Al Toon.-College Stats:-External links:*... |
11 | 52 | 788 | 15.2 | 59 | 9 |
| RB | James White | 12 | 15 | 150 | 10.0 | 40 | 0 |
| QB | Russell Wilson | 12 | 1 | 25 | 25.0 | 25 | 1 |
Kick and punt returning
Note: G = Games played; PR = Punt returns; PYDS = Punt return yards; PLG = Punt return long; KR = Kick returns; KYDS = Kick return yards; KLG = Kick return long; TD = Total return touchdowns| Pos. | Player | G | PR | PYDS | PLG | KR | KYDS | KLG | Total Return TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WR | Jared Abbrederis | 12 | 17 | 278 | 60 | 15 | 347 | 35 | 1 |
| WR | Kenzel Doe | 8 | 1 | 13 | 13 | 3 | 41 | 24 | 0 |
| FB | Bradie Ewing | 12 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| RB | Melvin Gordon | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 23 | 23 | 0 |
| TE | Jacob Pedersen | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| RB | James White | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 315 | 40 | 0 |
| TE | Brian Wozniak | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
Kicking
Note: G = Games played; FGM = Field goals made; FGA = Field goals attempted; LG = Field goal long; XPT = Extra points made; XPT ATT = XPT attempted; TP = Total points| Pos. | Player | G | FGM | FGA | LG | XPT | XPT ATT | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K | Kyle French | 6 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 26 | 27 | 35 |
| K | Philip Welch | 8 | 4 | 5 | 52 | 45 | 46 | 57 |
Punting
Note: G = Games played; P = Punts; YDS = Yards; AVG = Average per punt; LG = Punt long; In20 = Punts inside the 20; TB = Touchbacks| Pos. | Player | G | P | YDS | AVG | LG | In20 | TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | Brad Nortman | 12 | 39 | 1629 | 41.8 | 74 | 16 | 3 |
Defensive
Note: G = Games played; Solo = Solo tackles; Ast = Assited tackles; Total = Total tackles; TFL-Yds = Tackles for loss-yards lost; Sack = Sacks; INT = Interceptions; PD = Passes defended; FF = Forced fumbles; FR = Forced recoveries| Pos. | Player | G | Solo | Ast | Total | TFL-Yds | Sack | INT | PD | FF | FR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LB | Mike Taylor Mike Taylor (linebacker, born c. 1990) Mike Taylor is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2008:Taylor redshirted his first season. He was named Wisconsin's defensive scout player of the week at Indiana on November 8.-2009:... |
12 | 50 | 78 | 128 | 8.0-16 | 1.0 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| LB | Chris Borland Chris Borland Chris Borland is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2009:Borland was named the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year in 2009. Borland played in 13 games, starting six. He led the leam with five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He finished third on the team in... |
12 | 53 | 71 | 124 | 16.5-33 | 1.5 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 0 |
| S | Aaron Henry | 12 | 35 | 18 | 53 | 3.0-6 | 1.0 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| CB | Antonio Fenelus | 12 | 28 | 16 | 44 | 3.0-7 | 0.0 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| S | Shelton Johnson | 11 | 21 | 22 | 43 | 6.0-10 | 0.0 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| LB | Kevin Claxton | 11 | 17 | 25 | 42 | 6.0-13 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CB | Marcus Cromartie | 12 | 20 | 15 | 35 | 0.5-2 | 0.0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| DE | Louis Nzegwu | 12 | 12 | 21 | 33 | 6.0-26 | 4.5 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| S | Dezmond Southward | 12 | 12 | 18 | 30 | 0.0-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| DE | Brendan Kelly | 12 | 12 | 17 | 29 | 4.0-20 | 3.0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| LB | Ethan Armstrong | 12 | 14 | 15 | 29 | 2.0-11 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| LB | Conor O'Neill | 12 | 13 | 14 | 27 | 1.5-13 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| DT | Ethan Hemer | 12 | 10 | 17 | 27 | 1.0-9 | 1.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| DE | Tyler Dippel | 12 | 11 | 15 | 26 | 3.0-18 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| DT | Patrick Butrym | 12 | 4 | 17 | 21 | 2.5-10 | 1.0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| DT | Beau Allen | 12 | 8 | 11 | 19 | 4.5-21 | 4.0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| LB | Derek Landisch | 12 | 6 | 13 | 19 | 1.0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| CB | Peniel Jean | 12 | 13 | 6 | 19 | 1.0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| DT | Jordan Kohout | 12 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 1.5-3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| DL | Pat Muldoon | 10 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 0.5-0 | 0.0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| DE | David Gilbert | 4 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 3.5-27 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Regular starters
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | Russell Wilson Russell Wilson Russell Wilson is a quarterback for the Wisconsin Badgers football team. Wilson formerly played for the NC State Wolfpack football and baseball teams before transferring for his final season of eligibility in 2011... |
| Running Back | Montee Ball Montee Ball Montee Ball is an American football running back for the Wisconsin Badgers.-College career:Ball began the 2010 season as the backup running back to John Clay, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year... |
| Fullback | Bradie Ewing |
| Wide Receiver | Nick Toon Nick Toon Nick Toon is an American football wide receiver for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is the son of former New York Jets and Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Al Toon.-College Stats:-External links:*... |
| Wide Receiver | Jared Abbrederis |
| Tight End | Jacob Pedersen/Jake Byrne |
| Left Tackle | Ricky Wagner |
| Left Guard | Travis Frederick |
| Center | Peter Konz Peter Konz Peter Konz is an American football center for the Wisconsin Badgers. He is considered one of the best center prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft.-Early years:... |
| Right Guard | Kevin Zeitler |
| Right Tackle | Josh Oglesby |
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Defensive End | Louis Nzegwu |
| Defensive Tackle | Patrick Butrym |
| Defensive Tackle | Ethan Hemer/Jordan Kohout |
| Defensive End | Brendan Kelly |
| Outside Linebacker | Kevin Claxton |
| Middle Linebacker | Chris Borland Chris Borland Chris Borland is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2009:Borland was named the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year in 2009. Borland played in 13 games, starting six. He led the leam with five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He finished third on the team in... |
| Outside Linebacker | Mike Taylor Mike Taylor (linebacker, born c. 1990) Mike Taylor is an American football linebacker for the Wisconsin Badgers.-2008:Taylor redshirted his first season. He was named Wisconsin's defensive scout player of the week at Indiana on November 8.-2009:... |
| Cornerback | Antonio Fenelus |
| Strong Safety | Shelton Johnson |
| Free Safety | Aaron Henry |
| Cornerback | Marcus Cromartie |