With a chance to go to their second straight Big Ten Championship Game, Wisconsin left nothing to chance Saturday, crushing Indiana 62-14.
From the beginning it was clear that the Hoosiers had little hope against a Badgers team which could seal the Leaders Division title with a win. That's exactly how it played out, as Wisconsin jumped out to 24-7 halftime lead, and a 17-0 third quarter edge for the Badgers sealed the win.
As usual Wisconsin’s run game was the difference Saturday, and it was spear-headed by the duo of Montee Ball and James White. Ball finished the afternoon with 198 yards rushing and three touchdowns, while White added 161 yards and two scores of his own. Because of the strong run game, quarterback Curt Phillips had to throw just seven passes on the afternoon, but added a touchdown as well.
Now the Badgers can sit back with the comfort of knowing they are the Leaders Division Champions. Wisconsin will play Ohio State and Penn State in the final two weeks, but because of NCAA sanctions, neither is eligible to compete in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Wisconsin vs. Indiana 2012 results: Badgers win Leaders Division with 62-14 rout
Wisconsin wrapped up the Big Ten Leaders Division crown on Saturday, with a dominating 62-14 win over Indiana. With the victory, the Badgers will play in their second straight Big Ten title game on December 1.
Box Score Hero: The answer here is Montee Ball. The senior finished the afternoon with three touchdown scores on 198 yards rushing.
Rankings Ramifications: With the win, expect Wisconsin to find themselves in the Top 25 when the polls are released Sunday. But as we mentioned above, the importance here lies in the Big Ten Championship Game. With the victory, Wisconsin will head to Indianapolis on December 1 as the Leaders Division Champion
But Did They Cover? Easily. The Badgers entered the game as a mere seven-point favorite, meaning they comfortably covered the touchdown spread Saturday.
For More On This Game: For more on Wisconsin football, be sure to check out Bucky’s 5th Quarter and for more on the Hoosiers, make sure and check The Crimson Quarry.
Next Week’s Schedule: Next week the Badgers will return to Madison, for a fascinating match-up with the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes.
Meanwhile, Indiana will visit Penn State, needing two wins in their final two games to get bowl eligible.
