Smell The Roses: Wisconsin Wins Big Ten Title in Rout Over Nebraska

If you would have told me Wisconsin would win the Big Ten Championship game over Nebraska Saturday, I wouldn't have batted an eyelash. After all, the Badgers' hung with the Huskers in Lincoln, falling by just a field goal in late September.

However If you would have told me Wisconsin would roll up 70 points and win by 39, I may have asked what substance you stumbled upon.

I don't think anyone saw Wisconsin's dominating 70-31 victory over Nebraska coming. How could they?

At times Saturday night Wisconsin's running game looked like they had 15 blockers up front with the holes running backs Montee Ball, James White, and Melvin Gordon were running through. The trio combined for 527 yards on the ground which included eight trips to the end zone.

Gordon got things started for UW just two minutes into the first quarter. The Badger freshman lined up as a wide receiver before taking a hand off on a jet sweep in the backfield 56 yards for the opening points of the game.

Wisconsin's defense would chip in just moments later.

On Nebraska's first play from scrimage, quarterback Taylor Martinez was picked off by Wisconsin corner Marcus Cromartie who took it back to the house to give Wisconsin a 14-0 lead just moments into the game.

From there, the rout was on.

James White found the end zone on four different occasions and Montee Ball hit pay-dirt three times himself while rushing for 202 yards on 22 carries.

White added a passing touchdown to his resume as well on Saturday, as he hit tight end Sam Arneson in the end zone for a three yard score shortly before half to send Wisconsin into the break up 42-10.

Wisconsin quarterback Curt Phillips was forced to throw just eight passes in the game, and completed six of them for 71 yards. Phillips also caught a pass from Jarred Abbrederis in the second quarter that eventually set up a one yard touchdown run from White.

Badger offensive coordinator Matt Canada had by far his best game as a play-caller on Saturday night. Canada used a variety of different formations and looks to keep the Huskers off balance, as Wisconsin didn't leave many tricks in the bag.

The win gives Wisconsin their third straight Big Ten Title and a birth in the Rose Bowl on January 1st.

Wisconsin has dropped their last two contests in Pasadena, but will certainly be looking forward turning that trend against Stanford in a little over four weeks.

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