Badger Bits: Wisconsin Looks Like Wisconsin Again

Wisconsin actually looked like Wisconsin again on its way to a 38-14 win over Purdue on Saturday. Brian Bennett stuffed "Indy-niable" into a headline, tickling my punny bone in ways I can't describe. Tom Oates talked offense, and how the Badgers racked up 645 total yards (second-most all-time) and 467 yards rushing (fifth-most) using a gameplan that consisted of lots of misdirection to spur the running game.

Props Matt Canada, James White, Jacob Pedersen, Jared Abbrederis, Joel Stave, the entire O-line and everyone else involved in the offensive renaissance. Montee Ball, of course, deserves the biggest praise for one of the most inspired performances of an already great career. On a 67-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, he cut left out of his initial hole, sprinted toward the sideline, then stopped on a dime when a defender appeared in his face. On a slick field, Ball shifted his full momentum 90 degrees in a split second, and accelerated past the rest of the Boilermaker defense for the score.

The defense pressured every one of Purdue's three quarterbacks with the front four. David Gilbert was in the offensive backfield throughout the day, allowing the rest of the unit to sit back and let the Boilermakers to make mistakes. Dezmen Southward intercepted a Caleb TerBush pass at the Wisconsin 11-yard line in the first quarter, stemming a potential scoring drive on the team's second interception of the season. Purdue finished 11-for-31 passing on the day.

All in all, the Badgers should be feeling positive about the progress the team has made since an ugly start to the season. If they can continue trending upward, no one will be saying they fell into the Big Ten Championsip Game by default.

Monday Links

Jerry Kill will resume normal coaching duties after suffering a seizure after Minnesota's loss to Northwestern. Get well, Coach.

Injury updates: Ricky Wagner and Ethan Armstrong reportedly did not suffer anything serious, though both are questionable for the Minnesota game. The Badgers will get Robert Burge and Tyler Dippel back, however.

Speaking of the offensive line, Ryan Groy stepped up huge when Wagner went down, and will likely start again at left tackle if Wagner can't.

Some good Schadenfreude from OTE and Hammer And Rails following the win. The word "reckoning" gives off a sense off mystery and impending doom, which I guess is Purdue football now.

Dave Heller's postgame notes give Montee Ball a lot of historical love. Don't know how Jeff Potrykus got kicked out of the Purdue press box, but I'm glad that guy is on our side.

Montee Ball has been emphasizing YAC in practice, says "I needed this" following his big day.

Badger Roundtable once again gives an excellent full breakdown of Saturday's win.

The Big Ten blog has upgraded Wisconsin from the Car Care Bowl up to the Capital One following the win.

Russell Wilson's job probably isn't in jeopardy any more after he led the Seahawks on a comeback win over the Patriots on Sunday.

Wrapping up: Week 7 Laff Riot has zero Badger talk, but yes it is worth your time.