It was a good day for the Wisconsin Badgers even before their game kicked off against Minnesota.
Losses by both Penn State and Ohio State put the Badgers' Leaders division fate back in their own hands. If Wisconsin wins out, beginning today against Minnesota, it will head to Indianapolis for the league title game on Dec. 3.
Bret Bielema's crew appears well on its way to retaining Paul Bunyan's Axe.
An offense that has been dominant on its home field looks just as potent at TCF Bank Stadium. Wisconsin racked up four first-half touchdowns, 16 first downs and 282 total yards. Badgers quarterback Russell Wilson has been, in a word, perfect. The senior is 13-for-13 passing for 162 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Nick Toon, who is having a big day.
Running back Montee Ball already has two touchdowns (1 rush, 1 pass) to bring his season total to 26 and tie the Big Ten's single-season mark. Ball has 85 rush yards on just nine carries through the first 30 minutes.
Minnesota quarterback MarQueis Gray is struggling after two strong performances, completing just 4 of 9 passes for 36 yards with an interception in the first half. The Gophers have no other offense outside of Gray and recorded just four first downs in the half.
It's going to be tough for the Gophers to turn this around against a Badgers team hungry to continue its march to Indianapolis.
