Wisconsin "Ball" over Nebraska in Big Ten opener.

Nebraska finally got a taste of some Big Ten action, but it will be one that they would rather forget after getting whipped 48-17 by Wisconsin.  Hard to believe that Nebraska actually led at one point in this game (14-7), but had nothing in the bag as they were out scored 41-3 the rest of the way.

With Wilson leading the way, the Badgers could very
well find themselves contending for a national title.

Also making his Big Ten debut was Badger QB Russell Wilson, who threw for 255 yards and 2 TDs while running for another.  Coming into the season, Wisconsin's ability to contend for the conference title received a major boost when Wilson came aboard after a record setting career at NC State.


There were some questions regarding Wisconsin's defense, but they went a long way toward answering some of them, picking off Huskers' QB Taylor Martinez 3 times, all of which resulted in touchdowns.  2 of those touchdowns were just part of a 20 point effort in the 2nd quarter, as the Badgers put their foot on the pedal and never looked back.


Not to be left behind, RB Montee Ball had himself quite the evening, rushing for 151 yards and 4TDs on 30 carries; moving this tally to 13 TDs this season.  At Wisconsin, the running back position has never lacked any depth.  Ball is just the latest to star in a position that has featured names like John Clay, PJ Hill, Anthony Davis, Michael Bennett and Ron Dayne, the NCAA's all-time rushing leader (in Division 1, at least).

Madison, WI is a long ways from Lawrence or Ames.

Bo Pellini's reign at Nebraska started in 2008 and over that time, he has used his reputation as a defensive guru to restore some pride to a tradition that was famously hailed as the black shirts.  Over the last two years, Nebraska had one of the nation's best pass defenses, which played a big part in their consecutive Big 12 title appearances.  If they had an offense to match, they might have been playing for bigger things.


When Nebraska switched to the Big Ten, the revival of the black shirts was a key reason why most pundits felt the Cornhuskers would be able to contend for the conference title right away.  However, given Saturday's performance, they clearly have ways to go.


Looking at the remainder of Wisconsin's schedule, their biggest game will probably be the matchup against Illinois, who are off to a surprising 5-0 start.  Other than that, there's some decent teams, but none that could seriously challenge them for the division crown.


At this point, it wouldn't be a bad bet to pencil in Wisconsin as participants in the inaugural Big Ten title game.

Jump Around!!

Jordan Taylor and Badger faithful

"Pack it up, pack it in,

Let me begin, I came to win,

Battle me that's a sin........"

Those are the opening words to House of Pain's 1992 hit song "Jump Around"; which when played in Madison, Wisconsin, sends the student section into absolute frenzy.  They literally do as they song says, "get off your seat and jump around!!" 

There was no doubt they were doing just, after Wisconsin upset #1 ranked Ohio State in basketball last weekend.  About 4½ months ago, the Badgers achieved a similar feat over #1 Ohio State in the football field.  That result catapulted Wisconsin to a Rose Bowl appearance; their first since 1999.

Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan preaches defense.  He lives defense, he breathes defense.  The Badgers might not be flashy on offense.  On the defensive side however, like a constrictor, they will suffocate and wear you down.  As of yet, no team has scored more than 70 points on them this season, and the top ranked Buckeyes would be no exception (they scored 67).


Jared Sullinger & Co. found the going tough.


At one point, it seemed like Ohio State would just run away with this thing.  After taking a 28-26 lead into the break, the Buckeyes behind Jared Sullinger, David Lighty and crew would lead by 15 with about 13 minutes left into the game.

The crowd in Kohl Center would not be silenced however.  Basketball is a game of runs, and if you can get one on at the right time, it is very possible to turn a game on its head.  Behind Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin went on a 15-0 run and then later on with the outcome still in doubt, kept enough poise to seal the win.  Wisconsin hadn't beaten a top ranked team in hoops since 1962.  Ironically, that team was Ohio State; which featured legends John Havlicek, Jerry Lucas and Bob Knight (before he was tossing chairs and choking anyone in sight).

It will be interesting to see how the remainder of the regular season unfolds.  I doubt Ohio State will lose again, but I'd love to see how this turns out for Wisconsin come tournament-seeding time.  Until then, Jump Around!!