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.

Leaders, legends....LOSERS!!!

In case anyone was even paying attention, the Big Ten opened the New Year by going 0-5 in their respective bowl games.  It could be 0-6 if you want to count Nebraska, judging by the way they played against Washington; a team who they routed 56-21 in Seattle, earlier in the season.  The Cornhuskers aren't officially in the Big Ten, but they might as well be.

Let's look at how it all went down.

1. Texas Tech 45, Northwestern 38: The Red Raiders jumped to a big lead and were able to withstand a late rally by the Wildcats.
2. Alabama 49, Michigan State 7: This game was effectively over when the Tide went up 28-0 at the half; thanks to a 21 point second quarter.  Mark Ingram and Julio Jones put on quite a show in what could possibly be their final collegiate game.  And Nick Saban, way to stick it to you former employers.
3. Florida 37, Penn State 24: The Nittany Lions held a 24-20 lead going into the final period, but Florida put up 17 points including Ahmad Black's interception return for a touchdown to seal the game.  Urban Meyer got to sign off on a winning note.
4. Mississippi State 52, Michigan 14: The Wolverines led 14-10 at one point in this game.  Fortunately for Miss St, Michigan didn't have a defense; and that explains where the 42 unanswered points came from.  This pretty much was the final nail in Rich Rodriguez' coffin.
5. TCU 21, Wisconsin 19: In their first ever Rose Bowl (something that Brent Musburger didn't fail to point out every other minute), the Horned Frogs did enough to hold off the Badgers.  First, they stopped Wisconsin on a 2 point conversion attempt that would have tied the game, then recovered the ensuing onside kick; winning the Granddaddy of them all for every little school out there.

Just based on these results, would it be fair to say that the Big Ten is overrated?  I'll let you decide.