For the second straight year, the Wisconsin Badgers are Champions of the Big Ten, and are headed to the Rose Bowl. However this year, the boys from Madison stand alone, undisputed with their championship. In what was undoubtedly a game for the ages, things coming down to the wire and eventually being decided by a 'roughing the kicker' penalty. But that play shouldn't overshadow what was an otherwise thrilling affair of big plays (for both teams), perseverance, and a little bit of good fortune.
Things started off almost perfectly for the men in red. Similarly to their first meeting, Wisconsin jumped out of the gates early, scoring 21 points to Michigan State's 7. This was helped by a Michigan State fumble on a kick-off return, adding to Wisconsin's incredible ability to turn turnovers into points. That said, things seemed to be cruising early on. Russell Wilson was clicking, but most importantly the run game with Ball was simply explosive, creating big plays, and ending with 2 touchdowns. At that point in the game it looked as though neither offense could be stopped.
Things changed quickly in the second quarter, when a seemingly hapless Badger D couldn't contain the MSU attack. Michigan state scored 22 unanswered points, to take a 29-21 lead into half time. They did it with precise passing from Kirk Cousins, improvisation from Keith Nichol/BJ Cunningham, and a trick 2 point conversion. They were also able to make huge plays against the Wisconsin offense, who had 4 3 and outs in the quarter.
After halftime things slowed down for both teams. While the vaunted Michigan State D was still making plays, specifically stopping the Badger run game, both teams were only able to post 7 points. Wisconsin defenders, particularly defensive backs and linebackers, made key plays when they had to, slowing down Kirk Cousins and BJ Cunningham who connected 5 times for 115 yards and 3 scores on the night. The key play in the quarter for Wisconsin was one that reminded fans why Russell Wilson is such a play maker. Under pressure, getting facemasked and having to escape the pocket, Wilson heaved a ball from the MSU 42 yard line, landing in the waiting arms of Jared Abbrederis, who stood in the end zone. It was a seemingly miraculous play, but little did observers know there was more like that to come.
This game came down to the fourth quarter, and big time plays for both teams. Michigan State's defense was seemingly less effective, but perhaps more importantly, the Badger O looked more comfortable and relaxed. Russell Wilson made numerous throws right on the money, to players like Abbrederis and TE Jacob Pederson. WR Nick Toon injured his shoulder, and ended up sitting the majority of the 4th quarter. With Wilson at the helm and Montee Ball blasting through holes, the Badgers were able to bring what had been a double digit deficit (left over from the 2nd quarter) to a 5 point game, 34-39. Nearly the entire game, Michigan State's pass game seemed unstoppable. Yes they were able to run the ball effectively, but all their biggest plays came from Kirk Cousins (22/30 for 281, 3 TDs, 1 int). For what felt like the first time all game, the Badgers held Michigan State to a 4th down punt, midway through the 4th. It was brought about by a reviewed catch by Keshawn Martin, which could have been ruled in bounds, giving Sparty a much needed gain and 1st down. But it was ruled that his foot was out of bounds on the play, punt for MSU.
The Badger drive following that punt will undoubtedly live on in Badger lore forever. Things started off with a nice Montee Ball run for 9 yards, followed by a series of short passes by Russell Wilson. Then there was a false start penalty on Josh Oglesby, and a busted play. Things ended up with a 4th and 6 on the MSU 43, around 4 minutes to go. In a must-make-play for the Badgers, Russell Wilson rolled out of the pocket, avoided pressure, and threw a 36 yard bomb. The ball seemed to hang in the air forever, and when looking at where it was thrown, you had to wonder, why? There were 2 Michigan State defenders there in excellent position to deflect or even intercept the ball. But little did they know that Jeff Duckworth, the unsung hero of the day (3 catches, 53 yards, 1 TD), would be there to make a miraculous play and come down with the ball on the MSU 7. It was the play of the night for Wisconsin, and was followed immediately by a Montee Ball touchdown run, his 4th score of the day. That TD was followed by a successful 2 point conversion pass to Jacob Pederson.
Michigan State received the ball next with 3:45 and 2 timeouts left. After a short run and 2 incomplete passes, seemingly inconceivable from Cousins earlier in the game, Sparty was forced to punt with less than 3 minutes on the clock. MSU burned both their remaining timeouts to stop the clock after 2 Montee Ball runs. That left Wisconsin with a 3rd a 5, and Ball was unable to pick up the 1st. With just around 2 minutes to play, Wisconsin prepared to punt. The ball was snapped, kicked well, and received by Keshawn Martin. Martin split the coverage unit, and ran down the left sideline all the way down inside the Badger 5 yard line. This couldn't be worse! Michigan State would score for sure on this possession, and all seemed lost. But wait, back at the 26 yard line, a piece of yellow fabric lay on the turf. It was a flag for running into the kicker! Isaiah Lewis, in an attempt to block the punt, inadvertently ran into Brad Nortman, who perhaps exaggerated the contact slightly, and fell to the ground. This drew the penalty, giving Wisconsin a first down, and the ability to run out the clock using the victory formation. Game over, Badgers win it 42-39.
I can't help but note how similar this game was to the teams' first meeting this year. Badgers dominate 1st quarter, MSU takes 2nd and 3rd, Badgers come back in the 4th. The only difference this time, was that the football gods favored Bucky, particularly on the 4th down "hail-maryesque" throw to Jeff Duckworth, and on the running into the kicker penalty. It would have been hard to draw up an exciting rematch or inagural Big Ten Title game to be any more thrilling or exciting.
Russell Wilson ended the day going 17/24 for 187 and 3 touchdowns. He made plays when he needed to, especially in the biggest moments, and deservedly won the MVP of the game award. Montee Ball racked up another impressive performance against a top ranked defense, rushing 27 times for 137 yards and 3 scores. He also had 3 receptions for 7 yards and a touchdown. This brings his total TDs for the year to 38, 1 shy of tying Barry Sanders 39.
This game was an emotional rollercoaster, and to a certain extent you have to feel bad for Michigan State. They played a great game, particularly their QB Cousins, and their D-line who contained Montee Ball and Russell Wilson for much of the game. That said, redemption is sweet, and Wisconsin is on to its second consecutive Rose Bowl. The challenge: Pac 12 Champion Oregon. It will be a battle of drastically different styles, and I can't wait for it.
Badger fans rejoice and enjoy the moment. Soon enough its back to work and preparation for what will undoubtedly be a great challenge in Pasadena.
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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