From ESPN: Reeling after back-to-back losses took them out of the national championship picture a month ago, running back Montee Ball and Wisconsin (No. 16 BCS, No. 15 AP) have rallied for a spot in the Big Ten title game and a shot at the Rose Bowl.
And as Ball makes a run at the NCAA's single-season touchdown record, the Badgers just might be grooming a late-blooming Heisman Trophy contender.
Ball scored four more touchdowns and Wisconsin routed Penn State (No. 19 BCS, No. 20 AP) 45-7 on Saturday. With the win, Wisconsin will play Big Ten Legends division winner Michigan State in Indianapolis next Saturday.
"We had a group of men in our room that we knew would take one day at a time to get to where we wanted to be," Badgers coach Bret Bielema said. "They started on a process to get through the last four weeks. Bottom line: We won a trophy today to earn a way to Indianapolis and can't wait to get there."
Wisconsin went into the season promoting quarterback Russell Wilson for the Heisman, but recently added a push for Ball. Ball has scored 34 touchdowns this season for the Badgers (10-2, 6-2 Big Ten), the second-most in a single season in NCAA history. Barry Sanders holds the record, scoring 39 for Oklahoma State in 11 games in the 1988 season.
Can Ball break it?
"Whatever the offensive line wants," Ball said. "If they want me to get there, then I'll get there. But I'm really looking forward to that, it's an entire offensive achievement, it's going to be a great feeling if I do break it."
He finished with 156 yards on 25 carries.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=313300275
This season for the Badgers is a season of what if's. What if the Badgers defended against the Hail Mary play against Michigan State like they were supposed to? What if the Badger's special teams and defense didn't let down in the final minute of the Ohio State game? What if we had a better football coach than Bret Bielma?
And it is a shame that Russell Wilson and Monte Ball are not being considered for the Heisman trophy right now. What better 1-2-3 combination is better than Wilson, Ball and Nick Toon is there in the country?
Hopefully, the Badgers will win next week against Michigan State and make a return trip to Pasadena and the Rose Bowl.
Too bad we won't be playing for the national title though. The Badgers had their chances.
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