Wisconsin Survives Early Charge, Dominate Nebraska

Russell Wilson throws on the run against conference newcomer, Nebraska. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

For Nebraska, it was their first chance to make a statement. They were matched against a talented Wisconsin team in a hostile environment. Coming out of the gates they looked like a team that could finally give the Badgers some trouble but Wisconsin responded to adversity, walking away with this one 48-17. Much could be made to this point about the level of competition Wisconsin has faced, beating their previous four foes by a combined score of 194-34.

In Nebraska's first game in the Big Ten they also provided the Badgers with their first deficit of the season when Taylor Martinez ran it in from 1 yard out to open the scoring, then again early on in the second quarter when Rex Burkhead punched it in to put the Huskers up a score early in the second. It was all Wisconsin from there.

The Badgers rattled off 34 consecutive points before Brett Maher tacked on a vanity field goal for Nebraska early in the fourth. However, on a day where every thing was going right for the Badgers, Montee Ball answered with his 4 touch down from 15 yards out to tie a career mark for most scores in a game.

While Ball did the heavy lifting, the star of the game was once again Russell Wilson. The NC State transfer threw for 255 yards and two scored of 36 and 46 yards. Wilson also added a score on the ground, once again proving himself as a dynamic running threat from behind center. When asked about Wilson's performance to this point in the season, coach Bret Bielema stated "If there's a better player in college football right now, I'd like to see it,"  He makes a compelling case for his quarter back who has thrown for 1391 yards and 13 touch downs against only 1 interception thus far in the year.

Wilson's fleet footed counter part did not fair so well. After showing promise in the first two drives which resulted in touch downs, Martinez finished the game completing only half of his passes and threw 3 interceptions against a stingy defense that still has not allowed more than 17 points on the season and an average of just over 10 points per game.

If Nebraska takes care of business in their half of the Big Ten, they could meet Wisconsin again in the conference championship game with redemption on their mind. They have a tough road to go however still having to face traditional conference powers Ohio State and must go on the road to the big house and their own multi-tooled quarter back Denard Robinson. For Wisconsin, they have a bye week leading up to a showdown with Indiana, closer to the end of the year, their stiffest challenge on paper would be Illinois, on the road. To this point, Wisconsin appears to be the class of the conference and the road to the Big Ten title goes through Madison. It will be interesting to see if they can maintain their level of play.

Mistakes, Wilson bury Beavers in Wisconisn

Jacob Pedersen (48) catches a touchdown pass with Oregon State's Rashaad Reynolds (16) defending during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Oregon State came into Wisconsin with a lot of questions, Saturday and it seems as though they got at least some answers, even if the answers weren't what they wanted to hear. With two quarter backs sharing the reps with the first team through out the week, it seemed as though Coach Mike Riley would be deciding on a starter by throwing them into the fire of Camp Randall Stadium, one of the most raucous in the country. Unfortunately for the visitors, they didn't get enough answers to make it matter on the scoreboard as Wisconsin garnered their first shut out, 35-0 since they shut out Purdue 37-0 in 2009.

The offense had to lean on the experience and abilities of their quarter backs as the running game was only able to net 23 yards on the ground against a stifling defense. It seems as though Coach Riley decided on Sean Mannion to lead his offense as he managed to complete 25 of 38 passes for 244 yards. Former starter Ryan Katz only threw 3 passes as it appears he will be passed up by Mannion on the depth chart. Only time will tell at this point as OSU has two weeks to prepare for their first conference game against UCLA.

On the other side of the ball, Russell Wilson was again sparkling, passing for 3 touchdowns and only missing on 4 passes. The Oregon State interior defensive line held up their end of the bargain early, slowing down the dynamic rushing attack of Montee Ball and James White, but there were no answers for Wilson as he lead the Badgers up and down the field. The Badgers eventually wore down the undermanned Beavers defensive line and Montee Ball broke through for two touchdowns late in the second half to ice the game for the home team.

Wisconsin got help from an unexpected source as the Beavers just couldn't get their special teams on the same page. Johnny Hekker netted -4 yards on a punt to give Wisconsin the ball inside Oregon State's red zone and an eventual touch down when Russell Wilson found Jacob Pederson in the end zone for his first touchdown of the day. With Wisconsin leading 14-0, the Beavers needed a solid drive to get back into the game but Kick Returner Kenyan Parker made a mental mistake, fielding the ball and stepping out of bounds inside their own 5 yard line, creating a tall order for the offense.

The Badgers have one more warm up against Northern Illinois before they get into conference play and they appear to be on the right track. Wilson providing a much needed spark to an offense that seemed to be missing one element to really become unstoppable. Meanwhile, the Beavers seem to find some rhythm on offense. Oregon State was really missing Freshman standout Malcom Agnew who rumbled for 223 yards against Sacramento State, getting a little banged up in the process. Perhaps, the passing threat of Sean Mannion will open up the Beaver offense and give Agnew the much needed lanes to make Oregon State effective.

#11 Badgers Blow By Rebels

QB Russell Wilson looks down field against UNLV

Every coaches dream is to have a balanced attack. If that is Bret Bielema's goal than he couldn't be happier about the Badgers season opening trouncing of UNLV last night. Montee Ball and James White combined for 127 yards and 4 TD on the ground Thursday Night as Wisconsin rolled at home 55-17. Montee Ball takes home player of the game honors adding another TD and 67 yards receiving on a night when everything went right for the home team.

Many eyes were on NC State transfer Russell Wilson and how he would perform under the bright lights of Camp Randall stadium and he did not disappoint. After shaking his first quarter jitters overthrowing a couple wide open receivers he went 10-13 for 225 yards and two scores. Last season, Wisconsin rode their tandem of Ball and White all the way to the Rose Bowl and they look primed to do it again. Only, there is a difference maker under center. With 1:14 remaining in the first half, Wilson dropped back to throw, the pocket held and seeing daylight; the veteran signal caller scrambled out of the pocket. 48 yards, and Nick Toon's great down field block later Wilson was in the end zone on a play that felt like it would put it away right then and there. By that point Wisconsin had gone up 34-3 and it wasn't that close.

The added element of a running quarter back could give Wisconsin the edge it needs to return and possibly win the Rose Bowl for this next year. It's never easy breaking in two new starters on the offensive line, but knowing your quarter back has the ability to break free has to be of some comfort to the newest members of one of the NCAA's finest units. Wilson gave them a glowing review; himself, "I don't think I got touched at all today, which is pretty unbelievable. The offensive line did a great job. They're tremendous up there. Got to keep getting better, but they really are special up front."

UNLV scored late to get the game within 35 but by that time Wisconsin was already taking a look at their second stringers. Sophomore Caleb Harring gave a valiant effort against the size and power of Wisconsin's front 7 but at the end of the day the Runnin' Rebels got ran over, around and through.