Don’t tell this Wisconsin team that they are unable to win in Michigan. The Badgers finally picked up a victory in Ann Arbor for the first time since 1994, and won for the first time in the state of Michigan since 2002. They did it the way you would expect the Badgers to win–by running the football.
Sophomore running back Montee Ball had another big game filling in for the injured star John Clay, piling up 173 rushing yards to go along with his four touchdowns. Since both Clay and true freshman James White were banged up against Purdue, Ball has carried a great portion of the load, rushing for over 100 yards in the last three games.
While Ball was first on the depth chart with Clay on the bench, White also had a great game, rushing for 181 yards and punching in two touchdowns of his own.
The offensive line continued its great season, having its way with the Michigan defensive line to the tune of 357 total rushing yards on Saturday. With the strong presence of the running game, fifth-year senior quarterback Scott Tolzien rarely had to throw the football, but when he did he was as efficient as ever. Tolzien came out and completed his first 13 pass attempts. His final attempt of the first half was intercepted, and he only had one pass in the second half to finish the day 14-for-15 for 201 yards.
One of the major questions heading into the game was how the Badger defense would be able to stop dynamic Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson. The defense answered early and often in the first half, holding Robinson to 22 yards passing and doing a relatively good job containing his run before halftime.
With the strong defensive play, the Badgers jumped to a 24-0 lead at the half, leaving many shocked that the Wolverine offense produced no points in the first 30 minutes.
The Badgers scared fans in the beginning of the second half, bringing back memories of the 2008 team who let a 19-0 halftime lead slip away in The Big House. UW let Michigan come out and score the first 14 points of the second half following a fumble by fifth-year senior wide receiver Isaac Anderson. The Badgers regrouped and did a good job matching the Wolverines for the rest of the game.
J.J. Watt had another impressive game, playing a large role in containing Denard Robinson and recording a fourth quarter interception off a pass that he deflected.
Watt always plays a prominent role in Wisconsin’s defensive gameplan, but Aaron Henry should get also get credit for his play on Saturday. Henry was a key factor in stopping Robinson and Michigan’s star wide receiver Roy Roundtree. Henry’s responsibility was to read the offensive line to recognize a passing play or a running play. In pass scenarios he was immediately helping on Roundtree, while in run situations his responsibility was to stop Robinson. Battling injuries throughout his career, Henry was given a chance to shine on defense against one of the most prolific offenses in the country and he capitalized on the opportunity.
The Badgers controlled the clock against a quick-strike Wolverine offense, something they have done all year. The Michigan defense has been criticized heavily this season, so keeping them on the field was a goal of offensive coordinator Paul Chryst and the Badger offense. Giving the UW defense a good rest against a speedy offense was a significant bonus as well. Wisconsin controlled the time of possession to a tune of 36:59 to Michigan’s 23:01, and controlled the scoreboard all game en route to a 48-28 victory.
With the win Wisconsin remains tied for first in the Big Ten and holds the highest BCS ranking in the event of a three-way tie atop the conference. With the burden of their losing streak in the state of Michigan off of their shoulders, Wisconsin can look to finish the regular season strong and guarantee at least a share of the Big Ten title this weekend if they can take down Northwestern at Camp Randall.