[media-credit name=’Ben Smidt’ align=’alignnone’ width=’648′][/media-credit]After defeating the Gophers 38-14 Saturday, the Badgers finished their home regular season a perfect 6-0. Wisconsin improved its mark to 9-0 for the third time in school history, garnered a No. 4 ranking in both the AP and ESPN/Coaches Poll and sit in first place atop the Big Ten. However, in Wisconsin’s 115-year football history, the Badgers have never been 10-0. In order to accomplish that feat, Wisconsin must travel to East Lansing, Mich., to face a Michigan State team that has lost its last two games in dramatic fashion and will be looking for the big upset in front of the home crowd. However, Michigan State is without its starting quarterback Drew Stanton, who will be out for this week’s game with a separated shoulder. Starting in his place will be senior quarterback Damon Dowdell.

After being thrust into the starting spot last Saturday, Dowdell played well, completing 29 passes for more than 250 yards. However, he threw three interceptions as the Spartans blew a fourth-quarter lead and lost to Ohio State 32-19. With the loss, Dowdell’s career starting record is a porous 1-7. Despite his record, Wisconsin head coach Barry Alvarez recognizes that Dowdell can play the quarterback position as well as anybody.

“I think [Dowdell] is a very gifted athlete,” Alvarez commented. “He’s the kind of quarterback that I really personally like: strong arm, fast, he could hurt you a lot of different ways. Their offense has changed from what they ran a year ago. They are still going to throw the ball and spread you out, but they have featured the run more and, surprisingly, even a little option attack involved. With [Dowdell’s] athletic ability, he creates a lot of problems for you.”

A defensive battle: After last Saturday’s game, Wisconsin continues to be among the nation’s leaders in defense. Wisconsin is first in the nation in scoring defense (9.1 ppg) and touchdowns allowed (9), while the Badgers rank third in total defense (246.9 ypg). Though going unnoticed much of the season, Michigan State’s defensive front has been an anchor in the trenches. In their six Big Ten games this season, the Spartans have allowed only one running back to rush more than 100 yards. For the run-oriented Badger offense, this Saturday’s matchup should prove a tough challenge.

“When you take a look at them, [Michigan State has] a very physical defensive front,” Alvarez said. “You don’t get much movement. Nobody gets much movement on their defensive line. They move some people around, as far as linebackers, so they have a couple linebackers in there that are physical, yet they have some speed … When you don’t get much movement on the front, then you have got linebackers that can cover a lot of ground. It is going to improve your rush defense.”

Outstanding Orr: Though he hadn’t caught a ball against Purdue or Northwestern, Jonathan Orr made his presence felt against Minnesota, catching three passes for 68 yards and one touchdown. Orr has now caught 12 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns. Despite not being the focal point in the offense like he was in high school, Orr knows that at any point, his number could be called.

“I just know that at any given time, I could be placed into the position to have an opportunity to make a play,” Orr said. “If you lose focus or get complacent with not having as many balls come your way, you don’t make the most of it. Just knowing that any given time a guy could go down or your number could be called and the ball would be there.”

Additionally, Jonathan Orr feels that despite getting only a couple catches, he is happy with how he has improved as a player, both physically and mechanically.

“I am pleased with the way I have performed as far as making plays when I had the opportunity and staying focused on what it is I have to do to become a better receiver,” Orr said. “Also, I am pleased with the way I am using technique and fundamentals as opposed to relying on my speed. So it is just a lot of little things that differ from just catching, yards and touchdowns.”

Stocco earns Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week: After throwing for a career-best 297 yards against Minnesota, sophomore quarterback John Stocco was named the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Week Monday.

Stocco completed 19 of his 26 passes for 297 yards, with 241 of those yards coming before halftime. He also completed a touchdown pass and ran for two more in helping the Badgers crush the Gophers 38-14.

Stocco’s first-half effort alone eclipsed his previous career-best of 211 yards. The performance also ranks as the second-best performance by a Wisconsin sophomore quarterback in the history of the program. Only Darell Bevell’s school-record 423 yards against Minnesota in 1993 was better.

Stocco was able to lead the Wisconsin offense on scoring drives in each of its first five possessions. The first four drives ended in touchdowns.