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When the Badgers face Nebraska in Indianapolis for the Big 10 Championship, they can look past the fact they lost three of their last four games, all in overtime, and focus on what got them there.
Much of their success came in performances like their 38-13 win over Minnesota on Oct. 20 in Madison.
Wisconsin outscored the Golden Gophers 24-7 in the second half, and much of that was due to the physical, power running display they put on through four quarters. The Badgers rushed for 337 yards (third-most this season) in one of their best all-around offensive performances of the season.
That season, mired in inconsistency, brought them to their second consecutive appearance in the conference title game.
Mentally stepping past the fact undefeated Ohio State went undefeated in the conference but are not eligible for post-season play (nor is second-place Penn State), the Badgers have experience working in their favor. Running back Montee Ball rushed for 1,528 yards and 18 touchdowns this season, and he will again be the focal point of the Badgers offensive game plan, like he was against Minnesota. He had 166 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns in that game, helping boost him to a likely repeat All America selection.
Ball broke the NCAA FBS record with his 79th career touchdown in a 24-21 loss to Penn State Nov. 24.
Game time, TV channel: 8:17 p.m. ET on FOX
Point spread: Nebraska by 3
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