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Minnesota vs. Wisconsin 2012: Running game dooms Gophers

The Wisconsin Badgers dominated the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a 38-13 win Saturday, and as the Minnesota blog the Daily Gopher points out, it was the Wisconsin running game that set the tone:

The Gopher defense has been unable to stop the run in all three of their Big Ten games. Today, in Madison, against one of the best rushing attacks in football, it was no different. James White and Montee Ball combined for 341 yards and five touchdowns, leading the Badgers to a 38-13 win over the Gophers.

Phillip Nelson, a true freshman who grew up in Madison hoping to play for the Badgers, started for Minnesota and was 13-for-24 for 149 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also led the team in rushing with 67 yards on 16 carries.

Wisconsin quarterback Joel Stave only attempted 15 passes. The ground game was so potent that Wisconsin hardly had to pass at all. White had 175 yards on 15 carries and Ball had 166 yards on 24 carries. Each had a run of more than 40 yards in the game. White had three touchdowns and Ball had two.

Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.