Indiana @ Wisconsin preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 13, 2010 ) Indiana 20, Wisconsin 83

THE STORY: Never has an undefeated Big Ten team been left out of the BCS National Championship Game. No. 4 Wisconsin is hoping that holds true as it rolls through the conference. The Badgers were supposed to face a big challenge against then-No. 8 Nebraska on Oct. 1. Instead they put up a 31-point smack down and are winning by an average of 38.2 points. Wisconsin ranks third in the nation in both points for and points against and has yet to display a real weakness. Indiana’s lone win came against an FCS school last month and it has dropped three in a row. The last time these two schools met, the Badgers put up the most touchdowns in school history in an 83-20 drubbing. The Hoosiers will be looking to keep it a little closer when they travel to Madison on Saturday.

TV: ESPN2. LINE: Wisconsin -39.5

ABOUT INDIANA (1-5, 0-2 Big Ten): The Hoosiers would probably like a little revenge after surrendering the most points in school history and matched the largest margin of defeat to the Badgers last fall. Indiana has a new coach since then in Kevin Wilson and has been competitive in losses to Virginia and Penn State. Those close games were the result of a positive turnover margin, something that will be key if Indiana has a chance on Saturday.

ABOUT WISCONSIN (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten): The Badgers’ 83 points against Indiana were the most in a Big Ten game since 1950. They are an even better, more complete offense this season. Russell Wilson has provided a different dynamic from the quarterback position, averaging 278.2 yards passing to go along with a rushing attack that churns out 242.6 yards. Montee Ball rushed for four touchdowns in the 48-17 win over Nebraska while Wilson passed for two scores and added a rushing touchdown.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Wilson has thrown for 13 touchdowns and one interception while completing 74.8 percent of his passes.

2. Indiana has dropped 13 straight to ranked opponents and six in a row against the Badgers.

3. Damarlo Belcher is five receptions away from becoming Indiana’s all-time leader.

PREDICTION: Wisconsin 55, Indiana 10. The Badgers will take it a little easier after having to answer questions about running up the score last time.