Penn State @ Wisconsin preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 11, 2008 ) Penn State 48, Wisconsin 7

THE STORY: The Big Ten removed Joe Paterno's name from its inaugural conference championship game trophy, but it can't keep Penn State from playing for it, if the 19th-ranked Nittany Lions manage to win at No. 12 Wisconsin on Saturday. That's easier said than done, of course, as the Badgers have won 15 straight at Camp Randall Stadium including a 6-0 mark this season by an average victory margin of 41. The winner will face Michigan State in the title game Dec. 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

TV: ESPN, ESPN3. Line: Wisconsin -14.5.

ABOUT PENN STATE (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten): With the Jerry Sandusky scandal still swirling, the Nittany Lions prevailed 20-14 at Ohio State to gain their first victory without Paterno as head coach since 1965. Interim coach Tom Bradley saw his squad's rally fall just shy the previous Saturday against Nebraska, but it held the Buckeyes scoreless in the second half to essentially create a playoff semifinal versus Wisconsin. Defense continues to fuel the Lions, who are third nationally in points against (13.0) and have allowed six fewer touchdowns (16) than any other Big Ten team. Senior safety Nick Sukay has anchored the defensive backfield with three picks and seven passes broken up.

ABOUT WISCONSIN (9-2, 5-2 Big Ten): The league's most potent offense overcame a 17-7 halftime deficit at Illinois to win 28-17 Saturday. Quarterback Russell Wilson has received most of the headlines this season, but Montee Ball has punished defenses just as much. The junior rushed for a season-high 224 yards against the Illini and found the end zone three times to become only the fifth player in FBS history with 30 touchdowns (25 running, five receiving) in a season. Wilson passed for a season-low 90 yards, but his 10-for-13 attempts and one touchdown against no picks increased his stupefying efficiency numbers to 73.6 percent completions and a 26-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The series is tied 6-6 since Penn State joined the Big Ten, but the schools haven't played since 2008 (a 48-7 Lions rout in Madison).

2. Penn State has given up more than 18 points just twice – 27 against Alabama and 24 to Northwestern.

3. Wisconsin sophomore Jared Abbrederis ranks seventh in the FBS with 254 punt return yards, including a touchdown.

PREDICTION: Wisconsin 24, Penn State 13 – The Nittany Lions' defense hasn't seen a one-two punch like Wilson and Ball.