Wisconsins cruises to victory over Indiana 41-24

By Kyle Dudley  |   Saturday, October 01, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

College Football
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The Wisconsin Badgers cruised to a 41-24 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in a battle of unbeaten Big Ten teams. With strong rushing and passing performances on both teams, it was turnovers that made the biggest difference in this game.

With 8:00 to go in the first quarter, it was the Wisconsin Badgers who struck first on a 17 yard touchdown pass from John Stocco to Brandon Williams. It was the start of what would be a big day for Williams. The senior wide out ended the day with six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He was just one of two receivers to eclipse the century mark as Jonathan Orr had 128 yards as well as a touchdown of his own. Though usually a grind-it-out ground team, the Badgers' QB John Stocco ended up with 272 yards passing and three touchdowns against two interceptions. After taking an early lead and then watching IU march down and tie the game, Taylor Mehlhaff kicked a 38 yard field goal that would give the Badgers a lead they would never relinquish despite a few first half pushes from the Hoosiers. Heralded running back Brian Calhoun had a quiet but effective game, rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries.

For the Indiana Hoosiers, the offensive attack was nearly as impressive, but turnovers were the problem. The Hoosiers turned the ball over four times on the day including two fumbles in Wisconsin territory. A bright spot for the Hoosiers was the play of freshman wide receiver, James Hardy. Hardy caught seven passes for 157 yards and 2 touchdowns including an 83 yard touchdown catch in the first quarter. IU quarterback Blake Powers did extend his streak of games with three or more touchdown passes to 4 despite being picked off twice on the day. After falling behind 17-7 in the first quarter, the Hoosiers put together a couple of drives, but could never make the push they needed as they went into half time down 17-31. From there, Indiana only managed one more score on the day, a late touchdown with 1:00 to go in the game.

The Hoosiers fall to 3-1 on the season and will host Illinois next week. The Badgers, now 5-0, will travel to Northwestern to continue their bid for a Big Ten title.
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