Wisconsin Football: Winners & Losers from the Week 11 Game vs. Indiana

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The Wisconsin Badgers just dismantled the Indiana Hoosiers, 62-14.

Montee Ball and company ran all over the Hoosier defense, gaining more than 550 yards on the ground. The Badgers' defense also shut down a talented Indiana offense, putting the game out of reach by the second quarter.

Here's a look at the winners and losers from Wisconsin's dominating win against Indiana.  

Winner: Badger Rushing Attack

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The Wisconsin rushing attack annihilated the Hoosiers' defense.

Montee Ball, James White and Melvin Gordon ran roughshod the entire game, reeling off big play after big play.  Incredibly, the Badgers' ground game was so good to the tune of 564 yards rushing that the Badgers only needed to attempt seven passes.  

You know it was a good day for the run game, when fourth-stringer Jeffrey Lewis is able to punch one in for six.  

The Badgers' rushing attack was a clear winner against Indiana.  

Winner: Montee Ball

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Montee Ball had a monster day against Indiana.

The Badger senior ran for 198 yards and three scores on 27 carries—very impressive numbers.  However, the icing on the cake for Ball is that he moved up into second place on the all-time FBS career touchdown list, trailing Travis Prentice by one score.

With four games left in the season, Ball should have no problem shattering that record.  

Ball's continuing climb up the list has cemented his status as one of the greatest running backs in college football history.  The Badger star cemented his position in Badger lore against Indiana. 

Winner: The Defense

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

While the Badgers' offense got most of the headlines, the Badgers' defense turned in another quality performance, holding the high-powered Hoosier offense to just 14 points.

The defense forced three turnovers and limited Indiana to just 294 total yards.  Considering how quickly the game turned into a rout, that number is incredible.   

The Badgers' defense has been the unsung hero this season, and Saturday was no exception.  Wisconsin's defense was a big winner against Indiana.  

Winner: Coaching Staff

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

The 2012 season did not start out as planned for the Badgers.

Wisconsin stumbled out of the gates and looked terrible at the beginning of the season. However, Bret Bielema and the rest of the coaching staff have turned the table, with the Badgers earning a return trip to Indianapolis.  

Bielema and the rest of the coaching staff deserve a ton of credit for turning the season around, and Wisconsin's win over Indiana sealed the deal.  The Wisconsin coaching staff was a big winner against Indiana.  

Loser: Curt Phillips

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Curt Phillips came out of Wisconsin's game against Indiana as a loser.

The senior quarterback earned the starting job over the bye week and was poised to demonstrate his skills.  However, Phillips was unable to really get anything going, as he only attempted seven passes on the day.  

Phillips can clearly make plays with his legs, but for the Badgers to feel confident in the quarterback position against Ohio State, they needed to see more from Curt.  The coaching staff didn't give Phillips the opportunities to alleviate some fears regarding his abilities.

Four completions for 41 yards just aren’t going to do it.

Conclusion

Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Wisconsin's win over Indiana was one of the best games the Badgers have played all season.

The rushing attack was brutal, while the Badgers' defense shut down one of the best offenses in the Big Ten.  Bret Bielema and the Badgers desperately needed this win considering the high expectations entering this season.  

The win ensures the Badgers will be back in Indianapolis with the opportunity to win their third straight Big Ten Championship.