Top 10 Wisconsin Football Plays of the Year

Honorable Mention: Erickson elevates Wisconsin over Minnesota

Wisconsin’s chances at a regular season Big Ten title and a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game came down to a classic match-up.

Alex Erickson runs down the sideline on the way to a 70-yard completion against Minnesota. Jim Oxley photograph

Border Battle. Badgers vs. Gophers.

Winner takes the Big Ten West crown and Paul Bunyan’s Axe.

Minnesota jumped out to an early 17-3 lead, and looked to be in control of the momentum.

Wisconsin responded late in the second quarter with one of our honorable mention plays of the year.

Joel Stave dropped back to pass on 3rd and 8 from Wisconsin’s 22 yard line, and found Alex Erickson in the middle of the field. Erickson did the rest with his feet, taking the ball 70 yards to the eight yard line, setting up a Melvin Gordon touchdown reception.

The play can be seen at the 51 second mark in the video below.

It was the longest Wisconsin pass play in several seasons, and it gave the Badgers their first touchdown of the game, providing a spark heading into halftime.

Wisconsin went on to win 34-24 and secure Paul Bunyan’s Axe, thanks in part to a play you’ll see later on this list. Erickson finished the game with 5 catches for 160 yards.

Next: Honorable Mention: Late game Outback Bowl heroics