Badger of Honor
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Wisconsin Football: 10 best Badgers games since 2010

By Tanner Nestle

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Paul Chryst and Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates after winning the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Paul Chryst and Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates after winning the 2017 Capital One Orange Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 03: (L-R) Nick Toon #1 and Russell Wilson #16 of the Wisconsin Badgers after they won 42-39 against the Michigan State Spartans during the Big 10 Conference Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2011, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. December 3rd, 2011 vs #13 Michigan State

Wisconsin gets revenge in inaugural Big Ten Championship Game

The Russell Wilson year could have been historic. The offense was operating at one of the highest levels in NCAA history, but a poorly-timed leap by Jared Abbrederis in East Lansing allowed a Hail Mary to beat Wisconsin in the regular season.

Revenge was on the mind of every Badger and Badger fan heading into the first ever Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis. The season could still be saved, but it would need a signature win.

Wisconsin came out of the gates looking like they would run away with the game. Montee Ball was unstoppable and even completed a pass on third down to Russell Wilson. Michigan State responded and threw their best at Wisconsin and took a lead into halftime. The two teams mostly traded scores throughout the second half until Wilson had a prayer of his own answered late in the game.

After scrambling around, Wilson found Jeff Duckworth for a huge gain and fourth down conversion. Montee Ball would put the game winning score in the end zone giving Wisconsin it’s second straight Big Ten championship.

Final score: Wisconsin 42, Michigan State 39

This game was one of the most difficult to watch as a fan. It had everything. Wisconsin had an early lead, then blew it, and came back with dominating running and some luck sprinkled in. We were staring right in the face of the “Wisconsin can’t beat the good teams” narrative as early as 2011. Winning this game went a long way in holding it off for at least a few more years.

The best part about this game is it gave us a reason to look back at this incredible season with fond memories. With so many heartbreaking losses already, one more here would have been devastating. Instead, it’s one of the best wins in program history.