CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Less than a month after a pair of losses derailed their national title plans, No. 15 Wisconsin is in line for a nice consolation prize.
The Badgers (8-2, 4-2 Big Ten) have to win two games to make it to the first Big Ten title game.
The first test is Saturday at Illinois, a team that’s lost four in a row and after a week of off-field problems could be playing for coach Ron Zook’s job.
Starting linebacker Trulon Henry was shot in the hand at a party and is out for the regular season. Two other reserve players were arrested following a fight.
Through its problems, Illinois’ defense has been consistently strong. That defense will have to slow quarterback Russell Wilson and running back Montee Ball to give the Illini a shot.
