Nebraska had no answer for Melvin Gordon.
Through three quarters, Wisconsin’s standout junior running back broke the NCAA FBS single-game rushing record, racking up 408 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries.
Gordon reached the end zone on runs of 62, one, six and 26 yards on the afternoon, helping the Badgers storm back from an early deficit to take a 52-17 lead. He also gashed the porous Nebraska defense for runs of 42, 39, 44, 43 and 68 yards on the record-setting afternoon.
The previous record was 406 yards by TCU's LaDainian Tomlinson, who set the mark against UTEP on Nov. 20, 1999.
Gordon’s historic performance will undoubtedly vault him into consideration for the Heisman Trophy. Gordon now could even be considered the favorite.
He led the country with 1,501 yards rushing and 19 scores coming in to the game. With two games left for the Badgers against Iowa and Minnesota, it looks like Gordon will be hard to catch for this year’s rushing title.
While Gordon has been the unquestioned star of the day, the Wisconsin defense has forced four Nebraska turnovers and held the Huskers to just 172 total yards.
The Badgers, ranked No. 20 in the country, look primed to take over the top spot in the Big Ten’s west division barring an unforeseen Nebraska comeback. If the Badgers take care of business against the Hawkeyes and Gophers, Wisconsin will head back to the Big Ten Championship Game.
For more Wisconsin news, visit BadgerBlitz.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
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