Western Illinois, San Jose State and UTEP, I get that.

But Nebraska?

Granted, Gordon was a sight to behold if you're a Badger fan, or a fan of college athletics.

He ran with the power of a thoroughbred.

His team fed off his energy.

And once the Badger train was rolling, 16th-ranked Nebraska had no answers — none.

"We didn't get off blocks and guys who were free didn't make tackles," Pelini said. "We didn't react to a couple things. We made a couple adjustments but we didn't follow through with it.

"Defensive football is pretty simple. You have to get off blocks and make plays."

Give Wisconsin credit. The Badgers weathered Nebraska's early push. The Huskers led 17-3 early in the second quarter, turning two takeaways (including Gordon's fumble) into 10 points.

Nebraska looked poised, confident. Yeah, that's no joke. Sounds weird to say now, but it's true. Gordon, though, seemed to turn his game up a notch in the second quarter. By the time Wisconsin tied the game 17-17 midway through the second quarter, it was clear the Huskers' confidence was waning.