big ten roundup Saturday’s other games

November 15, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

No. 21 Wisconsin 45, Michigan 24

MADISON, Wis. — Scott Tolzien tied a career high with four touchdown passes and scored on a sneak, and Wisconsin made Michigan’s miserable Big Ten season even worse. Nick Toon caught two of Tolzien’s touchdown throws for the Badgers (8-2, 5-2), who went to the air after putting together monster rushing performances in their previous two games. It was the third consecutive win for the Badgers — and sweet payback on Senior Day for a team that struggled after blowing a lead to Michigan last year. Tate Forcier was a solid 20 of 26 for 188 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, but it wasn’t enough to spare the Wolverines from their sixth consecutive conference loss. After a 4-0 start, the Wolverines (5-6, 1-6) are reeling heading into next Saturday’s matchup with rival Ohio State. Despite spending much of the game under pressure from a Michigan pass rush led by defensive end Brandon Graham, Tolzien was 16 of 24 for 240 yards with an interception.

Michigan State 40, Purdue 37

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes, and Michigan State overcame an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Purdue and become bowl eligible. B.J. Cunningham caught three passes for 92 yards and a score for the Spartans (6-5, 4-3 Big Ten). Purdue quarterback Joey Elliott completed 39 of 55 passes for 373 yards and two touchdowns. Keith Smith caught 15 passes for 152 yards and a TD for the Boilermakers (4-7, 3-4), who were eliminated from bowl contention. The Boilermakers gained 524 yards and kept the ball for 41 minutes, but Michigan State gained 229 yards on kickoff returns, and the Spartans stopped Purdue on its final possession. Michigan State’s Brett Swenson made four field goals, including the game-winning 21-yarder with 1:51 left.

Northwestern 21, Illinois, 16

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Mike Kafka threw for 305 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score and Sherrick McManis made a last-minute interception to preserve Northwestern’s win. Zeke Markshausen had six catches for 104 yards and a touchdown to help Northwestern (7-4, 4-3 Big Ten) all but assure itself of going to a second straight bowl game. Jacob Charest made his first start, for the injured Juice Williams, but was benched at halftime in favor of Eddie McGee before returning to lead the Illini (3-7, 2-6) to two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Charest completed 14 of 27 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown and two interceptions, including the one that ended Illinois’ bid for bowl eligibility following a 1-6 start.

Minnesota 16, South Dakota State 13

MINNEAPOLIS — Eric Ellestad’s 25-yard field goal with 2:22 remaining gave Minnesota the lead, and the struggling Golden Gophers hung on for an ugly victory over lower-division South Dakota State. Minnesota (6-5) settled for a pair of short kicks by Ellestad in the first quarter after driving to the 3- and 8-yard line, respectively. Adam Weber went 10-for-21 for 94 yards and an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Derek Domino.

Associated Press