Badgers stumble into season finale vs Penn St

After trying to explain its fourth defeat by seven points or less, Wisconsin will have to settle for a handout.

"People always say we didn't beat a big team, we didn't earn the right to go to the Big Ten championship," said junior tailback James White. "We really wanted to win this game. We just have to move forward to Penn State."

Wisconsin's game at Penn State means nothing in the landscape of the Big Ten Leaders Division. The Badgers (7-4, 4-3 Big Ten) can finish in a tie for second in the division with a win, but clinched a spot in the Dec. 1 title game two weeks ago due to Ohio State and Penn State being ineligible from postseason play.

His team has lost four games by a combined 16 points and lost to both ranked conference teams on its schedule, but Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema won't be tentative with his starters as he searches for a winning mixture.

"If a guy is healthy coming into this game, (there are) no plans to hold anybody back," said Bielema.

And for the most part, Wisconsin is healthy. Junior linebacker Chris Borland (hamstring) missed last week's game, but is expected to go through pool workouts and could return Tuesday. Sophomore right tackle Rob Havenstein was diagnosed with a mild MCL strain and is questionable for Saturday, though he is listed as the starter on the depth chart released Monday.

Bielema is cognizant that his team's mental and physical fatigue will be pivotal with a third straight trip to the Rose Bowl on the line in two weeks. To balance that, Bielema acknowledged potential changes as the Badgers prepare for their 12th game in 13 weeks.