Wisconsin pounds past Illinois, 28-17

The Wisconsin Badgers came back after being down 10 points at the half to put the Fighting Illinin away. The final in this Big Ten game, 28-17.

After halftime, Illinois transferred its typical first-half woes into second-half problems this week. It leaves the Illini's future in a precarious state with only Minnesota remaining on the regular-season schedule.

Instead of being shut out in the first half, the Illini were shut out in the second half.

The Illini turned the ball over on four of five second-half possessions to hand the momentum over to the No. 15 Badgers.

The Badgers entered the third quarter on a mission -- and Illinois helped them out with turnovers and special teams flubs.

Darius Millines fumbled a catch and Wisconsin answered with a 30-yard drive that lasted 7 minutes 11 seconds. Montee Ball caught a 5-yard pass from Wilson to cut the Illini lead 17-14.

Reilly O'Toole threw an interception on Illinois' next possession after he underthrew a pass to A.J. Jenkins. Wisconsin didn't score on their possession, but the Badgers got off a 74-yard punt as return man Terry Hawthorne let it roll to the Illinois' 3-yard line.

Illinois went 3-and-out and the Badgers drove just 44 yards to take their first lead 21-17 on a 1-yard bootleg run by quarterback Russell Wilson.

O'Toole tossed another interception to start the fourth quarter, and Wisconsin scored on a 17-yard run by Ball for a 28-17 lead.

Scheelhaase threw a pick on the next possession to end the drive.

Donovonn Young left the game in the fourth quarter with a left ankle injury.