Will Indiana Finally Get Its Revenge Against Wisconsin?

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports
By Mark Pszonak | Last updated Nov 14, 2025 8:02 PM ET

Indiana’s football history isn’t full of happy moments. The program is 503-692-38 all-time, has gone 3-10 in the only 13 bowl games they have ever played, and they haven’t won the Big Ten since 1967. There have also been horrific losses that have lingered in the minds of Hoosiers fans for years and even decades. One of these is an 83-20 loss at Wisconsin during the 2010 season.

This was a game that Wisconsin led 38-10 at halftime and then the Badgers and head coach Brett Bielema poured it on in the second half with 45 additional points. The Badgers rolled up 598 yards of total offense, 338 of which came on the ground. The running back tandem of Montee Ball and James White had 41 carries for 311 and five touchdowns.

Nov 13, 2010; Madison, WI, USA; A view of the scoreboard following the game between the Indiana Hoosiers and Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin scored a school record 83 points as they defeated Indiana 83-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Hoosiers finished the 2010 season 5-7 but lost five of their last six games. The result was the firing of head coach Bill Lynch. There were several disappointments that season, but the loss against Wisconsin has persisted for 15 years.

On Saturday, the Hoosiers have a legitimate chance to gain some level of revenge against the Badgers. No. 2 Indiana (10-0) is enjoying a historic season behind head coach Curt Cignetti and Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Wisconsin (3-6) has been treading water since the season began.

The ingredients are there for Indiana to pound Wisconsin. And they likely will, which Vegas agrees with since the Hoosiers are a 29.5-point favorite.

Indiana’s offense is talented and balanced, which isn’t too much of a surprise. However, the Hoosiers’ defense has established itself as one of the best in the country. That wasn’t expected. Indiana is only allowing 12.1 points per game and has given up more than 20 points once.

As for Wisconsin, its defense has kept them close in a few games, but the offense is disastrous. The Badgers have found a way to win three games while the offense is only averaging 12.6 points per game. In their last five Big Ten games, Wisconsin has scored three touchdowns.

If Indiana’s offense can wear down the Wisconsin defense, this game can and will get ugly. Then it will be up to Cignetti to figure out how ugly he wants to make it. The Hoosiers are slaying plenty of demons and a payback game against Wisconsin would add another one to the list.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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