Badgers crush Penn State, 45-7; fans react to scandal



The Wisconsin Badgers crush Penn State at home, by a final of 45-7 on Saturday. Montee Ball ran for four touchdowns to help give a spark to the Badgers' offense. With the win, Wisconsin claimed the Big Ten Leaders Division title and a spot in the league's championship game next Saturday.

The Nittany Lions came into Saturday's game still reeling in the wake of child sex abuse charges against former Nittany Lions assistant Jerry Sandusky, which led to turmoil on campus and the end of coach Joe Paterno's reign at the school.

Although anything that happens on a football field pales in comparison to the allegations against Sandusky, Nittany Lions players caught in the middle of it all still hoped to rally the team for a shot at the Rose Bowl.

Heading into today's game, UW fans were urged to be respectful on the sex abuse scandal.

Badger fans have watched from afar as allegations against former Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky led to the firing of longtime coach Joe Paterno. Taking a stand against child abuse, the Badgers hung a blue ribbon on the field next to the stadium.

Student Krista Hertel says, "I love that they put it up I think you should always support the victims."

A parent of UW-Madison students, Pete Peterson says, "It`s terrible, it`s a very terrible situation. I can`t imagine, Penn State is gonna take years to try and recoup from this."

Athletic Director Barry Alvarez sent a letter to all students, urging them to treat Penn State with class and dignity.

"I feel the students might listen, it's a pretty serious topic and I think the kids are gonna focus on the game rather than controversy," says Irene Borenstein - a fan from Milwaukee.

According to the fans we talked to that went to the game, if there was any misbehaving - it was on an individual level.