Badgers' Montee Ball earns Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors

MADISON (AP) -- Wisconsin Badgers' running back Montee Ball may have found his groove again. Ball has earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors after his performance during Saturday's game against Purdue.

Ball ran for a career-high 247 yards on 29 carries and three touchdowns in Wisconsin's 38-14 victory over Purdue on Saturday, October 13th. The team said he gained 194 of those yards after contact with a would-be tackler, too.

Coach Bret Bielema says offensive line improvements and Ball's sharp instincts yielded results.

Wisconsin (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) has won two straight and hosts Minnesota (4-2, 0-2) on Saturday.