We certainly didn't learn much of anything positive about the Hoosiers, who gave up 83 points to a team without arguably its best offensive player (RB John Clay Jr.).
The score: 83-20.
1. The defense hasn't improved as much as we thought...After last week's game in which IU held Iowa to 18 points, I thought the defense was starting to come into its own.
But this performance was downright embarrassing. No. 6 Wisconsin had 12 possessions in the game, and it scored 10 touchdowns and two field goals. Third-string running back Montee Ball led the way with 167 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries. James White added 144 yards and two scores on 19 touches.
In the passing game, Scott Tolzien toyed with the IU defense, especially when he went to play action. The Wisconsin quarterback completed 15-of-18 passes for 181 yards and three TDs in the contest.
2. Bret Bielema likes points...The Wisconsin head coach called for a passing play with his team up by 56 points in the fourth quarter. Even with a backup quarterback in the game, Bielema refused to call off the dogs.
"It's our job to stop them," IU coach Bill Lynch said afterward. "That's my philosophy about that."
3. Lynch's job status in limbo...It probably was before the game, but this kind of loss is going to be hard for the Hoosiers' coach to come back from.
It's still two early to say Lynch should be fired because IU could go out and beat Penn State and Purdue to close the season. If that were to happen, I'd have to think IU Athletics Director Fred Glass would bring Lynch back for the final year of his contract.
Still, though, this game puts a lot more pressure on Glass.
4. Chappell reached his tolerance...IU quarterback Ben Chappell left the game in the second quarter with a hip injury and did not return.
Chappell has taken big hits all season long because the Hoosiers pass so often, but he usually bounces up and stays in the game. This time was different, though, because Chappell "couldn't move," according to Lynch.
In Chappell's absence, backups Edward Wright-Baker and Dusty Kiel got a chance to play.
5. Nick Turner could have a bright future...The freshman running back made a couple of big plays early, helping IU to its first touchdown drive of the game. In all, Turner had 103 yards rushing on 11 carries.
Zach Davis-Walker added 32 yards on seven touches for the Hoosiers.
