Wisconsin's Ball sets Big 10 single-season TD mark

Published Nov. 12, 2011 9:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Wisconsin's Montee Ball set the Big Ten's single-season touchdown record on Saturday.

The junior running back scored three times in Saturday's game at Minnesota, two rushing and one receiving, giving him 27 touchdowns this year in just 10 games.

Ball bested the previous conference record of 26 total touchdowns in one season. The mark was previously shared by Pete Johnson (Ohio State, 1975), Anthony Thompson (Indiana, 1988) and Ki-Jana Carter (Penn State, 1994).

''Finishing is one of our goals, and I was glad to see myself do that,'' Ball said.

Ball said he was aware of his status before he took the handoff at the Minnesota 3-yard line midway through the fourth quarter and barged into the end zone to give the Badgers a 42-13. Ball said he even checked with coach Bret Bielema before the drive to make sure he wouldn't get whistled for a delay-of-game penalty if he took the ball as a souvenir.

Ball thanked his offensive linemen on the sideline and said afterward he gave the ball to his parents as a sign of his appreciation.

''I owe them everything,'' Ball said.