Badgers announce additional kickoff times

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin and Michigan State met on the gridiron twice last season during prime time in two of the most memorable games of the college football season. In 2012, the programs will play a nationally televised afternoon game.
Three of Wisconsin's game times for next season were announced by the Big Ten on Thursday, including the Badgers' Oct. 27 matchup against the Spartans at Camp Randall Stadium. The teams will play at 2:30 p.m. on ABC.
Last season, Michigan State stunned Wisconsin, 37-31, on a last-second Hail Mary pass during the regular season in East Lansing. Wisconsin returned the favor with a late-game 42-39 comeback against Michigan State to capture the inaugural Big Ten championship.
The Big Ten also announced start times for Wisconsin's home game against Illinois on Oct. 6 and a road game at Purdue on Oct. 13.
Wisconsin plays host to Illinois at 2:30 p.m. on ABC. It will mark the Illini's first visit to Camp Randall Stadium since 2008. Illinois hasn't won in Madison since 2002.
One week later, Wisconsin is set to play Purdue on homecoming at 11 a.m. CT. The game will be televised by ESPN, ESPN2 or Big Ten Network. Wisconsin hasn't lost in West Lafayette since 1997.
Wisconsin's game times against Utah State and Nebraska were announced last week as prime time affairs. The Badgers will play host to the Aggies on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. Wisconsin will travel to Nebraska on Sept. 29 for another 7 p.m. kickoff.
Game times against Northern Iowa, Oregon State, UTEP, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio State and Penn State have yet to be announced.
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