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After big win, Michigan opens Big Ten play vs. Wisconsin

Sep 19, 2006 - 8:55 PM Wisconsin (3-0) at No. 6 Michigan (3-0), 12:00 pm EDT

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (Ticker) - After one of its most impressive victories in years, sixth-ranked Michigan looks for some revenge against Wisconsin when the teams open Big Ten Conference play Saturday.

Last year, the Badgers ended the Wolverines' 23-game winning streak in Big Ten openers with a 23-20 home triumph. Quarterback John Stocco scored the go-ahead touchdown on a four-yard keeper with 24 seconds to play.

That defeat was the Wolverines' sixth in a row in road openers, a skid that ended with last weekend's 47-21 romp over then-No. 2 Notre Dame.

Chad Henne threw three first-half touchdowns to Mario Manningham and linebacker Prescott Burgess had two interceptions - one for a score - for Michigan (3-0), which posted its first win in South Bend since 1994. Manningham and Burgess were named the Big Ten's Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week.

The Wolverines, who limited the Fighting Irish to just four yards on the ground, lead the country in rushing defense (20.7 yards per game) and are second in turnover margin (plus-2.67 per game).

Wisconsin (3-0), which handed Michigan its only other loss in its past 38 Big Ten openers in 1981, remained undefeated with a 14-0 home blanking of San Diego State last weekend.

P.J. Hill rushed for 184 yards - his third straight game with at least 100 yards - and a touchdown for the Badgers, who were more impressive on defense, limiting the Aztecs to 115 total yards, including just 25 after the break.

Even with last year's victory, Wisconsin has won just four of its past 33 meetings with Michigan.