MADISON, Wis. – Melvin Gordon ran for 144 yards, James White added 143 and No. 23 Wisconsin's revamped defense pitched a shutout in coach Gary Andersen's debut for a 45-0 win Saturday over Massachusetts.
Gordon and White padded their totals by each running for touchdowns of at least 51 yards for the Badgers, who didn't stray far from their trademark rushing attack with the defensive-minded Andersen now pacing the sideline.
Joel Stave overcame a slow start at quarterback to connect with Jared Abbrederis for two long touchdown passes in the second half.
UMass was simply overmatched against the Big Ten's three-time defending champion. The Minutemen are only in their second year as a major college program, and they had to play Saturday with running back Jordan Broadnax and tight end Rob Blanchflower out with injuries.
Stacey Bedell finished with 70 yards on 19 carries for UMass.
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