No. 19 Wisconsin overcomes slow start to beat South Florida 27-10, Gordon runs for 2 TDs

Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon (25) is called for an offensive face mask on South Florida's Johnny Ward (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (The Associated Press)

South Florida quarterback Mike White recovers a fumble during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (The Associated Press)

MADISON, Wis. – Melvin Gordon rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns, and No. 19 Wisconsin overcame a sluggish start to hold off South Florida 27-10 on Saturday.

Gordon scored on carries of seven and 43 yards on the Badgers' first two drives of the second half after running room finally opened up for the star tailback.

The Bulls (2-3) put up an admirable effort in their first road contest of the year, getting to within 17-10 midway through the third quarter on Rodney Adams' 26-yard touchdown run off a reverse. South Florida's defense had held Gordon to 50 yards in the first half.

But Wisconsin (3-1) inched away in the final 20 minutes to extend their nonconference winning streak at home to 32 games.