Gordon runs for 172, Wisconsin defense stuffs No. 19 Northwestern 35-6

RETRANSMISSION TO CORRECT TOUCHDOWN YARDAGE - Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon (25) runs against Northwestern's Collin Ellis and Chi Chi Ariguzo on Gordon's 71-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Manis) (The Associated Press)

dfe25c5c-Northwestern Wisconsin Football

Wisconsin linebacker Brendan Kelly rushes Northwestern quarterback Trevor Siemian during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Madison, Wis., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Andy Manis) (The Associated Press)

MADISON, Wis. – Melvin Gordon ran for a 71-yard touchdown and Chris Borland led a fierce defense that figured out No. 19 Northwestern's high-octane offense in a 35-6 win Saturday.

The Badgers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) had seven sacks before a raucous homecoming weekend crowd. Jared Abbrederis burned the secondary for a 63-yard touchdown reception before leaving with a head injury.

Northwestern (4-2, 0-2) the league's peskiest defense, forced three more turnovers to increase its season total to 17.

The Wildcats just couldn't turn those mistakes into points. And they were doomed by the big plays by Gordon and Abbrederis.

Gordon had 22 carries for 172 yards and the long run that gave Wisconsin a three-possession lead before halftime.

Do-everything quarterback Kain Colter was held to 10 yards rushing for Northwestern.