Badgers survive late scare, beat Northern Iowa 26-21 - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Montee Ball rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown, and No. 12 Wisconsin needed a big defensive play to survive a fourth-quarter scare from Northern Iowa in a 26-21 victory Saturday.

Wisconsin's defense didn't allow Northern Iowa on its side of the 50-yard line until the 4:27 mark in the third quarter -- but then the Badgers nearly melted down.

Leading 26-7 in the fourth quarter, Wisconsin allowed Northern Iowa quarterback Sawyer Kollmorgen to throw a pair of long touchdowns to David Johnson, cutting the lead to five. With the Panthers facing fourth-and-1 at the Wisconsin 41-yard line, defensive lineman Ethan Hemer tipped the ball at the line of scrimmage to stop the drive.

UW transfer quarterback Danny O'Brien was impressive in his debut with the Badgers, completing 19 of 23 pass attempts for 219 yards and two touchdowns, both to receiver Jared Abbrederis.

Wisconsin has now won 17 consecutive home games, the second-longest streak in program history.