Wisconsin is in some unfamiliar territory.

No, not the Big Ten title game. The Badgers count as grizzled veterans after playing in last year’s inaugural conference championship, well-acquainted with all the hype and hoopla that comes with it. A trip to the Rose Bowl isn’t so daunting, either; the Badgers, after all, rang in the last two New Years in Pasadena.

It’s being so, well, mediocre, that’s new for Wisconsin. Winners of the Big Ten title the last 2 years, the Badgers are getting a chance at the first three-peat in school history Saturday – by default. With Ohio State and Penn State ineligible for the postseason, it’s Wisconsin playing No. 14 Nebraska on Saturday for the title and a trip to the Rose Bowl.