No. 7 Wisconsin claimed its share of the Big Ten Conference championship on Saturday with another dominating performance as the Badgers pounded Northwestern 70-23.

Wisconsin (11-1, 7-1) won its seventh straight game and claimed its first Big Ten title since 1999.

Knowing that No. 8 Ohio State and No. 10 Michigan State had won earlier in the day to claim their part of the league title, the Badgers sent their message to the voters early by racing to a 49-17 halftime lead.

The Wisconsin first half onslaught was led by quarterback Scott Tolzien, who threw four touchdown passes, and running back Montee Ball’s three rushing TDs. Ball, who finished with 174 yards on 19 carries and four scores, now has 17 touchdowns, after entering this season as the No. 3 tailback on the depth chart.

The Badgers hope to represent the Big Ten in the Rose Bowl with the league’s automatic BCS berth. The three-way tie will be broken by the final BCS standings. Currently, the Badgers are ranked No. 7, the Buckeyes at No. 8 and the Spartans No. 10.

Wisconsin gained 558 yards of offense and have now scored 201 points in their last three games, were dominant on defense, as well, holding Northwestern (7-5, 3-5 Big Ten) to just 285 yards and forcing seven Wildcat turnovers, including five during the first half blitz.