Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema says he understands why a lot of people believe his Badgers don't deserve to be playing in the Big Ten championship game.

With Ohio State and Penn State ineligible because of NCAA sanctions, the Badgers will represent the Leaders Division against Legends champion Nebraska on Saturday in Indianapolis. The Badgers (7-5, 4-4) finished third in their division.

Bielema said Sunday that when the Badgers and 14th-ranked Cornhuskers (10-2, 7-1) take the field, "no one will care how the other team got there."

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini says he doesn't care if people think the game loses luster because teams ahead of Wisconsin aren't in Indianapolis.

The Badgers lost 30-27 in Lincoln on Sept. 29 after blowing a 17-point lead in the third quarter.

AP-WF-11-25-12 2009GMT