STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Wisconsin star running back Montee Ball set an NCAA record after scoring his 79th career touchdown on a 17-yard run in the first quarter of Saturday's game against Penn State.

The score broke a tie in the record book with Travis Prentice of Miami (Ohio), who had previously set the major college mark in 1999.

Entering Saturday's game, Ball had 72 career rushing scores -- including 17 this season -- to go with six receiving touchdowns.

Ball clutched the football tightly in his right arm while getting pats on the helmet from teammates after the touchdown run gave the Badgers a 14-7 lead at 6:27 of the first quarter.