Posted Sunday, October 21, 2012 --- 9:00 a.m.

Here is the latest Wisconsin sports news from The Associated Press:

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Badgers have maintained possession of Paul Bunyan's Axe for the ninth straight season. Montee Ball and running mate James White combined for 341 yards rushing and five touchdowns, carrying Wisconsin to a 38-13 victory over Minnesota on Saturday. Freshman Philip Nelson received the nod to start at quarterback for the Gophers in Madison.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Sawyer Kollmorgen threw for 187 yards and two touchdowns as Northern Iowa tripped up Missouri Valley Conference-leading South Dakota State with a 27-6 victory on Saturday night. The Jackrabbits got on the board with just two field goals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. David Johnson rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries for the Panthers.

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — University of North Dakota officials say safety Erik Mersereau has been suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules and athletic department policy. The senior from Port Washington, Wisconsin has started five of seven games this season. UND head coach Chris Mussman says the team will continue to review Mersereau's status.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — Ricky Stenhouse Junior came back from two laps down Saturday to win the Nationwide Series race at Kansas Speedway. The race was extended six laps because of a late caution, which helped Stenhouse grab his sixth win of the season because the cars in front of him didn't have enough gas to make it to the finish line in Kansas City, Kansas.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.