Gordon runs for career-high 253 yards, 5 TDs, No. 19 Badgers trample Bowling Green 68-17

Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon (25) breaks away from Bowling Green's Jude Adjei-Barimah for a 50-yard touchdown run during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (The Associated Press)

Wisconsin's Corey Clement (6) celebrates his touchdown run with teammate Melvin Gordon during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Bowling Green, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (The Associated Press)

Melvin Gordon rushed for career highs of 253 yards and five touchdowns, and No. 19 Wisconsin ran for a Big Ten-record 644 yards to trample Bowling Green for a 68-17 victory Saturday.

Gordon had 179 yards and four scores by halftime alone before dashing for a 69-yard touchdown on his first carry of the second half. He silenced any doubters worried about his 38-yard outing the previous game.

The Badgers (2-1) forced two turnovers on back-to-back possessions by the Falcons (2-2) in the first half to break open a close game.

Gordon capitalized each time with scores before closing the half with a 21-yard touchdown run for the highlight reel.

The team rushing total was the most in the Big Ten's modern era, dating back to 1946.