Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke sets himself to deliver a pass against Wisconsin on Saturday in Madison, Wis. (AP photo)

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Jonathan Taylor ran for two touchdowns, Wisconsin’s defense posted its fourth shutout of the season and the No. 8 Badgers cruised to a 38-0 win over Michigan State on Saturday.

The Spartans’ defense limited Taylor to 80 yards on 26 carries, marking the first time this season the Heisman Trophy hopeful was held under 100.

But Michigan State was held to 149 yards, 30 rushing, and couldn’t find any rhythm as the Badgers dominated time of possession 39:10 to 20:50.

“I said it last week, those guys are playing lights out. I don’t have any other words. They’re No. 1 in the nation,” Taylor said of his defensive teammates.

Jack Coan completed his first seven passes for Wisconsin (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) and finished 18 of 21 for 180 yards and a touchdown to win his eighth straight start since last season.

MSU (4-3, 2-2) lost back-to-back games against AP top-10 Big Ten opponents. MSU lost at then-No. 4 Ohio State 34-10 last week.

“Nothing really good happened for us,” MSU coach Mark Dantonio said. “I don’t think we quit. I don’t think that happened. It was 17-zip at half and 17-zip into the third quarter but we never really got anything going until the end of the game.”