Madison, WI (Sports Network) - No. 12 Wisconsin survived its first test in life without Russell Wilson, but received a scare from Northern Iowa en route to a 26-21 win.

Danny O'Brien, a transfer from Maryland who took over for Wilson, had a strong debut, completing 19-of-23 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns.

Montee Ball, a 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist, ran for 120 yards on 32 carries and scored a touchdown for the 21st straight game.

Northern Iowa, which reached the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs last season, was also starting a new quarterback.

Freshman Sawyer Kollmorgen started slow, but finished 18-for-34 with 265 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Panthers to 21 second-half points and a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter.

Northern Iowa receiver David Johnson caught two of the touchdowns and picked up 107 yards in the loss.

The Sports Network