The Wisconsin Badgers entered the last two weeks of the season needing one win to become bowl-eligible. Seems simple enough to win one of two games against either Nebraska or Minnesota but this season has been anything but simple. This home game against Nebraska seemed to be the best bet however Tanner Mordecai was still nursing his broken hand and couldn’t take snaps under center and Braelon Allen’s ankle left his availability in question.
The game started and before Badger fans could get comfortable Brock’s little brother had us down 14 with two 50+ yard plays from both his legs and arms. The defense then settled down and held the Cornhuskers to 3 more points for the rest of the game.
A comeback win was up to the offense as the defense showed their value after some early faltering. The offense also got off to a slow start. Their first two drives got as far as their own 37 and ended in punts. The first quarter ended as Nebraska was mounting another drive that looked like it would put them up three scores. The defense however held tight and forced a turnover on downs. The offense took this opportunity and the surge of energy from the crowd and used it to the best of their abilities. Tanner spread the ball around missing only one pass and carrying the drive as only Allen had one five-yard run. He connected with Jackson Acker for a 26-yard touchdown and Bucky was back in business down only a score. Nebraska’s next drive ended with an ugly punt of 19 yards and gave Tanner and Co. great field position at their own 48. The drive was less successful than the prior but did end with a field goal and the Badgers trailed by four at the half.
Braelon Allen came out in the second half and put on his gutsiest performance in Madison. The usual explosion wasn’t there but you could see every carry was hard-fought as he got up visibly limping after every carry. He crossed the goal line twice in the second half. The final time in overtime to give the Badgers the win.
Wisconsin now heads to Minnesota in hopes of regaining Paul Bunyan’s axe.
James