Badgers PFF grades: Top 5 offensive players from week 2 loss to Washington State

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s 17-14 loss to Washington State, according to Pro Football Focus:

Weather, as they say, is the great equalizer in football. That held true on Saturday when the No. 19 Wisconsin Badgers (1-1) suffered a sloppy, unacceptable home loss against the Washington State Cougars (2-0) at Camp Randall Stadium.

If you were to only look at the box score, you’d probably be happy with what you saw from the offense. However, if you watched the game, it told a very different story.

Bobby Engram and company produced a balanced offensive attack for the second straight week, recording 401 total yards (227 passing, 174 running) but scoring only 14 points and turning the ball over three times.

At times, third-year starting quarterback Graham Mertz carried the Wisconsin Badgers offense, but his effort simply wasn’t enough to overcome untimely turnovers and sloppy play from all three phases.

Although he was far from perfect, Mertz completed 18-of-31 passes for 227 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Also worth noting is that 10 of his passes went for first downs. The Kansas native appears to have taken a step forward this season.

Wisconsin will look to get things back on track in a hurry, considering the Badgers are just two weeks away from a trip to Columbus to take on the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes.

Here’s a look at the top 5 highest graded offensive players from Wisconsin’s 17-14 loss to Washington State, according to Pro Football Focus.

Twitter reacts to Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz’s best throw of the season

Some of the best Twitter reactions to Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz’s gorgeous 17-yard touchdown pass to TE Clay Cundiff:

After falling behind 7-0 in the second quarter to the Washington State Cougars, Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz led the Badgers down the field on a 65-yard drive that was capped off by a beautiful touchdown pass to tight end Clay Cundiff.

The Badgers’ offense struggled to get going in the first quarter because of the speedy Cougars’ defense that shut down the Wisconsin running game. However, Mertz was able to jumpstart the team with his phenomenal throw over a breaking defender to lead Cundiff into the endzone.

The Overland Park, Kan., native is thriving in this new Wisconsin offense with several big plays against the Cougars, including a 40-yard deep pass to wide receiver Keontez Lewis before halftime. This play led to another Mertz’ passing touchdown to put the Badgers up 14-7 at the half.

Below are some of the best Twitter reactions to QB Graham Mertz’s gorgeous 17-yard touchdown pass to TE Clay Cundiff: