WATCH: Wisconsin sack of WSU QB Cam Ward ruled…not a safety?

Was this a safety?

Wisconsin fell 31-22 to Washington State last night as the honeymoon period for Luke Fickell in Madison came to an end.

That’s not to say Fickell won’t achieve great things, which I still think he will do. But once that first loss happens, many immediately forget all of the offseason hype surrounding the program. That’s where Wisconsin is right now, with a lot to improve upon before Big Ten play begins.

Related: Five stats that defined Wisconsin’s loss to Washington State

Last night’s game turned on many plays. Wisconsin turned the ball over three times, struggled in the red zone and couldn’t contain quarterback Cam Ward.

There was a moment where it looked like Wisconsin had control. Early in the fourth quarter, where the Badgers had just scored to made it a 24-22 Washington State lead, the Cougars had the ball on their own goal line.

Cam Ward was sacked by James Thompson Jr. and fell on his knee and back in the end zone. Yet the referees inexplicably called Ward down at the 1, allowing Washington State to punt and avoid giving the two points to the Badgers.

Related: The good, the bad and the ugly from Wisconsin’s loss to Washington State

Here’s the play, you can decide for yourself:

The ensuing punt soon led to a Chez Mellusi fumble, which turned into a Washington State touchdown and an insurmountable lead. This single call went a long way towards deciding the football game.

I think it’s a safety.