Interim head coach Jim Leonhard and the Wisconsin Badgers (3-4, 1-3 Big Ten), who were seven-and-a-half point favorites, failed to win back-to-back games for the first time this season, losing a 34-28 heartbreaker in overtime at Spartan Field on Saturday afternoon.
Sputtering offense, losing the turnover battle, getting penalized eight times for 72 yards, and consistently poor tackling isn’t a recipe for success – who would have thought?
One week after Wisconsin’s best offensive performance of the season, the Badgers took steps backward, mustering 283 total yards (131 passing, 152 rushing) on a mere 4.5 yards per play.
Wisconsin’s defense lacked identity, gave up several big plays through the air, and allowed 389 total yards of offense on 5.9 yards per play.
According to Pro Football Focus, Wisconsin’s defense had 13 missed tackles – which isn’t going to cut it.
The program’s odds of winning a Big Ten West title seems out the door at this point, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but a bowl game isn’t a guarantee, either.
Here’s a recap of Wisconsin’s road loss to the Michigan State Spartans: