Wisconsin punter out-rushed Penn State star running back in first half of Badgers vs. Nittany Lions

Wisconsin punter out-rushes Penn State star running back in first half

Wisconsin punter Atticus Bertrams had one of the highlights of the first half of the Badgers’ premier matchup with No. 3 Penn State. He took a fake punt on 4th-9 of Wisconsin’s opening drive for a 15-yard gain, continuing a drive that ended in a Nathanial Vakos record-setting field goal.

That opening score was a big moment in a first half that ended with Wisconsin leading 10-7. The Badgers’ defense hung tough with the Nittany Lions’ top-ranked offense — not allowing much consistent offense aside from a 90-yard touchdown drive late in the first quarter.

One stat accurately portrays Wisconsin’s performance through one half and the game’s tight margin. Bertrams (one carry, 15 rushing yards) out-rushed Penn State star running back Nicholas Singleton (five carries, nine rushing yards).

Singleton also tallied three receptions, 37 receiving yards and Penn State’s lone touchdown — so it’s not as if Bertrams bested his overall production.

But the Badgers have performed well against Singleton and Penn State’s lethal rushing attack through one half. I’m sure defensive coordinator Mike Tressel is pleased with the stat sheet listing Wisconsin’s punter ahead of Penn State’s star running back on the rushing yard leaderboard.

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