Despite not taking the lead until there were 35 seconds left in the game, the Wisconsin Badgers were able to take home the Freedom Trophy in a 15-14 comeback victory against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
The Badgers did not score in the first half of this defensive battle but were able to take the lead thanks to one touchdown on the ground and one through the air from quarterback Graham Mertz. It should be noted, that this was far from Mertz’s best game as he also went 8-18 for only 83 passing yards and an interception. Wisconsin’s scoring drives were led by a phenomenal rushing attack. Running backs Chez Mellusi and Braelon Allen both rushed for over 90 yards, while Isaac Guerendo also picked up 42 yards.
The Badgers’ defense lost outside linebacker Nick Herbig early in the second half due to a targeting ejection but were able to limit the Cornhuskers to only 171 total yards on the day. Their defense penetrated into the Nebraska backfield to get nine tackles for loss and three crucial sacks.
This victory made the Badgers bowl eligible, and they will move on to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe at Camp Randall next week.
Below are some of the best Twitter reactions to Wisconsin’s comeback victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers: