An incredible first half performance by Northwestern’s defense gave the Wildcats a chance at a massive road upset on Saturday, but conservative play-calling and poor execution from everyone involved with the offense allowed Wisconsin (4-0 1-0 Big Ten) to pull away in the third quarter and hold on with a 33-24 win.
The Wildcats (2-2, 0-1) forced three Badger turnovers in the opening 30 minutes, repeatedly setting up the offense with good field position. But Mick McCall’s unit, content to run up the middle into a sea of red and throw quick-hitting passes, couldn’t move the ball at all, settling for 10 points on three first-half drives that started in Wisconsin territory.