Northwestern put up a fight against Wisconsin. This much cannot be denied. The offensive line was just plain bad, Clayton Thorson did not have his best game, Justin Jackson was limited, the defense gave up two huge plays, and yet Northwestern still kept it close against a top-10 team. But like many underdogs, they just ran out of gas and chances.
Every year, after a disappointing Northwestern loss to a top Big Ten program, whether it be Ohio State, Wisconsin, or Michigan, we have this same discussion. Is putting up a fight enough? Have we become accustomed to mediocrity?