The No. 10 Wisconsin Badgers (2-1) faltered in Evanston, losing 17-7, to No. 19 Northwestern (5-0). For the first time in the 2020 season, the Wisconsin offense was challenged, and they struggled to exert their will on their opposition.
Wisconsin, who had turned the ball over just once in the first two games of the season, turned the ball over four times in the first half alone against Northwestern. Three of those turnovers belonged to quarterback Graham Mertz (one fumble, two interceptions). However, the Wisconsin defense remained a point of strength, despite multiple suspect penalties and calls by the officiating crew.