It wasn’t looking good for the Badgers at halftime with running back Taiwan Deal sidelined, receivers struggling to catch the ball, and the team down 14-7. The defense had just given up a 41-yard touchdown pass to Nebraska heading into the half, and the momentum was not in their favor. But, the Badgers bounced back, putting together a field goal drive toward the end of the third quarter, a touchdown drive capped by third-string running back Alec Ingold’s first career score, and a game-winner from kicker Rafael Gaglianone as time nearly expired.
The Badgers led 20-14 for most of the fourth quarter until Nebraska fullback Andy Janovich ran for a 55-yard touchdown on a third and short play that completely rattled the defense as safeties D’Cota Dixon and Michael Caputo missed tackles on Janovich consecutively down the field. In response, the Badgers did not hesitate, as the offense drove the team down the field, led by quarterback Joel Stave’s 25/50 day with 322 passing yards and a touchdown. After going 1/2 on the day, Gaglianone missed the game-winning field goal with 1:26 left on the clock. Luckily for the Badgers, that wasn’t Gaglianone’s only chance to win the game.
After forcing a three-and-out while using all three of the team’s touchdowns, the Badgers were able to get the ball back against the Cornhuskers with 1:03 left on the clock. Stave led the team down the field from Wisconsin’s own 32 yard line with three straight passes to tight end Troy Fumagalli, who scored his first career touchdown in the game, wide receiver Jazz Peavy, and then Fumagalli again. After two straight incompletions for the Badgers, they had no choice but to attempt a field goal. With nine seconds left in the game, Gaglianone kicked a 46-yard field goal to give the Badgers a 23-21 win over Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday afternoon.
Stave’s poise down the stretch can not be emphasized enough, especially after his poor showing last week against Iowa. He was the first Badger to throw for 50 or more passes and win the game, and only the fourth time ever to throw that many passes for Wisconsin. Running back Dare Ogunbowale aded a huge spark for the Badgers as well, running for a career-high 117 yards on 18 carries. Wide receiver Alex Erickson, healthy after only practicing once this week (concussion protocol), added 113 yards on seven receptions as well.
The defense held Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong, Jr. to 2/12 passing in the second half, and held the explosive Cornhuskers’ offense to 325 total yards. The Badgers contained Armstrong and running back Terrell Newby, and their defense gave them the opportunity in the end to win this game.
The Badgers return home for homecoming one week from today against Purdue with an 11:00 AM start.