With the regular season over and a Cotton Bowl appearance on the horizon against Western Michigan, it’s a good time to take a look back at some of the best moments of the regular season for this year’s Wisconsin football team. Below are your top six moments from the 2016 season.
6. Hornibrook Arrives (vs. Georgia State)
The Badgers were struggling against lowly opponent Georgia State on September 17th at Camp Randall. The Badgers were up 6-3, when Head Coach Paul Chryst decided to pull the plug on senior quarterback Bart Houston. Freshman Alex Hornibrook came on and immediately made an impact, leading a long drive that eventually lead to a rushing touchdown by Dare Ogunbowale. The game was decided on a Hornibrook connection to fellow freshman Kyle Penniston. From then on, Hornibook would be considered the starter.
5. Dixon Seals the Win (vs. LSU)
D’cota Dixon’s interception at Lambeau Field in early September against No. 5 LSU was the perfect way to cap a thrilling victory in the team’s debut. The interception iced the game and the Badgers went on to win the game 16-14.
4. Big (House) Let Down (@ Michigan)
Not all moments from the 2016 season will be remembered of fondly. The game against Michigan on October 1st fits under that category. The score was tied up by the Badgers midway through the 3rd, but a late interception thrown by Hornibook led to the Badgers’ first loss on the season.
3. Musso Takes it to the House (vs. MSU)
Don’t underestimate Leo Musso because of his size – standing at only 5’10”, this senior out of Waunakee, Wisconsin was a huge cog in the secondary this season for the Badgers. Musso’s shining moment came against rival Michigan State, when he recovered a fumble and ran it back for a touchdown. The Badgers went on to win the game 30-6.
2. Overtime Thriller Against Nebraska (vs. Nebraska)
Halloween will be a day remembered by many after the Badgers disposed of No. 7 (and then-undefeated) Nebraska in overtime at Camp Randall Stadium. The game ended on a terrific defensive play by safety D’cota Dixon. The lone score in overtime was an 11-yard touchdown run by Dare Ogunbowale.
1. Paul Bunyan’s Axe Stays in Madison (vs. Minnesota)
The game did not start pretty for the Badgers, as the home team went down 17-7 at the halfway mark. A second half slew of interceptions, including two by Sojourn Shelton, led to a triumphant comeback in the last home game of the season. It was the perfect way for the seniors on the squad to go out on a positive note at Camp Randall.