What Happened: Key Plays in Wisconsin Nebraska Game
The Situation: Wisconsin ball, 2nd-and-10 on the Nebraska 25, 9:08 4th Quarter
Wisconsin was running the ball at will against a tiring Nebraska defense. The Badgers had just extended its lead to 31-17. Wisconsin’s two touchdown drives ran 20 total plays and chewed up a lot of time off the game clock. The Huskers need an answer to ignite a comeback and give the defense a blow. Instead, Wisconsin brutally ripped away whatever hope remained for the home side.
The Play: A hustling Badger defenses forces and recovers a fumble to finish off Nebraska
Given the game situation, Wisconsin wasn’t going to play hyper aggressive. The Badgers needed to simply avoid giving up too many chunk plays and keep the clock moving. On 2nd down, Lee hit his primary (only) receiving weapon Stanley Morgan for a 15-yard gain on a good slant. Derrick Tindal was beat on the route but stays with the play. Dixon (?) is there for the tackle. As the second man there, Tindal smartly rips at the football and pries it out a split second before Morgan’s knee touches down.
Linebacker Ryan Connelly also didn’t quit on the play. He flows to the football and catches the ball as Tindal forces the fumble.
The Result: Wisconsin with its second turnover and immediately ices the game
Wisconsin takes over in plus territory. After consecutive 10-play scoring drives covering 93 and 80 yards. The Badgers actually take 10 plays for the game sealing touchdown on this drive even though it covered just 40 yards.
Next: Wisconsin Football Live Blog Wisconsin and Nebraska
Wisconsin runs the ball 10 straight times mixing in Taylor, Shaw, and Ibrahim. Shaw gets the final carry of the drive for a simple touchdown against a gassed Nebraska front. Wisconsin makes it 38-17 with 2:40 left to secure the win.