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3 big losers and 2 unlikely winners from Wisconsin falling to UCLA on the road

Ugly one to watch against UCLA.
ByMark Knight
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Oct 17, 2026; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Scott Taylor (20) reacts after sacking Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) in the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2026; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Scott Taylor (20) reacts after sacking Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Colton Joseph (1) in the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Wisconsin went to Pasadena to take on the UCLA Bruins for the first time in decades. It wasn't pretty for literally anyone. There was basically no momentum in the game; it was full of whistles, frustrating moments, and a game that Luke Fickell will be working hard to flush from his team this week. As they prepare for the other Los Angeles team, USC, back at home in Camp Randall.

This game featured three losers and a couple of winners. Let's start with the negative news before we jump into the positive spin.

LOSER: The Refs

This Big Ten officiating crew was awful all night. Like, literally awful. Both fan bases can agree, and any national audience watching could see it clearly. This isn't a Wisconsin fan complaining, but an acknowledgment of a game that was as poorly officiated as you will ever see.

It was a game that featured more whistles than points, and neither team could get going. And yet, the refs were calling phantom penalties but also missing real ones. It was wild. And a few big ones went against Wisconsin that cost them multiple points. Sure, they didn't overcome the refs, and so we don't want to solely blame the officials, but it was BRUTAL. And it cost Wisconsin more than UCLA.

There were 18 penalties on the night (both teams) for a total of 185 yards. Wow. Wisconsin had 10 of those, for 108 yards.

LOSER: Third-down defense

This loss is not on Wisconsin's defense, but they have to come to terms with how terrible they played on third down. YOU HAVE TO GET OFF THE FIELD on third down, and yet Wisconsin's defense allowed UCLA to go 13 for 20 on third down. And some of those were BIG distances. Somehow, UCLA's offense that was pretty lackluster all night found huge plays on third down. OVER AND OVER. It was tough to watch.

LOSER: Jeff Grimes

You had a whole extra week to prepare for this UCLA defense, and yet there didn't seem to be much of a plan. Outside of one drive, the Badgers couldn't really get anything going. Give UCLA's defense some flowers, but it seems like Grimes also had no real plan to defeat the Bruins.

The offense ended with a total of 214 yards and went 3/10 on third downs. The plan was awful, and we can blame the refs, but Grimes has to wear some of this, with no clear plan after two weeks to prepare.

WINNER: Marvin Burks Jr.

Marvin Burks Jr. had two interceptions in this game, and he was flying all over the field. He even saved a couple of explosive plays from going the distance. The one lone touchdown for Wisconsin came after Burks was able to make a huge pick and give his offense the ball.

Burks looked fantastic, and it wasn't just the two interceptions; it was also the three tackles and what he was able to do in coverage.

WINNER: Mason Posa

Posa put the defense on his back multiple times. In fact, one of the interceptions by Marvin Burks Jr. came from a Posa deflection. He also led the Badgers in tackles with seven and one tackle for loss. He also did this while getting held all day by the UCLA defensive line.

Posa worked hard to give his team the win, but he couldn't get anything from his offense.

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