ESPN gives a huge shoutout to 2 Wisconsin true freshman after Washington win

The Wisconsin football team pulled off the improbable with a win over a ranked team, No. 23 Washington, 13-10. This happened even when the quarterback could barely complete any passes. It mainly came on the back of timely play and lockdown defense. The Wisconsin defense shut down one of the most prolific offenses in the country, only a week after putting on a similar display against Oregon.

ESPN after the game gave a shoutout to true freshmen Cooper Catalano and Mason Posa on the "Helmet Stickers" segment. EJ Manual slapped a helmet sticker on the Wisconsin helmet and raved about the two young guys. Watch the clip below, it's at the very end.

Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano had an incredible game for true freshman

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Catalano was unbelievable and was flying around the field; he led both teams in tackles with 10 tackles. In fact, just his solo tackles were enough to lead both teams as he had 12 of those. The next closest tackler was Mason Posa with 11. Catalano also added 1.5 tackles for loss.

On to Posa's incredible performance: he may not have had the same number of tackles as his counterpart, but he was a force that Washington had no answer for. Not only did he have 11 tackles, but he also had 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.

These two freshmen are what give life to this fanbase. There is some hope coming, even in the midst of a three-win season. Not only these two true freshman stars, but seeing another true freshman in quarterback Carter Smith get in and play was also hopeful. He provided a spark, even if you could tell he's still a true freshman quarterback.

While this season will still be considered a bust, this win provided something Chris McIntosh and Luke Fickell had been begging for: hope.