Quick Reactions to the Badgers' Win at Northwestern

This game felt exactly like a Wisconsin-Northwestern game, especially early on. The Badgers started slow and couldn't take advantage of any opportunities until late in the first half. It was a clumsy half where both teams played sloppily and neither could gain any traction.

Quarterback Braedyn Locke had a rough start, much like the rest of the Wisconsin offense, throwing an early interception. He settled down a bit as the game went on, but was mostly a game manager in this one and wasn't needed to shoulder the load. He'll need to be better against Penn State.

Two blocked field goals in the first half, one by each team, contributed to the lack of scoring. Neither team could get much going, but the Wisconsin special teams were the MVP of the game -- more on them later.

The Badger offensive line had only allowed one sack in the last three games combined, but gave up two in this one, including a sack-fumble. This isn't so much an indictment on the line, which has been stellar all year, but more-so Locke holding on to the ball way too long.

Freshman corner Xavier Lucas left the game with injury and did not return. It will be something to monitor for the young budding star.

The Badger defensive line absolutely dominated the line of scrimmage. They had two huge plays deep in Northwestern territory with a sack-fumble that led to a Wisconsin touchdown at the end of the first half, and a safety in the second. The Badger defense as a whole hasn't allowed more than seven points in a game since the loss to USC.

We had a Tucker Ashcraft sighting as he reeled in his first touchdown of the season. Running back Cade Yacamelli and Braedyn Locke also scored on the ground as Tawee Walker finally took a back seat to scoring after hitting paydirt nine times already this season.

Special teams, along with the defense, was the absolute hero of the game today. Not only did they block a field goal, but Northwestern was constantly pinned deep within their own ten yard line all day. It was great to see them step up in a game where the offense couldn't get much going.

The Badgers are now on a three game win streak after starting the season 2-2, outscoring their opponents 117 to 16 during that stretch. It's a complete turnaround from a team that struggled to beat a mid-major and an FCS school earlier in the season. On to Penn State!