Quick Reactions to Wisconsin's Loss vs No. 1 Oregon

In a game that had fans on pins and needles all the way until the final minute, the Badgers came up short against the number one team in the country. Here are some quick takeaways.

The Badger offense could get nothing going in the first quarter, only posting nine total yards. Luckily the defense came ready, and even forced a Dillon Gabriel redzone interception. The offense and defense feel like they have yet to play a cohesive game, though.

Running back Tawee Walker found a rhythm after a dreadful first quarter, eventually ending up with 97 yards. He was Wisconsin's main spark on offense as, outside of one chunk play, the passing game really never got going.

While the offensive line was strong in the run game, paving the way for Walker, they struggled mightily against a ferocious Oregon pass rush. Braedyn Locke was constantly under pressure and was even hit for a fumble early on in the game. They also were on the wrong end of some crucial penalties in what ended up being a rough night overall.

Gabriel certainly had a favorite target in this game. Wide receiver Evan Stewart carved up the Badgers for 92 yards on 10 catches. Fortunately, Oregon couldn't find much production outside of the receiver, and the Badger defense had Gabriel looking flustered most of the game. Going into the game, most fans' would have been ecstatic with only allowing 16 points, but the Badger offense just couldn't keep pace.

A nice 43-yard pass to Vinny Anthony set up the Badgers to take a 10-6 lead at half. It was the third time this year, after USC and Penn State, that Wisconsin had led at half to a ranked opponent. They lost all three.

The Badgers were turnover free until the final drive, and it was one of the big reasons that could stay in the game for so long. Locke has now thrown a pick in seven straight games, and is the stat continues to hover over him.

Luck started to run out for Wisconsin in the second half after leading in the first. An unfortunate penalty nullified a Locke touchdown pass. A brutal fourth down conversion for Oregon led to the game being tied at 13. Finally, stars Will Pauling and Hunter Wohler were both lost to injury. It was a story all too familiar.

In the end, Wisconsin had plenty of chances in the final minutes, but once again the passing game just wasn't good enough. It's been a story for most of the season, and the Badgers now have two chances to win one more to become bowl eligible.