The Wisconsin Badgers' offense had eight punts and one interception after they scored on the opening drive. Many of those drives were three-and-outs. There wasn't much to be excited about for the Badgers on the offensive side of the ball after that opening and closing drive (which ended with a field goal). Except one star re-emerged for the Badgers, Vinny Anthony II.
He was the star receiver last year and has yet to be a factor in 2025, but against Michigan, he came to play and was exceptional with the new quarterback under center. Hunter Simmons got his first start of the season after Billy Edwards Jr. was injured, and Danny O'Neil has been ineffective. Simmons quickly found a favorite receiver and targeted him early and often.
Vinny Anthony right now pic.twitter.com/P1cMfxStv8
— Jeffrey (@my_name_is_jeph) October 4, 2025
Vinny Anthony was the star of the Badgers offense, the only one
Related: Wisconsin has looked way better coming out of the bye in this one major area of focus
Anthony was electric with nine receptions for 97 yards. He was the Simmons safety blanket, but was mostly playing by himself, and thus, when he wasn't open or Simmons tried to turn to a different playmaker, it often led to another punt.
Anthony's longest catch came on a nice 27-yard grab that led to the longest play of the afternoon for Wisconsin. He single-handedly tried to will the Badgers to victory, along with the defense. Mike Tressel's defense kept the Badgers in it as long as possible, but with so many punts and three-and-outs, they eventually wore down.
It was another bad day for Luke Fickell and his team. It's hard to think Fickell finds a way to survive this season. Anthony, being the only saving grace, isn't going to do it for Fickell. The rest of the game was hard to watch at best and frustrating at worst.
The Badgers take on the Iowa Hawkeyes back at home next week.