Evanston, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) recovers a blocked field goal against the Northwestern Wildcats at Lanny and Sharon Martin Stadium.
The Wisconsin football team had plenty of chances to win against the Penn State Nittany Lions, but could not do so during the loss.
The Badgers got off to a solid start in the first-half of football and looked to be in prime position to pack on points. Penn State starting quarterback Drew Allar exited the game at the half, along with two starting defenders for the Nittany Lions. However, the Badgers were their own worst enemy in the second-half and ultimately lost due to momentum plays.
Wisconsin offensive line coach AJ Blazek works with Manny Mullens (58) during spring practice outside Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday April 13, 2024
The biggest momentum play of them all was a pick-six throw by Wisconsin football starting quarterback Braedyn Locke. The quarterback did not see the safety in the middle of the field, and threw a pass directly to the defender. With a few moves, the defender quickly found himself in the end zone giving the Nittany Lions a 14-10 lead over the Badgers.
When Wisconsin received the ball back, there was a penalty on the Nittany Lions which allowed for the Badgers to secure solid field position. Wisconsin scored to bring the game within one, but the damage appeared to have been done to the team.
Following the score, the Badgers failed to score again on offense and watched as backup quarterback Beau Pribula picked apart the defense. The Wisconsin football team had been showing true promise before the loss, but have taken some big steps backwards against a team that is just more talented all-around.
The Wisconsin football team will have to hit the drawing board before facing off against the Iowa Hawkeyes next.
Wisconsin Football Struggles to Generate Momentum of Offense Against Penn State
Wisconsin receivers Kenny Guiton works with Chris Brooks during a drill during practice on Tuesday April 9, 2024 at the McClain Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
While the Wisconsin defense did not have their best game, the Wisconsin football offense could not find any momentum after the pick-six, which ultimately ended the game for the Badgers.
The Wisconsin football team allowed a long, 13 play drive that resulted in a touchdown and gave the Nittany Lions an extended lead. Following the score, Wisconsin went three and out and failed to actually find a response for the Penn State offense. After the flop of a possession in response, the Wisconsin football team only touched the football once more and ultimately turned the ball over on downs.
Wisconsin was not able to find any sort of rhythm or momentum on offense, which ultimately shutdown the Badgers against the Nittany Lions.
Wisconsin football
Wisconsin defensive line coach E.J. Whitlow is shown during spring football practice Thursday, April 25, 2024 in Madison, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Badgers football team plays their season opener against Western Michigan on August 31.
Leave a Reply