Wisconsin’s football team faced a tough matchup against Nebraska on Saturday, experiencing a 44-25 defeat that marked their first loss to the Cornhuskers since 2012. This loss breaks a streak of 10 consecutive victories over Nebraska and halts Wisconsin’s four-game winning run at Memorial Stadium.
The game commenced with Nebraska quickly seizing a 7-0 lead, as quarterback Heinrich Haarberg rushed for a 5-yard touchdown following an impressive 55-yard opening drive. Wisconsin responded promptly, with a swift 12-play, 82-yard drive that concluded with a short touchdown pass from Braedyn Locke to Bryson Green, leveling the score at 7-7.
Despite having opportunities to take control, the Badgers struggled with special teams, missing two field goal attempts in the first half. Nebraska capitalized on Wisconsin’s 34-yard missed field goal, converting it into a touchdown drive that pushed them back into the lead. As the first half concluded, a fumble by Wisconsin and a subsequent field goal allowed Nebraska to extend their lead to 24-10.
The second half continued to be challenging for the Badgers as Nebraska extended their lead. However, Wisconsin fought back with a touchdown from Bryson Green, followed by a 58-yard touchdown pass from Locke to Vinny Anthony II, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap, as Nebraska ultimately sealed the game with another touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Vinny Anthony II had an outstanding performance, leading the Badgers with 137 receiving yards and marking his first career 100-yard game. Quarterback Braedyn Locke also had a solid outing, throwing for three touchdowns and completing 20 of 30 passes for 292 yards, despite one interception.
Looking ahead, Wisconsin will host Minnesota at Camp Randall Stadium next Friday, where they will aim to secure Paul Bunyan’s Axe. This matchup presents the Badgers an opportunity to bounce back from this loss, as they lead the all-time series against Minnesota with a record of 63-62-8.
With their eyes focused on the upcoming game, the team remains hopeful for a strong finish to the season, potentially regaining momentum and confidence in the remaining games. Fans will be eager to see if the Badgers can rally and turn their season around against a Minnesota team that recently faced its own defeat to No. 4 Penn State.