In a hard-fought battle, the top-ranked Oregon Ducks narrowly defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 16-13 in Madison on Saturday night, November 16, 2024. Despite the loss, the Badgers’ performance against a formidable opponent showcased their resilience and potential.
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning praised his team’s efforts after the win, reflecting the tight contest that unfolded at Camp Randall Stadium. The game saw Wisconsin initially struggle on offense, but they managed to take a 13-7 lead at one point, thanks to a touchdown from quarterback Braedyn Locke to receiver Will Pauling. Wisconsin’s defense put up a commendable fight, but ultimately, Oregon’s ability to capitalize in crucial moments led to their victory.
Turnovers proved pivotal, as Wisconsin, despite a promising start that included a field goal to tie the game and a solid defensive performance, suffered a late interception by Locke that ended their last chance for a comeback. Both teams highlighted their challenges with penalties, as Wisconsin recorded eight while Oregon had seven, though both were able to keep turnovers to a minimum.
Looking ahead, the Badgers are set to face Nebraska next in a critical matchup for bowl eligibility. Both teams currently hold a 5-5 record, making this contest essential for both sides as they aim to end their respective losing streaks. This upcoming challenge offers Wisconsin an opportunity to regroup and build on the positives from their narrow defeat against the Ducks.
In summary, Wisconsin’s near-miss against Oregon may not have ended in victory, but it demonstrated their competitiveness against a top-tier opponent. With their upcoming game against Nebraska, there remains hope for the Badgers to secure their spot in the postseason with a strong finish to the season.