It was a whirlpool for Wisconsin (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten) on Saturday morning after backup sophomore quarterback Danny O’Neil was benched for third string senior Hunter Simmons about an hour before game time. Simmons, a transfer from Southern Illinois had made just three starts there in three years due to a season-ending injury suffered in week five of last year.
With Simmons making his first career Football Bowl Subdivision start, the Badgers went back to tradition on their first drive at the Big House, burning seven minutes off the game clock on a 12-play, 75-yard drive resulting in redshirt freshman Dilin Jones’ first touchdown on the year.
As expected, Michigan answered quickly. Scoring in just two minutes thanks to a 43 yard rush from transfer junior Justice Haynes — who also scored the touchdown two plays later.
Although the score may not reflect it, Wisconsin’s defense held its own after the opening drive, holding the Wolverines within one score until the third quarter.
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The turning point for the game came with 2:29 left in the third quarter when Wisconsin was driving. Down 17-7, Simmons started off the drive with a 27-yard pass to senior wide receiver Vinny Anthony II
After a four-yard rush for sophomore Darrion Dupree, Simmons dropped back and fired a deep pass down the right sideline intended for redshirt junior receiver Chris Brooks Jr. On what looked to be a defensive pass interference, senior defensive back Rod Moore picked off Simmons.
To add insult to injury, a similar play occurred without a resulting interception in which an underthrown ball was called a defensive pass interference in favor of Michigan.
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Wisconsin wouldn’t threaten Michigan’s lead, giving up another touchdown late in the fourth. After a short field goal from Senior Nathaniel Vakos, the Badgers lost 24-10.
Fans have continued to question the coaching antics from head coach Luke Fickell, as he decided to save his timeouts instead of using them to try and get the ball back in a two-score game.
This marks the first time during the Fickell era that Wisconsin has started 0-2 in Big Ten play, after playing back-to-back weeks against true freshman quarterbacks.
With Wisconsin returning to Camp Randall next weekend for their homecoming game against Iowa, Fickell and his crew will attempt to get back to .500 against a very good Iowa defense, ranked 15th in the country after week four. Wisconsin will also debut their brand new 1980’s throwback uniforms.