By Andrew Bailie Posted on

Huskies stunned in Camp Randall, as they fall 13-10 to Wisconsin

The Huskies traveled to Wisconsin in search of a second road conference win this year. Washington was coming off a big win over Illinois and had an extra week to prepare for the Badgers, who were on a six-game losing streak. While the opportunity was there for the taking on Saturday, the Dawgs faced unexpected adversity at Wisconsin.

Huskies have another slow start offensively on the road

Washington struggled to find a rhythm on offense and was ineffective on third down in the first half against the Badgers. The Huskies were two of six on third down and had an unsuccessful fourth-down attempt on their first four drives. They were held scoreless in the first quarter for their third consecutive road game. Washington eventually scored on an 11-play, 52-yard drive. QB Demond Williams’ 36-yard scramble helped set Grady Gross up for a 42-yard field goal to put the Dawgs on the board.

The Huskies’ defense bends but doesn’t break

When Wisconsin moved the ball into Husky territory, Washington’s defense held strong. The Badgers had three opportunities inside the Huskies’ 50, but scored just three points in the first half. Washington’s defense made a big stop on a fourth down and two at the six in the red zone. The Huskies kept Wisconsin’s offense out of the end zone for the entire first half. The Badgers were just one of eight on third down, and the Dawgs’ defense was effective at creating pressure on Wisconsin’s QBs.

Washington takes a halftime lead thanks to special teams in an ugly first half

The Huskies took their first lead of the game following a big blocked punt by Anthony Ward. As a result of the huge special team’s play, Washington had the ball at Wisconsin’s one-yard line to start the drive. Demond Williams found Denzel Boston in the corner of the end zone to put the Huskies up 10-3. The Huskies missed an opportunity to extend their lead when Williams threw an interception in the end zone from Wisconsin’s 36. Although Washington took a 10-3 lead into halftime, several players sustained injuries. WR Denzel Boston and RB Jonah Coleman limped off the field after taking hits. Offensive linemen RT Drew Azzopardi and C Landen Hatchett also came out of the game with injuries.

The Huskies ugly play continues in the second half

The Huskies faced a difficult challenge of playing without RB Jonah Coleman, RT Drew Azzopardi, and C Landen Hatchett. However, WR Denzel Boston did return, though not at 100%. They also dealt with the complex elements of wet snow and wind. Turnovers were another challenge the Dawgs faced. On their first second-half drive on a third and seven from their own 24, the Huskies had a false start. On the next play, Demond Williams was sacked and stripped, as the Badgers recovered the fumble at Washington’s seven-yard line.

Wisconsin seizes momentum in the third quarter

Two plays after recovering the fumble, Wisconsin’s QB Carter Smith ran in for a game-tying score. On their next possession, the Huskies’ drive got off to a poor start. Demond Williams was sacked on the first play of the drive for a 16-yard loss, as he was called for intentional grounding. Washington then had two false starts in a row on third down. The Huskies then kicked a short punt after a three-yard gain on third and 30, giving Wisconsin the ball at Washington’s 36.

The Badgers take the lead on a field goal

Carter Smith had another big 16-yard run for Wisconsin, moving the ball into the red zone. The Huskies’ defense held their ground again, as they forced the Badgers to kick a field goal. Nathaniel Vakos’ kick was good from 32 yards out to give Wisconsin a 13-10 lead with 1:58 remaining in the third.

The Huskies’ comeback effort falls short

Washington looked like they would response, but were unable to finish a long drive with points. Their 14-play, 63-yard drive stalled at the Badgers’ 32-yard line. Grady Gross had a chance to tie the game with a field goal, but his attempt from 51 yards was blocked. The Huskies’ defense gave the offense one more chance to score after making a stop on third and three with three minutes left in the game. Unfortunately, Demond Williams was tackled short of a first down on fourth and six near Washington’s 40, with a minute remaining. Wisconsin then went into victory formation for a shocking 13-10 upset.

Key stats in Washington’s frustrating loss

The Huskies struggled a find a rhythm on offense throughout the game, converting just 5 of 16 third-down attempts. Demond Williams had two crucial turnovers, one an interception in the end zone, the other a fumble near his own goal line. He finished the game 20/32, with 132 yards passing, one touchdown, and one interception. Washington had just 56 yards rushing from its running backs, playing without RB Jordan Washington and RB Jonah Coleman for most of the game. Not having RT Drew Azzopardi and C Landen Hatchett made running the ball a challenge as well.

The Huskies’ defense played well, but could not create a takeaway

Washington’s defense kept the team in the game. The Badgers were just 2/14 on third down and threw for only 48 yards. Though Wisconsin ran the ball 47 times for 157 yards and a touchdown, but the Huskies gave up just 3.3 yards per carry. Unfortunately, Washington was unable to take advantage of Wisconsin’s sloppiness with the football. The Badgers had a -8 turnover margin and 12 turnovers going into this game. Wisconsin had two fumbles in today’s game, but the Huskies did not recover them. Washington lost the turnover battle (2-0) and also lost the game. The Huskies will need to recover from this defeat, regroup, and prepare for Purdue next Saturday at Husky Stadium.

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