Wisconsin vs Michigan Recap: 3 Things we Learned

The Wisconsin Badgers and Michigan Wolverines faced off in Week 5 in a big afternoon game. The Wolverines handed the Badgers their first loss of the season in a tough defensive battle, showing who had the better defense in the end.

The Wolverines led 7-0 by halftime but all things got tied up at 7 with 8 minutes left in the third quarter. Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to running back Dare Ogunbowale.

Michigan would pull away despite three missed field goals as well. Quarterback Wilton Speight connected with receiver Amara Darboh on a 46-yard long pass to put the score at 14-7 with 7:56 remaining in the game.

MichiganWolverines14

WisconsinBadgers7

The Michigan Wolverines Defense is the best in the Big Ten

The Wolverines defense made things difficult for the Wisconsin Badgers offense all game long. The secondary forced three interceptions on the day, including one spectacular catch by corner Jourdan Lewis with under a minute left in the game to seal the victory.

The Badgers had just eight first downs all day and 159 total yards of offense (88 passing, 71 rushing). The Michigan defense held them to just seven points and 4-14 on their third down conversions.

Wisconsin had 122 rushing yards and two touchdowns last week. They were held scoreless this week on the ground by the Wolverines. The win by the Wolverines breaks an eight game road winning streak for the Badgers.

The Michigan Wolverines Have Some Kicking Issues to Solve

The margin of victory could of been a lot larger for the Wolverines but kicking issues left points on the field in key moments.

The Michigan Wolverines left a lot of points on the board by way of field goal.

Michigan kicker Kenny Allen missed field goals of 31 and 43 yards in the first half. In the second half, kicker Ryan Tice missed the third field goal from 40 yards out.

The Wolverines still won the game but 23-7 is a much safer victory than a 14-7 victory. But it is a victory nonetheless for Michigan in a key Big Ten game.

There is Pedigree in the Watt Family

Linebacker T.J. Watt, brother of Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, showed there is huge pedigree in the Watt family.

After a superstar performance for the Wisconsin Badgers, despite the loss, Watt showed why he could be a force for the Badgers for future seasons.

The junior linebacker had 6 tackles (3 solo, 3 assisted), 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries and a pass breakup.

Watt was one of the unsung leaders out there for the Wisconsin Badgers in the loss. He made his presence felt in key moments for the Badgers defense.

Highlights

Next up for the Badgers: Bye week. Wisconsin gets a week to regroup and find some answers on offense. The Wolverines face Rutgers next week.

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