No. 19 Wisconsin Badgers vs. Washington State game recap: Everything we know
On a rainy Saturday afternoon, head coach Paul Chryst and the No. 19 Wisconsin Badgers (1-1) suffered a sloppy, inexcusable home loss against the Washington State Cougars (2-0) in front of 75,000 plus at Camp Randall Stadium.
For the second straight week, Wisconsin produced a balanced 401 yards of total offense (227 passing, 174 rushing) but scored only 14 points and turned the ball over three times.
Despite dominating the time of possession, forcing three turnovers of their own, and holding the Cougars to 253 yards of offense, timely mistakes, penalties, and special teams blunders proved to be too much for the Badgers to overcome – falling to 1-1 on the young season.
Final score: Cougars 17, Badgers 14
Sep 10, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward (1) avoids pressure from Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Nick Herbig (19) during the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Key to the game: Wisconsin’s sloppy play
Sep 10, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi (1) is brought down by Washington State Cougars linebacker Francisco Mauigoa (51) and defensive back Chris Jackson (2) at Camp Randall. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
This game felt more like a loss by Wisconsin than a victory by Washington State, but the end result is the same nonetheless.
The Badgers had too many turnovers, penalties, and breakdowns on special teams to ever really give themselves a chance against the Cougars because this isn’t a team built to overcome mistakes.
UW typically controls the clock and executes its offensive game plan regardless of the opponent. And when they’re efficient, Wisconsin’s challenging to beat. However, the clock isn’t their friend when they play like this.
It was over when...
Sep 3, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Clay Cundiff (85) rushes with the football after catching a pass during the second quarter against the Illinois State Redbirds at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Wisconsin, down three, had the ball with 5:23 remaining in the fourth quarter when quarterback Graham Mertz hit Clay Cundiff across the middle of the field for a first-down – only to have it knocked loose by a Washington State defender and recovered by the Cougars defense.
Washington State would bleed out the clock from there, and the Badgers never had another chance to answer.
— Badger Film Clips (@Badgers_Film) September 11, 2022
Under Paul Chryst, Wisconsin is now 5-18 when trailing heading into the fourth quarter.
Standout performers:
Sep 10, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) celebrates following a touchdown during the second quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
QB Graham Mertz: QB1 followed up an impressive season opener with another solid game on Saturday. Mertz completed 18-of-31 passes for 227 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. It’s also worth noting that 10 of his passes went for first-downs.
WR Keontez Lewis: Lewis, a UCLA transfer, popped against Washington State. Overall, he finished the game with two catches for 62 yards and showed flashes of a downfield threat this offense desperately needs.
TE Clay Cundiff: The Badgers’ No. 1 tight end looked sharp on Saturday, catching four passes for 59 yards and two touchdowns. The Kansas connection was on full display against Washington State.
S Kamo’i Latu: The Utah transfer filled in admirably for injured starter Hunter Wohler, registering six tackles and a sack on Saturday. I liked what I saw and feel confident he’ll be a rock-solid contributor moving forward.
What's next
Sep 10, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) rushes with the football around Washington State Cougars linebacker Francisco Mauigoa (51) during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Wisconsin Badgers (1-1) will look to get back on track next week, hosting the New Mexico State Aggies (0-2) at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, September 17.
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