REPLAY: Wisconsin defeats Nebraska, 24-17, in overtime; Braelon Allen scores game-winning touchdown

The Wisconsin Badgers football team snapped a three-game losing streak and became bowl eligible with its 24-17 overtime win over Nebraska Saturday night at Camp Randall Stadium.

The win improved the Badgers' record to 6-5 overall with a season-ending contest against Minnesota on tap next week.

After two huge first-quarter touchdowns by Nebraska QB Chubba Purdy — one on the ground and one through the air — Wisconsin's defense didn't allow another TD and the Braelon Allen-led offense wouldn't be denied as the Badgers won the Freedom Trophy for a 10th straight time.

Check out how the game unfolded through our live blog in reverse chronological order.

Wisconsin vs. Nebraska Box Score

Wisconsin vs. Nebraska final team stats

Chubba Purdy has breakout game starting for Nebraska; Tanner Mordecai was solid for Wisconsin

Chubba Purdy, starting his first game for the Huskers, finished 15 of 23 (65%) for 169 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Purdy led Nebraska on the ground with 14 carries for 105 yards and a 55-yard touchdown on the team’s first drive. But the Badgers defense held him mostly in check after the first quarter.

Wisconsin QB Tanner Mordecai, playing in his second game back from a broken hand, finished 18 for 28 (64%) for 160 yards, one touchdown and zero picks.

His favorite target was redshirt sophomore Will Pauling, who caught eight passes for 79 yards, and was on the end of a couple key third-down receptions.

Social media reacts to Badgers winning Freedom Trophy, Wisconsin becoming bowl eligible, Braelon Allen's performance

Fans have been mostly discouraged after every game this season. But Saturday provided an uplifting moment as the team rallied back for a 24-17 win over Nebraska to become bowl eligible for a 22nd straight season.

Here's how social media reacted to the victory, particularly Braelon Allen's performance (22 carries for 62 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime).

Iowa wins the Big Ten West

Iowa clinched the Big Ten West with its 15-13 win over Illinois on Saturday and will play either Michigan or Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game in two weeks.

Updated Big Ten West standings

• Iowa (9-2, 6-2 in Big Ten)

• Northwestern (6-5, 4-4)

• Wisconsin (6-5, 4-4)

• Nebraska (5-6, 3-5)

• Minnesota (5-6, 3-5)

• Illinois (5-6, 3-5)

• Purdue (3-8, 2-6)

Updated Big Ten East standings

• Michigan (11-0, 8-0)

• Ohio State (11-0, 8-0)

• Penn State (9-2, 6-2)

• Maryland (6-5, 3-5)

• Rutgers (6-5, 3-5)

• Michigan State (4-7, 2-6)

• Indiana (3-8, 1-7)

When was the last time Nebraska beat Wisconsin?

Wisconsin's winning streak over Nebraska continues. The Badgers have now defeated the Cornhuskers 10 straight times with Nebraska's last win in the series coming back during the 2012 regular season.

The Badgers have gone 6-0 against Nebraska at Camp Randall Stadium since the Cornhuskers joined the Big Ten in 2011.

Wisconsin intercepts Chubba Purdy on fourth down, wins overtime thriller

With Nebraska facing a 3rd and 11, the Huskers are penalized for a false start and it's 3rd and 16 from the 31-yard line. Then Chubba Purdy throws high for an incompletion.

It's fourth down. A stop wins the game for the Badgers.

Purdy throws it deep amid pressure and the Badgers' Preston Zachman intercepts the pass at the 4-yard line.

The Badgers win the game in overtime, 24-17, and their three-game losing streak is over.

Wisconsin certainly showed some resolve tonight.

It’s the Badgers’ second comeback win when they’ve trailed by double digits this season.

Wisconsin gets ball first in overtime, strike first with a Braelon Allen touchdown

The Badgers get a key first down on a 3rd and 8 when Tanner Mordecai found Vinny Anthony over the middle.

Then facing third down again — this time 3rd and 10 — Moredcai ran it for 9 yards to set up 4th and 1 from the Nebraska 5-yard line.

The Badgers are going for it. It’s a gutsy call especially after failing to convert the previous two times on fourth down.

Braelon Allen powers his way to a first down for the team's first fourth down conversion of the game. The Badgers now have the ball at the 3-yard line. Can they punch it in and then force Nebraska to get a TD when it gets the ball?

One play later, Allen powers his way in for the score. The running back simply won’t be denied tonight. He kept his legs moving on the play and got a push amid a swarm of bodies into the end zone. The Badgers strike first in overtime for a 24-17 lead.

Nebraska makes 30-yard field goal to tie game at 17; Badgers-Huskers going to overtime

Nebraska came into the game as the Big Ten's top rushing team.

The Huskers are going back to their bread and butter on this drive late in the game, trailing 17-14.

There has been an 18-yard run from by Emmett Johnson to get to the Wisconsin 47-yard line.

There there was a 22-yard run by Chubba Purdy to get to the Wisconsin 26-yard line.

There were three more runs totaling 14 yards to get even closer. The drive ends with a made 30-yard field goal with 4 seconds left to tie the game at 17 apiece. That was the Huskers’ best drive in a long time and it came at the perfect time for Nebraska.

We're going to overtime. It's the first time both teams will play in OT this season.

Wisconsin's drive stalls, Nebraska gets it back late in game

After Tanner Mordecai's 17-yard pass to Will Pauling to convert a third down, Wisconsin was on the move at the Nebraska 48-yard line. But two short runs and an incomplete pass forced a punt. Wisconsin leads 17-14 with 3:37 left in the game.

Can the Badgers defense get one more stop?

If it does, Wisconsin might just secure the victory.

Badgers defense stops Chubba Purdy again, gives ball back to Tanner Mordecai and Wisconsin offense

Wisconsin's defense continues to do its job.

Nebraska doesn't get a first down and punts it back to the Badgers with 6:55 left in the game.

The Badgers are clinging to a 17-14 lead. Can they put away Nebraska for their first win since Oct. 21 and get bowl eligible?

Nebraska gets a huge fourth-down stop as Badgers were driving

Wisconsin's offense had a strong drive going and was in striking distance to put up more points.

But for the second straight possession the Badgers were stopped on fourth down in the Huskers' territory.

The 11-play drive ended at the Nebraska 32-yard line after the Badgers couldn't convert both a 3rd and 1 and then a 4th and 1. Both were run plays.

The big play on the drive was a 17-yard run by Braelon Allen that got the ball to the Nebraska 41-yard line. Two more runs by the Badgers set them up perfectly, but the Huskers' defense came up big. Nonetheless, Allen, who still isn’t 100%, has really ran with a purpose this half despite being stopped on 4th and 1.

Nebraska takes over with 8:37 left in the game.

Wisconsin's offense has struggled all season on fourth downs, as the NBC broadcast noted. For the season, they are now 4 for 15 on fourth downs, which is 125th in FBS. There are 133 FBS teams.

Nebraska punts for a third time and still hasn't scored since the first quarter

A false start penalty to open the fourth quarter sends the Huskers back 5 yards for a 3rd and 12. We'll give credit to the Wisconsin fans who were still rocking from "Jump Around."

A 4-yard run is all Chubba Purdy gets and Nebraska punts again. That's three straight punts from Nebraska.

The drive lasts 4:42 but only leads to 16 yards for Nebraska. Wisconsin gets it back with 14:19 left in the fourth quarter.

Can Wisconsin get a lengthy drive and build some separation?

Wisconsin leads Nebraska 17-14 heading into fourth quarter

The crowd at Camp Randall Stadium enjoyed this "Jump Around" a little more than last week when the Badgers trailed Northwestern 24-3 after the third quarter.

The Badgers lead Nebraska, 17-14, heading into the fourth quarter.

Wisconsin looks to snap a three-game losing streak and three-game home skid.

Badgers get great field position but are stopped on fourth down

Wisconsin can't capitalize on the great field position and fail to convert on 4th and 3 from the Nebraska 33-yard line.

Will momentum shift after Nebraska stopped the Badgers similar to how it did when the Huskers didn't convert a fourth down earlier in the game?

Wisconsin's defense continues to hold down Nebraska's offense

Wisconsin's offense gets the ball back with 5:55 left in the third quarter and with great field position (at the Nebraska 40-yard line) after its defense again shuts down Chubba Purdy and Nebraska for a fifth straight possession.

After those first two TDs to open the game, Nebraska's last five drives have ended with three punts, a missed field goal and a turnover on downs.

Wisconsin has first lead in a game in almost a month

Wisconsin has its first lead in a game since it scored 18 unanswered fourth-quarter points against Illinois on Oct. 21. The Badgers never led against Ohio State, Indiana or Northwestern over the last three weeks, all of which were losses.

Wisconsin has outplayed Nebraska on offense and defense since the Huskers struck quickly with two first-quarter TDs.

Braelon Allen's 2-yard touchdown drive puts Wisconsin ahead, 17-14

Wisconsin's defense stops Nebraska's offense again.

And then the Badgers score to take the lead, 17-14. Braelon Allen bulldozes his way in from 2 yards out for the score.

The key play was a holding penalty in the end zone by Nebraska. That gave the Badgers the ball near the goal line. The very next play Tanner Mordecai gave the ball to Allen for the score.

The 10-play TD drive went 79 yards across 4:31. Wisconsin is moving the ball much better these last few drives than it has for much of the previous two games.

After going behind 14-0, Wisconsin has scored 17 straight points.

Score: Wisconsin 17, Nebraska 14 (7:47 left in third quarter)

Hunter Wohler is out for the Badgers

Star safety Hunter Wohler has been ruled out with an injury. He was injured late in the second quarter with an upper body injury.

Wisconsin Badgers open second half with the ball

Wisconsin gets the ball first in the second half looking to keep the momentum going after outscoring the Huskers 10-0 in the second quarter to get back in the contest, down just 14-10.

However, the Badgers go three and out and punt.

Wisconsin vs. Nebraska first half stats

Nebraska's two huge TD plays on its first two possessions are the difference.

Total yards: Nebraska 270, Wisconsin 133

Passing yards: Nebraska 144, Wisconsin 88

Rushing yards: Nebraska 126, Wisconsin 45

Time of possession: Nebraska 18:25, Wisconsin 11:35

Chubba Purdy first half stats

Chubba Purdy got his first start of the season and he came out hot through the air and on the ground, leading touchdown drives on the Huskers' first two possessions.

Through the air, Purdy is 10 for 12 for 144 yards and a touchdown. Purdy is also the team's leading rusher with nine carries for 68 yards and a touchdown.

Wisconsin Badgers first half stats

Tanner Mordecai is 10 for 15 for 88 yards and a touchdown. With the Badgers trailing early, Phil Longo leaned into the passing game.

Jackson Acker leads the Badgers on the ground with three carries for 18 yards. Braelon Allen, the team's leading rusher this season, has just three carries for 6 yards.

Will Pauling has three receptions for 20 yards. The big play through the air for the Badgers was Mordecai's 26-yard TD pass to Acker in the second quarter.

Nebraska misses a field goal on final play of first half; Huskers lead Badgers 14-10 at halftime

Chubba Purdy is showing some poise in this one. Facing 1st and 20 with 26 seconds left in the half at their own 38-yard line, Purdy found a gap in Wisconsin's defense for a spectacular completion to the Wisconsin 35-yard line.

Nebraska was now suddenly in business.

But Huskers kicker Tristan Alvano missed a 42-yard field goal as the first half came to a close. Alvano entered the game 7 for 11 on field goals this season and just 1 for 4 from 40-49 yards.

Nebraska leads Wisconsin 14-10 at halftime.

Nathanial Vakos makes 35-yard field goal for Badgers

Luke Fickell and his staff have to be pleased with the Badgers in the second quarter. Another solid drive leads to points for Wisconsin.

A six-play, 35-yard drive ends with a 35-yard field goal from Nathanial Vakos.

Score: Nebraska: 14, Wisconsin 10 (1:54 left in second quarter)

Wisconsin's Nyzier Fourqurean gets big sack, Badgers defense forced Nebraska into first punt of game

Wisconsin's defense has its best stand of the game.

The Badgers force Nebraska into its first punt without the Huskers getting a first down for the first time on a drive.

The big play was on second down when Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean sacked Chubba Purdy on second down, setting up a 3rd and 15 at the Huskers' 31-yard line.

Purdy scrambled for just 2 yards on the third down.

The Badgers have the ball back with some momentum now. After just a 19-yard punt, Wisconsin has the ball at its own 48-yard line with 3:54 left in the second quarter.

Tanner Mordecai finds Jackson Acker for 26-yard touchdown to get on the board

The Badgers get the answer they desperately needed.

Tanner Mordecai leads a nine-play, 66-yard touchdown drive across 3:47 to get the Badgers on the board. Mordecai lofted a pass to Jackson Acker over two Nebraska defenders on the left side for a 26-yard score.

The Badgers defense got a stop on the last drive after Chubba Purdy lighted them up to start the game for two scores. Can Mike Tressel's unit do it again?

Score: Nebraska 14, Wisconsin 7 (6:37 left in second quarter)

Wisconsin defense stops Nebraska on fourth down as Huskers are in Badgers territory

Wisconsin finally gets the stop that it needed.

Nebraska faced a 4th and 1 from the Badgers' 33-yard line. With Wisconsin struggling to slow down Nebraska so far, Matt Rhule decided to go for it.

But Wisconsin stuffed Emmett Johnson at the line and the Badgers will take over.

Now, can Tanner Mordecai engineer a positive drive for Wisconsin?

Led by Chubba Purdy, Nebraska controls first quarter vs. Wisconsin

Nebraska dominated the first quarter just like Northwestern did last week against the Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium.

Chubba Purdy, getting his first start at quarterback, went 5 for 6 for 79 yards and one passing touchdown. The dual-threat QB added 49 on the ground with a rushing touchdown for 128 total yards from scrimmage.

Nebraska, which leads the Big Ten in rushing yards per game, already has 83 yards in the first quarter. Wisconsin, a program known for its run game, had just 12 yards.

Total yards: Nebraska 162 to Wisconsin 32

Nebraska leads Wisconsin 14-0 after first quarter, another penalty hurts Badgers

Penalties are really hurting the Badgers.

It appeared Wisconsin was going to force Nebraska to punt for a first time after Chubba Purdy's deep pass was incomplete on third down. But a roughing the passer by Wisconsin's Christian Alliegro with Nebraska deep in its own territory at its 8-yard line gives Purdy and the Huskers new life.

Anthony Grant runs 10 yards on the next play and now the Huskers are on the move. Grant runs again for 4 yards to end the first quarter.

End of first quarter: Nebraska 14, Wisconsin 0.

Wisconsin's offense can't respond to Nebraska, punts again after another key penalty

How is the Wisconsin offense responding to Nebraska's offensive firepower?

Not very well.

Tanner Mordecai and the Badgers punted for a second straight drive and failing to get anything going. And for the second straight possession, a penalty puts the Badgers in a big hole. First there was a 15-yard personal foul after Wisconsin got a first down. Then a sack put them in a big disadvantage.

This drive: 7 plays, 4 yards

Nebraska gets another huge touchdown play, up 14-0 after a 58-yard score

Wisconsin talked all week about starting fast against Nebraska.

Well, you can throw that out the window. The Badgers are in a big hole.

Two drives, two touchdowns for Nebraska and it's 14-0 nine minutes into the game.

On 2nd and 20 at their own 42-yard line, Chubba Purdy connected with Jaylen Lloyd for a 58-yard touchdown. Lloyd broke one tackle and then left the other Badgers defenders in his dust on his way to the end zone.

That's two explosive scores for Nebraska, a team that had just 10 points last week in a loss to Maryland.

That TD drive went six plays for 76 yards after the opening drive went six plays for 75 yards.

Score: Nebraska 14, Wisconsin 0 (6 minutes left in the first quarter)

Wisconsin punts on first drive, false start penalty costly

Wisconsin gets one first down on its opening drive on a 10-yard run by Jackson Acker, but the drive quickly stalls and the Badgers punt.

A false start penalty by lineman Jack Nelson put the Badgers in a 3rd and 9. Wisconsin had five penalties for 50 yards in last week's 24-10 loss to Northwestern.

Chubba Purdy outruns Wisconsin defense for huge 55-yard touchdown run to put Nebraska up 7-0

Wow.

Chubba Purdy can move and has some speed. With Nebraska facing a 3rd and 3 from its own 45-yard line, it appeared Wisconsin had Purdy in trouble.

But the quarterback raced by all of the Badgers defenders on his way to a 55-yard touchdown. Just like that, it's Nebraska that strikes first with a huge play.

Nebraska goes six plays across 75 yards with two third-down conversions. Not an encouraging start for the Badgers. It's the third straight game in which the Badgers have allowed an opening drive touchdown.

Score: Nebraska 7, Wisconsin 0 (11:33 left in first quarter)

Nebraska gets the ball first

We're underway from Madison. Nebraska and the run-heavy Cornhuskers get the ball first and and convert a short 3rd down.

Northwestern, the Badgers' opponent last week, started the game 10 for 10 on third downs against Wisconsin.

Weather report at Camp Randall Stadium for Wisconsin vs. Nebraska

It's 45 degrees, with a feels-like temperature of 42 and 6 mph winds.

Brock Purdy's younger brother Chubba Purdy is starting for Nebraska

We have our answer on who will be Nebraska’s starting QB. It’s Chubba Purdy, a dual-threat quarterback.

He's the younger brother of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who was the final draft pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

Chubba Purdy is a 6-foot-2, 210-pound sophomore from Queen Creek, Arizona. He was a four-star recruit at Perry High School in Arizona.

He began his career at Florida State before transferring to Nebraska ahead of the 2022 season. Purdy played in four games with one start for the Seminoles.

Purdy played in six games with two starts in his first season for the Huskers last year.

Who will start at quarterback for Nebraska? Is Heinrich Haarberg playing tonight?

Heinrich Haarberg, the team's dual threat QB, is listed as questionable, one of two Huskers with that designation.

The sophomore left last week's game against Maryland with an ankle injury after the team’s first drive.

For the season, Haarberg has completed 77 of 157 passes (49%) for 967 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

He’s a threat to run with 477 yards on 120 carries and five touchdowns. His longest run is 72 yards.

Junior Jeff Sims came in for Haarberg and didn’t have much success. He finished 8 of 13 for 62 yards and two interceptions and lost a fumble. Much like Haarberg, he’s also comfortable running the ball, carrying it 10 times for 33 yards. Chubba Purdy relieved Sims on the team's final drive and finished 1 for 3 for 24 yards and a devastating interception on 3rd and goal with the scored tied at 10-10.

Maryland then drove 75 yards on 12 plays for a game-winning 24-yard field goal.

Luke Fickell interview ahead of game vs. Nebraska

Luke Fickell has taken plenty of heat throughout the season as the Badgers have stumbled to live up to his "playing for championships" goal this season.

What does the coach have to say before tonight's primetime game?

Wisconsin injury report vs. Nebraska

Badgers who are out

• Chez Mellusi

• Michael Mack

• Max Lofy

• Jackson Trudgeon

• Aaron Witt

• Max Rader

• Peyton Lange

• Angel Toombs

• Michael Cerniglia, Jr.

• Chris Brooks

• Jack Pugh

• Jordan Mayer

Wisconsin players who are questionable to play vs. Nebraska

• Braelon Allen (he played last week but had just three carries for 3 yards as he continues to recover from a leg injury he suffered against Ohio State last month)

• Kamo’I Latu

Big Ten games in the afternoon slot

There are two Big Ten games taking place this afternoon.

Iowa, who with a win would win the Big Ten West, is playing host to Illinois. Follow here for game updates via HawkCentral.

And Ohio State looks to remain undefeated ahead of their showdown with Michigan next week as they host Minnesota. Follow here for games updates via the Columbus Dispatch.

Big Ten scores

The four early games are in the books. Here are the final scores:

• Penn State 27, Rutgers 6 (RECAP)

• Michigan State 24, Indiana 21 (RECAP)

• Michigan 31, Maryland 24 (RECAP)

• Northwestern 23, Purdue 15 (RECAP)

What time is the Wisconsin football game today vs. Nebraska?

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday.

Wisconsin vs. Nebraska football TV channel, livestream

The game will air on NBC. That's Channel 4 in Milwaukee and Channel 26 in Green Bay/Appleton. You can livestream the game on the NBC and Peacock apps via your TV provider.

Viewing info: Your guide for Wisconsin's game against Nebraska

What trophy does Wisconsin and Nebraska play for?

They play for the Freedom Trophy, which honors the military ties from both schools.

Here's the background behind the trophy and more history between the Badgers and Cornhuskers.

What is Wisconsin's record vs. Nebraska?

The Badgers and Cornhuskers have played each other 16 times with Wisconsin winning 12 of those games.

Wisconsin has owned the rivalry since Nebraska joined the Big 10 in 2011, winning 10 of the 11 matchups. The only loss for the Badgers came during the 2012 regular season when they fell 30-27 on Sept. 29. The Badgers got revenge a little more than two months later when they thrashed the Cornhuskers, 70-31, to win their second straight Big Ten championship and a Rose Bowl berth.

Wisconsin is 5-0 against Nebraska at Camp Randall Stadium since Nebraska joined the Big Ten.

Rivalry?: Wisconsin has dominated Nebraska with a punishing ground game

Wisconsin Badgers vs. Nebraska Huskers predictions

Wisconsin hasn't won a game in nearly a month with losses during this time to Ohio State, Indiana and Northwestern. Nebraska has lost its last two games with the losses coming to Michigan State and Maryland. Who will finally get back in the win column and become bowl eligible? Our three Badgers reporters all say Wisconsin gets the victory on Senior Day to not only snap their overall losing streak but also its three-game home skid. But don't expect a lot of scoring.

Nickel column: Where to go from here? Wisconsin football needs positive mindset and fighter spirit.

Wisconsin vs. Nebraska odds: spread, money line, over/under point total

The Badgers are 6-point favorites as of Friday night. Wisconsin is -225 on the money line, Nebraska is +185; the over/under is 37. All odds are courtesy of BETMEGM.

Wisconsin has failed to cover the spread its last two games, losing both outright as touchdown-plus favorites. Nebraska has also not covered its last two games, one as a favorite and another as a slight underdog.

The Badgers average 22.20 points per game and allows 19.60.

Nebraska averages 18.90 points per game and allows 18.20.

Wisconsin vs. Nebraska: 4 things to watch as both teams try to become bowl eligible

Big Ten football standings

West Division

• Iowa (8-2, 5-2)

• Nebraska (5-5, 3-4)

• Minnesota (5-5, 3-4)

• Northwestern (5-5, 3-4)

• Wisconsin (5-5, 3-4)

• Illinois (5-5, 3-4)

• Purdue (3-7, 2-5)

East Division

• Ohio State (10-0, 7-0)

• Michigan (10-0, 7-0)

• Penn State (8-2, 5-2)

• Maryland (6-4, 3-4)

• Rutgers (6-4, 3-4)

• Indiana (3-7, 1-6)

• Michigan State (3-7, 1-6)

Big Ten football schedule

All 14 teams are in action on Saturday. Here are the seven games:

• Purdue at Northwestern (11 a.m.)

• Michigan State at Indiana (11 a.m.)

• Michigan at Maryland (11 a.m.)

• Rutgers at Penn State (11 a.m.)

• Illinois at Iowa (2:30 p.m.)

• Minnesota at Ohio State (3 p.m.)

• Nebraska at Wisconsin (6:30 p.m.)

Wisconsin 2023 football schedule

Nebraska 2023 football schedule

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin football beats Nebraska, 24-17; live game, score, highlights