The Wisconsin Badgers started off hot against the No. 20 Michigan Wolverines on Saturday, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive for the first time all season.
Wisconsin used its running game, with
Dilin Jones having 34 yards on eight carries, while quarterback Hunter Simmons had three completions for 36 yards on the opening drive.
Michigan responded quickly with a strong rushing drive from Justice Haynes, including a rushing touchdown, but that was most of the fireworks from the first half.
Wisconsin’s defense held up strong for the remainder of the half, with the lone killer play being a great throw and catch up the sidelines from Bryce Underwood to Andrew Marsh, which led to a field goal. They contained the run and limited Underwood to 4 of 9 passing for 55 yards.
Offensively, though, the Badgers have struggled to run the ball outside of the first drive, and Simmons hasn’t gotten much opportunity. There’ve been a fair share of questionable calls, including a pair of third-down wildcat runs that were easily snuffed out, as offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes hasn’t really trusted his quarterback much yet.
Wisconsin had an opportunity near the end of the half, but elected to play it conservatively and ended up punting in plus territory. We’ll see how they adjust in the second half, but the Wolverines will get the ball to start.
