The Wisconsin Badgers kickstarted their 2026 campaign in what turned into a desolate 41-13 loss against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
What makes this even worse is that the Badgers trailed just 13-10 going into the second half, showing their ability to keep up with a team forecasted to be one of the favorites for a College Football Playoff bid. However, after those first 30 minutes and the adrenaline had worn off, Wisconsin quickly fell back to earth, losing the second half by a 28-3 margin.
The Badgers gave their fans 30 minutes to think this year would be different.
— Game Day Desk (@GameDayDesk) September 7, 2026
The Badgers finished the game with two turnovers: one interception by Colton Joseph (which just so happened to be a pick-six) and a fumble by Harrison Bortolotti.
I really thought
we had a chance after that first half. Don’t really feel like we got out schemed or anything. They just simply have way more athletic, better players. Kinda is what is. Still looking better than last year though.
— Carter Lowe 🦡 (@carterjlowe) September 7, 2026
In the second half, the Badgers were outgained 215-141, showing the gulf between the squads, something even the most optimistic Wisconsin fans were fearing.
Spent the whole offseason scheming up that first half and it was pretty obvious they had no idea on how to adjust in the second half
— Eddy (@eddyownsu) September 7, 2026
Up next for the Badgers is Western Illinois on Saturday, September 12, with kickoff set for 7:15 p.m. ET.
What's the definition of insanity?
— Evan Rood (@evinrude95) September 7, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Social media reacts to Wisconsin’s lopsided loss to Notre Dame
