Badgers’ Offense Sputters Again As Wisconsin Falls to Iowa

Wisconsin Badgers football is not having the season they wanted. They were originally ranked in the top 10 and many people thought they could challenge Ohio State for the Big Ten crown. None of that is happening. Instead, Wisconsin finished the regular season with three straight losses and an offense that is a complete disaster. Badgers have scored 20 points in their last 12 quarters. That’s so bad. And this game was no different with the Hawkeyes taking down the Badgers, 28-7.
What went wrong for the Badgers: The offense continues to not have all its part – If you want to defend Joe Rudolph’s playcalling, the simple answer is Wisconsin seems to be always down a guy. They cannot seem to have a full deck. This week, Jalen Berger was done for Wisconsin. They were also missing a center due to injury. People want Rudolph to relinquish playcalling duties. It might happen though as Chryst feels compelled to make a move after a rough season.
What went right for the Badgers: Special teams made a big play – The only real thing to hang your hat in this one is the special teams made a great play. Wisconsin needed to shift the momentum and they got a big play there. That was a huge moment in the game. Sadly, Wisconsin could not build off that. Iowa doesn’t turn the ball over much, so, when they do, you need to take advantage of it.
The turning point of the game: The missed field goal sparked Iowa – Looking back at this one, what if Collin Larsh doesn’t miss the field goal. It would be a 6-3 game and anything would be possible. Iowa would score a touchdown after that miss and it became a two-score game. Wisconsin did tighten up, but again, there was no consistent offense leading to Iowa pushing it back out.
Player of the Game: Ihmir Smith-Marsette – He looked like an idiot twisting his ankle on his backflip but the guy can play. Seven catches 140 yards and two touchdowns.
Honorable Mention: Isaiah Loudermilk – Credit to him that he is still busting his ass out there for his senior year. You love to see that grit from a guy with little to play for. He had a TFL and a sack with four total tackles.
Next up: Wisconsin gets ready to take on Minnesota for Champions Week. They’ll make up the Axe game and we will have football at Camp Randall in mid-December. The game will be at 3:00 pm on the Big Ten Network following the Northwestern-Ohio State game.
Charlie.