Badgers Fall Short In Ann Arbor » Brats & Beer

September 24, 2006
posted under: Badgers football, Wolverines

Wisconsin fought hard and stayed close for a big part of the afternoon, but eventually it was Michigan’s day as the Wolverines rolled to a 27-13 victory over the Badgers. But really, how can you be expected to win against someone like Michigan quarterback Chad Henne? I mean look at him; he’s strong, confident, and carrying way too much chin for one person. Does he not look like a cartoon caricature of the All American Boy? Stick a flag in his hand and this guy could lead people to war.

The rugged good looks of their opponent aside, the Badgers once again suffered from mistakes and miscues and a letdown in the second half after playing hard to a 10-10 tie at the half. Of course, the game would have been going much better at that point had Zach Hampton not muffed a punt return and allowed Michigan to take control of the ball at the 18-yard line. Thankfully the defense held fast and forced the Wolverines to kick a field goal.

The second half, though, it seemed like a whole different Wisconsin team took the field, one that was constantly manhandled by the Michigan defense, one that couldn’t open holes for the running game, one that could not protect John Stocco at all. PJ Hill ran for just 54 yards in the game and Stocco was sacked like a hundred times. The Badgers really needed to figure out a way to roll him out of the pocket (as much as he can roll out of a pocket) to buy time, but there he was standing tall and then getting cut down by some Michigan defender. It was very disheartening to watch. The Badgers also had six penalties in the game which hurt their chances to win.
With that test over with, though, UW has a pretty good chance to succeed the next few weeks. They play at 2-2 Indiana next week, then host Northwestern and Minnesota, so I’m pretty confident the Badgers will be back up in the standings before too long. And hopefully they will continue to improve over that stretch before taking on Penn State and the Iowa Schmuckeyes towards the end of the season.