Wisconsin beat Nebraska Saturday afternoon 35-28 on senior day. This is their 8th straight win over the CornHuskers. Nebraska is a tough team with a much better record than it shows. Their offense brought it today, and Wisconsin was able to ride Braelon Allen and make the necessary stops to keep control of their destiny. Here are some key takeaways from the game!
Special Teams Bang
Wisconsin started off Saturday afternoon with an explosive play. If you were a little late to the TV, you missed something special. Sophomore Wide Receiver Stephan Bracey played his first snap of the year and wasted no time making an impact. On his first touch of the year he took the opening kick off 91 yards to the house.
Slow Defensive Start
We have come accustomed to the Badger defense not allowing touchdowns, or even first downs in most games. However, after the electric start, Nebraska’s offense had an impressive answer. Scoring a touchdown behind two huge downfield passing plays. The Badger defense had issues limiting big plays the entire 1st quarter. As a result, the Badgers entered halftime tied 14-14. The defense had their worst performance of the season. Martinez picked apart the secondary all day and was able to avoid sacks when the Badgers did get pressure. Eventually, the defense stepped up at the end of the game. Holding Nebraska once they got in the red zone finished off a tough fought game.
Braelon Allen Show
Freshman running back Braelon Allen had another monster day. Coming into the game he had 6 straight 100 yard rushing games. He would eclipse that mark again in just the 1st quarter. Busting a 71 yard touchdown run on 3rd and 1, showing off his open field speed that gets overlooked. The 17 year old continues to impress with Chez Mellusi out of the lineup. Wisconsin has found another star running back. When Nebraska tied the game at 28 late in the 4th quarter, Allen took over the game. A 53 yard touchdown gave him his 3rd of the day and put him over 1,000 rushing yards on the year. With Melvin Gordon in attendance as honorary captain, Allen did not disappoint finishing with 228 yards and 3 touchdowns. Gordon knows a thing or two about dominating Nebraska.
Senior’s Show Out
Today was the final game at Camp Randall for so many beloved seniors. Many of them made a huge impact in the second half especially, guiding this team to a tough win. Collin Wilder started the second half with an interception that then set up Kendric Pryor to redeem himself with a touchdown reception. Wilder followed that up with another interception to start the 4th quarter. This senior class has meant so much to this program, here’s to hoping they can finish their campaign with a Big Ten Championship appearance.
Big Ten West
The Badgers still control their own destiny in the Big Ten West. Next week will be the Axe game against Minnesota. Wisconsin looks to continue the dominance of that trophy game going. If not, the Badgers would need Iowa to lose next week against Nebraska to still make it to the Big Ten Championship.
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