Wisconsin Stuns No. 24 Washington as Punter Leads in Passing
Wisconsin achieved a surprising victory over No. 24 Washington, led by an unconventional offensive strategy. The Badgers triumphed 13-10 despite managing only 48 passing yards throughout the game. Remarkably, their leading passer was punter Sean West, who completed a single 24-yard pass during the third quarter.
Key Moments from the Game
- Wisconsin’s quarterback situation was turbulent, with Danny O’Neill starting but getting carted off early in the first quarter due to injury.
- True freshman Carter Smith filled in for O’Neill and struggled, completing just 3 of 8 passes for 8 yards.
- Hunter Simmons attempted a few passes, finishing 2 for 3 for 16 yards.
Despite these challenges, the Badger defense played a crucial role in the victory. They sacked Washington’s quarterback Demond Williams Jr. four times and forced two turnovers. The defense also limited Washington’s conversion rate on fourth down to just 1 out of 3 attempts.
Scoring Breakdown
- Washington’s sole touchdown came after a blocked Wisconsin punt left them at the 1-yard line, leading to a quick pass from Williams to Denzel Boston.
- Wisconsin responded by forcing a fumble, which positioned them at Washington’s 7-yard line. Carter Smith scored on a 1-yard run to tie the game 10-10.
- A field goal in the third quarter by Wisconsin sealed the score at 13-10.
Washington had an opportunity to equalize late in the fourth quarter but missed a challenging 50-yard field goal. This defeat left them with a 6-3 record, and they now face the prospect of slipping from the AP Top 25 rankings.
Wisconsin’s Season Performance
This victory marked Wisconsin’s first win over a ranked opponent since 2021 and ended a disappointing 10-game losing streak in the Big Ten. The Badgers have struggled with quarterback performance, none exceeding 100 passing yards in over a month. Only one quarterback on the roster has thrown over 200 yards in a game this season.
Wisconsin’s unorthodox win highlights the team’s resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles. The performance against Washington demonstrated their capability to win in tough situations, setting a hopeful tone for the remainder of the season.
