Wisconsin vs Michigan State Recap: 3 Things We Learned

The Wisconsin Badgers handed the Michigan State Spartans their worst home loss since 2009. It was a good day all around for the Badgers, especially on defense, in their 30-6 rout of the Spartans.

The Badgers jumped out to 13-6 lead at halftime and never looked back. They forced an early third quarter turnover to take all the wind out the sails on offense for the Spartans.

Wisconsin held the Spartans scoreless in the second half and made it difficult for the Spartans offense all game long. Spartans’ quarterback Tyler O’Connor was hit six times in the game.

O’Connor completed 47.4 percent of his passes in the game, a career low. His previous low was 50 percent.

The Wisconsin defense is Scary Good.

The Wisconsin Badgers’ defense made Spartans quarterback Tyler O’Connor uncomfortable all game. O’Connor threw three interceptions in the game and was sacked four times on the day.

The Badgers held the Spartans to just 75 rushing yards on the day and made their presence known all day, forcing four turnovers.

They’ve made their mark as one of the Big Ten conferences’ best defenses. Their 13.7 points per game is ranked 15th in the nation so far this season.

If the Badgers can keep this type of play up on defense, look for them to do more than just win a Big Ten title. It’s still a wide open College Football Playoff race, for now.

Injuries don’t Ruin Wisconsin’s Gameplan

Despite an injury depleted backfield, the Badgers still managed to rush for 122 yards and two touchdowns on the day. Not bad considering running back Corey Clement had 22 carries for just 54 rushing yards. Rushing for two touchdowns didn’t hurt Clement’s stats either.

Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook was able to control the passing game for the Badgers as well. Hornibrook was 16 for 26 with 195 passing yards and a passing touchdown.

The first year starter led a confident day for the Wisconsin offense. They went 7 for 16 on 3rd down efficiency and converted on both fourth downs they went for.

Tough Defenses are the Spartans’ Achilles Heel

Its back to the drawing board after a big win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish just a week ago for the Michigan State Spartans.

The Spartans gained more first downs (21-16) than the Badgers and total yards of offense (325-317) but defense made things difficult for them all game.

Michigan State running back LJ Scott fumbled the ball for a Wisconsin touchdown when the Spartans needed points down 13-6 on their first drive of the 3rd quarter.

Turnovers proved to be the Achilles’ heel for the Spartans and they’ll need to make adjustments going forward to remain in the Big Ten title hunt.

The Spartans have time to make adjustments, they don’t play another ranked opponent until Michigan visits October 29.

This week’s game is a good momentum boost for the Wisconsin Badgers. They visit Michigan next week.

Highlights

Wisconsin will face a tough schedule with games against Ohio State, Michigan and Iowa after this. Meanwhile, the Spartans will be heading to Bloomington to take on an Indiana Hoosiers team that they should dominate.