College Football 2018: 3 Worst losses from Week 9

Northwestern now controls the Big Ten West

Northwestern nearly lost to Rutgers during Week 8. They took on Wisconsin in Week 9 and not only won the game, but won convincingly.

Wisconsin was without the services of quarterback Alex Hornibrook and the offense suffered in his absence. The Badgers opened the scoring midway though the first quarter, but they were mostly flat the rest of the way. Running back Jonathan Taylor had been outstanding this season, but he was held in check by the Wildcats. He finished the game with only 46 yards on 11 carries and two fumbles. It was the first time this season he failed to reach the century mark on the ground.

Northwestern’s Clayton Thorson was shaky as well, with three interceptions. However, he did throw for one touchdown and scored two more on the ground. Freshman running back Isiah Bowser had his second straight game with over 100 yards on the ground and he scored one touchdown.

Wisconsin had been a preseason dark horse candidate for the playoff, but those aspirations are clearly gone. With Northwestern at the top of the Big Ten West entering November, it will be tough for the Badgers to even make it to Indianapolis now for the Big Ten Championship game. In fact, with three overall losses, Wisconsin may find themselves out of running for a New Year’s Six Bowl. It is a tough pill to swallow for a team that has been on the cusp of greatness the last few seasons.