In a game that felt like a microcosm of Wisconsin’s disappointing regular season as a whole, Minnesota outlasted the Badgers 23-16 to take Paul Bunyan’s Axe for the second straight year.
It all ended with one of the most confounding drives of the year as Wisconsin’s backup quarterback Chase Wolf led the Badgers down to Minnesota’s five-yard line with a chance to tie the game. Four penalties later, Wisconsin was backed up to the Gophers’ 30-yard line and had little to no chance to tie things up.
Wisconsin fell to 6-6 in a regular-season finale, and year as a whole, to forget. Here are ten takeaways from a season-defining loss:
Wisconsin’s secondary struggled mightily
Nov 26, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (8) rushes with the football as Wisconsin Badgers safety John Torchio (15) defends during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota’s backup quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis torched Wisconsin’s secondary late as it was the Gophers passing attack that turned the tide. Despite Mo Ibrahim and the running game leading Minnesota all year, Wisconsin’s secondary couldn’t stop the passing game.
That might be the end of the Graham Mertz era
Nov 26, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Whether or not Jim Leonhard is the head coach next season, there will almost assuredly be an entirely new offensive staff for Wisconsin. That could have very well been the end of the Mertz era, and it feels like it would be in the best interest of both parties.
Wisconsin’s run defense was the only bright spot
Nov 26, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers nose tackle…
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