Week 2 Recap Fresno State Bulldogs @ Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin Badgers pulled out another nail biting victory on Saturday, defeating the Fresno State Bulldogs in double overtime by a final score of 34-31. Wisconsin, similar to their previous game against the Northern Illinois Huskies, required some last minute defensive heroics and timely scoring to pull out another victory. The Badgers improved to 2-0 on the season with one more game left on the schedule before they open the Big Ten Conference against rival Michigan State.

Scott Tolzien had another average day, doing just enough to get the Badgers in the win column. Tolzien ended his day 17-28 passing with 225 yards and 1 touchdown: That one touchdown, being the first overtime score to wide receiver Nick Toon for the Badgers, which eventually forced Fresno State to answer with a touchdown of their own. Tolzien was also helped tremendous by his back field as John Clay lead the way with 143 yards on 21 carries, mostly coming on Clays 72 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that gave Wisconsin the lead. Only to be lost by a Fresno State field goal to push the game into overtime. Zach Brown, the second half of this running back tandem, rushed for 40 yards on 9 carries and also found the endzone in the second quarter. The Badgers also heavily used the wide receiver reverse to change the tempo of the game and get some rushing yards to the outside. David Gilreath, Wisconsin’s fastest receiver, was the beneficiary of the wide receiver reverse call, along with some great blocking by the offensive line and tight end Garrett Graham, found the endzone on an 8 yard scamper. The most surprising play of the day was from kicker Philip Welsh, who after missing a 47 yard field goal earlier in the game, pushing his season statistics to 0-3, was called upon to kick a 57 yard field goal just before halftime. This was a crucial spot in the game because it pulled the Badgers to within 4 points of the Bulldogs after trailing for all of the first three quarters. Welsh would eventually kick the field goal in the second overtime to win the game after another stellar defensive play from captain and safety Chris Maragos, who intercepted a ball in the endzone, allowing Wisconsin to only need a field goal to win. Welsh would not disappoint punching in the 22 yard shot and improving the Badgers to 2-0.

On the other side of the ball, Fresno State had a magnificent performance from starting quarterback Ryan Colburn, who went 22-36 for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns. Fortunately for the Badgers, Colburn also threw 3 interceptions that were key in the Badgers victory over the Bulldogs. Fresno State’s running back tandem was able to do some damage as well as starter Ryan Mathews rushed for 107 yards on 19 carries and his counterpart, Robbie Rouse ran for 46 yards on 6 carries. Neither of them, however, was able to find the endzone as the Fresno State’s points came all through the air under the arm of Colburn. Devon Wylie led the way with 5 catches for 114 yards and one 70 yard touchdown bomb. Seyi Ajirotutu also contributed with 6 catches for 83 yards and two touchdowns of his own.

The Badgers defense showed a lot of gaps, especially in the secondary and Ryan Colburn feasted on them with a combination of quick slant routes and double move routes that had the Badgers puzzled all game long. The Badgers, who started the game in a standard zone defense, was picked apart by Colburn on Fresno State’s first drive, and quickly forced the Badgers to resort back into their straight man to man defense. The rushing attack of Wisconsin finally showed some signs of life as their duo rushed for a combine 183 yards. Much higher than their combined total against NIU where they did not even eclipse the 100 yard mark together. The Badgers still have one game left against a non conference opponent, hosting Wofford on September 19 th. Any problems that the Badgers might have such as defense and a lack luster rushing attack must be worked out by then so they are geared up for their Big Ten home opener.

With the win, the Badgers, along with 6 other Big Ten teams, start their respective seasons 2-0, with Ohio State being the most notable not in that category after they fell to the Trojans of USC. There are currently three teams from the Big Ten ranked in the BCS top 25; those teams being Penn State (5), Ohio State despite their loss (11), and Michigan who claimed the 25 th spot. These three teams in particular appear to pose the biggest threat to the Badgers for the Big Ten Championship, although Wisconsin does not play Penn State this year.

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