Big Ten week 5 power rankings: The East, including Penn State, is dominating
10. team. 809. . 1-2 (0-1). Previous: 6th. Badgers
Graham Mertz, big yikes.
Wisconsin fell to Notre Dame 41-13 in Chicago this past weekend. From the looks of that score, you would think the Badgers just got dominated from start to finish, but that’s not what happened.
Wisconsin actually held a 13-10 lead in the fourth quarter, but that lead lasted a grand total of 13 seconds, as Notre Dame’s Chris Tyree took the ensuing kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. The Irish would go on to score another 24 points in the last 10 minutes of the game as Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz threw three interceptions, including two pick-sixes, and lost a fumble in that span.
Once again, when his team needed him most, Mertz turned into a turnover machine and cost his team the game. Mertz final stat line was 18-41 for 240 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions and the lost fumble.
It doesn’t matter how good this defense is, when the quarterback plays like that, you won’t be winning many games.
You can’t help but feel a little bad for the Wisconsin defense. They battled all day and gave their team a chance to win, but were let down by their offense and special teams when it mattered most.
The Badgers host Michigan this week, a game they need to make a statement in.
