In a nail-biting finish that had Camp Randall Stadium on the edge of its seat, the Wisconsin Badgers (3-1) held off a determined Maryland Terrapins (1-2) team 34-30 to remain undefeated at home this season. The victory, secured with a game-winning field goal in the final seconds, showcased the resilience and grit of the Badgers, while leaving Maryland lamenting what could have been.
The Badgers built an early lead thanks to a dominant running game. Braelon Allen ran rampant through the Terrapins defense, racking up 142 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Quarterback Graham Mertz also showed improvement, connecting with Kendric Pryor for a 50-yard touchdown pass to push the lead to 21-7 at halftime.
However, Maryland emerged from the locker room a different team. Quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, held mostly in check in the first half, found his rhythm, orchestrating scoring drives that brought the Terrapins within three points at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter turned into a defensive stalemate, with both teams struggling to move the ball consistently. With less than two minutes remaining, and the score tied at 30-30, Maryland had a golden opportunity to take the lead. Tagovailoa, under pressure, threw an interception deep in Wisconsin territory, handing the ball back to the Badgers with a final chance to win.
The Badgers marched down the field, but a crucial fourth-down conversion attempt fell incomplete. However, they were awarded a second chance due to a pass interference penalty. With time running out and the crowd roaring, kicker Nate Van Meeter stepped up and calmly drilled a 37-yard field goal as the clock expired, sending the stadium into a frenzy.
Key Figures and Game-Changing Moments:
Braelon Allen: The sophomore running back was the workhorse for the Badgers, providing them with a consistent offensive threat throughout the game.
Taulia Tagovailoa: The Maryland quarterback’s second-half resurgence kept the Terrapins in the game and nearly led them to victory.
Fourth-down interception: Maryland’s defensive play nearly secured the win, but the costly turnover ultimately proved decisive.
Nate Van Meeter’s game-winning field goal: The junior kicker delivered under pressure, silencing the Maryland crowd and securing the victory for the Badgers.
Looking Ahead:
This win keeps the Badgers undefeated at home and firmly in the Big Ten West division race. They will face a tough test next week as they travel to face a talented Purdue team. Meanwhile, Maryland will look to rebound from this heartbreaking loss as they return home to take on Indiana.
Expert Opinions:
“Wisconsin showed a lot of toughness today,” said Big Ten analyst Kirk Herbstreit. “They faced adversity but found a way to win. Braelon Allen is a special talent, and their defense was impressive in the clutch.”
“Maryland needs to learn from this experience,” said ESPN analyst Mark Schlereth. “They played well, but they let go of a golden opportunity. Coach Locksley needs to keep his team focused and motivated moving forward.”
Final Thoughts:
The Wisconsin Badgers survived a scare against Maryland, emerging victorious in a thrilling defensive battle. This win solidifies their position as contenders in the Big Ten West, while Maryland will look to regroup and learn from this experience. The conference race promises to be exciting, and both teams have the potential to make noise in the weeks to come.