In a thrilling matchup, Ole Miss faced off against Wisconsin, showcasing a rollercoaster of emotions for both teams. Wisconsin struggled with four turnovers, allowing Ole Miss to jump out to a 14-point lead. However, the Badgers showed resilience, storming back to take the lead as the game unfolded. Just when it seemed like Wisconsin had control, Ole Miss scored a late touchdown to force overtime. In the extra period, a crucial misstep by Wisconsin ultimately cost them the game, as Ole Miss seized the opportunity to secure a dramatic victory.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Wisconsin's performance had some bright spots. The defense stepped up significantly, forcing two turnovers that were converted into touchdowns, showcasing their ability to create impactful plays. Additionally, the offense demonstrated improvement, moving the ball effectively and finding the end zone when it mattered. This combination of defensive prowess and offensive scoring provides encouraging signs for Wisconsin moving forward, hinting at a team that can bounce back and compete in future matchups.
No moral victories in the NDL, but Wisconsin will look to bounce back after two tough road test to start the season.
Coach Penguin made a triumphant return to The Grove with an OT victory over a Big 10 foe tonight, and was this one ever a rollercoaster of emotions.
The Badgers would strike first on a drive that was fueled by a long pass that saw multiple broken tackles, but the Rebels defense was able to rise up in the redzone and hold them to a FG. On the following possession the Ole Miss offense moved the ball well through the air and on the ground, culminating a 4 yard rushing touchdown by Ulysses Bentley IV. The next possession would see the first, but not the last, turnover of the game as LB Khari Coleman snared an errant 3rd down pass from the Badgers QB. This would the result in the Rebs attempting, and badly missing, a 47 yard FG. Wisky would quickly capitalize on the momentum of this stop, and get several big plays through the air before cashing in with a rushing touchdown of their own to reclaim the lead. Jaxson Dart would then immediately bring the home crown back to life, hitting a huge pass on the run to Bentley early in the drive, before finding Tre Harris from 20 yards out for a score. The Rebs would then turn another Wisconsin interception into a Bentleys 2nd rushing score of the game, and a 21-10 lead at the half.
The 3rd quarter saw the offenses trade punts, and Rebs drive keyed by a long catch and run by star TE Prieskorn end in a FG, stretching the lead to 14. Another interception by the Rebs defense would seemingly put them in position to put this game away late in the 3rd quarter, but why would we do things the easy way? The very next play the Rebs took a PA shot to their TE (and in looking at the replay Antwane Wells Jr. is wide open), and instead one of the stars of the Badgers secondary Wohler would turn it into 6 for the visitors. The momentum was all on the side of the Badgers, and their defense quickly forced a punt. Moments later the home crowd got even more upset, as facing a 4th and 2 the Badgers coaching staff rolled the dice and their QB came through, hitting a deep pass to tie the game up. Now with under 3 minutes to play things would get even worse for the home crowd, as Dart miss read the coverage on a 3rd and 5, and Badgers stud DB Hallam found himself sprinting 50 yards to take the lead. Things got very testing on the Ole Miss sideline following this play, and coach Penguin had to separate himself for his QB and OC. With their backs against the wall Dart refocused, and got the drive going with 4 touches for Bentley in the first 5 snaps. Then a pass to Harris, a pass to backup RB Parrish, and then from 28 yards out the Badgers left Harris 1 on 1, and he shielded the DB away from the ball on the corner route for the his 2nd score of the game to tie things up at 31 all with just under a minute to play. The Rebs defense would stand strong and force the Badgers to punt, taking us to overtime.
Ole Miss would play defense first, and on the 2nd snap the crowd went into a frenzy as LB Coleman stepped in front of a pass for his 2nd pick of the game! But he also bumped into the intended Badgers receiver on the play, and a flag came out. A few plays later the visitors would muscle their way into the endzone to reclaim the lead. The Rebs would have the answer they needed though, and going mostly on the ground they would tie it backup with Bentleys 3rd rushing score of the night.
The 2nd OT period began with a bang as Dart hit Harris down to the 3 yard line on the first play, but they would gain but only another couple yards on the next 3 plays and settle for the shortest of FGs.
They very next snap would send the crowd home happy, as DB Isaiah Hamilton made a leaping interception inside his own 5 and fell to the ground to secure the victory.
Great game RB, I think I aged another 10 years in that 2nd half.
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:
WHOS ONLINE:
12 Guests in the last 5 minutes Legend: NDL Admin | Conference Commish | Media Team | NDL Coaches
NDL Hall of Fame:
661 Coaches Newest Member: jhubbard83
HOME
Discord