EVANSTON, Ill. — It was a sunny, picturesque Saturday along the shore of Lake Michigan, and Northwestern’s football team was intent on mucking up the afternoon at its temporary lakefront facility against Wisconsin. Through the years, that’s generally what the Wildcats had done to the Badgers regardless of venue as a constant thorn in the side.
Not this time. Wisconsin rose above an early slog to secure a 23-3 victory, taking control just before halftime for the Badgers’ third consecutive win. In the process, Wisconsin avenged a loss to Northwestern a year ago in one of its worst performances of the season.
Rarely is it easy against Northwestern, which had split its previous 10 games with Wisconsin. But the Badgers won with a toughness that has begun to define the team this season as it turns a corner by playing better football.
Here are three initial takeaways from the Badgers’ performance:
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1. The offense was an understandable focal point in victories against Purdue and Rutgers because the Badgers eclipsed 500 yards in consecutive Big Ten games for the first time since 2010. But the defense deserves acknowledgment under coordinator Mike Tressel for what it has done during this three-game winning streak. Wisconsin largely has been outstanding and was again in handling Northwestern. The Wildcats were held scoreless during the first half for the first time this season, aided by a missed 51-yard field goal and a blocked 28-yard field goal.
Wisconsin’s defense came up with a couple of critical stops that helped to turn the tide of the game. Northwestern trailed 7-0 with less than a minute remaining in the second quarter and inexplicably dropped back to throw despite being near its end zone and with a quarterback who had completed 4 of 14 passing attempts. Outside linebacker John Pius recorded a sack and a forced fumble that defensive lineman Elijah Hills recovered at the 3-yard line. Running back Cade Yacamelli scored the next play on a 3-yard touchdown run around the left side to give Wisconsin a 14-0 lead.
Elijah Hills’ fumble recovery set up a Wisconsin touchdown on Saturday. (Quinn Harris / Getty Images)
During the third quarter, Wisconsin stopped Northwestern on a third-and-goal from the 8 when Pius flushed quarterback Jack Lausch from the pocket and outside linebacker Sebastian Cheeks converged on him for an incomplete pass that forced a field goal. Cheeks and defensive lineman Curt Neal combined on a safety of Lausch early in the fourth quarter.
Wisconsin’s adversity defense also was excellent. Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke threw a first-quarter interception and lost a third-quarter fumble. The defense forced a three-and-out on each occasion.
Tressel said after a 42-10 loss to Alabama in Week 3 that “we haven’t performed to where our expectations are at all.” He has to feel much better about the progress made during the past three games, during which opponents have scored 16 points.
2. When Wisconsin added a commitment from Oklahoma transfer running back Tawee Walker early in the offseason, it seemed like a curious move considering the Badgers already were set to have seven scholarship tailbacks entering the season. But as spring practices and preseason camp progressed, it became clear that he was not only of starter quality but might even be the best running back in the bunch. He has proven to be exactly that and has flourished as the starter since Chez Mellusi stepped away from the team three weeks ago to recover from injuries and Luke Fickell shortened the running back rotation.
Walker battled an injury earlier this season, missed the South Dakota game and averaged 12.7 carries and 49 yards rushing through his first three games played. During the past three games, he has averaged 22 carries and 139.3 yards rushing with six touchdowns. Walker finished with 23 carries and 126 yards against Northwestern, and he consistently ran hard in picking up seven first downs.
Wisconsin beat Northwestern for various reasons, with the defense and special teams significantly contributing. But Walker once again provided a steadying presence and a reliable veteran on which the Badgers could lean behind their offensive line.
3. Wisconsin accomplished exactly what it needed to during a three-game stretch that has perhaps changed the trajectory of the season. If nothing else, it has generated a level of enthusiasm about what could be possible that was lacking on the field through the first four regular season games.
Wisconsin stands 5-2 overall and 3-1 in Big Ten play — the same spot the Badgers occupied through seven games a year ago. It will take a far better effort against the best part of the schedule to keep momentum going. A year ago, Wisconsin cratered during a three-game losing streak against No. 3 Ohio State, Indiana and Northwestern.
Although Wisconsin whiffed in its first two matchups against top-15 opponents this season — Alabama and USC — more are on the way. That begins next Saturday with a primetime matchup against undefeated and No. 3 Penn State coming off an idle week. Wisconsin has not beaten a top-three team since toppling No. 1 Ohio State 14 years ago. It’s another huge opportunity for Wisconsin at a time in which the Badgers continue to round into form.
(Top photo of Cade Yacamelli, left, and Tucker Ashcraft: Quinn Harris / Getty Images)
