UCLA defeats Wisconsin Badgers

(UW ATHLETICS) PASADENA, CAL – The Wisconsin football team dropped a 17-7 game at No. 12 UCLA on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl. 

Despite a close first half, the Badgers  (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) were unable to overcome a final fourth quarter scoring drive by UCLA( 6-0, 4-0 Big Ten).

Wisconsin’s dominant defense stepped up right away in the Bruins’ opening drive, making a key redzone stop aided by a pass deflection by DL Junior Poyser. An ensuing UCLA field goal were the only points of the first quarter and made the score 3-0. 

On their next drive, the Bruins posted a rushing score and extended their lead to 10-0.

With three seconds remaining in the half, UCLA’s fourth-and-long Hail Mary attempt was picked off by S Marvin Burks Jr., sealing the score going into the break. The catch marked Burks’ first interception as a Badger. 

Wisconsin’s run defense held strong throughout the half, and headed off the field having held UCLA to just 2.5 yards per carry and 43 yards total.

Needing to change the game’s momentum after halftime, Wisconsin’s defense found a quick response, picking off a third down pass to set up the UW offense. Burks snagged his second interception of the game on just the third snap of the half. The Badgers capitalized with a 44-yard drive and found the endzone on a three-yard rush by QB Colton Joseph on third and goal.

With UCLA holding a 10-7 lead, the Badger defense stood strong, forcing a turnover on downs on their own 33-yard line.  

The Bruins next possession ended in a touchdown that put them up 17-7 and closed out the scoring for the night. 

Wisconsin’s defense ended the game with two picks and four pass deflections. LB Mason Posa led the group with seven total tackles. The Badgers held UCLA to 120 yards on the ground after the Bruins came into the night averaging 253.2 yards per contest. 

On the other side of the ball, Joseph’s fourth rushing touchdown of the season was accompanied by a game-high 71 rushing yards.

Up Next: Wisconsin hosts No. 19 USC at Camp Randall on Saturday, Oct. 24. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT,