Wisconsin’s Unconventional Win Over No. 24 Washington: A Punter’s Passing Performance
In a surprising turn of events, Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell, who was recently confirmed as the head coach through 2026, led the Badgers to a remarkable victory over No. 24 Washington on Saturday. This win was particularly notable due to the team’s unconventional approach to passing.
The Badgers’ passing game was a non-existent affair, with only 48 yards thrown in the entire game. The team’s leading passer was their punter, Sean West, who made a surprising appearance in the third quarter, throwing one pass for 24 yards. This was a significant moment, as it showcased the team’s unique strategy and the versatility of their players.
The story of the game took an unexpected turn when Danny O’Neill, who had been benched earlier in the season, was named the starter again. However, his return was short-lived as he was carted off the field with an injury in the first quarter after attempting just two passes. True freshman Carter Smith stepped in, but struggled, completing only 3 out of 8 passes for 8 yards. Hunter Simmons also got a chance, going 2-for-3 for 16 yards.
Despite their poor passing performance, Wisconsin’s defense shone brightly. They sacked Demond Williams Jr. four times, forced two turnovers, and held Washington to just 1-3 on fourth down. Washington’s only touchdown came after a blocked Wisconsin punt, which put them at the 1-yard line, and they connected with Denzel Boston for a one-yard touchdown.
Wisconsin’s only touchdown was a result of a forced fumble, which placed them at Washington’s 7-yard line. Two plays later, Smith ran in for a one-yard touchdown, tying the game at 10. They later took the lead with a field goal in the third quarter. Washington had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter but missed a 50-yard field goal attempt in less-than-ideal conditions.
This win was a significant moment for Wisconsin, as it marked their first victory over a ranked opponent since 2021 and broke a 10-game losing streak in the Big Ten. It was also a disappointing outcome for Washington, who may now drop out of the AP Top 25, falling to 6-3 on the season.
The game highlighted the team’s resilience and adaptability, as they managed to win despite their struggles with quarterback play. It remains to be seen if this performance will spark a turning point for the Badgers, but it certainly left a lasting impression on the college football world.