Disappointment is the word of the day for Wisconsin football fans. The players, coaches and fans were crushed when the Badgers late comeback rally was thwarted by a knocked down 2-point conversion pass attempt, sending Wisconsin home with a 21-19 defeat at the hands of TCU. It was an outcome that junior defensive end J.J. Watt had a hard time with afterwards.
AUDIO: An emotional J.J. Watt after Badger Rose Bowl defeat :17
The Badgers (11-2) had captured three straight Rose Bowl’s coming into Saturday’s game, but Wisconsin made a living this season on good execution, very few mistakes and minimal penalties. The Badgers couldn’t play to that same standard against the athletic TCU defense on Saturday.
AUDIO: Scott Tolzien said the Badgers didn’t play their game :08
The Badger running backs took over on the final drive. John Clay rushed six times for 59 yards, including runs of 14 and 30 yards. Then, sophomore Montee Ball (22 carries – 132 yds) capped off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run around the right side to pull the Badgers within 2. The Badgers had to go for two, but elected to pass instead of run.
AUDIO: Bret Bielema on the decision to go for 2 through the air :12
The Badgers had a season high 6-penalties for a total of 41 yards. Three of the six penalties were false starts and you can mix in a couple of costly pass interference calls as well.
The Horned Frogs completed their season 13-0. Their quarterback Andy Dalton, was named the games Most Valuable Player. He completed 15 of 23 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a score.
The Badgers did crush TCU on the ground, 226 to 82 and were 7-0 this season when gaining 200 or more yards on the ground. But in the end, the Badgers fell short and coach Bret Bielema joins the masses in disappointment.
AUDIO: Bret Bielema on the disappointment of the loss :14
Now the Badgers will find out over the next few weeks who they’ll have returning. Both J.J. Watt and John Clay could be headed for the NFL.