Gary Andersen
The first 35 minutes on Saturday night was looking like the Wisconsin Badgers would leave Houston with a season opening upset victory over LSU. Unfortunately, the last 25 minutes was all LSU and the Tigers pulled away for a 28-24 victory.
The 13th ranked Tigers came from 17 points down to stun the Badgers. They scored 21 straight points after Corey Clement’s TD run gave Wisconsin a 24-7 victory. Just prior to that score, Melvin Gordon’s 63-yard run gave the Badgers 1st and 10 at the 12.
It was not a good night for Tanner McEvoy and the Badger passing game. McEvoy finished 8 of 24 for 50 yards and two interceptions. He rushed six more times for 40 yards.
Badger fans were wondering why coach Gary Andersen didn’t make the switch to last years starter Joel Stave.
AUDIO: Gary Andersen asked if he thought to put Joel Stave into the game :05
Andersen had little explanation for the lack of carries for Melvin Gordon. He finished with 16 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown, but only three carries in the second half.
The Badger defense held the Tigers to 16 yards on 15 carries in the first half as Wisconsin took a 17-7 lead into the locker room at halftime.
After making it 24-7 to start the second half, LSU started its comeback.
LSU converted a fourth and 3 on a fake punt, then used a 44-yard pass play from QB Anthony Jennings to Travin Dural to the UW 12. The Badgers held LSU to a field goal there, but the momentum seemed to have shifted.
The Tigers took the lead, 28-24 with 9:41 left, but the Badger offense had nothing to offer and went on to lose the game.
Wisconsin sophomore WR Reggie Love scored the Badgers’ first touchdown on a 45-yard run. It was his first career rushing attempt.
Freshman Rafael Gaglianone kicked a 51-yard field goal in the first quarter, the first field goal attempt of his UW career.
The Badgers will get back at it this coming Saturday with an 11am kickoff against Western Illinois at Camp Randall Stadium.