Despite an injury to their starting quarterback, and overall sloppy offensive play, Wisconsin eked out a 17-0 defensive-led win in their Thursday night season opener, hosting Miami University (Ohio) at Camp Randall Stadium.
Wisconsin was already off to a slow start when quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. went down in the second quarter with a non-contact lower body injury. Sophomore San Diego State transfer, Danny O’Neil, stepped in for Edwards Jr., who did not return to the game.
With Wisconsin’s offense facing adversity, the Badger defense put up a remarkable performance. Defensive back Preston Zachman snatched two interceptions while the team held Miami to just 117 total yards and denied them red zone access.
In the first half, the Badgers accumulated 136 yards and earned 10 first downs, but struggled in the passing game. Edwards Jr. and O’Neil combined for a 53% completion rate and the Badgers were unable to break into the red zone. Kicker Nathaniel Vakos was the only source of his team’s points in a 3-0 first half.
Then, in their first drive of the second half, the Badgers finally drove to Miami’s 10 yard line before O’Neil threw a back-breaking fourth down interception in the end zone.
However, the Badger’s consistent and dependable defense forced a quick RedHawks drive and allowed great starting field position for their offense.
O’Neil found his groove in the ensuing possession, starting at his 46 yard line and working down to the three after a notable 17 yard scramble and 22 yard pass to tight end Grant Stec. The quarterback found wide receiver Vinnie Anthony II in the end zone to gain a two-score lead.
With 8:16 left in the fourth quarter, Zachman intercepted the ball at Miami’s 19 yard line and returned it for 17 yards. O’Neil took advantage of this great scoring position, rushing the ball into the endzone.
Zachman came up big again with a second interception at the 5:11 mark, sealing the deal on the Badger’s 17-0 win.
Wisconsin will stay in town next week where they host the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders Saturday Sept. 6 at 3 p.m.
