Badgers’ playoff push Win over ranked Wolverines a big postseason résumé-builder
MADISON, WIS.» Alex Hornibrook changed the conversation with one clutch throw.
No. 5 Wisconsin is still undefeated largely because its even-keeled quarterback shook off another groan-inducing interception.
Hornibrook’s 24-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Taylor in the third quarter broke open a defensive slugfest, Kendric Pryor scored on an end-around and the Badgers beat No. 19 Michigan 24-10 on Saturday.
Wisconsin (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten, No. 5 CFP) padded its postseason résumé by winning a grinding, physical matchup against the Wolverines (8-3, 5-3, No. 24 CFP).
Hornibrook finished 9-of-19 for 143 yards, but bounced back from the turnover early in the third quarter with some of his best throws of the season.
“Sometimes adversity helps us play even harder and better. We were able to do that today,” Hornibrook said.
It has been a season-long story line. Hornibrook has now thrown 12 interceptions in Big Ten play. While Hornibrook has been resilient, defense and Big Ten-rushing leader Jonathan Taylor have been the biggest reasons why the Badgers remain unbeaten.
In the biggest game yet of the season, Hornibrook became a difference-maker.
“I guess it’s a pretty big deal,” Hornibrook said when asked about the attention he gets for his picks. “But we kind of fight back through it.”
He connected with Taylor through a tight window in the end zone for a 14-10 lead with 3:31 left in the third quarter.
After a three-and-out for Michigan, Wisconsin’s Danny Davis made a one-handed catch with a defender draped on him for a 27yard gain. Pryor followed with his 32-yard scoring run with 24 seconds left in the third for a two-score lead.
“Two big throws and then they got a few runs out, too,” Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said. “That ended up being the difference in the game.”
Wisconsin’s defense had a say, too. Linebacker Leon Jacobs forced Michigan quarterback Brandon Peters to fumble at the Wisconsin 2 in the second quarter. Pressure picked up in the second half.
Peters had to be carted off the field in the third quarter after getting hit by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel following an incompletion on third-and-5 from the Michigan 30.
Without him, the already limited Wolverines didn’t have the firepower to come back from a double-digit deficit. The run game was held to 58 yards on 37 carries.
“Everyone was a little cranky” after getting up early for a late-morning start, Wisconsin linebacker T.J. Edwards said. “Everyone had a little edge to them.”