Badgers’ win builds resume
Hornibrook helps Wisconsin remain in race for CFP berth.
MADISON, WIS. — Alex Hornibrook changed the conversation with one clutch throw.
No. 5 Wisconsin is still undefeated in large part after 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. 24 Michigan 24-10 on Saturday.
Wisconsin (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten) padded its postseason resume by winning a grinding, physical matchup against the Wolverines (8-3, 5-3).
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,” he 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.
He found 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 27-yard gain. Pryor followed with his 32-yard scoring run with 24 seconds left in the third for a two-score lead.
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. Then, Peters had to be carted off the field in the third quarter after getting hit by linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel following an incompletion.
Without him, the 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.