Badgers grind out win over Maryland at Camp Randall

MADISON, Wis. — The Badgers were able to handle both the elements and the Maryland Terrapins on Saturday, winning at home 23-10.

With rain coming down and winds gusting, both teams turned to the rushing attack in the first half. For Wisconsin, it was a move that worked in their favor.

On the Badgers’ third possession, Braelon Allen strung together five straight rushes to find the endzone for the game’s first touchdown. Wisconsin’s next possession ended similarly, with Issac Guerendo rushing 89 yards on the first play of the drive for another touchdown.

Light work pic.twitter.com/4WdCv97JS8

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) November 5, 2022

Graham Mertz was allowed to use his arm a bit more in the second half, but the Badger attack found the most success on the ground. The Terrapin defense stood tall, however, and held Wisconsin to just two field goals.

Wisconsin’s defense responded in kind, shutting out the Terrapins for the entire first half and holding them to a field goal in the third quarter. The Terrapins finally found the endzone late in the fourth quarter, capping off a 13-play drive with a short pass from Taulia Tagovailoa to Tai Felton.

In what will go down as the feel-good story of the day, safety Hunter Wohler grabbed his first career interception for the Badgers. Wohler has been out with an injury since the opening game of the season.

1st career interception pic.twitter.com/3SH6WpH8eK

— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) November 5, 2022

It was a day to forget for both quarterbacks. Mertz completed just 5 of his 18 passes for only 77 yards. Tagovailoa completed 10 of his 23 attempts for only 77 yards.

The Badgers won the game on the ground. Allen rushed for 119 yards on 23 carries, Guerendo notched 115 yards on 12 carries and Skylar Bell was able to rush 53 yards on just 3 carries. Wisconsin had 278 total rushing yards, doubling Maryland’s 112.

Both teams committed five penalties apiece, but the Terrapins’ errors were much more costly. Maryland surrendered 60 yards to penalties while Wisconsin gave up just 31.

The win moves Wisconsin’s record to 5-4, one win away from bowl eligibility. The Badgers have three chances to secure themselves an extra game. The first chance comes next Saturday when the Badgers travel to Iowa to take on the Hawkeyes.

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