Badgers claw out a Cotton Bowl victory over Broncos
The Western Michigan Broncos had a chance to complete history with a win on Monday afternoon. A win would have sealed a perfect 13-0 season for the Broncos. Just four years ago, Western Michigan completed a 1-11 season. For years, Wisconsin has been a powerhouse in college football. Wisconsin's last losing season came in 2001.
Western Michigan's biggest threat on offense comes from senior wide receiver Corey Davis. Earlier this season, Davis became the all-time leader receiver in FBS history. Davis also finished 2nd in the country with 18 touchdown receptions this season. Quarterback Zach Terrell was one of the most efficient passers throughout the season, throwing just 3 interceptions in the entire regular season.
Western Michigan was the last team in the FBS to commit a turnover. The Broncos did not commit a turnover until their sixth game of the season. Western Michigan lead the country in turnover differential with a +19 for the season. Wisconsin finished 9th in the country with a +11 turnover differential.
The Badgers were lead on offense by Corey Clement, the second leading rusher in the Big Ten this season. The Badgers came into the game with the advantage of playing a tough Big Ten schedule throughout the season. The Badgers also used a completely different tempo and style of offense than anything that Western Michigan had faced all season.
Wisconsin jumped out to an early 14-0 lead over Western Michigan. For the first few drives, Wisconsin absolutely dominated the game. On their first 2 drives, Wisconsin used 18 plays to go 163 yards and used exactly 10 minutes off the clock to score 2 touchdowns. In comparison, Western Michigan got off only 10 plays to go 51 yards in 3:44. Western Michigan was also forced to punt twice during that stretch.
Wisconsin had a 2 yard rushing touchdown from Corey Clement and a 1 yard rushing touchdown from Dare Ogunbowale to take the 14-0 lead.
Zach Terrell finally got the Broncos on the scoreboard in the 2nd quarter on a 2 yard touchdown run. The QB keeper made it a 14-7 game in favor of the Badgers.
Right before halftime, Wisconsin expanded their lead to 17-7 over Western Michigan following a 30 yard field goal from Andrew Endicott.
Throughout the first half, Wisconsin used a two quarterback system to keep the Broncos off balance. Bart Houston and Alex Hornibrook were almost perfect through the half, having just one incomplete pass on a dropped ball in the end zone.
In the third quarter, Butch Hampton kicked a 27-yard field goal to cut the Badgers lead to 17-10.
Western Michigan had finally gained the momentum in the 4th quarter until Zach Terrell threw an interception at the Western Michigan 12-yard line. Just 3 plays later, Wisconsin freshman quarterback Alex Hornibrook then threw a touchdown pass to Troy Fumagalli. Throughout the day, Fumagalli torched the Western Michigan defense for 83 yards on 6 receptions. It seemed as if every time Wisconsin needed a big play, the would find Fumagali for a first down to keep the drive alive.
The Broncos got the ball back and moved downfield to eventually score another touchdown. Zach Terrell threw up a prayer to Corey Davis. Davis hauled it in for an 11-yard touchdown catch to cut the Badgers lead to 24-16. Butch Hampton missed the point after attempt. With the clock as their biggest enemy, the Western Michigan scoring drive took much too long at 16 plays and lasting 8:59.
The onside kick went out of bounds and Wisconsin took over with nothing to do but run the clock out. The Badgers managed to do just that and secured a 24-16 victory in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.
Western Michigan capped off the greatest season in school history in the biggest bowl game that the program has ever played in.
-Jon Opiela, @jonopiela24
