Wisconsin Football's Struggles Continue in 21-7 Loss to No. 6 Oregon

The University of Wisconsin football team suffered a 21-7 loss to No. 6 Oregon, extending their losing streak, but showing some signs of life in the passing game. The team's passing game has been struggling for weeks, with quarterback Hunter Simmons finishing 7 of 21 for 86 yards in the first three quarters. However, the Badgers finally showed some life in the fourth quarter, with Simmons throwing a 42-yard pass to freshman Eugene Hilton Jr. and a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Lance Mason. The defense played well, with seven tackles for loss and four sacks, but struggled to create takeaways.

Key Takeaways:

• Wisconsin's passing game was particularly poor, with 12 yards passing and 11 incompletions through three quarters.
• The team's faith in the passing game was so low that coach Luke Fickell didn't even try to move the ball at the end of the first half.
• The Badgers finally showed some life in the passing game in the fourth quarter, with Simmons throwing a 42-yard pass to Hilton Jr. and a 2-yard touchdown pass to Mason.
• The defense played well, with seven tackles for loss and four sacks, but struggled to create takeaways.
• True freshman linebacker Mason Posa had 13 tackles, a standout performance on defense.
• Redshirt freshman running back Gideon Ituka was the offensive player of the game for Wisconsin, with 21 carries for 85 yards.
• The Badgers have now gone 13 consecutive games without a 100-yard rusher.

Statistics:

• Wisconsin had 12 yards passing and 11 incompletions through three quarters.
• Hunter Simmons finished 7 of 21 for 86 yards.
• Eugene Hilton Jr. had 1 catch for 42 yards in his first game with Wisconsin.
• Lance Mason had 1 touchdown reception and 1 catch for 2 yards.
• The defense had 7 tackles for loss and 4 sacks.
• Mason Posa had 13 tackles, a team high.
• Gideon Ituka had 21 carries for 85 yards.

Sources:

• The Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, Wis.)
• Tribune Content Agency, LLC