UW Report: Washington Finally Wins, Wisconsin Pulls Through in Two OTs

In a game that figured to be a defensive battle in Madison, two young quarterbacks had career days for teams that put up a combined total of 65 points.

Fresno State quarterback Ryan Colburn had an excellent first half in his second career start, throwing for three out of his four touchdown passes on the day in the game's first two quarters.

The Bulldogs also had no trouble converting long third downs in the first half thanks to precision throws from Colburn and good hands from receivers Devon Wylie and Seyi Ajirotutu, and the team was 11-18 in converting third downs on the day.

Trailing 21-7 with seven minutes remaining in the first half, the Badgers put together a drive that swung the momentum back in the home team's favor.  David Gilreath put the cap on a drive that took only two minutes and 24 seconds off the clock on an eight-yard end-around touchdown run.

Fresno State, unable to get to halftime without relinquishing the ball, allowed Wisconsin kicker Philip Welch to boot a 57-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, cutting the lead to 21-17 going into the locker room.

When the teams returned for the third quarter, the Badger defense tightened the screws on the inexperienced Colburn.

Two Bulldog drives ended on interceptions by Wisconsin in the third.  In the fourth quarter, Fresno State moved into position for a 45-yard field goal that kicker Ryan Goessling missed wide right.

Following the miss, Badger running back John Clay broke free for a 72-yard touchdown run that gave Wisconsin its first lead of the game and the Grateful Red crowd a reason to jump around.

Goessling redeemed himself late in regulation, kicking a 40-yard field goal to force overtime.  Both teams scored touchdowns in the first extra period, and Fresno had possession first in the second overtime.

This is when Colburn threw his third and most fatal interception in the end zone to Badger safety Chris Maragos.  Welch finished the game with a 22-yard clincher, sending the Badger faithful home happy.

Again, a Badger win is overshadowed by the shakiness of the victory.  The Wisconsin defense cannot afford a sluggish start against teams like Ohio State or even Michigan because those defensive squads will not allow the Badgers back into games like Fresno State did.

One name I failed to mention above was Badger quarterback Scott Tolzien, who had a great game throwing the football.  He played smart, he played within himself and he played within the Wisconsin system, finishing with 225 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

The Badgers haven't been known for their passing attack for a long time (despite the inexplicable fact that former Badger great Brooks Bollinger still has a job in the NFL), but Tolzien is a passer capable of keeping defenses honest, given his top receiving targets (Nick Toon, Isaac Anderson and Garrett Graham) stay healthy.

Wisconsin faces FCS opponent Wofford next weekend in Madison.

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