Saturday was another long day for Northwestern’s defense, which yielded 515 yards against Wisconsin.
“It was a bittersweet victory defensively,” said middle linebacker Tim McGarigle, who was credited with 15 solo tackles, including two sacks. “The offense played great, but we gave up 48 points, which is unacceptable in the Big Ten.”
The Badgers’ Brian Calhoun carried 23 times for 122 yards and had 11 catches for 128 yards.
The defense did have two takeaways, interceptions by safety Brendan Smith in the first quarter and Reggie McPherson on Wisconsin’s last possession.
Still, questions remain in the secondary. Cory Dious won a starting cornerback job during practice but lost it to Deante Battle in the first quarter after giving up a 15-yard touchdown pass from John Stocco to Jonathan Orr.
Special strategy
Northwestern let freshman Amado Villarreal kick off as part of a plan to keep the ball away from Brandon Williams, who went into the game averaging 35.2 yards on kickoff returns. Villarreal came through with “popup” kickoffs, three of which resulted in fair catches. . . . The Wildcats didn’t let Williams get a chance for his third punt-return touchdown of the season, punting out of bounds before the Badgers’ last possession.
