Wisconsin fell to Maryland 24-21 on Saturday in College Park after a poor offensive outing that wasted 23 tackles combined from Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano, Wisconsin Badgers On SI reported.
The game’s first major question was answered before kickoff when Maryland quarterback Malik Washington remained on the sideline, leaving Cardell Williams to make the start as a game-time decision. That opening Terrapins drive netted just four yards and ended in a three-and-out, giving the Badgers early momentum.
Freshman quarterback Ryan Hopkins quickly connected with Jaylon Domingeaux across the middle for a 21-yard gain, and a subsequent pass interference call against Eugene Hilton Jr. set up Darrion Dupree for a two-yard touchdown run and a 7-0 Wisconsin lead.
Wisconsin led 10-0 before Maryland scored a touchdown
Luke Fickell opted to go for it on fourth down during the next Wisconsin possession, but Hopkins and Ryan Schwendeman failed to complete a clean handoff, turning the ball over on the 37-yard line. Maryland capitalized on the great field position only to see Sean O’Haire miss a 51-yard field goal following a false start.
Wisconsin extended its lead to 10-0 after an 18-yard carry from Abu Sama set up a 37-yard field goal by Gavin Lahm. Maryland finally broke through when Williams capped a 75-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 10-7 just before halftime.
Second-Half Lead Changes in College Park
The second half opened with offensive struggles for the Badgers, as a three-and-out was followed by a Darrion Dupree fumble that gave Maryland the ball on the 21-yard line. Williams kept the ball himself for a three-yard rushing score, handing the Terrapins their first lead at 14-10.
Wisconsin responded with a 42-yard field goal from Lahm after a roughing-the-punter penalty erased a stalled drive. Hopkins then sparked a 56-yard touchdown drive with his legs, rushing for 38 yards before Dupree punched it in from the one-yard line. Hopkins found Hilton in the back of the end zone for a two-way conversion, putting Wisconsin ahead 21-14.
Maryland won 24-21 after a late fumble and field goal
Maryland answered immediately when Williams connected with Iverson Howard for a 39-yard touchdown along the sideline, tying the game 21-21 with 2:11 remaining. Disaster struck on the ensuing possession when Trey Reddick hit Hopkins on his blind side, forcing a fumble that Maryland recovered on the 35-yard line.
Without needing a pass, the Terrapins moved into field goal range for O’Haire, who converted a 29-yard kick with 29 seconds left to secure the 24-21 victory. Colton Joseph took over for an injured Hopkins on the final desperation drive, but could not produce any magic as the clock ran out.
Questions about Maryland's 24-21 victory over Wisconsin
Who led the Wisconsin defense with tackles?
Mason Posa and Cooper Catalano combined for 23 tackles during the defensive effort.
What was the final score of the game?
Maryland defeated Wisconsin 24-21 on Saturday in College Park.
Who scored the game-winning points?
Sean O’Haire kicked a 29-yard field goal with 29 seconds remaining to give Maryland a 24-21 lead.