For the first time since 1972, two Top 5 teams went down in week one of the college football season.
Wisconsin was the latest team to do so on upset Saturday as kicker Rafael Gaglianone drilled a game-winning 47-yard field goal to give the Badgers a hard-fought 16-14 victory over No. 5 LSU in front of an announced crowd of 77,823 at Lambeau Field. Saturday’s game marked the first time since 1983 that a college football game was played at Lambeau.
Despite three turnovers, Wisconsin pulled off the upset thanks to a dominating defense.
LSU was held to just 64 yards on 21 plays at halftime but somehow only trailed 6-0.
It was all LSU in the third quarter as the Tigers scored their first touchdown of the game ona pick-6. Tre’Davious White jumped the route of one of the Wisconsin receivers and took the 21-yard return to the house. Less than a minute later, LSU struck again to take a 14-13 lead.
LSU's defense is nasty #Pick6 #LSUvsWISC https://t.co/KeHfc0A0Yc
— Fan Insider (@FanInsider_) September 3, 2016
But Wisconsin didn’t give up as the Badgers drove the length of the field to set up Gaglianone’s game-winning kick.
LSU had one last shot to win the game, but an interception near the red zone sealed the win for the Badgers.
The opening season loss was the first time in Miles’ 12 years at LSU. Saturday’s loss will certainly put Miles back on the hot seat after he was nearly run out of town following a 9-3 season.
What We Learned
WISCONSIN: The Badger defense is good, but the offense has a lot of work to do. Running back Corey Clement ran for 86 yards and a touchdown. But the offense will have to boost the production in a tough Big Ten Conference.
Quarterback Bart Houston passed for 205 yards in his first start, but did have two costly interceptions.
LSU: LSU’s offene isn’t anywhere close for prime time. Quarterback Brandon Harris connected on just 12 of 21 passes for a dismal 131 yards. Harris did have a touchdown, but also two interceptions.
Heisman Trophy hopeful Leonard Fournette was the only offense for LSU as he ran for 138 yards. On his last run of the game late in the fourth quarter, Fournette got up gingerly after appearing to take a helmet to his knee.
Next Opponent
Wisconsin: The Badgers play their first game of the season against Akron next Saturday.
LSU: The Tigers host Jacksonville State and it is the first-ever meeting between both football programs.
