Penn State got the big plays early and the big breaks late in the first half in Madison. The Badgers, heavy favorites in this one, find themselves tied with Penn State, 14-14.
Penn State struck early with a 68-yard touchdown pass from Christian Hackenberg to tight end Adam Brenenaman, who broke a tackle and maintained his balance to sprint to the end zone before any Badgers could catch up to him. Penn State again used a big play to their advantage when Allen Robinson made some moves for a big gain on another promising possession, but Wisconsin held Penn State to a failed field goal attempt. Sam Ficken‘s kick was low and blocked at the line.
Wisconsin answered in the second quarter with a pair of touchdown passes by Joel Stave. The first score came early with a short pass to Brian Wozniak, his third touchdown catch on the year despite just four receptions at that point. The Badgers struck again when Stave threw a dart over the middle to Jeff Duckworth to give Wisconsin the lead.
Penn State would tie things up though with a late first half possession, getting some breaks to help them out. A questionable interference call against Wisconsin in the end zone gave Penn State a great scoring opportunity and the Badgers were not awarded a timeout despite head coach Gary Andersen running down the sideline calling for one. Penn State wide receiver Eugene Lewis was wide open, with no Wisconsin defender within 20 yards of him on the left side of the field as Penn State got the play off before a timeout could be called. Hackenberg tossed one of the easiest touchdown plays he will see to take advantage of the non-timeout.
Penn State’s defense was dealt a bit of a blow when they lost corner Adrian Amos. Amos is battling a foot sprain and tried to give it a go in Madison, but after one series his day appears to be done. If Amos is going to be unavailable for the rest of this game, Wisconsin should be able to thrive throwing the football a little bit. Amos has been Penn State’s best player in the secondary. Wisconsin wide receiver Jordan Frederick left the game to be treated for a right shoulder injury in the first quarter.