Badgers Edge Falcons on Smith's Last-Second Drive
Madison, WI - The Wisconsin Badgers escaped with a thrilling 24-21 victory over the Air Force Falcons on Saturday afternoon at Camp Randall Stadium, thanks to a last-second touchdown pass from quarterback Graham Mertz to receiver Chimere Dike.
The game was a tight battle from start to finish, with both teams trading blows throughout the afternoon. Air Force, known for their triple-option offense, kept the Badgers on their toes with their unique running style.
The Falcons jumped out to a 14-7 lead in the second quarter, but the Badgers responded with a touchdown of their own before halftime. The third quarter saw both defenses tighten up, with neither team able to score. The game went into the final quarter with the score tied at 14.
Smith's heroics
With under two minutes left in the game, Air Force took the lead on a 22-yard field goal. The Badgers, trailing 21-14, needed a miracle to win.
That's when quarterback Graham Mertz found his star receiver, Chimere Dike, for a 28-yard touchdown with just seconds remaining on the clock. The play capped off a thrilling, last-minute drive that started with a 24-yard completion to tight end Jack Eschenbach.
Key takeaways:
- Mertz shines in pressure: Despite facing intense pressure from the Air Force defense, Mertz remained composed and delivered the game-winning pass. This performance will provide a confidence boost for the young quarterback.
- Dike a reliable target: Dike once again proved to be a reliable target for Mertz, hauling in the game-winning touchdown catch. His consistent play has become a key factor for the Badgers' offense.
- Defense struggles early: The Badger defense had some early struggles against the Falcons' unique offensive scheme. However, they tightened up as the game progressed, ultimately forcing a crucial field goal attempt in the final minutes.
The victory was a huge relief for the Badgers, who were facing a potential upset against a determined Air Force team. The win puts them at 2-1 on the season, and they will now look to carry this momentum into their next game.
