Wisconsin vs Michigan recap: 3 things we learned

What three things did we learn from Saturday afternoon’s Wisconsin vs Michigan game.

Who would have thought that Wisconsin and Michigan would be playing in another down-to-the-wire Big Ten bout? Well, just about everyone. These two teams are run-heavy and have been two of the toughest in the country on the defensive side of the ball this season.

The two teams were relatively quiet on the offensive side of things even though Michigan scored a touchdown on its first drive. At that point, it looked like the Wolverines would run away with the game. However, the Badgers stymied No. 4 Michigan and tied the game up in the third quarter at 7-7.

Michigan took a crucial 14-7 lead in the fourth quarter with just under eight minutes left thanks to a 46-yard touchdown pass from Wilton Speight to Amara Darboh. Wisconsin got the ball back with under three minutes left and had a chance to tie it up, but threw an interception to Jourdan Lewis.

This win over No. 8 Wisconsin was Jim Harbaugh’s first victory over a ranked team in the regular season at Michigan.

1. Alex Hornibrook might not be ready to start

Sure, you might be defending the freshman after a solid performance against Michigan State last week, but when he was pressured, he was exposed as an average passer. Not only did he have an inaccurate arm, going 9-of-25, with just 88 yards and three touchdowns. He did throw a touchdown, but this game was a ‘welcome to college football’ moment for the young kid.

2. Michigan’s defense is still legit

Despite a defensive coordinator loss and some personnel departures from the defense, new DC Don Brown has made sure this unit is still elite. The Wolverines held the Badgers to just 159 total yards, bringing Hornibrook back down to earth. This defense is likely the best, if not one of the best, in the Big Ten.

3. Jourdan Lewis might not be human

OK, it was only one play that really made me say this, but the Michigan cornerback is one of the best at what he does in the entire country. Don’t believe me? Watch his one-handed interception against the Badgers to seal the deal. Michigan has a scary defensive backfield with Jabrill Peppers and Lewis — oh yeah, and Channing Stribling.

Highlights

Michigan will travel to Rutgers for its first road game of the season next week and Wisconsin will have another tough contest against Ohio State after a bye in Week 6.