MADISON, Wis. – Rutgers football (4-2, 1-2) lost at Wisconsin (4-1, 2-0), 24-13, on Saturday afternoon at Camp Randall Stadium. The Scarlet Knights outscored the Badgers, 13-7, in the second half, but were unable to overcome a 17-0 halftime deficit in Madison.
WR Ian Strong set career highs in catches (four) and receiving yards (45), along with his second touchdown on the season. RB Aaron Young contributed his 10th career touchdown on a 10-yard reception.
On defense, DL Wesley Bailey posted a career-high two sacks. DB Max Melton and LB Mohamed Toure each forced a fumble, while Melton and DL Troy Rainey registered fumble recoveries.
FIRST HALF
Wisconsin scored first with a field goal on the opening drive of the game. After the teams traded multiple punts, the Badgers scores a pair of touchdowns in the last 4:28 on an 18-yard rush and 95-yard interception return to take a 17-0 lead into the locker room.
SECOND HALF
The Scarlet Knights responded in the third quarter with an 10-yard touchdown pass from QB Evan Simon to Young. The Badgers answered with a touchdown of their own to make it 24-6. With time winding down in the fourth quarter, the RU defense forced its second turnover of the day, as Toure stripped the ball and Rainey recovered it at the Wisconsin 21-yard line.
Three plays later, QB Gavin Wimsatt connected with Strong for an 11-yard score to close the gap to 24-13. The ensuing onside kick was recovered by Wisconsin, who ran out the remaining game clock to seal the victory.
NOTES
RB Aaron Young recorded a 10-yard receiving touchdown, his 10th career score (seven rushing, three receiving).
QB Evan Simon registered his first touchdown pass of the season, fifth career.
DB Max Melton forced and recovered a fumble, his fourth career recovery and first forced.
WR Ian Strong registered career highs with four receptions and 45 receiving yards, while hauling in his second touchdown of the season.
QB Gavin Wimsatt threw his sixth touchdown pass of the season and has a touchdown pass in all six games so far.
LB Mohamed Toure forced a fumble, his first of the season and third career.
DL Troy Rainey recovered a fumble, the first of his career.
UP NEXT
Rutgers is back at SHI Stadium on Oct. 14 to host Michigan State for Homecoming & Family Weekend. Kickoff is set for noon on Big Ten Network. The Scarlet Knights are 4-0 at home this season.
