There were consistent problems on special teams--particularly on coverage. I don't argue that the numbers were consistently above average, but--as with other big plays against top tier teams--the mistakes always seemed to cost the Badger big games.
The consistency with which the Badgers have lost games against helmet schools on those big plays after playing otherwise solid games is sometimes too much to bear.
Speaking of rabbit holes...
Just against Ohio State:
In the 25 seasons since I started my freshman year, Wisconsin is 6-14-1 against the Buckeyes. And this is how the misery plays out...
1993: Wisconsin is up 14-7 late in the fourth quarter--Ohio State's offense has done nothing. Then...Ohio State goes 99 yards on four passing plays to tie it, then blocks Wisconsin's 22-yard FG attempt in the waning seconds. Game ends in a 14-14 tie.
1996: down 14-10 in the 4th quarter, OSU scores the winning TD on a 48-yard passing TD (final score: 17-14).
2002: OSU wins 19-14. Scores on a 47-yard TD pass, sets up a field goal with a 48-yard pass, scores another FG after recovering a Wisconsin fumble at the WIS-32, and completes a 45-yard pass on its only other scoring drive.
2007: Game is 17-17 going into the 4th quarter; OSU scores 21 unanswered in the 4th. In the 4th, OSU has a 30-TD yard run, Wisconsin fumbles twice inside its own 30, and fails on a fake punt.
2008: down 17-13 with 5 minutes to play, OSU's drive includes passes of 19 and 27 yards--and recovering its own fumble--to score the winning touchdown with 1:08 to play.
2009: as noted, two pick-6s and a kickoff return for a touchdown on a day the Badger defense played brilliantly.
2011: Braxton Miller runs around the pocket for a while then heaves a bomb downfield. Beats the best offensive team Wisconsin has ever had (this was the same year Michigan State beat the Badgers on the prayer chucked downfield).
2012: Ohio State scores on a 68-yard punt return; has 236 total yard of offense to the Badgers' 360. OSU wins in OT.
2013: in this one Wisconsin's comeback bid came up short, but...OSU threw for three touchdowns of over 25 yards or more (25, 26, 40). OSU by 7.
2016: down 23-20 in the waning minutes of the 4th quarter, Barrett completes a 43-yard pass to put OSU in field goal range. OSU wins in OT.
2017 BTCG: OSU scores on 57- and 84-yard touchdown passes, and a 77-yard run set up a third (1st down from the 1); a 53-yard run sets up a field goal. Ohio State's only sustained drive without a play of over 50 yards that resulted in points got the Buckeyes a field goal. And Wisconsin threw a pick (on first down) at the OSU 4. OSU wins by 6.
Nonetheless, the fake FG worked at a time when it was needed in that 2009 game. And yeah, there was the Gilreath return that started that 2010 win--the last one.
