Sunday, September 25, 2005

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News Wisconsin's John Stocco, center, is mobbed by his teammates after scoring the winning touchdown on a 4-yard run with 24 seconds left.

Wisconsin 23, U-M 20

Michigan stumble spoils showdown

Wolverines fall to 2-2, await MSU

By Angelique S. Chengelis / The Detroit News

John T. Greilick / The Detroit News Michigan running back Kevin Grady drags Wisconsin defensive back Levonne Rowan during an 11-yard run. Go Green, Go Blue Who will win Saturday's game between Michigan and Michigan State? Michigan Michigan State Get results and comments Related links  NCAA football scores and stats Big Ten Talk Big Ten Weblog U-M schedule U-M roster U-M stats Big Ten schedule Big Ten standings Big Ten stats AP Top-25 poll USA Today / ESPN Top-25 poll Sports Challenge: Pick the college winners weekly, win prizes Game photo galleries U-M 33, N. Illinois 17 Notre Dame 17, U-M 10 U-M 55, EMU 0 Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery

MADISON, Wis. -- On paper, before the season started, Michigan's offense was projected to be a juggernaut, a score-at-will mix of run and pass with seemingly endless options.

Injuries certainly have been an issue during the first month of the season for the 14th-ranked Wolverines, and they are still struggling to find a rhythm and to avoid and overcome turnovers.

That was clearly evident Saturday night, with two critical late turnovers, several special-teams mistakes and missed opportunities in Michigan's Big Ten opener against Wisconsin at rowdy Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin got two fourth-quarter touchdowns to come from behind for a 23-20 upset of the Wolverines (2-2).

"It's a great win for our program, for the kids," said Wisconsin Coach Barry Alvarez, who is retiring after the season to work exclusively as athletic director. "It's a big win, and we put a lot into it. It's one of the bigger wins we've had in our program, I think."

Wisconsin ended a six-game losing streak against U-M, and the Wolverines' streak of winning Big Ten openers ended at 23 games. Now, the downtrodden Wolverines face an even bigger challenge -- heading to East Lansing to face unbeaten rival Michigan State. The Wolverines, however, were not interested in discussing the Spartans after their loss Saturday.

"We didn't come out and make plays (in the second half)," said Jason Avant, a senior receiver and Michigan's co-captain, who had seven catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. "We didn't make any plays. We'd get a couple first downs and punt, a couple first downs and punt. We just don't make the plays that we need to. We make plays at points, at certain times in the game, but we're not consistent. Once we get consistent, then we can be a good team. But right now, we (stink)."

Wisconsin trailed 13-6 after the third quarter but felt a momentum shift after holding Michigan scoreless and to 38 yards in the quarter.

The Badgers (4-0) took the lead for the first time at 16-13 with 11:34 left in the game following a bumbling U-M possession that started with Steve Breaston looking uncertain as he fielded a kickoff in the end zone. He started to come out of the end zone, then stopped, then had to keep going before he got slammed at the U-M 8.

Two plays later, tailback Max Martin, starting in place of injured Mike Hart, lost a fumble and left guard Leo Henige was assessed a personal-foul penalty. The Badgers, starting at the Michigan 12, scored on a 7-yard run by Brian Calhoun.

The Badgers looked ready to add to that lead when Chad Henne was intercepted by Johnny White, who was covering Avant. Wisconsin started the drive at the Michigan 35, but John Stocco was intercepted two plays later by Grant Mason.

Starting from their 39-yard line, the Wolverines needed only three plays to regain the lead. Henne completed a 49-yards pass on a flea-flicker to freshman Mario Manningham to give Michigan a 20-16 lead.

The Badgers could get no closer than the Michigan 37 on their next possession, but Ken DeBauche punted deep and Wisconsin downed the football at the Michigan. DeBauche had three punts inside the 20.

Michigan went three-and-out and Wisconsin took advantage of favorable field position. The Badgers reached the Wolverines' 4, and after two incompletions and staring at third down, Stocco scored the winning touchdown on a 4-yard run with 24 seconds left.

"I was a little surprised by the call, but it was unbelievable," said Stocco, who was 15-of-32 passing for 147 yards.

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said it was not unexpected.

"We expected them to run the football on that down because they had a timeout left," Carr said. "They did a good job of executing a good play. It was a good call on their part."

With 17 seconds left in the game, Michigan attempted to move into field-goal range as Henne completed a 44-yard pass to Avant to the Michigan 45. That was as close as the Wolverines could get.

Henne wasn't sharp, particularly in the second half. He was 16-of-34 passing for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Manningham had four catches for 106 yards. Michigan rushed for 143 yards, including 91 on 16 carries by Martin.

Michigan's defense, which entered the game leading the Big Ten in total defense, allowing an average 263 yards, was looking for a bit of respect entering conference play. Wisconsin entered the game ranked sixth nationally in rushing offense, averaging 272.3 yards. The Badgers were held to 140 rushing yards. They also were tied for 10th in scoring offense, averaging 45 points. The Badgers had no semblance of a potent, high-scoring offense against Michigan in the first half as they gained just 93 yards.

Michigan led 13-3 at halftime, but, again, had missed opportunities. The Wolverines were stymied on their first possession of the game on fourth-and-goal on the final play of a 16-play, seven-minute drive. The Wolverines had 11 rushing attempts during the 94-yard drive, but their final effort by Kevin Grady was for naught when he was stopped at the 1.