Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from the loss to Wisconsin

Michigan football was in prime position to upset Wisconsin Saturday, but ultimately, the Wolverines failed to close the deal. Here are three takeaways.

When Devin Bush secured an interception midway through the third quarter, it seemed that Michigan football had a chance to upset unbeaten Wisconsin.

The score was tied 7-7. Michigan football had momentum and the ball around the Badgers 30. But after one first down, the drive fell apart. After settling for three points, so did the game.

On the very next possession, Wisconsin converted two third and longs, including a 3rd-and-17 for a touchdown. Alex Hornibrook wasn’t great, but on that drive, he was special and that drive won the game for Wisconsin.

They key play was the 3rd-and-17.

On the previous drive, when Michigan had the football, it also faced a 3rd-and-long. Yet, instead of going for six, UM settled for three, deciding to hand the ball off, instead of trying to throw for a first down or touchdown.

One team believed in its quarterback, the other didn’t. The difference was clear.

Down 14-10, the Wolverines weren’t out of it. But on the next drive, Brandon Peters was knocked out. Literally, he was unconscious by a slam to the turf. He was out and Michigan’s hopes were extinct.

Wisconsin added a touchdown run and a field goal. The Wolverines didn’t get close to scoring again. A 24-10 loss to the No. 5 team in the country isn’t anything to be ashamed of, it’s the fact that the Wolverines had a chance to score a defining win, but limped to the finish line, again.

The second half, was especially demoralizing, but here were go with three most important takeaways for Michigan football.