In a matchup between two teams that are known for their rushing attacks and stout defenses, Wisconsin was able to hold off Army on Saturday night, winning 20-14 to move to 3-3 on the season.
The Badgers got their scoring started in the second quarter, with Braelon Allen scoring a 33 yard rushing touchdown to finish off a 12 play, 95 yard drive and take a 7-0 lead.
On their next possession, the Badgers had a 10 play, 81 yard drive that also ended with a trip to the endzone when QB Graham Mertz rolled out to the left from the 5 yard line and easily strolled in for a touchdown. That made it 13-0 Badgers and the extra point attempt was blocked by Army.
The score would stay that way until the 4th quarter.
Army got some good starting field position and was able to drive 54 yards in eight plays to get into the endzone and ruin the Badgers' defensive shutout. With the score now 13-7, Army was within striking distance. The next time they got the ball, however, Leo Chenal laid a big hit on Army QB Jabari Laws and jarred the ball loose for a fumble that was recovered by Wisconsin's Keeanu Benton at the 1 yard line.
The very next play, Graham Mertz snuck the ball across the goal line for his second rushing touchdown of the game to take a 20-7 lead.
Army wouldn't go down without a fight though. With just 2:37 remaining, Army set off on a 7 play, 77 yard drive, including a 36 yard pass to AJ Howard to get down to the 6 yard line before Howard pushed it into the endzone on the next play.
The onside kick attempt was recovered by Wisconsin's Jack Sanborn, and the Badgers closed out the victory.
Graham Mertz finished the game 8 of 15 passing for 112 yards. Braelon Allen had 108 rushing yards on 16 carries while Chez Mellusi had 66 yards also on 16 carries.
The Badgers next play on October 23rd at Purdue, taking on a Boilermaker team that just upset (2) Iowa this week.