There was just one lone thought running through the minds of Wisconsin Badgers fans with about 20 seconds remaining in Saturday’s outing versus the Ohio State Buckeyes: not again.
One week after losing as a result of a miraculous Hail Mary pass by the Michigan State Spartans, the Badgers experienced more late game heartache. This time, however, the consequences of their 33-29 defeat are all the more severe.
With 20 seconds remaining in the game, Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Devin Smith to give his team a four-point lead. It was almost shocking, in a way, that Smith was able to get so ridiculously wide open with the Badgers defenders well aware of how poor protection and a smidge of bad luck cost them their shot at an undefeated 2011 campaign just one week earlier.
Nevertheless, just as was the case the last time around, it ultimately came down to a video review by the officials to determine whether or not the touchdown would stand. And, of course, just as was the case last time around – it would.
"The replay booth has definitely not been our friend the last two weeks," Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said to reporters after the game.
Despite a valiant effort, the Badgers were not able to return the favor in the last 20 seconds of the game and ultimately fell to a 7-2 mark on the season.
Check out a video of the last minute heroics/heartbreak below: