MADISON, Wis. — Back from injury, tight end Clay Cundiff connected with quarterback Graham Mertz for two touchdowns on Saturday, but Wisconsin fell 17-14 to visiting Washington State at Camp Randall Stadium.
Former Badger Nakia Watson collected his own set of TDs against the Badgers to lead the Cougars to victory, scoring on a 2-yard run in the second quarter and putting the Cougars (2-0) ahead for good by turning a short completion into a 31-yard score with 5:12 left in the third quarter.
Turnovers affected both teams as the game featured two separate plays in which one team intercepted a pass and then fumbled the ball away, creating a first down for the team that threw the pick.
Wisconsin (1-1) trailed 17-14 and faced third-and-6 from the Washington State 9 midway through the fourth quarter when defensive tackle Christian Mejia picked off a Mertz pass before losing the football. Wisconsin recovered at the Washington State 20, but a personal foul on Cundiff after the play pushed them back to the 35.
Cundiff then caught a 24-yard pass, but Quinn Roff forced a fumble that Sam Lockett III recovered at the 12 with 5:14 left.
Washington State never gave up possession the rest of the way.
Wisconsin's two touchdowns came in the second quarter on passes from Mertz to Cundiff. They connected on a 17-yarder and a 10-yarder, the latter coming 20 seconds before halftime.
These were Cundiff's first touchdowns since the tight end dislocated his right ankle, broke a fibula and tore a foot ligament in a victory over Iowa last October. His first game back from that injury came in Wisconsin's 38-0 victory over Illinois State last year.
Washington State rallied from a 14-7 halftime deficit.
The Cougars trailed 14-10 and had third and 10 from their 47 when Ward was hit by Kamo'I Latu just as he threw a pass that Wisconsin's Jay Shaw picked off. Washington State receiver Lincoln Victor then applied a hit that knocked the ball loose, and center Konner Gomness recovered the fumble at the Wisconsin 49.
Instead of losing the ball on the turnover, Washington State suddenly had a first down just beyond midfield.
Six plays later, Watson caught a pass just beyond the line of scrimmage, made a spin move to get past Latu at the 30 and raced untouched the rest of the way for a 31-yard touchdown that put the Cougars ahead 17-14.
The Badgers controlled the ball for more than 38 minutes but struggeled with 11 penalties and two missed field-goal attempts.
Wisconsin stays home to host New Mexico State on Saturday, Sept. 17. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Camp Randall and will air on Big Ten Network. The game will also feature a celebration of Wisconsin women's athletics.
