Wisconsin football team routed by Michigan

The Wisconsin Badgers football team was outscored 25-7 in the second half of a 38-17 Big Ten Conference loss to the Michigan Wolverines on Oct. 2 in Madison.

Wisconsin is now 1-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

The Badgers were outgained 365-210 in the contest and turned the ball over three times. Wisconsin only rushed for 43 yards on 32 attempts.

Wisconsin struggled again on third downs, converting just three of 14 attempts. Michigan converted seven third-down chances and three fourth-down opportunities.

Quarterback Graham Mertz completed eight of 15 attempts for 115 yards and a touchdown before leaving with an injury. Backup Chase Wolf was just 3-of-8 passing for 52 yards. Wolf was intercepted once and lost a fumble before throwing a late touchdown pass to tight end Clay Cundiff.

Mertz threw his touchdown to wide receiver Chimere Dike late in the first half. Wisconsin trailed 13-10 at halftime.

Mertz left in the third quarter after getting sacked for the third time.

Linebackers Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal led the Badgers' defense with 13 and 12 total tackles, respectively. Alexander Smith intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter.

Wisconsin will look to snap a two-game losing streak next week when the team travels to take on Illinois. The Oct. 9 game is slated for a 2:30 p.m. start.