TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – In the program’s first ever trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the Wisconsin Badgers fell at the hands of No. 19 Alabama, losing 38-14 to wrap up non-conference portion of the 2025 schedule. Wisconsin’s defense set the tone early, stifling the Alabama rushing attack. However, critical penalties and an interception in Alabama territory gave the Crimson Tide momentum to build an early lead. The Badgers had been excellent at limiting their penalties in the first two weeks, committing only 2.5 per game, but were unable to limit mistakes in their first road test.
With 2:24 to play in the first quarter, Germie Bernard scored on a fourth-down rush from two yards out, giving the Crimson Tide a 7-0 advantage. Alabama QB Ty Simpson threw for a pair of second-quarter scores, giving Alabama a 21-0 lead at the break.
Alabama immediately added to the lead to start the second half, scoring on a 75-yard gadget play to push the lead to 28. Wisconsin responded quickly with a kickoff return touchdown from Vinny Anthony II. Anthony’s return was the first Badger kickoff return for a score since 2021 and the longest return since Aron Cruikshank’s touchdown return in the 2020 Rose Bowl. It was also the first Touchdown Alabama has allowed on a kickoff since 2021.
On the ensuing drive Ty Simpson hooked up with Ryan Williams on a 41-yard touchdown pass to stop the Badgers momentum. Late in the third quarter, the Badgers had a promising drive going deep into Alabama territory before UA junior safety Bray Hubbard nabbed his second interception of the day.
Late in the 4th quarter Danny O’Neil threw a dime to Jayden Ballard on a deep ball for a 41-yard touchdown. It marked Ballard’s second consecutive game with a touchdown reception of at least 40 yards.
Alabama wrapped things up from there, sealing a 38-14 win.
