Wisconsin Mounts Comeback to Down Ohio State, 20-17 – Ohio State Buckeyes
10/13/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct 13, 2001
Final Stats| Quotes| Notes
Video Courtesy of ESPN
Chris Vance makes an acrobatic catch over a Badger defender to set up a Buckeye touchdown.
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COLUMBUS, Ohio– Ohio State jumped out to an early lead, but for the second time in as many trips to Columbus, the Badgers of Wisconsin battled back from a 17-point deficit to win at Ohio Stadium, defeating the Buckeyes 20-17.
The Buckeyes scored on their first three possessions to go up 17-0 with 10 minutes, 27 seconds remaining before halftime.
Freshman Lydell Ross scored on a 3-yard run ending an 80-yard scoring drive by the Buckeyes for the third score and second touchdown of the game for the Buckeyes. It was Ross’ fourth touchdown run of the year.
Wisconsin drew even on a 25-yard field goal by Mark Neuser with 14:10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Two series later, the Badgers took at 20-17 lead with a 33-yard field goal by Neuser with 2:10 in the game. The field goal punctuated a seven-play, 55-yard drive by the Badgers.
OSU took over at their 38 following a 20-yard return by Maurice Hall on the ensuing kickoff. The Buckeyes were unable to mount a final drive, turning the ball over on downs. Wisconsin ran out the final 1:09 off the clock to preserve the win. Bellisari scored on a quarterback sneak on fourth-and-inches with 4 minutes, 28 seconds remaining in the opening quarter to give the Buckeyes a 10-0 lead after a 51-yard drive on the Buckeyes’ second possession. It was his fourth career-rushing touchdown
The Buckeyes took a 3-0 lead on their first possession after a 44-yard field goal by freshman kicker Josh Huston with 10:27 to play in the first quarter. The Ohio State scoring drive was aided by a 34-yard kickoff return by freshman Hall, giving the Buckeyes starting field position on the OSU 41.
Wisconsin had a chance to cut into lead after Buckeye quarterback Steve Bellisari was intercepted by Wisconsin safety Michael Broussard on the Buckeyes’ fourth series. Brussard’s return put the Badgers on their own 45-yard line. Wisconsin drove to the Ohio State 21 before missing a 39-yard field goal attempt wide left, preserving the Buckeye’s 17-0 lead.
The Badger defense forced Ohio State to punt from the OSU 22 with under a minute to play in the first half. Buckeye punter Andy Groom was unable to get the kick off after the snap went wide to his right. Groom scrambled for a 1-yard gain giving the Badgers the ball on the OSU 23.
Wisconsin took advantage immediately with a 23-yard touchdown run by freshman tailback Anthony Davis with 46 seconds left in the second quarter, cutting the lead to 17-7.
Wisconsin scored again following an 80-yard drive to open the third quarter on a 42-yard touchdown pass from Bollinger to split end Nick Davis. The touchdown cut the Ohio State lead to 17-14 with just over 12 minutes left.
Ohio State hosts San Diego State at 12:10 p.m. next Saturday at Ohio Stadium. It will be the third-consecutive home game for the Buckeyes.
