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Washington State running back Nakia Watson (25) scores on a 31-yard pass in the third quarter to put the Cougars up for good. UW's defense failed to come up with crucial stops in the second half. 

The Badgers were satisfied with their overall defensive efforts in a loss to Washington State but know they have areas to clean up.

Defensive players on the University of Wisconsin football team were playing hot potato with blame for the loss their team suffered Saturday afternoon.

Senior cornerback Jay Shaw said his interception that turned into a fumble and new set of downs for visiting Washington State was the difference between a win and a loss. Senior safety John Torchio said he had a number of missed tackles he wanted back. Junior outside linebacker Nick Herbig was frustrated he and his running mates in the front six couldn’t get as much pressure as they wanted.

But one thing that emerged from the 17-14 loss the No. 19 Badgers suffered against the Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium — this defense isn’t quite what the defense of last season was, and it didn’t make the big play in crunch time to give the offense one more crack at tying or winning the game.

“We only gave up 17 points, but a lot of them were just unfortunate plays,” Herbig said. “It was just a chain reaction of bad events.”

3 things that stood out from Wisconsin football's loss to Washington State

UW’s offense had the ball in the hands of its top tight end, Clay Cundiff, and he was looking to score his third touchdown of the game after catching a pass over the middle of the field. But Cundiff had the ball punched out from behind and Washington State took over at its 12-yard line with 5 minutes, 14 seconds left.

Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward engineered a kill-the-clock drive that ended with him chucking the ball out of play on a fourth down with no time left. UW failed to get a third-down stop three plays into the series when a bad snap affected the handoff mesh point between Ward and tailback Jaylen Jenkins. Ward ran the ball and gained 3 yards to extend the drive. It was one of just three runs on the day for Ward, who used his mobility to extend plays and find targets to throw the ball.

UW burned its second timeout after stopping a run for a short gain on first-and-10 from the 41, but Nakia Watson punched through the middle of the defense for an 11-yard run the next play and put the Badgers into turnover-or-bust mode.

The Badgers were able to come up with crucial stops at certain points. Cornerback Max Lofy picked off a pass near the end zone to end Washington State's first series, and UW held the Cougars to a field goal to open the third quarter after the kick coverage unit allowed a return to reach the Badgers’ 27.

But three critical junctures saw the Badgers fail to get a stop — the aforementioned end-of-game scenario, after Shaw fumbled away a third-quarter interception and when the Badgers offense failed on fourth down near midfield in the second quarter. Watson scored the Cougars’ touchdowns off the two latter sequences. UW lost despite holding Wazzu to just 10 first downs.

“I really think it would have changed the game — I should have held on to the ball,” Shaw said about his blunder. “The whole conversation would be different. … So I take this one on me, to be completely honest with you.”

Instant analysis: Wisconsin football isn't good enough to overcome such sloppy play

UW’s offense wants to be aggressive when it can, and it trusts its defense to bow up when that aggressiveness backfires like it did on the fourth-down call that gave Wazzu the ball at its 47. Badgers coach Paul Chryst said he was kicking himself for going for the fourth down and making the defense’s job harder, and he put the onus on the offense to give the defense a larger cushion to work with.

“Didn't help ourselves,” Chryst said. “I think that certainly, we have made some plays (on defense) and yet, you can look at it and it's still … you got to score points to win. We gave up 17 … we score 14 and we’ve got to be better.”

Some mitigating factors should be considered when judging the Badgers’ not-quite-good-enough performance on defense.

Washington State’s “Coug Raid” style often featured four receivers and forced the Badgers to play defenses they’re not accustomed to — Torchio said the Badgers played more dime defense with six defensive backs on the field Saturday than they have in his career. That dime look changed a bit with the number of linemen and linebackers on the field in particular situations, and the Badgers played their traditional nickel package whenever Washington State had a tight end on the field.

Polzin: An offense that can't produce? We've seen this show before

UW also was without veteran cornerbacks Alexander Smith and Justin Clark (hamstring injures), whose experience and knowledge of the defensive scheme likely would’ve helped avoid some of the openings Ward was able to find. Badgers defenders insisted their communication was sound despite the no-huddle nature of Wazzu’s offense, but the open spaces Cougars receivers found suggests otherwise.

Safety Hunter Wohler (left leg) also missed the game, which took away one of the best athletes in UW’s secondary. One of Wohler’s replacements, Preston Zachman, was beaten for 38 yards down the sideline on a wheel route by tight end Billy Riviere III to set up the Cougars’ first touchdown. It’s unlikely Riviere’s open on that play if Wohler is on the field because of his speed and coverage skills.

Strong defense has been part of the Badgers’ success formula for years, and the Badgers were just good Saturday. UW’s top defenders are dialed into making up that gap.

“It’s games like this that I feel it either makes you or breaks you as a team,” Herbig said. “Maybe this is good for us, who knows? Maybe this is good we could figure stuff out, who we really are, our true identity. It’s all about how you come back from adversity, so I think honestly this might be good for our team.”

Washington State's Chau Smith-Wade breaks up a pass intended for Wisconsin's Markus Allen during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Chimere Dike tries to get past Washington State's Chris Jackson during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Braelon Allen finds a hole against Washington State during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Graham Mertz throws a pass against Washington State during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Clay Cundiff catches a touchdown pass in front of Washington State's Travion Brown during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Graham Mertz reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against Washington State during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Washington State's Chris Jackson breaks up a pass intended for Wisconsin's Chimere Dike during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Washington State's Nakia Watson is stopped by Wisconsin's Max Lofy during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Graham Mertz scrambles against Washington State during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Washington State's Jaden Hicks  tries to stop Wisconsin's Braelon Allen during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Skyler Bell tries to break free from the Washington State defense during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Clay Cundiff is congratulated after catching a touchdown pass during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Chez Mellusi finds a hole against Washington State during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Washington State's Chau Smith-Wade is called for pass interference on a pass intended for Wisconsin's Markus Allen during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Washington State's Billy Riviere III catches a pass in front of Wisconsin's Preston Zachman during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Graham Mertz runs past Washington State's Francisco Mauigoa during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Braelon Allen runs past Washington State's Francisco Mauigoa during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Washington State's Jaden Hicks tries to stop Wisconsin's Skyler Bell during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Washington State's Nakia Watson runs past Wisconsin's Jake Chaney during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin's Chez Mellusi is stopped by the Washington State defense during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Washington State's Nakia Watson is congratulated after running for a touchdown against Wisconsin during Saturday's game at Camp Randall Stadium.

Washington State Cougars defensive back Chris Jackson (2) defends on a pass attempt to Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Chimere Dike (13) in the 2nd quarter. Jackson was called for holding before the play. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Wisconsin Badgers tight end Clay Cundiff (85) scores on a 17-yard pass from quarterback Graham Mertz (5) in the 2nd quarter. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Wisconsin Badgers tight end Clay Cundiff (85) celebrates a 17-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Graham Mertz (5) in the 2nd quarter. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) celebrates a 17-yard touchdown pass to tight end Clay Cundiff (85)in the 2nd quarter. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Washington State Cougars defensive back Sam Lockett III (0) recovers a fumble by Wisconsin Badgers tight end Clay Cundiff (85) late in the 4th quarter. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Wisconsin Badgers tight end Clay Cundiff (85) fumbles after a catch late in the 4th quarter. The ball was recovered by Washington State who ran out the clock for the win. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Washington State celebrate a recovered fumble late in the 4th quarter. Wisconsin Badgers tight end Clay Cundiff (85) fumbles after a catch. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Washington State celebrate their win over Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Graham Mertz (5) walks off the field after losing to Washington State. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Washington State celebrates its win over Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium.

Washington State Cougars running back Nakia Watson (25) is chased by Wisconsin Badgers safety Kamo'i Latu (13) late in the 4th quarter. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Washington State Cougars quarterback Cameron Ward is tackled by Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Nick Herbig (19) late in the 4th quarter. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Wisconsin walks off the field after losing to Washington State. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Washington State Cougars running back Nakia Watson (25) scores on a 31-yard pass play in the 3rd quarter. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Washington State Cougars running back Nakia Watson (25) celebrates his 31-yard touchdown in the 3rd quarter. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Washington State Cougars running back Nakia Watson (25) breaks the tackle of Wisconsin Badgers safety Kamo'i Latu (13) to score on a 31-yard pass play in the 3rd quarter. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Wisconsin kicker Vito Calvaruso reacts to missed field goal attempt in the 4th quarter. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Washington State Cougars running back Nakia Watson (25) celebrates his 31-yard touchdown in the 3rd quarter. The Wisconsin Badgers hosted the Washington State Cougars at Camp Randall Stadium, Saturday, September 10, 2022 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin lost 17-14. Photo Steve Apps for the State Journal.

Washington State defensive back Chau Smith-Wade (6) was called for pass interference on a pass play to Wisconsin receiver Keontez Lewis (3) on Sept. 10.

Washington State's Christian Mejia intercepts a pass during the second half Saturday at Camp Randall.

Washington State's Nakia Watson is congratulated after running for a touchdown during the first half Saturday at Camp Randall.

Washington State coach Kyle Smith reacts after a missed field goal during Saturday's game at Camp Randall.

Wisconsin's John Torchio tries to stop Washington State's Nakia Watson during Saturday's game at Camp Randall.

Washington State players celebrate after defeating Wisconsin on Saturday at Camp Randall.

Wisconsin's Isaac Guerendo runs against Washington State during Saturday's game at Camp Randall.

Washington State's Chau Smith-Wade is called for pass interference on a pass intended for Wisconsin's Keontez Lewis during Saturday's game at Camp Randall.

Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst watches during Saturday's game at Camp Randall.

Washington State's Cameron Ward throws against Wisconsin during Saturday's game at Camp Randall.

Wisconsin's Isaac Guerendo tries to get past Washington State's Jaden Hicks during Saturday's game at Camp Randall.

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The outcome surely wasn't what Badgers fans were hoping for, but that doesn't mean Wisconsin's loss to Washington State didn't come without some valuable lessons. 

Columnist Jim Polzin took the pulse of Badgers fans on Twitter after No. 19 Wisconsin fell to Washington State. Here's what they were saying. 

Washington State running back Nakia Watson (25) scores on a 31-yard pass in the third quarter to put the Cougars up for good. UW's defense failed to come up with crucial stops in the second half. 

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