Written by Nick Buckley at Detroit Free Press.com
Western Michigan proved it belonged on the big stage on Monday, but a big and talented Wisconsin team dashed the Broncos’ hopes of an undefeated season and Cotton Bowl victory.
The eighth-ranked Badgers held on for a 24-16 victory over the 15th-ranked Broncos in the 81st annual Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium.
“I think tonight they played their style of football better than we played our style,” said Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck. “Obviously, disappointed with the outcome, but not disappointed with our kids’ effort, the way they played, how they played and the spirit they played with. You don’t get any points for that. You don’t get a trophy for that — we don’t want a trophy for that. … Give Wisconsin a lot of credit and Coach (Paul) Chryst.”
Western Michigan finished the season with a program-best 13-1 record, while Wisconsin ended the year 11-3 overall.
Western Michigan All-America receiver Corey Davis gave the Broncos hope for a late comeback when he hauled in an 11-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Zach Terrell with 3:27 left in regulation. Kicker Butch Hampton missed the PAT, and the ensuing onside kick attempted was muffed by Wisconsin’s Jazz Peavy before the ball rolled out of bounds.
Wisconsin tight end Troy Fumagalli caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Alex Hornibrook with 12:26 to play in the fourth quarter. Fumagalli, who finished with six receptions for a game-high 83 yards, also came up with a big third down catch on Wisconsin’s final drive that allowed the Badgers to keep the Broncos’ offense off the field for a potential comeback.
In their final games as Broncos, Terrell finished 16 of 28 passing for 157 yards, one touchdown and one interception, while Davis had six receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown.
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