Washington State drops opener to Wisconsin, 42-21

MADISON, Wis. -- Washington State scored a touchdown in their first two possessions, but couldn't hang with 7th ranked Wisconsin in the end.

The Badgers won big, 42-21.

Wisconsin's new starting quarterback Tyler Donovan threw for three touchdowns and ran for another. WSU's Alex Brink also played well completing 17-of-27 passes for 171-yards.

The Cougs also got help offensively from the ground game. Dwight Tardy rushed for a game high 96-yards and a touchdown. Christopher Ivory added 29-yards and a score.

Wisconsin trailed 14-7 late in the first quarter but scored 21 unanswered points before halftime as Donovan got hot and the Badger defense began to contain Brink.

Washington State tried to rally early in the third quarter after a special-teams miscue by Wisconsin. The Badgers' Ken DeBauche hit a short punt, then was flagged for illegally batting the ball forward, giving the ball to Washington State at the Wisconsin 42.

Brink drove the Cougars deep into Badgers territory, then found wide receiver Brandon Gibson on a 7-yard slant pattern for a touchdown, cutting the score to 28-21. Gibson led the Cougars with six catches for 82-yards.

Donovan answered by leading Wisconsin on another extended drive that ended with running back P.J. Hill scoring his second touchdown.

Donovan completed 19-of-29 passes for 284-yards and three touchdowns before being replaced midway through the fourth quarter by junior Allan Evridge, the player Donovan beat out for the starting job.

The Cougars play San Diego State next weekend in Seattle.

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