Bank of America – Five stats that defined Wisconsin football’s 42-28 Duke’s Mayo Bowl win

In a Duke’s Mayo Bowl game where both schools had two-touchdown leads, the trophy ended up shattered in the Wisconsin locker room, and there was an expected celebration mayo bath that never panned out, the Badgers wound up with a 42-28 win to finish the year at 4-3.

As you can expect from that quick primer, there were some strange statistical anomalies in this one. From four second half interceptions thrown by Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman to a serious contrast in pace of play between these two teams, here is a look at how Wisconsin was able to come away with a win:

Wake Forest dominates Wisconsin in total yards….but the Badgers cruise? Ah, turnovers

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 30: The Wisconsin Badgers celebrate their victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons after winning the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 30, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Look at that gorgeous Duke’s Mayo Bowl trophy before it was shattered accidentally by Graham Mertz. How did Wisconsin get it when they were outgained 518-266 by Wake Forest? Simple: the great equalizer of turnovers.

The Badgers were able to force four second-half Wake Forest interceptions thrown by Sam Hartman that changed the course. Despite struggling to move the football on offense for lengthy periods, Wisconsin’s defense and special teams were able to set the Badgers up with three drives starting in the red zone. Wisconsin’s offense turned all three into touchdowns.

Wisconsin finishes with more yards on interception returns than passing yards

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz (5) passes against Minnesota during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)

This stat isn’t a knock on the day Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz had, but rather a credit to how important the Wake Forest turnovers were.

The Badgers finished with 176 return yards off of four interceptions in the second half. They finished with 144 passing yards and 122 rushing yards respectively. Turnovers carried Wisconsin to 42 points.

Wisconsin’s defense adjusts on third down after a sloppy start

Wisconsin Badgers defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard during training camp at Camp Randall Stadium. Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY NETWORK

A Jim Leonhard-led defense does not give up third-and-long often. The start for Wake Forest was an anomaly for the Badgers.

For a defense that has been top-five in the country all season long in third down conversion percentage, the Demon Deacons went up 14-0 in under eight minutes thanks to a pair of third-and-long conversions through the air.

After a 2-2 start on their first two drives, Wake Forest was held to only 5-16 on third down through the rest of the contest.

Jack Sanborn earns his MVP trophy by leading Wisconsin’s defense in tackles

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 30: Linebacker Jack Sanborn #57 of the Wisconsin Badgers is handed the MVP award following their 42-28 win over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 30, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Wisconsin LB Jack Sanborn was ready for a big 2020 season, and he was at his best on Wednesday. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl MVP earned his trophy with 11 total tackles, an interception, and a pair of tackles for a loss.

He was the true definition of a game wrecker.

Graham Mertz took care of the football…..except in the locker room

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Graham Mertz #5 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates following a touchdown drive against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the fourth quarter of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium on December 30, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Despite a few missed layup throws for No. 5, it was a solid outing for Wisconsin’s QB of the future. He finished 11-17 with 130 yards and a touchdown. The most important number was a zero in the turnover column for Mertz.

That didn’t prevent him from turning over the trophy with a fumble in the locker room: