Paul Chryst discusses late-game fiasco involving Wisconsin's punt unit during loss to Gophers

Rivalry Week did go Wisconsin’s way this time around. After entering with a 7-game winning streak, the Badgers watched as their hopes of a B1G West title were sunk by Minnesota.

Wisconsin was bottled up all game long on the offensive side of the ball as Minnesota’s defense shutdown Braelon Allen. An interception thrown by Graham Mertz also helped shift the momentum in the third quarter.

Late in the loss, Wisconsin was trying to mount a comeback with about 5 minutes to go when a fiasco with the punt unit forced an ill-timed penalty and timeout. Already down 10 points, the Badgers were forced into a 4th-and-1 play with the punt unit trotting out onto the field.

After the game, head coach Paul Chryst said punting the ball away was never a decision. The punt team was sent out by mistake, though Chryst would not say who was at fault.

#Badgers coach Paul Chryst said the punt unit was NOT supposed to come on the field. Unit was sent out by mistake. He did not say but that has to be on the ST coach. PC was not happy. Geez us.

— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) November 28, 2021

Fortunately for the Badgers, that play was far from the deciding factor in the loss. Wisconsin converted that 4th-and-6 but did not score again in the waning moments of the game.