Hallman's Interception Highlights Wisconsin Badgers Victory Over Rutgers & What’s Next
Wisconsin cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) intercepts a pass intended for Rutgers wide receiver Christian Dremel (6) before returning it 95 yards for a touchdown during the second quarter of their game Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.
© Mark Hoffman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Inside the Wisconsin Badgers Victory: Key Plays and Coach's Remarks"
This past Saturday, Oct 7, the Wisconsin Badgers met the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on a crisp morning, and the result was familiar: their fifth straight victory over the Knights since 2014.
In an outstanding defensive effort, Ricardo Hallman was the highlight of the first half.
Ricardo Hallman's Defining Moment
In what might be considered the game's pivotal moment, #2 Ricardo Hallman delivered an impressive 95-yard interception. The stadium erupted as he sprinted down the field, making the score just seconds before the end of the first half.
Head Coach Luke Fickell, in his address to the media, couldn't help but praise the team's defensive strategies and Hallman's exceptional play. "I thought played really well, defensively played exceptional. ... Obviously the pick-six right there before half, I think is the difference in the ball game. ... They were playing right into their hands for what they wanted. ...The last four minutes, the first half, first four minutes, the second half of [a] very well-oiled program and team and knows what they can do. They kind of had it in ... in their mold right there."
Oct 7, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin cornerback Ricardo Hallman (2) runs 95 yards for a touchdown after an interception during the second quarter of their game against Rutgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
© Mark Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
He added, "And then Rico comes up with not only a huge pick, a great play but then he takes it to the house with four seconds left to go in the half. And I think that there's no doubt. I know there's some things that happened the second half, but I mean, there's no doubt that was ... the difference in the ballgame."
Talking about Hallman's sprint to the end zone, Fickell said, "That's not easy, obviously, going 95. Not only to make the play when you're in that situation that sometimes you start thinking about running too soon and the most important thing to do is ... make the play initially and then to be able to close it out and take it the distance is exceptional."
Looking Ahead: The Badgers vs. The Hawkeyes
Mark your calendars for October 14 at 3 p.m. CT when the Badgers take on the Iowa Hawkeyes, a team they've beaten three out of their last five games. This includes a superb 27-7 victory in 2021.
Watch the entire media conference below:
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