So what does UW have to do to get over the hump against high-end teams?

“We’ve just got to execute down the stretch,” said sophomore quarterback Joel Stave, who missed the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury. “There’s a lot of good players on this team and when we’re getting down to the end of the game, getting into those opportunities to win the game, we’ve got to make sure we’re executing. We never give up, we always fight to the end, but that only goes so far. We’ve got to execute.”

Of course, the Badgers have said that after every loss this season.

“I think for everyone that’s getting a little old,” Stave said. “We’re a good team, we can play with anyone, but we’ve got to finish. ... We’ve got to make sure that we’re finishing these opportunities.”

The Badgers can start by developing a more consistent passing game. Once again, Stave’s accuracy and pocket presence wasn’t good enough to consistently sustain drives. And you had to feel for sixth-year senior Curt Phillips, who looked tentative subbing for Stave after barely playing all season. Of course, the lack of a deep threat to pair with Abbrederis didn’t help either quarterback.