CHARLOTTE, NC – The Wisconsin Badgers captured the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and the accompanying trophy.
And then they broke it.
While dancing around to celebrate his team’s 42-28 victory at Wake Forest on Wednesday, quarterback Graham Mertz threw a football-shaped piece of Lennox Crystal, and it shattered on the floor of the locker room after falling from its base.
“We want everyone to be a part of that trophy,” said Wisconsin coach Paul L. Christ.
Mertz contributed three touchdowns and Wisconsin, through a variety of players, would turn a four-second half interception into 21 points, a close game to a route closer to the Damon Deacons. Five players scored touchdowns for the Badgers.
Mertz, a redshirt newcomer, threw for 130 yards and fought two short TDs as Wisconsin (4-3) finished the 2020 season on note.
“Yeah, I left him,” Mertz said with a sigh. “It’s up to me. It happened.”
Badgers may be willing to forgive him.
The Associated Press contributes to this report.
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