Camp Randall’s Lights Were On, But Miami’s Offense Never Showed Up
Thursday night in Madison felt like déjà vu — but not the good kind — for Miami (OH). The RedHawks opened their 2025 campaign with all the offensive firepower of a wet matchbook, getting shut out 17-0 by a Wisconsin team that didn’t even have its starting quarterback for half the game.
This marked Miami’s third straight season opener without a touchdown, but this one hit different: not a single point. Not even a field goal to save face. Just 117 yards of total offense, zero third-down conversions (0-for-9), and the kind of stats that make you want to “accidentally” leave your phone on airplane mode when the group chat starts roasting.
Meanwhile, the Badgers weathered their own storm, losing QB1 Billy Edwards Jr. in the second quarter to a non-contact lower-body injury. But backup Danny O’Neil did just enough — and the defense did the rest — to open the season with a gritty W in front of a sold-out Camp Randall crowd.
Let’s break it down.
Game Flow Recap: A Grindfest With Pads On
You knew it was going to be one of those games early. Wisconsin’s first scoring drive took 15 plays, seven minutes, and enough clock to make a vintage Big Ten fan weep. It ended in a 42-yard Nathanial Vakos field goal and a 3-0 lead that held for — checks notes — the entire first half.
Edwards looked solid early, helping march down the field with RB Dilin Jones before going down with what appeared to be a leg injury mid-hand-off. Enter Danny O’Neil, a transfer from San Diego State, who needed a full quarter to settle in. His first drive? Stalled. His second? An end-zone interception that Miami safety Silas Walters could’ve called for a fair catch on.
But after the half, Wisconsin’s slow-burn offense finally sparked. A 31-yard dime to Vinny Anthony II put the Badgers in business. And while the next fourth-down shot was picked off again by Walters — one of the few bright spots for Miami — the next drive saw O’Neil connect with Anthony on a slant to finally break the touchdown seal with 4:12 left in the third quarter.
Then came the dagger. Down 10-0 and backed up to his own end zone, Miami QB Dequan Finn tried to play hero ball. Bad idea. Wisconsin safety Preston Zachman jumped the route like he knew the playcall, returning the INT to the two-yard line. O’Neil kept it himself on a sneak, pushing the score to 17-0 and putting the RedHawks on ice for good.
Stars of the Night (Mostly Wearing Red and White)
Danny O’Neil, Wisconsin QB
Stepping in cold after Edwards’ injury, O’Neil had his shaky moments (that red-zone pick was rough), but ultimately finished with 120 yards, a TD through the air, and a short rushing score. He made the throws when it counted, especially on the third-quarter drive that opened things up. This wasn’t Caleb Williams cosplay, but it was clutch.
Vinny Anthony II, Wisconsin WR
Anthony led all receivers with four catches for 57 yards and that third-quarter TD. His big 31-yard catch flipped the field and the momentum. Wisconsin’s WR depth — with contributions from Jayden Ballard, Trech Kekahuna, and freshman Eugene Hilton Jr. — showed up when it had to.
Preston Zachman, Wisconsin S
Game-changer. His fourth-quarter interception and return to the 2-yard line was basically a walk-off. He added a second pick late to seal the deal and showed elite anticipation throughout. If you’re looking for the MVP of a 17-0 game, look no further.
Miami Defense (Yes, Really)
Give credit where it’s due — Miami’s defense kept them in this one. DE Adam Trick had six tackles, two sacks, and a PBU. Walters notched eight tackles, two deflections, and a pick. They held the Badgers to three points for nearly three quarters despite zero offensive support. It was a losing effort, but not a lifeless one.
The Moment It All Changed
Wisconsin’s fourth-down fail early in the third quarter should’ve been Miami’s moment to steal momentum — or at least pretend to. But the RedHawks immediately went three-and-out (again), giving O’Neil and the Badgers a second shot. That time, they capitalized. Anthony’s TD catch didn’t just put points on the board — it broke Miami’s spirit. From there, the Badgers dictated everything.
Stats That Tell the Story
What It Means
For Wisconsin, this was a defense-first statement. The offense took a while — and needed a quarterback switch mid-game — but when the defense plays like that, you can afford some growing pains. O’Neil didn’t look like a world-beater, but he didn’t have to. With Middle Tennessee on deck next week, the Badgers get another game to figure out their identity post-Edwards (assuming he’s out for a bit).
For Miami? It’s a brutal reality check. This program made back-to-back MAC title game appearances — and even won it in 2023 — but cannot seem to solve Week 1. And with former Toledo star Dequan Finn under center now, expectations were higher than this. If Miami wants to get back to Ford Field, they’ll need Finn to do a lot more than 83 yards and two INTs.
Final Take: Same Story, Different Year for Miami
Chuck Martin’s RedHawks have a knack for rebounding after disastrous starts — last year’s MAC championship came after a 38-3 loss to Miami (FL). So we’re not writing obits just yet. But another touchdown-less opener, this time a full-on shutout, is an ugly way to start the season.
As for Wisconsin, it wasn’t pretty, but it didn’t need to be. Defense wins games. And Thursday night, it won this one convincingly.
Cue the Jump Around. The Badgers are 1-0.
Cover Photo: Wisconsin Football via X
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