The Wisconsin Badgers have had a rough start to the season, and things did not get any easier on Saturday when they traveled to Ann Arbor to take on the 20th-ranked Michigan Wolverines.
After starting the year with wins over Miami (OH) and Middle Tennessee State, the Badgers entered the weekend having lost two straight games: a 38-14 defeat to the Alabama Crimson Tide and a 27-10 loss to the Maryland Terrapins. These losses dropped them to 2-2 and 0-2 against Power 4 competition.
Wisconsin has been hit hard by injuries and uncertainty at the quarterback position.
Bouncing back against a team like Michigan in one of the toughest environments in college football always poses quite a challenge.
Controversial No-Call Took Social Media By Storm
Wisconsin was able to keep the game competitive throughout most of the matchup, but never really looked like a real threat to win the game, ultimately falling 24-10 as highly-touted freshman Bryce Underwood had his best game, throwing for a career-high 270 yards and a touchdown to lead the Wolverines.
The game, however, was somewhat marred by a no-call on a Wisconsin throw down the field.
“Michigan maybe gets away with a little contact right there.”
Do you agree with Joel Klatt? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/vk65fj0x9N
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 4, 2025
“Underthrown… Michigan maybe gets away with a little contact from Jyaire Hill, that certainly could have drawn a flag,” announcer Joel Klatt said.
Fans None Too Please With the Officiating in the Michigan-Wisconsin Showdown
As expected, fans were unhappy with the calls, with many labeling the game “rigged.”
“How much did @stoolpresidente pay these refs?” this fan asked, referring to the founder of Barstool Sports, current Fox analyst, and Michigan alumnus Dave Portnoy.
How much did @stoolpresidente pay these refs?
— Blaine Dooley (@_bdool) October 4, 2025
Other fans thought the missed call was blatantly obvious.
“Most obvious PI ever but the refs turn a blind eye to anything against Michigan,” another tweeted.
Most obvious PI ever but the refs turn a blind eye to anything against Michigan
— Ben Roche (@BenRoche27) October 4, 2025
Others simply wondered just exactly what the officials were looking at.
“Wtf was that ref looking at, throw the flag,” this outraged onlooker said.
Wtf was that ref looking at, throw the flag
— BBWI86 (@BillGvilleWI) October 4, 2025
Others just completely called the game “rigged.”
“Rigged clearly.”
Rigged clearly
— Dr. Willie Eetmioutt (@WillYeEetmioutt) October 4, 2025
Some took offense, calling it a “little” contact.
“A little? Bro come on now that is pass interference!”
A little? Bro come on now that is pass interference!
— dante151 (@dante017) October 4, 2025
Others believe it was just one of many bad calls.
“Of course,” this fan tweeted. “It’s obvious. The officials also gave them a first down on a horrible spot.”
Of course. It’s obvious. The officials also gave them a first down on a horrible spot.
— David Sullivan 🇺🇸✝️ (@DSullivanOH) October 4, 2025
Whether this would have impacted the game’s outcome is up for debate, but it’s certainly fair to expect that officials get the calls right, regardless of the circumstances. Therefore, it’s easy to see why fans would be upset – especially when it involves a program as popular and polarizing as Michigan.
