UW defense looking to reduce big plays - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Madison (WQOW) -- The Wisconsin football team is hoping to learn from its mistakes. Last season, that included three last-minute losses.

The Badgers remember all too well the Hail Mary passes at Michigan State and Ohio State in back-to-back weeks that resulted in two heartbreaking losses for Wisconsin. Incoming senior cornerback Marcus Cromartie says the team is putting a lot of emphasis on not giving up the big play this year.

"Our coach always talks about, 'Don't be the guy that has seven good plays and three bad plays. Be consistent the whole game, because those three bad plays can lose a game," Cromartie said. "I don't want to be the guy that has seven good plays in the first three quarters and look back and say 'Cromartie had a bad fourth quarter.' So when I go out there, I have the mindset that I want to have a consistent game, the mindset of doing my job and as long as the team wins, I'm happy."

The Badgers kick off the season Sept. 1 against Northern Iowa at Camp Randall Stadium.