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Donovan's late heroics helps No. 5 Wisconsin rally past UNLV

Sep 9, 2007 - 6:56 AM LAS VEGAS (Ticker) -- Quarterback Tyler Donovan used his running skills instead of his arm.

Donovan scored on a 29-yard run with 1:53 remaining in the fourth quarter to help fifth-ranked Wisconsin avoid an upset by UNLV, 20-13, on Saturday.

With the win, the Badgers (2-0) now own the longest winning streak in the nation at 11 straight games. Wisconsin was the highest ranked opponent to visit Sam Boyd Stadium.

Taylor Mehlhaff connected on an impressive 51-yard field goal with 12:28 left to gave the Badgers a slim 12-10 advantage in the final quarter.

However, the Runnin' Rebels (1-1) answered back on the ensuing drive as Sergio Aguayo's 35-yard field goal capped an 11-play, 49-yard drive at the 8:33 mark to take an one-point lead.

Behind P.J. Hill, Wisconsin moved down the field to the UNLV's 28-yard line. After accepting a 5-yard delay of game penalty, Donovan faked the bootleg and reversed field before driving over the into the end zone for the game-winning score.

"I know our players prepared the right way, but we shoot ourselves in the foot," Badgers coach Bret Bielema said. "Every game there is a fork in the road. I'm happy to get out of here winning by one or seven, 18 or whatever it is."

"We just played the number five team in the country and they had to score a touchdown in the four quarter to beat us," Rebels coach Mike Sanford said.

The 6-1 senior hooked up with Luke Swan for the two-point conversion to make it a seven-point deficit.

Donovan completed 14-of-26 passes 138 yards, including a touchdown pass to Garrett Graham in the first quarter. The signal caller also gained 64 yards on the ground.

Hill carried 20 times for 147 yards en route to his first 100-yard performance this season.

UNLV freshmen Travis Dixon went 23-of-36 for 258 yards with a score and an interception and Casey Flair caught 10 passes for 126 yards.

"We don't accept moral victories," Dixon said. "We set a high standard for ourselves and we just let this one get away from us."

"Our team played with tremendous heart, belief and effort," Sanford said. "We expect to win those types of games and we expect to be able to play with anyone in the country. Everyone in that locker room thinks we should have won that game."