LSU Tigers claw their way back in 28-24 win over Wisconsin

No. 14 Wisconsin led 13th-ranked LSU 24-7 at one point early in the third quarter of the AdvoCare Texas Kickoff in Houston. Victory on a national stage seemed within reach for the team so painfully accustomed to close losses under the spotlights. But the Badgers squandered the lead, due in part to injuries sustained by key defensive players, and an inability to complete passes. They gave up 21 unanswered points in their loss to the perennial SEC powerhouse.

The Wisconsin Badgers take the field before their game against LSU at NRG Stadium in Houston, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014.

Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Reggie Love (16) breaks loose for a first quarter touchdown.

Wisconsin Badgers personnel prepare to place injured defensive end Konrad Zagzebski onto a stretcher in the first quarter.

Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Alex Erickson narrowly misses a catch while defended by LSU Tigers cornerback Jalen Collins (32) in the first quarter.

Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Darius Hillary (5) and LSU Tigers wide receiver Travin Dural (83) fly through the air on an incomplete pass in the second quarter.

Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon dives into the end zone for a second quarter touchdown.

LSU Tigers safety Jalen Mills (28) intercepts a pass intended for Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli, background, in the fourth quarter.

LSU Tigers players celebrate safety Jalen Mills' (28) interception of a pass intended for Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli in the fourth quarter.

LSU Tigers running back Kenny Hilliard (27) beats Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Peniel Jean (21) to the end zone for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.

LEFT: Wisconsin Badgers guard Warren Herring (45) sits on the bench injured in the fourth quarter. RIGHT: Wisconsin Badgers head coach Gary Andersen reacts to LSU's comeback in the fourth quarter. 

LSU Tigers safety Ronald Martin (26) intercepts a pass intended for Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Reggie Love (16), background, in the fourth quarter.

Wisconsin Badgers defensive end Chikwe Obasih (34) stands near midfield after the Badgers' loss.

Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) walks alone to the locker room at NRG Stadium after the Badgers' loss.