Badgers’ Mertz remains optimistic after disappointing opener
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By STEVE MEGARGEE
AP Sports Writer
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz wants to make sure he doesn’t let his struggles in a season-opening loss impact the rest of his year. Mertz threw two interceptions in the final 2½ minutes as the 12th-ranked Badgers failed to convert numerous scoring opportunities and fell 16-10 to No. 19 Penn State. Wisconsin will try to bounce back Saturday when it hosts Eastern Michigan. The Badgers have gone 4-4 in Mertz’s eight career starts with their fortunes depending on how well he protects the football.