Tom Lynn / McClatchy Tribune

Fresno State was just one play short. One more touchdown. One more defensive stop. One less interception.

In their 34-31 double-overtime loss to the Wisconsin Badgers, the Bulldogs were unable to make the one play needed to put themselves over the over the top.

The game was that excruciatingly close.

Wisconsin and Fresno State have, in only four matchups, become a game both teams circle on the schedule. Heck, it̢۪s nearly a rivalry, with Wisconsin being only two or three points better than Fresno State.

Saturday’s game fell into the “Wisconsin is only three points betterâ€Â category.

“There was going to be some mistakes along the way,â€Â Pat Hill said in a postgame radio interview.

Absolutely, mistakes are inevitable.

Points in the first quarter count as much as points in the fourth quarter, but it seemed that the Bulldogs̢۪ second half mistakes counted for a little bit more than mistakes early on.

After leading 21-17 at the break, the Bulldogs threw two interceptions, missed one field goal and punted on their next four drives. A score on any of those four drives could have put the game away.

And after leading for more than 45 minutes of the game and holding Wisconsin to less than 80 yards rushing, Badger tailback John Clay broke a 72-yard touchdown run, giving the Badgers the lead, 24-21. A defensive stop would have let Fresno State run the clock and go home with the win.

Tom Lynn / McClatchy Tribune

And the most memorable late mistake, quarterback Ryan Colburn threw an interception on the first play of the second overtime period. The pass was only one yard from being caught in the back of the end zone.

Excruciating. Just one play away from the win.

“It was a tough-ass football game, I’ll tell you that,â€Â Hill said.

Yes, it was a really tough football game to lose. But having a tough loss at this point in the season is just fine. Losing isn’t always the worst thing that can happen to a young team – especially a team with an inexperienced quarterback.

So maybe on one day and in a single game, losing is the worst thing that can happen to a team. Just ask former New York Jets coach Herm Edwards … “You play to win the game.â€Â

But think about the whole season. The Bulldogs didn̢۪t have much of a shot at an undefeated finish and a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) birth. Most everyone thought Fresno State would end up at a 7-5 mark.

So those five loses had to come somewhere. Wisconsin was one of the best teams on the schedule and the 34-31 double-overtime loss was one of the best ways to lose.

The team showed growth and potential, beyond preseason expectations.

Fresno State dominated the game statistically, converting 11-of-18 third downs, winning the time of possession battle and totaling more yards.

And at the most crucial position, Colburn settled in and got his first taste of defeat. And he̢۪s never going to want to feel like that again.

“That was heartbreaking for sure … but we left too many chances on the field,â€Â Colburn said in a press release. “It’s disappointing for sure.â€Â

It is going to sting for a while and it̢۪s not going to be easily forgotten. And as the Bulldogs move on and prepare for Boise State this Friday, they should not let that sting slip away.

Why not pass on the lesson learned to Boise State and let the Broncos experience one of the best ways to lose?

Friday night will be a chance for the Bulldogs to get one more touchdown. One more defensive stop. One less interception.

And one more win.