A year after Illinois disrupted a 13-point second-half lead last season, No. 14 Wisconsin took revenge for the season by securing a 45-7 victory over Fighting Illinois in the first Big Ten football game on Friday night. Freshman quarterback Graham Mertz’s almost perfect effort led by the Redshirts, the Badgers dominated the game in all aspects.
Mertz set a school record by completing 1 straight pass, becoming the first new Wisconsin player since 1978 to start quarterbacks in a season-opener. In the end, he finished 208-21, passing 248 yards and five touchdowns. For the injured Incumbent Instant Stark Jack Con. Mertz touted his four touchdowns in the first part of 14-for-14, as he provided a clear example of why the 247 sports composite rankings are considered the No. 3 pro-style quarterback in the 2019 recruitment class.
The Badgers defense also looked like one of the best in the country again as he kept Illinois at just 218 yards. Illinois’ only score of the game came on defense, while Tariq Barnes was left behind in the first half with a touchdown of 39 yards behind Wisconsin: 22: It was a fitting score for Illinois, who finished first in the country last season in defensive touchdowns, and made Illini’s loss 14-7 at the time.
But it was just one of the few bright spots for Illinois on Friday. Things started badly for Illinois when Mike Epsaten adjusted Wisconsin with a short field after watching the second offensive game of the Illinois game. The Badgers took advantage, as Mertz hit fullback Mason Stockke to cap a six-play, 33-yard drive for a 10-yard touchdown pass.
The Illinois defense played with a shorthand linebacker in the first half. Woozy left the game at the end of the first quarter after facing star senior Jack Hansen. His injury knocked Illini down two places as fellow Milo Eiffler sat in the first half as a goal penalty from Illinois’ bowling game.
Mertz took advantage. He closed the first half with a pair of touchdown strikes to give Wisconsin a 28-7 lead entering the break. Unlike last season when it lost to Illinois as a 31-point favorite, the Baggers put on more steam in the second half this time. Wisconsin was held in control for more than 43 minutes. The Badgers carried double-digits to three players, showing that replacing Jonathan Taylor in All-American Running would be a team effort and work-progress.
Wisconsin will travel to Nebraska next week, while returning home to the Illinois Champions where it will host Purdue.
