Wisconsin Football: What It Means, Badgers Beat Illini

Wisconsin Football leaves Illinois with another win but impressed almost nobody against a heavy underdog Ilini team

Wisconsin football moved to 8-0 on the season including a perfect 5-0 mark in Big Ten play.  It was certainly not an aesthetic masterpiece, but the Badgers won on the road against Illinois.

The Badgers won 24-10 with the lone Illini touchdown coming in the final minute of play with a major assist from some generous officiating.

As a result, Wisconsin football maintains its vice grip on the Big Ten West and could move into College Football Playoff position with a little help.

Related Story: Wisconsin Football Flashback: #5 Dangerous in Champaign

The Badger defense was as impressive as the offense was not.  How’s that for sentence structure every English teacher I’ve ever had?

Wisconsin’s offense started the day gaining 13 yards on its first nine plays.  The Badgers were lined up for its third straight three-and-out.  Then Illinois committed a substitution penalty handing Bucky a fresh set of downs.

Wisconsin took the gift and scored the game’s opening touchdown.  In addition, the Badgers tacked on another touchdown and kicker Rafael Gaglianone drilled a 52-yard FG to conclude the half.

The second half offered little of note especially with  Jonathan Taylor sidelined with a leg injury of some kind.  Here is how the first seven second half possessions went:

• Punt (Illinois)
• Punt (Wisconsin
• Fumble (Illinois)
• Punt (Wisconsin
• Missed FG (Illinois)
• Punt (Wisconsin)
• Interception

However, Wisconsin finally (mercifully?)  broke through after Alex Hornibrook connected with Quintez Cephus and Troy Fumagalli on consecutive plays.  Then Garrett Groshek got the Badgers close before some trick play magic.  Yet, LT Michael Deiter gets the touchdown.

Illinois added a face-saving touchdown late after an egregious DPI call on Nick Nelson set them up.

So while the offense played some uninspired football, the defense again was just dominant.  Illinois juggled QBs and were out of ideas by halftime. Illinois was held to 9/31 passing for 152 yards.

The late immaterial Illinois touchdown drive covered 75 yards.  The Illini gained just 286 yards, so 26.2 percent of its yardage came on that final trip.  The Wisconsin defense picked up five sacks and forced three turnovers.  Illinois QBs

Again, not a pretty display at least on offense for the Badgers.  However, the defense continues to suffocate every opponents.

Next: Wisconsin Football: Worrying About Turnovers

What it Means:

Finally, Wisconsin continues winning and that’s really all you can ask.  Of course you’d like to see them blow out lesser opponents but I don’t want to be too greedy.  At some point, Wisconsin is going to have to trust Alex Hornibrook to make some plays.  The entire season may depend on whether he delivers.