The Wisconsin Badgers were in a battle against the Illinois Fighting Illini, and it was anybody's game for nearly all of it. While the Badgers led, it was a one-score game going into the fourth quarter. The final score ended up being 24-10, so what happened? According to star defensive back Matthew Bailey, it was the touchdown in the third quarter that sucked the life out of his team.
When asked if the Darrion Dupree, 84-yard touchdown run is what sucked the life out of the Illinois defense, he matter-of-factly stated, "Yeah."
#illini DB Matt Bailey on whether he thought the 'long Wisconsin touchdown run sucked some life out of the defense':
— Cooper O'Kelly (@cooperokelly) November 23, 2025
Yea.
Darrion Dupree's long run is the fork that was stuck into the Illinois defense
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Darrion Dupree had a great day overall, especially considering he has been the third-string this season behind both Dillin Jones and Gideon Ituka. Yet, when he was needed the most, he delivered. He ended the day with 17 carries for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Yet, it was this monster run that sealed the deal and began the process of burying the Illini.
If you missed the play, watch it again below:
84-YARD HOUSE CALL 🏠
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 23, 2025
Darrion Dupree takes it all the way for @BadgerFootball ‼️ pic.twitter.com/yWVZqgVN59
It was an upset for the books. Illinois came in discounting Wisconsin and thinking they were so much better, and it ended up being the Badgers that taught the Illini a lesson. Even at halftime, head coach Bret Bielema had what is now an infamous quote: "We got to play our game, not down to theirs."
They did not see Wisconsin coming, and players like Dupree took advantage, playing with a chip on his shoulder and running like he wanted to be the starting running back. Thanks to him and other special plays throughout the day, the Badgers came out on top and are riding into Axe Week with a ton of momentum.