Badgers fall to Illinois 34-10

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) — The Badgers fall to Illinois at home 34-10.

Former Badgers head coach Bret Bielema takes home the win against his former team. He was the head coach of the Badgers from 2006-2012.

First Quarter:

The Badgers wasted no time getting the ball moving on offense. They marched down the field and Isaac Guerendo scored on a 21-yard touchdown pass. After the PAT, the Badgers took a 7-0 lead over Illinois.

Once Illinois took over on offense, they were moving. However, once they got to the goal line, they struggled to score six. The Badgers nearly made a stop on fourth and goal before cornerback Jay Shaw was called on a pass interference. Illinois was back on a first and goal and scored on the very next play on a Tommy DeVito one-yard quarterback run. After the PAT, Illinois tied the game at 7-7.

Towards the end of the first quarter, Badgers tight end Hayden Rucci went down with an injury. Wisconsin lost tight end Clay Cundiff for the season with a leg injury. Rucci has been a productive part of the Badgers’ offense.

After the first quarter, the Badgers and Illinois were tied 7-7.

Second Quarter:

To start the second quarter, Wisconsin kicked a field goal that gave them a 10-7 lead.

On their next offensive drive, Illinois didn’t move the ball and the Badgers took over. However, Mertz threw an interception and the Fighting Illini took over. Not only that, but they marched down the field. It’s worth mentioning that Illinois running back Chase Brown leads the Big Ten in rushing. He was a crucial part of this offensive drive. Illinois nearly scored before having an ineligible player on the field and having an illegal formation on the next play. However, DeVito ran it in again for a one-yard touchdown. After the PAT, Illinois took a 14-10 lead over the Badgers.

The Badgers had seven penalties in the first half.

Heading into halftime, Bret Bielema and the Fighting Illini had a 14-10 lead over the Badgers.

Third Quarter:

To start the third quarter, Illinois continued to move the ball against a struggling Wisconsin defense. Illinois scored again on another DeVito touchdown run. After the PAT, it was 21-10 Illinois.

Shortly after, Illinois punted the ball and the Badgers fumbled. Illinois recovered, but were unable to put up six. Instead, Illinois kicker Caleb Griffin made a 44-yard field goal to extend their lead over the Badgers 24-10.

The Badgers had two players go down for them. One of them was Isaac Guerendo, a player that had been so efficient in the return game today, with over 100 yards. The other one was wide receiver Keontez Lewis.

Shortly after, Illinois running back Chase Brown ran for a 49-yard touchdown. After the PAT, it was 31-10 Illinois.

After three quarters, Illinois had a 31-10 lead over the Badgers.

Fourth Quarter:

Early in the fourth quarter, Illinois kicked a 31-yard field goal that extended their lead to 34-10.

The Badgers struggles continued and much of the fourth quarter was quiet.

Mertz finished the day 16/30, one touchdown and two interceptions.

DeVito finished the day 18/24, 167 yards and three rushing touchdowns.

The Badgers head to Evanston, Illinois next weekend to take on Northwestern.