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Wisconsin Badgers Beat Illinois, 45-7

By Sarah Vandermolen

Photo courtesy of badgerofhonor.com

After an incredibly upsetting defeat last year, the Badgers came back stronger than ever to beat the fighting Illini 45-7.

Graham Mertz started the game on a high note as the first UW freshman to start at quarterback in a season-opener since 1978. The magic only continued from there. According to cbssports.com, "Mertz tied a school record by completing 17 straight passes" and "he finished 20-of-21 passing of 248 yards and five touchdowns while filling in for injured incumbent starter Jack Coan."

Not only was their offense on top of their game, but the Badgers defense was astounding. Cbssports.com states, "Illinois' only score of the game came on defense, when Tarique Barnes ran a Wisconsin fumble back 39 yards for a touchdown with 3:22 left in the first half."

Unlike the Badgers, Illinois had a rough start to the season-opener. Illinois running back Mike Epstein fumbled their second offensive play of the game, leaving Wisconsin a great opportunity to score. The Badgers made sure to take advantage of Illinois' weak defense as "Mertz hit fullback Mason Stokke for a 10-yard touchdown pass to cap a six-play, 33-yard drive," according to cbssports.com.

Mertz finished the second quarter with a pair of touchdowns, giving Wisconsin a 28-7 lead. According to cbssports.com, "Wisconsin dominated time of possession by controlling the ball for more than 43 minutes" in the second half.

Wisconsin's win rewrites last season's awful loss against Illinois and gives fans a bright outlook on the rest of the season.

The Badgers' next game will be at Nebraska on Saturday, October 31. 

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