The gauntlet finally ended for Wisconsin on Saturday. For the first time since mid-September, they weren’t playing a high level opponent. People could have assumed that Badgers may let up a little bit when playing Illinois. That wasn’t the case. Wisconsin demolished the Fighting Illini by the tune of 48-3. Badgers now have a seven-game win streak versus Illinois, and this was their widest margin of victory since their 38-3 drubbing in 1998.

What hangover?
Let’s get a cliche with our recaps and give Wisconsin credit for a business-like effort out there. Badgers could have easily let Fighting Illini hang around, but Wisconsin was having none of it. They had four first half turnovers and dominated on the ground. Illinois was down 28 at halftime and didn’t stand a chance in this one. Strong win by Wisconsin on a weird Saturday.

Badgers rushing attack is back, jack.
Holy shit what a game from Badgers backfield. Corey Clement and Dare Ogunbowale both went over 100 yards rushing with Clement having 123 yards and three touchdowns. Ogunbowale had 103 on just seven carries. Bradrick Shaw continues to show himself as the future of Wisconsin’s rushing offense with 80 yards and a touchdown. Even Taiwan Deal got into the action with 41 yards. Wisconsin totaled 364 yards on the ground. They are getting better and better with each week of football. Like any good team they are getting stronger as the weeks go on, and that’s not good news for their future opponents.

Jeff George Jr., the interception machine
One of the major reasons why Wisconsin had a 28-point halftime lead was the Illinois quarterback. In a homage to his father, Jeff George Jr. threw four first half interceptions. D’Cota Dixon, Leo Musso (x2) and Ryan Connelly all played their part in picking off the Illini freshman. This shortened the field for Wisconsin and led to the blowout. When Wisconsin’s defense can get multiple turnovers in a half and they turn those into touchdowns almost no team is beating them.

Wisconsin defense shows their teeth again
In 40 percent of Wisconsin’s games this season, they have allowed less than 10 points. Badgers defense allowed 10 points in their last two weeks, and this is the third week in the last 30 days where a team didn’t reach double-digits. This is amazing. Wisconsin didn’t even allow a third down conversion in this game. Like mentioned about their running attack, the defense is only getting stronger. That’s even more scary than their running game. Wisconsin is getting hot at the right time, and I don’t think anyone, not even Alabama, wants to see them on the schedule.

Next Up
Wisconsin heads to Purdue to play the lowly Boilermakers. They have quite a prolific passing attack, but they cannot stop the run so the contest will be if Badgers can get to 400 yards on the ground.