You know the saying ‘Just what the doctor ordered.’ That’s the best way to describe Illinois football. They’re like an antibiotic to make you feel better about your football team. Wisconsin pounded Illinois into the ground with a dominating 49-20 victory to give the fans something to be happy about on homecoming and give Wisconsin a much-needed bounce back win after being embarrassed at Michigan. Wisconsin’s defense was the story in this one forcing a season-high five turnovers against Illinois.

The turnover cheese
Paul Chryst and Wisconsin’s staff would never have a turnover prop. It’s just not Wisconsin, and Chryst was famously caught by the ESPN cameras saying ‘Fuck your turnover chain’ when Wisconsin blew out Miami last December. If they did, I feel like a wheel of cheese would be an acceptable prop. They would have held it up a lot on Saturday. Badgers forced Illinois into three interceptions and two fumbles really being the difference in this game. The best part about the interceptions was T.J. Edwards and big man Olive Sagapolu were the ones who came down with them, not a member of the secondary. Also, who knew the Badgers had a player on their team named Rachad Wildgoose. Too bad, it’s not Richard because ‘Dick Wildgoose’ would be so fucking cool.

Badgers running attack bowls over Illinois
Whew lawdy, what a day for the Badgers running machine. Jonathan Taylor did his usual thing with 159 yards on the ground with an average of 5.9 yards per carry. He must be one of the more frustrating fantasy running backs because he never seems to get in the end zone this year. Taiwan Deal had his first 100 yard game since his freshman year with 12 carries for 112 yards with two touchdowns including a 39 yard scamper that went for six. To me, Deal can be an NFL running back whether it’s late rounds or undrafted.

Big plays are still an issue for Badgers defense.
Even though Wisconsin forces two fumbles, they allowed another 100 yard rusher. This time, it was Illinois running back Reggie Corbin. Much of the reason why was a 80 yard burst in the first half for a touchdown. If Corbin doesn’t have that run, he only has 20 yards on 8 carries. Still, Wisconsin seems to give up one big play a game. Something that did not happen last year and years prior. They have to clear it up.

Next up
Wisconsin faces another tough road matchup as they head to Northwestern to play the Wildcats. Both teams have one loss in the conference and would control their own destiny in the tight Big Ten West race. It’s an 11:00 am Ryan Field game in likely dark and cloudy Evanston. If the Badgers win, they control what happens the rest of the way with still tough games against Penn State & Purdue upcoming. Iowa and Purdue both loom with one defeat behind these two teams.

Charlie.