MADISON — There is no other way to put it. This game went exactly as one would have expected it too. Simply, there was no aspect in which Wisconsin did not dominate in their 48-3 win over Illinois.
In one half of play, Wisconsin outperformed their season averages in most statistical categories. By the end of the game, Wisconsin far outperformed them. The Badger offense would have 455 total yards of offense, went seven for 13 on third down and more than doubled Illinois time of possession.
Running the ball, Wisconsin found success early and often leaning on their two senior tailbacks. Corey Clement scored two early touchdowns, added another in the fourth quarter and would finish the game with 123 yards on 25 carries. Dare Ogunbowale would also add seven rushes for 103 yards, averaging a monster 14.7 yards a carry.
The third back for Wisconsin, redshirt freshman Bradrick Shaw would also add 19 rushes for 80 yards and a touchdown.
This marked the first time since the 2015 Outback Bowl win over Auburn, that Wisconsin had two, 100 yard rushers in a single game. In 2015, Melvin Gordon and Clement had multiple games each with over 100 yards a piece.
Early on the offense for Wisconsin looked different. In past games this season, most drives would stall out and big plays were needed to convert on third down or get a touchdown on the board. Many times, Wisconsin would have to settle for field goals on their red zone trips.
But that was a thing of the past this Saturday as Wisconsin scored six touchdowns on eight trips to the redzone.
The Wisconsin defense was able to capitalize on a series of poor throws by Illinois’s quarterback Jeff George Jr. George had four interceptions. Illinois had only three in the previous nine games of the season. In the first half, four interceptions by Leo Musso, Ryan Connelly and D’Cota Dixon translated into 14 points.
Wisconsin would lead 31-3 going into the half.
Head coach Paul Chryst continued his quarterback rotation with Houston coming in for several plays.The rotation seems to have solidified into Hornibrook getting the vast majority of drives, as Houston would come in to spark the offense or give Hornibrook a rest.
Although neither would have to do much as the run game and solid defense put the game away early.
Hornibrook would finish with 7 of 12 throws for 85 yards and one touchdown. Houston would have 1 of 1 for 7 yards and one touchdown.
Wisconsin will look to carry over their momentum next week as they travel to West Lafayette to take on the Purdue Boilermakers.