Replay: Wisconsin beats Illinois, 25-21; rally capped by touchdown to offensive tackle (2024)

The Wisconsin football team lost its first Big Ten game of the season last week against Iowa but bounced back with a thrilling win over Illinois.

It marked the first college start for quarterback Braedyn Locke, filling in for injured Tanner Mordecai, and he threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes to lead Wisconsin to the rallying win. Tackle-eligible Nolan Rucci caught the winning score with less than 30 seconds on the clock.

Here's a reverse chronology of the action as told in our live blog:

Some final stats now that I've caught my breath

Wisconsin ultimately wins the yardage battle, 379-323.

It turns into a great day for Braedyn Locke, who completed 21 of 41 with 240 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He did lose a fumble and was sacked once.

Braelon Allen was a beast in the second half, racking up 145 yards for the game on 29 carries (average of 5) with a touchdown. Will Pauling (seven catches, 95 yards, touchdown) was the favored target and came up with some huge catches on third down.

Wisconsin converted 10 of 17 on third down and 1 of 2 on fourth. A far cry from the Iowa game. Illinois, by comparison, was 7 of 16 on third down and 1 of 3 on fourth.

Wisconsin didn't get to the quarterback much but did get two sacks in the final stretch. Hunter Wohler's 13 tackles led UW, Maema Njongmeta, who played only a couple snaps last week but was pressed into greater duty with Jordan Turner sidelined by injury, had 12 tackles, including two for loss. C.J. Goetz had another nice day for UW, with 10 tackles, half a sack and a pass breakup.

Wisconsin was down 21-7 at the start of the fourth quarter. Will Pauling touchdown, Riley Nowakowski catches a two-point conversion, then the Nolan Rucci touchdown.

We can't forget about a huge penalty in this game, where Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton was ejected for targeting on a sack of Locke. Newton is a special player and was a menace, and Illinois' defense was not the same without him. It was the right call, but Newton clearly didn't have malicious intent, and the ejection rule continues to be a challenging thing to accept.

Wisconsin committed five penalties in the first quarter but only one after that (six for 40 yards). Illinois committed nine for 79.

FINAL SCORE: WISCONSIN 25, ILLINOIS 21

Minnesota beats Iowa, too, so the Badgers game is doubly important

Iowa's Cooper DeJean appeared to have a go-ahead punt return for touchdown late, but officials ruled he had used a fair-catch signal and ruled the play dead. That allowed Minnesota to hold on for a shocking 12-10 win over the Hawkeyes, thus putting Wisconsin back in first place in the Big Ten West standings for now.

Of course, Wisconsin would need to upset Ohio State next week to stay there, but UW got a massive shot in the arm to its division-title chances with this win.

BADGERS WIN THE GAME, 25-21

This time, Wisconsin brings down Luke Altmyer when it matters most. He can't get a throw off, and he's sacked by Darryl Peterson. The Badgers have defeated Illinois, 25-21, rallying from 14 points down in the fourth quarter.

Offensive lineman Nolan Rucci with the winning touchdown catch, my lord. Braedyn Locke with two touchdown passes in his first college start.

Illinois down to final snap

Illinois is facing 4th and 2 at the Wisconsin 44-yard line, and there are 5 seconds left. It's a tough Hail Mary into the wind.

Illinois still fighting in the final seconds

A hook and ladder play yields 23 yards and just like that, Illinois is approaching midfield. The next pass is batted down and 13 seconds remain. Illinois needs 52 yards.

Wisconsin calls timeout to gather his defense. Interesting to see true freshman Christian Alliegro on the field.

TOUCHDOWN WISCONSIN IT'S ... A TACKLE WITH A CATCH

Oh my God.

Nolan Rucci, a five-star OFFENSIVE LINEMAN was tackle eligible on the play, and he's WIDE open for a lofted pass into the end zone, and Wisconsin just took a 25-21 lead with 27 seconds left in this game.

Rucci, the younger brother of tight end Hayden Rucci, hasn't yet worked his way into the offensive-line rotation, but he was an extra man on the field to make it look like a running play. He was all by himself but still had to reach a little bit to bring that down.

I am speechless.

WISCONSIN 25, ILLINOIS 21, 0:27/4th)

Wisconsin has to call timeout, facing third and goal

Braelon Allen nearly got all the way to the house on first down but was spun down just shy, and a second-down handoff to Allen was stuffed for a two-yard loss. It's now third and goal with 27 seconds left, and Wisconsin still has one chance (and two remaining timeouts) to win this football game.

Ball on the 3-yard line.

For what it's worth, Illinois has no remaining timeouts.

BADGERS ARE INSIDE THE 10!

An unbelievable toss by Braedyn Locke right into the breadbasket of Skyler Bell surging down the left sideline, and he's out of bounds at the 5-yard line with 1:06 to go and UW owning a first and goal.

One play earlier came a big boy moment from Braelon Allen, who converted an 11-yard run on third down to the Illinois 35. Allen knew where the marker was and lunged across for the necessary yards as he was getting shoestring-tackled.

What a pass from Locke. UW can win this game.

Wisconsin is at the Illinois 46-yard line; here's the drive so far with 1:28 left

• On first down, a short pass to Braelon Allen was incomplete. Looked like a miscommunication.
• On second down, Skyler Bell caught a ball outside and was tackled from behind one yard short of the sticks, setting up 3rd and 1.
• Allen easily got the necessary yardage on 3rd and short, moving to the Wisconsin 29-yard line.
• On 1st and 10, a pass over the middle was incomplete, intended for Pauling in tight coverage.
• Allen bounces outside to the left and surges to the Wisconsin 44-yard line for a gain of 15 and a new set of downs. There's 2:12 left in the game.
• Locke nearly hits Bryson Green (just two catches today) with an amazing sliding catch, but it falls incomplete out of Locke's hands as he hit the turf.
• Locke finds Chimere Dike over the middle, and though Illinois tried stripping the ball, Dike held on and dove across the first-down marker at the Illinois 46-yard line.
• Skyler Bell steps out of bounds before he can secure an 8-yard pass; it was ruled a catch but Wisconsin couldn't get a play off before it's reviewed. It's going to be overturned as incomplete.
• If Chimere Dike gathers a high pass over the middle, he might be in the end zone, but it bounces off his hands to set up 3rd and 10 with 1:28 to go. It was a pretty good pass from Locke.
• Illinois has called timeout.

Wisconsin gets a break on the punt

Illinois' punt appeared to get all the way down inside the 5-yard line, but an Illinois player touched it at the Wisconsin 21-yard line. That's where UW will take it, down 3 points, with 3:24 still on the clock.

The quarterback is now over 100 yards rushing, but Badgers hold on third down

Illinois is guilty of a big holding penalty, setting up 2nd and 18, but Altmyer gets nine of those yards back with a rush up the middle. He has 108 yards on the ground today.

But on the next snap, four Wisconsin rushers get home to smother Altmyer for a sack. It's a loss of 5 back to the Illinois 37. Wisconsin will get it back with about 3:30 to go.

Altmyer burns Wisconsin with his legs again

Wisconsin simply can't do what they need to do against Luke Altmyer.

On third and 7, after Ricardo Hallman narrowly missed a sweet interception, Luke Altmyer picks up an easy 13 yards and a first down after eluding containment. Altmyer now at 99 yards rushing; the quarterback is going to finish this game with triple digits, most likely.

Wisconsin still fighting but now less than 5:30 to go.

Minnesota is also leading Iowa with 7 minutes left

Elsewhere in the Big Ten, the Gophers have taken a 12-10 lead over Iowa. Obviously, a Hawkeyes loss would restore some of Wisconsin's hopes in the Big Ten West. A lot's going to be decided in the next 20 minutes.

TOUCHDOWN WISCONSIN and Badgers are within 3 points

Will Pauling just went sky-high in the end zone to pull down Braedyn Locke's first career touchdown pass, and Wisconsin is absolutely in this game. It's a 20-yard connection, and Wisconsin then converts the 2-point try on a pass to Riley Nowakowski. UW has seized all the momentum in this game.

Pauling is up to seven catches for 95 yards and a score. What a drive, covering 10 plays, 82 yards and 3:25. Wisconsin still in this thing.

ILLINOIS 21, WISCONSIN 18, 7:21/4th

Allen is over 100 yards rushing and just made a huge catch

Braelon Allen has 103 rushing yards after a carry set up 3rd and 6 on the Illinois 43, but this is a big one. He's had 22 carries in this game, good for a 4.7 average.

Allen then catches the ball over the middle for 12 yards and a first down to the Illinois 31-yard line. There is 8:23 to go.

It's targeting. Illinois just lots its best defender

Upon review, it's targeting and a game DQ for Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton. That's a lineman who has made life miserable for the Badgers. He's really upset and crying on the sideline; he knew immediately he had made a mistake.

Feel bad for any kid who gets ejected when there's no intent. But I'm also not gonna sugar coat it. His departure really helps UW.

Braedyn Locke sacked, but Illinois gets flagged for roughing

Johnny Newton, an absolute force of nature for Illinois in this game, just absolutely DRILLED Braedyn Locke for a sack, but a flag immediately came out; Newton immediately knew he was in trouble for rouging the passer with a high hit.

It's a 15-yard penalty that gives the Badgers a first down with 10:02 to go. Ball is on the Wisconsin 43-yard line, and it'll be reviewed for targeting.

Hunter Wohler just saved a huge Altmyer run, and UW has it back

Luke Altmyer is 11 of 16 passing for 69 yards, and if I told you he was dominating this game, you wouldn't believe it with those numbers. His 11 carries for 90 yards, however, are just crushing the Badgers.

Hunter Wohler just brought the quarterback down for a 4-yard gain that would have been a LOT more without the trip-up. Wohler is up to a team-best 13 tackles (six solo).

Altmyer is sacked on the next snap on 3rd and 3, so Wisconsin gets it back with 10:46 to go. Ball at the Wisconsin 18.

James Thompson is hurt

James Thompson, who missed most of last week and was questionable this week but has played thus far, is getting medical attention. That stands to be a tough loss in this game but also going forward. Wisconsin's defense is already having one of its toughest games of the year.

Thompson is standing by himself on the sideline, so he might be OK?

Wisconsin goes nowhere on three downs and Vakos scrapes the post for field goal

On third and 10, Gabe Jacas knocked down Braedyn Locke's pass, and Nathanial Vakos heads out onto the field for a 41-yard field goal.

Vakos hits the left upright, but it deflects through to pull the Badgers within 21-10 and 14:13 to go before this one's over. Wisconsin still has an immense amount of work to do.

ILLINOIS 21, WISCONSIN 10, 14:13/4th

Wisconsin converts on fourth down and third quarter ends

On third and 5, it's a handoff to Allen, who gets four of the yards but dives short of the sticks, setting up 4th and 1 on the Illinois 25-yard line. Locke takes the snap and sneaks it, aa everyone pushes forward for that necessary yard (though not by much!)

Good news: It's 1st and 10 on the Illinois 23-yard line.

More good news: Wisconsin will have the wind in its favor the rest of the game.

Bad news: That's the end of the third quarter, and Wisconsin is down two touchdowns.

ILLINOIS 21, WISCONSIN 7, end third quarter

Braelon Allen with a 30-yard run

Allen is up to 84 yards on the ground after a big 30-yard burst, which initially reminds me of the last series Wisconsin staged after Illinois scored to go up 14-0, with Wisconsin delivering its most inspired drive of the last six quarters.

UW faced 3rd and 6 after the big Allen run, but there's Will Pauling again for a 7-yard pickup to move the chains approaching the Illinois 30-yard line in the final 2 minutes of the third quarter. Pauling is up to six catches for 75 yards.

Another third down upcoming with five yards to go.

Wisconsin's defense hasn't been opportunistic enough

Illinois came into the game as a team that allowed a lot of sacks and a lot of interceptions, and Wisconsin has none of those today. Throw in the fact that Illinois has now cleared 20 points, something only Washington State has done this year, and there's still more than a quarter of football left.

The missed chance to bottle up Luke Altmyer on third and long on that last series is absolutely in contention for the play of the game.

Touchdown Illinois

Kaden Feagin gets around the right side for a 12-yard touchdown, and the Illini are back up by two scores. UW's defense had multiple opportunities to get off the field on that drive and they let Illinois off the hook, now compelling the offense to make something happen. Feagin is 250 pounds but still got to the edge and swept into the end zone.

It's a 10-play, 53-yard drive.

ILLINOIS 21, WISCONSIN 7, 4:30/3rd

Missed tackle from Jake Chaney proving huge

A bit of disaster. Luke Altmyer was in major trouble on third and long and eluded a couple defenders that seemed to have him completely contained. Jake Chaney should have wrapped him up but dove and camp up empty, allowing Altmyer to scramble for a first down at the Wisconsin 21. UW could have forced a field goal, and instead Illinois is still on the march.

It's now first down on the Badgers 17-yard line after Kaden Feagin got a hard couple yards.

Illinois gets the stop on a second try and has it near midfield

It'll still be a deep punt for Wisconsin after Tahveon Nicholson breaks up a third-down pass over the middle, forcing Wisconsin to punt from its own 17.

It's fair caught at the Wisconsin 47-yard line, so Illinois would have had quality field position ... but the Illini were guilty of a penalty. That triggered a re-kick after Illinois was guilty of covering up the center before the snap.

It costs about ... well, 5 yards. The kick is also short into the wind and Illinois now takes over at its OWN 47-yard line.

Hoo boy what a big third-down pass from Braedyn Locke to Will Pauling

For the second time today, Locke and Pauling hook up on third and very long for a massive conversion. Pauling runs a great route and snags the ball in stride for 12 yards to rescue UW from a precarious position, facing a punt from its own 3-yard line.

Long way to go, but that might be one of the biggest plays of the game. Illinois could have been in great shape on a punt from the end zone against the wind.

Wisconsin stuffs up a quarterback keeper on third and short and gets ball back

Gio Paez and Darryl Peterson collapsed on Altmyer to throw him for a short loss on 4th and 2, meaning Wisconsin will get the ball back, but it's going to be inside the 5-yard line after the punt was downed at the 3. Again: it might be about surviving this quarter and then making a move in the fourth with the wind.

Another pass breakup from Nyzier Fourqurean

Nyzier Fourqurean, who has seen a lot of action today after missing last week with an injury, had a sensational pass breakup down the field on a ball to Pat Bryant, setting up third down. With Alexander Smith making a couple miscues early (including on a touchdown when he abandoned the receiver), it seems Fourqurean has picked up some extra snaps.

Illinois converted the first down but then flinched on first down to backtrack five yards back to its own 35-yard line, with a timeout on the field. That's Illinois calling an early timeout, so put a pin in that one.

I figure if I type Fourqurean enough, I will someday be able to spell it without concentrating every neuron in my brain.

Wind knocks down Gavin Lahm's kick out of halftime

Illinois chooses to fair catch Gavin Lahm's second-half kickoff, which was knocked down emphatically by the wind and fielded at the 26-yard line. Could have been worse; the wind has been a problem but hasn't been a catastrophe so far. UW will have the wind in its favor in the fourth quarter if it can just survive the third.

Some halftime stats

It's actually a pretty even half, yardage wise, after the Badgers marched down the field in the final minute for a score. Illinois has the modest edge there, 175-172, as well as the 14-7 lead on the scoreboard.

Wisconsin has the lone turnover of the half, and it turned into costly points. A Braedyn Locke fumble gave Illinois a chance to score its first touchdown of the afternoon.

In his first college start, Locke has completed 12 of 20 passes for 127 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Braelon Allen has the rushing score and 49 yards on 12 carries.

Illinois has run for 113 yards, and 52 of those are from quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has been a problem. Altmyer also has two passing touchdowns, both in short-yardage situations, and has completed 9 of 12 passes for 62 yards.

Will Pauling has four catches for 56 yards to lead UW receivers. Hunter Wohler has been an animal again on defense with 10 tackles. Maema Njongmeta, filling in for an injured Jordan Turner, has six (including one for loss).

Illinois monster defensive tackle Johnny Newton has a sack and forced fumble, those coming on different plays.

Wisconsin is 3 of 7 on third down, while Illinois is 2 of 7. The Illini, however, also converted one of its two fourth downs (Wisconsin 0-for-1).

As bad as Wisconsin was in the first quarter, committing five penalties, it actually has just as many as Illinois (with five) and the Illini have suffered more lost yards as a result (44 to Wisconsin's 35).

Illinois mistake gives Wisconsin one last chance, but UW does nothing with it

The Illini punt from their own 29-yard line, and Wisconsin will get a chance after Illinois is tagged with catch interference, putting the ball at the Illinois 48-yard line. Wisconsin eschews the chance at a long field goal with the wind and sets up for a Hail Mary; it goes nowhere, and Braedyn Locke is brought down by Johnny Newton.

Illinois will get the ball on the other side.

HALFTIME: ILLINOIS 14, WISCONSIN 7

Wow, Wisconsin wants one last chance, using its timeouts

Illinois has been bottled up on two running plays, and Wisconsin is eyeing up one last chance to steal some points. UW has used its first two timeouts, and Illinois is facing 3rd and 9 with 18 seconds left in the half. UW would have the wind at its back and could try a long field goal.

TOUCHDOWN WISCONSIN

Wow, did UW ever need that one.

Braelon Allen bursts untouched through the middle from 4 yards out on 2nd and goal, and the Badgers get an absolutely huge shot in the arm just before halftime. There's still 31 seconds left in the half!

Eight plays, 73 yards, 1:37 off the clock. Kind of amazing! Badgers make it a game.

It's UW's first touchdown in 23 offensive drives.

ILLINOIS 14, WISCONSIN 7, 0:31/2nd

Will Pauling wide open over the middle for a massive gain and UW suddenly on the 10-yard line

Braedyn Locke converts a huge downfield pass to wide-open Will Pauling over the middle, good for a 32-yard gain on 3rd and 10. Then, CJ Williams is open on a toss to the right for another first down, good for 19 yards. Wisconsin has finally found a spark, now at first and goal at the 10-yard line with 58 seconds to go.

Timeout taken by Illinois to slow things down. Locke is now 11 for 19 with 121 yards passing.

Wisconsin has 2:08 and all three timeouts

UW needs to make something happen, knowing it won't get the ball to start the second half. The Badgers start at their own 27-yard line with 2:08 to go and all three timeouts still available.

Touchdown, Illinois. Luke Altmyer is carving up Wisconsin

He's not doing it with his passing, but he's done very well at misdirection in his handoffs, confusing Wisconsin defenders (and even camera operators).

After an Altmyer run down to the 3-yard line, he finds Tip Reiman on play action for his second touchdown pass of the day. The Illini have a two score lead with 2:12 to go before halftime.

It's a 12-play, 82-yard drive that took 7:53. Yikes.

Altmyer has six carries for 52 yards. He's also 8 of 11 passing, though only for 59 yards, but two scores. Illinois will also get the ball to start the third quarter.

Wisconsin has been outgained, 171-99.

ILLINOIS 14, WISCONSIN 0, 2:12/2nd

Illinois converts on fourth down and is on the doorstep of a touchdown

Maema Njongmeta and Hunter Wohler hit Feagin in the backfield on third and 2, setting up a fourth-down situation at the Wisconsin 21-yard line, but kicking into the wind wasn't an appetizing option for Illinois. Altmyer was in deep trouble on fourth down, but the Illinois QB eluded Darryl Peterson and marched all the way down to the UW 4-yard line to set up first and goal.

There's roughly 3:30 to go before halftime.

Aidan Laughery filling in well for Illinois at running back, and Illinois is cooking

With Kaden Feagin dinged up, Illinois has turned to Aidan Laughery, who just picked up 15 yards for a first down. Feagin is also back on the field, however, and just picked up six yards on 1st down.

With roughly 7 minutes to go in the half, the Illini are across midfield.

Luke Altmyer then keeps it himself and burrows for 20 yards to the Wisconsin 29-yard line. Danger zone again for the Badgers. It'll be 2nd and 9 at the 28 when we come back from an Illinois timeout. Illinois still at 5.3 yards per play against a Badgers defense that has held its own this year.

Wisconsin botches a field goal and comes up empty

Wisconsin is having a brutal stretch on special teams. And also offense.

Wisconsin had first and 10 on the 13-yard line but comes away with no points. Wisconsin's field goal attempt from the 9-yard line was mishandled on the snap by Gavin Meyers, and Nathanial Vakos never got a kick off.

Illinois takes over on its 18. The Badgers still have not scored a touchdown since the fourth quarter of the Rutgers game two weeks ago.

Xavier Scott would have had a pick-six for Illinois if he hung on

A dangerous ball by Braedyn Locke nearly turned into six points the other way for Illinois. But Xavier Scott dropped the ball, giving Wisconsin a couple more chances inside the Illinois red zone.

Braelon Allen goes for 16 yards and Wisconsin is knocking on the door

Braelon Allen is up to 42 yards after getting 20 yards in two carries, including a 16-yard rush on first down.

He also took a swing pass for a modest gain, but a late hit on Illinois gives UW another 15 yards. Costly mistake by Xavier Scott, and UW has it on the Illinois 13. Scott hit Allen right at the sideline as he was about to step out.

Wisconsin almost intercepts Altmyer on third-down pass and gets the ball back at midfield

Nyzier Fourqurean has been the closest defender on a couple passes by Luke Altmyer on second and third down, both of which fell incomplete. UW nearly got an interception on third down (and Altmyer probably would have had the first down if he had tucked and run).

CJ Goetz put a good hit on Altmyer on second down. It's been a good year for the Waukesha Catholic Memorial alumnus thus far. *His old high school coach, Bill Young, just won his 400th career game last night in the first round of the football playoffs.

Hugh Robertson, a 30-year-old punter from Australia, kicks into the wind for Illinois and UW was set to have decent field position at its own 37-yard line, but a formation penalty on Illinois prompts Wisconsin to ask for a re-kick. It's a good call; Wisconsin is now starting at its own 49.

Feagin getting medical attention after first-down carry

Illinois has had all sorts of trouble keeping its running backs healthy, and now freshman Kaden Feagin is getting looked at after a 3-yard rush on first down. He's up to 25 yards on seven rushes in this game, but if he can't continue, Illinois will be down its top three guys.

Reggie Love III is out for a second straight week and Josh McCray is out for the season.

Another dropped pass on third down costs the Badgers

Will Pauling bobbled and dropped a ball on a route across the field, one that would have been a first down for UW near midfield. Instead, UW has to punt again.

Braedyn Locke completed a 16-yard pass to Pauling on 2nd and 17 early in the drive, allowing Braelon Allen to get the final 2 yards with a third-down carry to move the chains. But the Badgers still don't have multiple first downs on any drive today.

Tight end Riley Nowakowski also took himself out of the game with perhaps an injury.

Punter Atticus Bertrams was solid into the wind in the first quarter and just got to kick with the wind at his back. Illinois will set up at its own 20-yard line.

End first quarter: Wisconsin not looking great

UW has a 2nd and 17 on its own 26 coming up when the second quarter begins. Wisconsin committed five first-quarter penalties, including three on the offensive line, and did not move the ball effectively at all. But the defnese did just get a stop.

ILLINOIS 7, WISCONSIN 0

Darryl Peterson registers a mammoth fourth-down stop

Darryl Peterson just stopped Kaden Feagin on 4th and 1 from the 33-yard line of Wisconsin, and UW will get the ball back with 1:01 left in the first quarter.

Illinois QB Luke Altmyer ran with it on 3rd and 5, with C.J. Goetz making the stop one yard shy, and Illinois went for it on fourth down despite having the wind in its favor for a potential kick.

Nyzier Fourqurean, who came into the game questionable and missed last week's battle against Iowa, bottled up Tim Reiman for a short game on second down, and Altmyer threw incomplete on third down, but an offsides on Kamo'i Latu made it 3rd and 5 instead.

Big, big stop ... although Wisconsin got flagged for its fifth penalty of the quarter with a holding call on first down.

Wisconsin gets a gift on dropped ball, but Illinois converts anyway

Both teams with bit drops now. Pat Bryant was going to have more than enough for first down on a second-down toss to the right from Altmyer, but he straight-up dropped it.

On 3rd and 6, though, Illinois converts on a pass to Casey Washington to the UW 42-yard line.

Three-and-out for Wisconsin after Skyler Bell drops it

Skyler Bell made a play to get the Badgers within 3rd and 2, but then Bell dropped a catchable third-down pass to force UW into a punt. With the wind wreaking havoc, that's a really bad situation for UW.

It ends up OK, with Isaiah Williams returning the ball to the Illinois 46-yard line, about where the last scoring drive started. But Wisconsin down a score with 4:32 left in the first quarter and Illinois has the ball essentially at midfield.

Yet another special teams penalty from Wisconsin

Another disaster on the ensuing kickoff. Not only did Chimere Dike cost Wisconsin 5 yards by electing to return the ball from the end zone, Kaden Johnson gets flagged for holding. Special-teams penalties have absolutely eviscerated the Badgers the last five quarters. UW will have the ball on its own 10-yard line. Probably not a good idea to return any kicks anymore if you don't have to.

Review wipes the points off the board, but Illinois scores anyway

The review indeed overturned the touchdown, but after a first-down stuff, Luke Altmyer finds tight end Tanner Arkin wide open for a touchdown, and UW will indeed play from behind.

Six plays and 54 yards after Braedyn Locke's costly fumble, Illinois has a 7-0 lead. Wisconsin's defense is allowing 7.2 yards per play so far.

ILLINOIS 7, WISCONSIN 0, 6:07/1st

Touchdown, Illini (for now)

Wisconsin will play from behind again this week. This play is under review, but Isaiah Williams just gathered a shaky short pass on an RPO and then rumbled up the right sideline to the pylon. He's going to be ruled out of bounds at the 1-yard line, I believe, but it'll be first and goal for Illinois.

Illinois gashes Wisconsin on its way to the red zone

Pat Bryant converted a catch-and-run for 27 yards, and then Kaden Feagin picked up another 12 yards to drive to Wisconsin's 15-yard line. It's the first red-zone opportunity of the day for either team midway through the opening quarter.

Braedyn Locke fumbles and Illinois has the football

Ouch. Locke elected to run it up the gut, and Illinois stud lineman Jer'Zhan (Johnny) Newton knocked it right out of his hands, prompting a scramble for the football. Miles Scott recovered for Illinois, and the first turnover of the game belongs to UW.

Illinois will have it on its own 46-yard line. In limited action, Locke is already guilty of two fumbles and an interception, plus a fumble into the end zone that was recovered by UW but for a safety.

Sigh ... another false start penalty on Wisconsin

UW just cannot get out of its own way with pre-snap penalties. Riley Mahlman gets flagged for this one to start yet another series in the hole, 1st and 15. UW now has two false start penalties today, and Illinois has one.

Luke Fickell talked about how penalties hurt Wisconsin last week vs. Iowa.

James Thompson Jr. is apparently healthy, makes a third-down tackle

James Thompson Jr., dramatically limited last week by injury and questionable today, makes a key tackle on third down to force another punt and give the ball right back to Wisconsin. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer scrambled for Illinois on 3rd and 8 but was kept four yards short of the sticks at his own 18-yard line.

Wisconsin will take over at its own 34-yard line after Chimere Dike's fair catch.

Kaden Feagin, who was Illinois' primary ballcarrier last week with Reggie Love III hurt, did get a nice carry for 7 yards to open things up for Illinois (who first went backward five yards with a false start). Love is out again today, meaning Feagin will be doing a lot of work. The true freshman is 6-3, 250.

There's 10:33 left in the first quarter.

Wisconsin must punt after drive stalls across midfield

Braedyn Locke's 3rd and 4 pass to Will Pauling goes incomplete, and the Badgers elect to punt from the Illinois 48-yard line. Punter Atticus Bertrams drops the ball at the 12-yard line, fair caught by Illinois standout receiver Isaiah Williams.

UW's defense takes the field in a scoreless game early.

Badgers offense already on the hook for a mistake, but UW moves the chains

After a 2nd and 2 run by Braelon Allen was stopped short, the Badgers commit a false start penalty on third down. More of the same from UW, which has been battling penalties lately.

But Locke completed a low throw to Hayden Rucci for a first down.

Oh my gosh, the kickoff went out of bounds

Illinois should have been able to boom the kick out of the end zone ... instead, it's sent out of bounds by kickoff specialist David Olano! Illinois gives the Badgers a break to start, and UW will set up shop at the 35-yard line of the Illini.

Badgers will get the ball to start and have to deal with the wind

We'll see if the offense can click heading into the wind. Illinois won the coin toss and deferred, giving the Badgers the ball (and the difficult end) to start with.

It's 22 mile-per-hour wind and flags are stiff in the breeze.

How will Braedyn Locke do today in his first college start? Jeff Potrykus looked at Locke earlier this week.

James Thompson dressed and going through warmups

James Thompson, the standout defensive lineman limited to five snaps after leaving with injury against Iowa last week, is questionable today but is warming up with the Badgers.

Jeff Potrykus notes that quarterback Tanner Mordecai is also on the sideline for UW. He's obviously not going to play today after hand surgery.

Another note: Jake Renfro is once again snapping with the No. 2 offensive line in warmups. Though Renfro was brought into the program as a transfer from Cincinnati presumably with an opportunity to be the No. 1 center, Tanor Bortolini seems to have taken that job for keeps after an injury kept Renfro from starting the season.

Jordan Turner, by the way, has an upper body injury. The inside linebacker was a surprise "out" on the pregame injury report.

Windy conditions will be a factor today in Champaign

If warm-ups are any indication, it looks like kicking is going to be an adventure today. Both kickers in today's game, Caleb Griffin for Illinois and Nathanial Vakos for Wisconsin, are among the best in the conference, but...

Vakos drilled a 58-yarder and 61-yarder with the wind in warmups, according to Jeff Potrykus.

Illinois will be without two key players

Reggie Love III, the team's leading running back (51 carries, 257 yards, touchdown) is listed as out today for Illinois. Love also didn't play last week against Maryland.

Keith Randolph, a defensive lineman who also missed last week against Maryland, is also out. He's a player who got some attention on preseason All-Big Ten teams, though the player who's easily the most highly regarded Illinois defender is defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton.

Newton already has 2½ sacks and 3½ tackles for loss.

With Love out last week, Kaden Feagin led the team in rushing with 84 yards and a touchdown.

A battle of Mississippi quarterbacks

Braedyn Locke, a Texas native and transfer from Mississippi State, is perhaps the biggest story line of the day for Wisconsin as he makes his first college start at quarterback.

He'll be going up against another transfer quarterback from Mississippi (Ole Miss, to be precise) when Luke Altmyer takes snaps for Illinois. He came to the program this season with three years of eligibility remaining.

Unlike Locke, Altmyer joined Illinois with some experience, including nine games and 54 career passes at Ole Miss. This year, he's completed 63.3% of his passes for 1,571 yards and eight touchdowns, though he's also thrown nine interceptions.

Four of those picks, however, came against Penn State. Altmyer threw for two touchdowns and one interception last week in the team's impressive win over Maryland.

Altmyer also leads the team in rushing attempts with 67; he's got 201 yards gained on the ground and three rushing scores. His top receivers are Isaiah Williams (42 catches, 546 yards, one touchdown and by far the top wideout on the team), Pat Bryant (23 catches, 292 yards, five touchdowns) and Casey Washington (21 catches, 237 yards).

Illinois staff littered with Wisconsin connections

You already know that Bret Bielema, former Badgers head coach, is now head coach for the Illini. Here are the other connections.

Jim Leonhard, of course, is on staff and sort of helping with all facets. Leonhard is a former standout player for UW and also the team's defensive coordinator from 2017 to last year, when he was named interim head coach in the stead of fired Paul Chryst. He was seemingly the heir apparent as head coach before the program hired Luke Fickell.

Aaron Henry, a former UW player, is the team's defensive coordinator. Jeff Potrykus wrote about him this week.

Defensive backs coach Antonio Fenelus also played college football at UW.

Reserve redshirt freshman offensive lineman Joey Okla played at Arrowhead

Big blow on the Wisconsin Badgers injury report: linebacker Jordan Turner is out

The pregame injury report contained a surprise: linebacker Jordan Turner is out for the game, dealing a blow to the defense. Turner has been pairing with Jake Chaney as the team's inside linebacker duo. Turner played all 62 defensive snaps against Iowa last week. The good news is that Wisconsin has an experienced captain, Maema Njongmeta, who could presumably take those snaps. Njongmeta played only two snaps last week, and his diminishing field time has been a bit of a storyline given that he came into the year seemingly primed to be one of the team's leaders on defense.

Quarterback Tanner Mordecai, of course, is out for this game after breaking his hand last week, an injury that required surgery. Braedyn Locke will be the man today for UW.

Others listed as out are running back Chez Mellusi, cornerback Max Lofy, linebacker Aaron Witt, wide receiver Chris Brooks and tight end Jack Pugh. Those who are questionable include defensive back Nyzier Fourqurean, who didn't play last week after going in with a questionable tag. Key defensive lineman James Thompson Jr., who already has three sacks this year, was also largely missing last week after leaving early with injury, playing just five snaps against Iowa. He's questionable, too, as is fellow defensive lineman Isaiah Mullens (who has yet to make his season debut).

Do the Badgers still have a chance in the Big Ten West?

It's looking bleak after the loss last week to Iowa, but Chris Kuhagen has a look at the whole picture.

Long story short: the Badgers are still favored in most of their remaining games, but unless they upset Ohio State next week, Iowa is going to need to lose twice more, and that seems like a reach with what's on the Hawkeyes schedule (Minnesota, Northwestern, Rutgers, Illinois, Nebraska).

How did Bret Bielema get from Wisconsin to Illinois again?

It's been nearly 11 years since Bret Bielema abruptly left Wisconsin to become head coach at Arkansas, and now he's on the opposing sideline as head coach of Illinois. Last year in his first game at the helm back at Camp Randall Stadium, he handed Wisconsin a lopsided defeat that seemingly nudged Wisconsin into a surprising decision: moving on from head coach Paul Chryst.

Bielema's team was shut out by Wisconsin in Champaign in Bielema's first year on the job, 2021.

Here's a larger look at Bielema's journey to this position.

It doesn't mention the famous #karma tweet by Bielema's wife, Jen, which just turned 10 years old in September.

What time is the Wisconsin game on today at Illinois?

2:30 p.m.

What TV channel is the Wisconsin game on at Illinois?

FOX Sports 1.

Wisconsin vs. Illinois:Time, TV and radio info for Badgers' game against Fighting Illini

Do Illinois and Wisconsin play for a special trophy?

Nope, unlike the battles against Iowa (Heartland Trophy), Nebraska (Freedom Trophy) and, of course, Minnesota (Paul Bunyan's Axe), there's no extra piece of hardware coming home for a win against Wisconsin's neighbors to the south.

Wisconsin vs. Illinois predictions, odds?

Wisconsin is favored by 2½ points. Who are our reporters picking in the game? Here are their predictions.

Wisconsin 2023 football schedule