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3 Big Things From Wisconsin Football 25-21 Win vs. Illinois

Here are 3 big things from the Wisconsin football road victory over Illinois.

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Wisconsin Badgers football quarterback Braedyn Locke hands it off to Braelon Allen
Oct 21, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) hands the ball to running back Braelon Allen (0) against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin Badgers football hit the road to take on former coach Bret Bielema and his Illinois squad on Saturday afternoon.

After a miserable first half from the Wisconsin Badgers, they battled back and completed the comeback 25-21.

Here are three big things from the win.

What a Comeback for Wisconsin Football

As mentioned earlier, Wisconsin football was down big in this game and had to battle back.

Entering the 4th quarter, the Badgers trailed 21-7. Rattling off 18 straight points on the road to get the win is so impressive. It was Wisconsin football’s first 14+ point comeback in the Big Ten since 2018 against Purdue.

Not only is this a massive win to stay alive in the Big Ten West, but it could also change this season’s trajectory. At halftime, this season’s future looked grim and hopeless. Now Wisconsin Badgers fans, like myself, are once again optimistic.

Braedyn Locke and Braelon Allen Carried the Badgers Offense

It’s hard to describe how impressive this performance was from Redshirt Freshman Braedyn Locke. Stepping in from Tanner Mordecai last week against Iowa, Locke struggled. Today, after the first-half performance, some questioned if he could lead this team. The second half showed why he was the second quarterback on the depth chart and that he has a lot of game.

Locke even dealt with some big-time drops from his receivers, a lackluster offensive line, and a huge targeting hit to the head. He came back for more every time and led Wisconsin football on a game-winning drive where he finished it with a dime to Skyler Bell and a touchdown to the big man Nolan Rucci. Braedyn finished with 240 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Braelon Allen was massive in Wisconsin football getting this win. Especially in the second half, Allen found his groove running the ball. On the last possession, Braelon converted on a 3rd and 10 run, picking up 11 yards to help Wisconsin get the go-ahead touchdown. Allen came up with many timely big plays.

Without his running mates Chez Mellusi and Tanner Mordecai, he must carry the load moving forward. Allen finished with 145 yards and a touchdown.

Up Next for Wisconsin Football

There is no time to celebrate for Wisconsin football.

Up next on the schedule is number 3 ranked Ohio State. It’s a huge primetime game; the Badgers must be ready in all phases to even consider an upset. Luckily, there is much to build from the Second half vs. Illinois.



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