Lacking offensive punch, Illinois falls to Badgers, 24-13

The once and hopefully future vaunted running game was without the services of Corey Clement and Taiwan Deal.

The Illini defensive line looked like the best unit on the field - of either team - and knocked Wisconsin's starting quarterback out of the game. In 2014 this was a game that saw a score of 38-10 in the second half.

Center Dan Voltz (right leg) and wide receiver Robert Wheelwright (left leg) went to the sideline on the same touchdown drive in the third quarter.

But this one slipped away with far less drama, and Wisconsin used an inspirational performance from backup quarterback Bart Houston to finish off the Illini, 24-13.

"That's a hell of a team", McEvoy said. "We had to go out there and give everything we had to get a win".

The Badgers' personnel picture is as clear as beer cheese soup, but they improved to 6-2 and 3-1 in the Big Ten. Lunt was 22-for-43 for 278 yards and the lone pick.

Erickson actually led the team with 81 rushing yards, a result of successful jet sweeps. Allison, who came in leading the Big Ten in receptions per game and second in yards per game, showed once again why he is one of, if not the, top receiver in the conference. "When you're a Wisconsin lineman, you want to run the ball behind you and stuff it in the end zone".

Redshirt senior Austin Traylor is still out at least a few more weeks, but redshirt sophomore Troy Fumagalli stepped up nicely with five receptions for 52 yards on Saturday. Still, Illinois deserves credit for putting together a potential bowl season under interim coach Bill Cubit. The announcers were able to call this game with blindfolds on, noting that it would likely be correct if they said Erickson was involved in the action.

Wiscosnin's 11-point fourth-quarter lead was large enough for the Badgers' defense to hold.

Lunt followed with his only interception but Wisconsin gave the ball back when Houston's end zone pass was picked of by Illini safety Clayton Fejedelem.

Caputo forced a fumble two drives later, and inside linebacker Chris Orr jumped on it to seal the victory.

"That's a play we pride ourselves in", Marz said. "We kept our goal in site, and we stayed together as a team".

You mention those three teams on the schedule and that you can't go 0-3 but you go 1-2 and feel okay about that.

The defense was also without a starter. But Illinois' work ethic and attitude is clearly in the right place. Erickson's 56-yard run was the longest play from scrimmage for the Badgers this season and only the second over 40 yards (the other was a reception for 45 yards from Stave to Erickson). We're working through it. We aren't going to try to feel sorry for ourselves because we have a job to do the next play. "They'll find out what your protection is and they'll find a way to get their best player on your worst player".