Illinois defeats NO 5 ranked Wisconsin

The game of the night was on ABC which featured two undefeated teams. Those teams were the Purdue Boilermakers hosting the Ohio State Buckeyes. Although most tuned in to watch this game, the game of the day was Illinois versus the number five ranked Wisconsin Badgers.

From the beginning of the game, Illinois controlled the game. They drew blood first in the first quarter scoring a touchdown. Later in that same quarter Wisconsin missed an opportunity to get on the board, and had to punt many times. As the second quarter began, Illinois scored again and made a field goal, although they allowed Wisconsin to score two field goals. Going into halftime the score was 17-6. Not favoring either team, I personally wanted Illinois to win because of the high ranking of Wisconsin. I thought with a margin that big, that Illinois had it in the bag although Wisconsin came out firing on all cylinders in the second half.

In the second half, Wisconsin was firing on all cylinders, scoring 3 touchdowns, and converting many long passes. The Badgers were starting to get the kinks out, although it was too late and they fell short beating Illinois. Wisconsin outscored Illinois 20-14 in the second half but Illinois had already created to large of a margin for Wisconsin to recover from. Wisconsin tried an onside kick, although they did not recover it. I think this was the beginning of the end for Wisconsin. I love the way the game turned out because Illinois was the underdog. In my opinion, it is always better to be the underdog because people will accept you for your performance rather than the overall outcome of the game. I think Wisconsin really had an eye opener today as they were punished by Illinois, but I think they will bounce back from this loss and come back strong.

This may just be what Illinois needed being now 3-0 in the Big Ten. Wisconsin has a tough road ahead of them facing an always tough Penn State, Ohio State, and also Indiana. Illinois could take this one and roll with it because in their future, the only team they may struggle with is Ohio State. I think the keys to the win for Illinois was the rushing ability of Rashard Mendenhall. Not only was his running key, the offensive line of Illinois created the whole for Mendenhall to pick up key yards. Something that the Badgers could not handle was the option. The option had to many choices for the quarterback to attack Wisconsin with, although he went to Mendenhall many of the times. I have to give credit where credit is due, although I do not like Illinois, but they did play exceptionally well. Illinois scored twice on the option although one was counted as a pass because it was a forward toss.

Illinois coach Ron Zook said the win was key to the team's future. He also stated that this win would put them in uncharted territory and also as a contender for winning the Big Ten as they are 3-0. I personally don't feel Illinois can beat Ohio State this year because of Ohio States defense. The defense Ohio State brings to the table is second to none. The only way Illinois could beat Ohio State is to play perfect in every aspect of the game, although the win is not probable.