MADISON — The No. 18 Wisconsin Badgers (1-0, 0-0 conference) overcame early issues, to shut out the Illinois State Red Birds (0-1, 0-0 conference), 38-0.
Wisconsin’s only offensive drive in the first quarter of the game was a three-and-out, that ended on a dropped pass and the Wisconsin defense was uncharacteristic, allowing Illinois State to convert back-to-back third downs, just after giving up automatic first downs on back-to-back third downs, due to penalties, to open up the Red Birds’ second drive of the game.
However, Wisconsin was able to shift the tide back in its favor and end Illinois State’s longest drive of the game, at 15 plays and 71 yards, when John Torchio stepped in front of a Zach Annexstad pass at the goal line and return the interception 100 yards for a touchdown.