3 things that stood out from Wisconsin’s win over Illinois: Luke Fickell decision is paying off

“That’s what complementary football looks like, to be honest with you.”

That was the opening statement from Luke Fickell after the Wisconsin Badgers notched their best win of the season in upsetting No. 21 Illinois, 27-10. He hit the nail on the head, as the Badgers gathered five sacks for the second consecutive game while the offense broke the 20-point barrier for the first time since September 6th against Middle Tennessee.

In beating Illinois on Senior Day at Camp Randall Stadium, the Badgers established something missing all season long: an identity. Wisconsin ran for 209 yards on the ground while the defense stifled the Illini offense for four quarters. It was a performance that reminded Badger fans of past successful Wisconsin football teams that ran the ball down the opposition’s throat.

I just wish we had this energy and execution earlier this season.

Here are three things that stood out from Wisconsin’s win over No. 21 Illinois on Saturday

Darrion Dupree has breakout moment

The Badgers called on Dupree’s number after Gideon Ituka left the Indiana game with a scary injury. Against Illinois, the sophomore running back had his best game in a Badger uniform. Of the Badgers’ 209 rushing yards, Dupree ran for 131 of them, including a huge 84-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

It has not been an excellent year for Dupree, who struggled with a lower-body injury this season and saw his playing time diminish. On Saturday, he ran hard against the Illini defense, averaging 7.7 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns.

Darryl Peterson stars again

Last week, Peterson had a career day against Indiana with 2.5 sacks on Fernando Mendoza. It was his first career multi-sack game. How did the veteran linebacker follow up his solid game against Indiana? By finishing with six tackles, three sacks, two quarterback hurries, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble.

After the game, Fickell praised Peterson’s leadership at halftime and about bringing “a nasty competitive nature” to the program. With two impressive games in back-to-back weeks, NFL scouts might start to take notes on Peterson.

Nathanial Vakos bounces back

I want to give a shoutout to Vakos here, who had been having a poor season to this point. One week ago. Vakos’ job appeared in jeopardy after a rough game against Indiana, as Luke Fickell announced that Gavin Lahm would be in the mix for kicking duties.

On Saturday, Vakos had a solid outing by converting his two field goal attempts, a 47-yarder and a 32-yarder. It was a much-needed bounce back for the veteran kicker.