Wisconsin Badgers vs. No. 21 Illinois Fighting Illini 2nd Half Game Thread: Take it home boys

The Wisconsin Badgers lead 10-7 at halftime over the Illinois Fighting Illini, and they’re 30 minutes away from a second consecutive upset at Camp Randall Stadium.

Wisconsin started off the game with a big defensive stop, followed by a 16-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that took up 9:30 of clock and nearly wrapped up the first quarter. It was another well-called drive from offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes with a couple of quick passes, runs from running backs, end-arounds, and quarterback keepers.

The second quarter wasn’t as pretty, as the Badgers allowed Illinois to get down the field with a 10-play, 56-yard drive. The Fighting Illini were looking to get in the end zone, but a costly offensive pass interference penalty set them back, and David Olano missed a 37-yard field goal.

Illinois dominated on its next drive, though, after Wisconsin went three-and-out, going seven plays and 55 yards for a touchdown. They were stellar on first and second down, reaching a third down just once en route to the game-tying touchdown score.

The Fighting Illini seemed to have all the momentum after the Badgers punted on 4th & 1 at their 44-yard line. But, Wisconsin got a huge defensive stop, which included a killer holding penalty and a Mason Reiger third down sack, which pinned Illinois deep in its own territory.

An ugly punt gave the Badgers field position in plus territory and Hunter Simmons came in to finish the quarter, getting Wisconsin into field goal range for Nathanial Vakos to make a 47-yarder. That made it 10-7 going into halftime.

Now, the Badgers have the lead and will get the ball to start the second half. They have a big chance at a win, but will need some more consistency on both sides of the ball and get some of those longer, clock-eating drives again.

Join us as our second half game thread is officially open!