Wisconsin Badgers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini - News - October 21, 2023

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Will Pauling - Delivers with big late touchdownPauling compiled seven receptions (on 10 targets) for 95 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's 25-21 victory versus Illinois.

ImpactPauling finally broke his scoring drought by catching his first touchdown pass of the season in this comeback win for the Badgers. After a disappointing first half of the season, Wisconsin's passing offense needed its receivers to step up with redshirt freshman Braedyn Locke starting in place of injured starter Tanner Mordecai (hand). Pauling didn't help out his young quarterback early, committing one of a number of drops by the Badgers' wideouts in the first half. However, the Cincinnati transfer came through when it mattered most in the fourth quarter, going up in front of a defender to catch a 20-yard touchdown pass lofted into the end zone by Locke. Pauling ultimately finished with double-digit targets for the third game in a row, and he's now recorded 23 receptions for 223 yards over this span. He'll likely need to step up once again if the Badgers want a chance to stick with No. 3-ranked Ohio State in Week 9.

OCTOBER 22, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Luke Altmyer - Kills Badgers with his legsAltmyer was 13-for-21 passing for 100 yards and two touchdowns during Saturday's 25-21 defeat versus Wisconsin. He also had 16 rushes for 100 yards.

ImpactWith Illinois' running back room dinged up with numerous injuries, Altmyer showcased his abilities as a rusher against Wisconsin's defense. The sophomore reached 100 yards on the ground for the first time in his career as he repeatedly dodged pressure and scrambled out of the pocket. Altmyer ultimately logged season lows as a passer, though he still capped the Fighting Illini's first two scoring drives with touchdown passes of one and three yards to tight ends Tanner Arkin and Tip Reiman, respectively. The Ole Miss transfer also avoided turning the ball over for the first time this season, though this effort was ultimately spoiled by the Badgers' 14-point comeback in the second half. He and the Fighting Illini will look to bounce back against Minnesota in Week 9.

OCTOBER 22, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Braelon Allen - Logs season high in carriesAllen logged 29 carries for 145 yards and one touchdown and caught two of three targets for 16 yards during Saturday's 25-21 win over Illinois.

ImpactAllen provided much-needed consistency for the Badgers' struggling offense. The junior capped off the team's lone scoring drive of the first half with a four-yard touchdown to keep the game within one score at the end of the second quarter The bell-cow back also lived up to his reputation for wearing out defenses over the course of games, tallying nine carries for 60 yards and a 12-yard catch across Wisconsin's final two offensive series. Allen ultimately tied his career high for carries in a game, as he's now logged 29 carries in three games across the last three seasons. With 120 carries through seven games in 2023, Allen looks like he could be on pace to eclipse his previous season high for rushing attempts in a season, and he's already far exceeded his career high for receptions in a season with 23.

OCTOBER 22, 2023•ROTOWIRE

Wisconsin finally looked like the team Luke Fickell wants it to be in comeback at IllinoisHow did Wisconsin pull a rabbit out of its hat when things seemed so bleak? Inside the Badgers' memorable fourth quarter.

OCTOBER 22, 2023•THEATHLETIC.COM

Big fourth quarter vaults Wisconsin over IllinoisRedshirt freshman Braedyn Locke, in his first collegiate start, hit lineman Nolan Rucci with a 3-yard touchdown pass with 27 seconds remaini...

OCTOBER 22, 2023•KANSASCITY.COM

Big fourth quarter vaults Wisconsin over IllinoisRedshirt freshman Braedyn Locke, in his first collegiate start, hit lineman Nolan Rucci with a 3-yard touchdown pass with 27 seconds remaini...

OCTOBER 22, 2023•STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Big fourth quarter vaults Wisconsin over IllinoisRedshirt freshman Braedyn Locke, in his first collegiate start, hit lineman Nolan Rucci with a 3-yard touchdown pass with 27 seconds remaini...

OCTOBER 22, 2023•NEWSOBSERVER.COM

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Wisconsin Badgers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini - News: Oct 21, 2023

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