Wisconsin Football: 3 takeaways from road win vs. BYU

Wisconsin football cruised to an easy road win over BYU on Saturday. Here are three takeaways from the Badgers’ Week 3 victory over the Cougars.

In the midst of a September stretch against Power Five opponents, Independent BYU might have faced their toughest foe of the season in Week 3. When No. 10 Wisconsin came to Provo, it offered an opportunity for Cougars fans to see their team against one of the best in the country.

But any dreams of an upset quickly evaporated, as the Badgers made their visit a nightmare for the home crowd. Alex Hornibrook had a record-setting day for Wisconsin, Jonathan Taylor racked up another big game, and the defense clamped down on the Cougars. It was a comprehensive effort from the Big Ten West favorites.

While BYU is not a Power Five school, they certainly present a decent challenge. Utah can attest to that after barely beating the Cougars in the Holy War in Week 2. Thus this win is a solid resume builder for the Badgers. What else did we learn from this contest? Here are three takeaways from Wisconsin’s win on the road over BYU in Week 3.

3. Alex Hornibrook took a big step up at quarterback for Wisconsin

Entering the season, Alex Hornibrook no longer had to share time with Bart Houston at quarterback. He remains a question mark for the Badgers no longer, breaking out in Provo on Saturday for one of the best games so far this season. The Wisconsin quarterback threw for 256 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Badgers to a big win on the road.

Hornibrook completed 18 of 19 passes to set a new Wisconsin single-game completion percentage record. It was a near-perfect day by the quarterback, as he efficiently guided the Badgers to four touchdowns through the air.

Hornibrook has been especially good at distributing the ball. He found eight different receivers in the win over BYU on Saturday, and three different players caught touchdown passes. Quintez Cephus led the way with five catches for 54 yards and two touchdowns from Hornibrook. By the midway point of the fourth quarter, Hornibrook’s fourth touchdown pass of the game had the BYU fans at LaVell Edwards Stadium heading for the exits early.

After that, there was no reason for Hornibrook to return to the field. He sat out the last few minutes of the game, earning a well-deserved rest after a record-setting day for the Badgers. If he continues to mature at quarterback, Wisconsin could be a College Football Playoff contender.