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College football 2020: Ranking the 3 worst losses from Week 8

By Michael Hanich

Oct 23, 2020; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers fullback Mason Stokke (34) catches a pass to score a touchdown during the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2020; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers fullback Mason Stokke (34) catches a pass to score a touchdown during the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lovie Smith, Illinois football (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

3. Illinois blown out by No. 14 Wisconsin

The first game of the season for the Big Ten was Illinois traveling to Madison as it took on No. 14 Wisconsin. The Badgers were looking to get revenge on the Illini after they lost a close road game last season, 24-23.

Wisconsin used this game as a statement to the rest of the Big Ten as they dominated the Illini 45-7.

Illinois’ offense had all types of troubles driving the ball. The Illini were not able to find an answer against the Badgers’ defense as they did not score against them. Their lone touchdown came from a 39-yard fumble return from middle linebacker Tarique Barnes in the second quarter.

The Badgers outscored the Illini 28-7 in the first half with 21 points coming in the second quarter. Wisconsin out-gained the Illini 430-218 as well as first downs 23-8. In the passing game, the Illini were unable to find any ground to build upon as they only accounted for 87 passing yards on 8-of-22 completions. Brandon Peters only completed eight passes on 19 attempts.

On the other side of the ball, the Illini’s defense allowed Graham Mertz to throw for 248 yards, five touchdowns, no interceptions, a QBR of 95.8 on 20-of-21 passing. Their defense prepared poorly for Badgers dynamic tight end Jake Ferguson, who caught seven passes for 72 yards and three touchdowns.

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