In their 27-10 victory over the No. 21 Illinois Fighting Illini (7-4, 4-4) on Saturday night, the Wisconsin Badgers (4-7, 2-6) executed 60 minutes of quality football, giving fans a glimpse into third-year head coach Luke Fickell’s potential and outgoing seniors one last Camp Randall win.
“That’s what complimentary football looks like to be honest with you. That’s what I’m most proud of right now.” Fickell said in the postgame press conference.
The second Wisconsin victory against ranked opponents in three weeks, the Badgers never trailed Illinois en route to their highest scoring output against Big Ten competition this season. In fact, it’s their second highest scoring game all year, only second to their Week 2 thrashing of Middle Tennessee.
The game was a well-rounded win, from offensive momentum to defensive dominance and a commendable special teams performance. For a program that hasn’t delivered this season, the win gives the Badgers hope for the future, especially considering Fickell will return in 2026.
Outside linebacker Darryl Peterson III, packed the stat sheet on his senior night with three sacks, a forced fumble and two pass breakups. Peterson, determined in his pass rush, consistently disrupted any momentum Illinois was looking to garner through the air. But his contributions went beyond the stat sheet.
“The leadership of that senior group is the difference. Darryl Peterson stepped up and said ‘this is exactly what coach has been talking about, that nasty, competitive nature,'” Fickell said. “I’ve seen a growth from Darryl, to be honest with you… everything we’ve asked him to do, he’s continued to do.
Meanwhile, sophomore running back Darrion Dupree took the lead on the offensive side of the ball, scoring a pair of touchdowns, including an 84-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that ignited Camp Randall, for a total of 131 yards.
With a previous career high of 63 rushing yards last season, Saturday proved to be the breakout game that Dupree, and Wisconsin, have been waiting to see out of their running back.
True freshman quarterback Carter Smith delivered in his second career start, going 9-of-11 through the air for 75 yards and rushing for 19 yards. His composure was prevalent all game long, and while that stat sheet isn’t eye popping, Smith has proven he can move the offense down the field in ways that were non-existent during Wisconsin’s shoutout losses to No. 1 Ohio State and Iowa.
“I thought Carter played well tonight, continues to grow and continues to recognize what it is we need to do to be successful, and that starts with taking care of the football.” Fickell said. After an opening seven-play Illinois drive that resulted in a punt, the Badgers dominated time of possession in the first quarter, killing 9:30 on a touchdown-scoring drive. After being sacked twice, Smith was able to ease into the possession, stringing together a series of passes and quarterback sneaks.
Wisconsin converted on three third downs in their first possession, keeping the Illinois defense on the field. On second-and-goal from the 6-yard line, Smith orchestrated an ISO reverse in which senior wide receiver Vinny Anthony II rushed the ball into the end zone to cap the 16-play, 80-yard drive.
“That is old school Wisconsin football.” Fickell said, describing the methodical opening drive.
Led by quarterback Luke Altmyer, Illinois drove 56 yards on their following possession, ending with an unsuccessful 37-yard field goal attempt.
The Illini defense quickly regained possession after forcing a Wisconsin three-and-out. Altmyer and the offense got to work quickly with Altmyer dropping a 24-yard dime to wide receiver Collin Dixion that put them at the Wisconsin 30-yard line. They tied the contest at seven on a 12-yard quarterback sneak to end the seven-play, 55-yard drive.
Wisconsin again went three-and-out, giving Illinois a chance to take the lead before the half. After an initial first down to start the drive, Altmyer completed a 19-yard pass to wide receiver Hudson Clement that put them in Wisconsin territory. That was until an Illinois holding penalty wiped away the catch and moved them back 10 yards, bringing up a daunting third-and-15.
Badger linebacker Mason Reiger wouldn't allow Altmyer the chance to gain the first down, sacking him and killing the once promising drive. A meager 30-yard punt meant Wisconsin would start their drive on the Illinois 47-yard line with 0:50 remaining in the half.
Badger quarterback Hunter Simmons took over the offense for the drive, making his return after suffering a lower-body injury two weeks prior against Washington. His 17 passing yards were followed by Nathaniel Vakos’ 47-yard field goal that put Wisconsin up 10-7.
Despite the appearance from Simmons, Smith remained the signal caller for the rest of the game.
“They asked me as we came out after halftime, ‘Which quarterback are you going with?’ And I’m like well, that was just kind of a uniqueness where hey, there’s a two-minute situation here and it kinda fits into Hunter’s strong suits,” Fickell said when asked about his decision to insert Simmons on the final drive of the first half.
Wisconsin’s offense opened the second half with yet another three-and-out, but their dependable defense quickly handed Illinois a scoreless drive of their own. Wisconsin’s defensive line consistently won in the trenches, with the Illini only rushing for 50 total yards, Altmyer ended up being their leading rusher with 20 yards on 13 attempts. The lack of a running attack proved vital for defensive coordinator Mike Tressel’s unit, shifting attention on Altmyer and his passing talent.
Wisconsin, now backed up on their own 16-yard line with 9:44 remaining in the third quarter, needed an offensive spark after their last four possessions garnered only 36 total yards.
Enter Dupree, who in possibly the most electric play of the season for the Badgers, exploded for an 84-yard touchdown on only the second play of the drive.
“To see a 75-80-yard run that we just haven’t seen this year, those [are] big plays that not only generate energy and momentum but I mean like, gives you a different boost.” Fickell said.
Wisconsin’s defense matched the offense’s energy, forcing a three-and-out thanks in large part to Peterson’s second sack of the night.
After a Badgers punt, down 17-7, Illinois was able to drive down the field towards the end of the third quarter, but the Badgers’ defense held strong in their red zone. Illinois opted for a 24-yard field goal attempt on a fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line, which cut their deficit to 10 points.
On their next drive, Illinois’ offense stalled out, forcing them to punt from their own 14-yard line, which became disastrous when a low snap resulted in the punter being downed. Wisconsin’s special teams unit had joined the offense and defense in making game-changing plays.
Wisconsin took advantage of the great field position, and Dupree ultimately muscled his way into the endzone, giving them a 24-10 lead with 8:16 on the clock.
On the following possession, Illinois’ desperation resulted in a fourth-and-5 attempt on Wisconsin’s 47-yard line. Christian Alliegro showed no mercy, sacking Altmyer for a 7-yard loss.
A second field goal from Vakos, this one from 32 yards out, put the Badgers up 27-10 and the game to bed. Fans rushed the field as the clock hit triple zero’s for the second time in November after rushing the field in the Badgers upset of Washington.
Wisconsin will travel to Minnesota for their final game of the season on Nov. 29 in an attempt to take back the axe. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.
