MADISON, Wis. (Chambana Today) — Illinois entered Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday riding a two-game win streak and still carrying an outside chance at a high-end bowl. Wisconsin entered with a 3–7 record and a season defined largely by frustration.
The Badgers dominated both lines of scrimmage, ran for 209 yards, sacked Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer five times, and rode freshman running back Darrion Dupree’s 131 yards and two touchdowns to a shocking 27–10 victory over No. 21 Illinois. The loss drops Illinois to 7–4 (4–4 Big Ten) and shatters the momentum it had rebuilt during November.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, improved to 4–7 (2–6) and claimed its most complete performance of the season.
Badgers Control from the Start
Wisconsin set the tone early with a grueling 16-play, 9½-minute opening drive capped by a six-yard end-around touchdown by Vinny Anthony. Illinois managed just one possession in the opening quarter.
Illinois briefly pulled even in the second quarter when Altmyer scored on a 12-yard designed run, his fourth rushing touchdown of the season. But the Illini missed an earlier field goal, failed to capitalize on defensive stops, and trailed at halftime after Wisconsin kicker Nathanial Vakos drilled a 47-yard field goal — the Badgers’ first halftime lead since Week 2.
Altmyer finished 21-for-35 for 248 yards but was held without a passing touchdown for the first time since October 2024.
Third Quarter Collapse
The Illini unraveled in the third quarter. After Illinois went three-and-out following a Wisconsin punt, Dupree exploded for the play of the night — an 84-yard touchdown sprint, the Badgers’ longest play from scrimmage this season.
A late Illinois drive yielded a 24-yard David Olano field goal to draw within 17–10, but the Badgers answered immediately. Dupree’s second touchdown, a four-yard run set up by a short field, pushed the lead to 24–10 early in the fourth quarter. Vakos added a 32-yard field goal with 4:23 left, marking the first time Wisconsin scored in all four quarters this season.
What’s Next for the Illini
Illinois closes the regular season next week at home against Northwestern, which improved to bowl eligibility after a wild 38–35 win over Minnesota at Wrigley Field earlier in the day. The rivalry matchup at Gies Memorial Stadium kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET.
