Wisconsin Badgers Football: Russell Wilson Is Stellar Again

After the first quarter ended at Soldier Field in Chicago, the Wisconsin Badgers led the Northern Illinois Wolfpack by a score of 14-7. A mere seven-point lead is something Badger fans are not accustomed to; the Wolfpack looked ready to make a stand against the Badgers.

That threat of a contest was short lived.  UW quarterback Russell Wilson went on to have his biggest offensive performance since joining the Badgers in Madison.

Wilson completed 23-of-32 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns.  He also ran for 37 yards on five carries.  Although Wilson threw his first interception in a Badger uniform, he looked more dialed in than ever.

Senior wide receiver Nick Toon and Russell Wilson were on the same page, connecting five times for 75 yards and two touchdowns. The Toon-Wilson connection is the best QB-WR combination Wisconsin has had in years.

When Russell Wilson did not find his primary option open, he made short passes to his running backs.  Fullback Bradie Ewing caught four balls, halfback James White caught three and Montee Ball had two. The backfield combined for 118 yards on nine receptions.

Perhaps, the most important aspect of Wilson's performance was his unwillingness to gain negative yards on a play.  With his speed, Wilson was able to avoid being sacked.  He has only been sacked once this entire season. If Badger receivers were not open, Wilson simply threw the ball away.  

In the end, Wilson's play helped lead the Badgers to a 49-7 win over the Northern Illinois Huskies. The win gives the Badgers a 3-0 start to the season and further legitimizing Wisconsin as the class of the Big Ten.