The Wisconsin Badgers had a hard-fought victory over Illinois on Saturday, leaving them 5-2 on the season and 3-1 in Big Ten West play and in first place. Head Coach Luke Fickell takes to social media to recognize players on offense, defense, and special teams that helped fuel the win, and this win was no different. During their win against Rutgers, he named his players of the game as the O-line, Ricardo Hallman and Marty Strey. This week he named a star running back and their top defensive player.
Players of the Game vs. Illinois
👐 Offense | @BraelonAllen + @Will_Paul6
👐 Defense | @HunterWohler
👐 Special Teams | @MartyStrey#OnWisconsin | #TEAM pic.twitter.com/h2qsRRzELv— Luke Fickell (@CoachFick) October 23, 2023
Players of the Game for the Wisconsin Badgers
On offense, Luke Fickell decided to recognize two players who were the keys to victory in the run game and the passing game. Runningback Braelon Allen and Wide Receiver Will Pauling took home the honors this week.
Braelon Allen has become a pivotal player for the Badgers, with Chez Mellusi going down with injury a few weeks back. He had 29 carries for 145 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown came in the 2nd quarter to bring the Badgers within one score. It was his 19th game with 100 more rushing yards.
Braelon Allen logged his 19th game with 100 or more rushing yards in the win over Illinois, the most among active FBS players.
— Dillon Graff (@DillonGraff) October 22, 2023
To top it off, Allen had 112 yards after contact and seven forced missed tackles. He was a big part in helping Braedyn Locke bring home the Wisconsin Badgers’ first win after Tanner Mordecai went down with a hand injury.
The other player on offense that got recognition was Will Pauling. He had seven catches for 95 yards and one touchdown. His touchdown helped the Badgers pull within three points in the 4th quarter, which gave the Wisconsin Badgers a great opportunity to seal the game.
On defense, star safety Hunter Wohler was recognized for his play. Wohler dropped 13 tackles on Illinois this week, leading the defense. He single-handedly stopped a larger quarterback run, dropping Luke Altmyer after only a 4-yard gain, which could have been more, giving Wisconsin the chance to come back and win. Altmyer was sacked on the next play, leading to the Badgers getting the ball back in the fourth quarter.
For special teams, the Wisconsin Badgers Head Coach named Marty Strey for the second straight win.
The Wisconsin Badgers line up against Ohio State this Saturday and look to continue their good fortunes with Braedyn Locke under center.
