I noted in my weekly post-game podcast that this was the first week all season I was truly looking forward to doing my Wisconsin Badgers grades after their beatdown of the Illinois Fighting Illini.
So,
here I am, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to tell you all about how the Badgers shoved Bret Bielema into a very large locker on Saturday evening.
Offense
While a 301-yard offensive output doesn’t jump off the page, the unit’s consistency and execution were the best it has been all season, which is even more impressive given the talent and experience sewn into the Illinois defense.
Freshman quarterback Carter Smith was steady from the wildly impressive first drive—a 9+ minute masterstroke—through the final knee. Running back Darrion Dupree ran with verve and purpose at less than 100 percent. Wide receiver Trech Kekahuna ran like a video game character. And offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes was doing Jeff Grimes things in his best-called game of 2025 by a significant margin.
As perhaps best evidenced by freshman wide receiver Eugene Hilton, Jr. cleverly faking that a pass was in the air to him to distract a cornerback on Dupree’s long touchdown scamper, the unit’s buy-in obviously ran deep.
Grade: B+
Defense:
Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer will wake up in a cold sweat 25 years from now thinking about the Wisconsin front seven making his life miserable, in particular senior outside linebacker Darryl Peterson, who finished with three sacks and might end up with Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
Defensive coordinator Mike Tressel’s unit was, in a word, dominant for large stretches of the night, ending up with five sacks (again) and numerous hurries/hits.
The Illinois offense never truly found a groove, and thinking about this defense’s future is tantalizing.
Grade: A
Special Teams
This was easily the unit’s best overall game in 2025. Nathanial Vakos was money in the bank on two field goals, punter Sean West averaged almost 50 per boot, and reserve safety Charlie Jarvis blew up a key Illinois punt in the second half, which led directly to a kill shot touchdown by Dupree.
Just fantastic work.
Grade: A
Coaching
I’ve had no problem this season laying bad performances at the feet of Luke Fickell, so when things blossom into an impressive performance against a good opponent, I’m giving him his flowers.
The Wisconsin game plan was nearly airtight, and the players were all ready to roll from the outset. That’s evidence of both good in-game coaching and effective preparation.
That means just my second A of the season for the coaching staff.
Grade: A
Overall
Not a lot of drama here. The team and coaches were outstanding all night and came away with their second straight win over a ranked opponent at home. Absolutely outstanding work.
Grade: A
