Wisconsin bounced back in a major way on Saturday night as the run game dominated against Eastern Michigan to the tune of a 34-7 win. The Badgers (1-1 overall, 0-1 Big Ten) handed the Eagles (1-1 overall, 0-0 MAC) their first loss of the year behind a historic performance on the ground.
The first half was all Wisconsin running backs on offense and all stopping the run on defense. The Badger defense didn’t allow Eastern Michigan past their own 40-yard line in a first half where Wisconsin racked up a 298-yard differential in rushing yards.
[lawrence-related id=35924]
The game opened with Wisconsin once again failing in the red zone on fourth down, but the disappointment was short-lived as Chez Mellusi racked up over 100 first-quarter yards on the ground and had the opening Badger touchdown on a 6-yard run.
The first half saw Jalen Berger and Isaac Guerendo also found the end zone for Wisconsin, with Guerendo exploding for an 82-yard score.
[lawrence-related id=35918]
Wisconsin led 24-0 at halftime and never let the Eagles get back in it.
It was a solid evening for Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz, who finished 14-17 with 141 yards and no turnovers.
The lone Eagles score came on a Chase Wolf interception that was returned 98 yards for a touchdown by David Carter Jr. in the fourth quarter.
Wisconsin responded late with freshman RB Braelon Allen’s first career touchdown. The former LB went upstairs for an aerial score.
Yes sirrrrrrr, @BraelonAllen! 🗣
First Career Touchdown! 🙌pic.twitter.com/VSnJsxDVpe
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) September 12, 2021
Wisconsin’s defense pitched a shutout, and allowed only 16 total rushing yards to Eastern Michigan. The Badgers were as perfect as you can be on that side of the football, as the Eagles finished with only 92 total yards.
The Badgers have a week off before taking on Notre Dame on September 25.