Wisconsin Badger and Big Ten football are back with Graham Mertz’s remarkable performance leading the Badgers past the Illinois Fighting Illini 45-7.
20/21 passing, 248 yards, 11.8 yards-per-attempt and 5 touchdowns was the final line for Mertz, unbelievable numbers for any quarterback–let alone a redshirt freshman making his first collegiate start.
It doesn't get much better than this 🤯@BadgerFootball Freshman QB @GrahamMertz5 was UNREAL in his first career start pic.twitter.com/G0wkaNamtd
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 24, 2020
The Mertz hype is real and it seems like the sky is the limit for him moving forward.
He was obviously the story of the game, but there was more that went on tonight aside from the former four-star breaking records and lighting it up in his first start–those records being tying one with 17 consecutive completions and breaking another with five touchdown passes.
The first thing to note from tonight is Jim Leonhard’s defense shutting out the Fighting Illini thanks to dominant performances from all levels.
The defensive line? Allowed 16 carries for 51 yards and 3.18 yards-per-carry to Illinois running backs including a forced fumble early in the game.
Brandon Peters was effective using his legs, something the team will work on in the future. But Illinois running backs couldn’t find a single hole all night.
The linebackers? Flashed all night and shut down the middle of the field.
The secondary? Only allowed 87 yards to Illinois pass catchers and came away with a late interception.
Those 87 yards included only 3 receptions by Illini leading receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe thanks to a tremendous game by Badger cornerback Rachad Wildgoose.
It was a complete defensive performance that means great things for the team going forward.
The second thing to note is more on the concerning side: the Badgers were mostly inefficient running the ball and needed Mertz to take over in order to move the ball down the field.
The final stat line for the team on the ground was 43 carries for 156 yards, 3.6 yards-per-carry and 1 touchdown. The offense still performed extremely well, but if the team wants to close tight games going forward somebody will need to emerge from the backfield.
If you ask me, tonight pointed towards Garrett Groshek earning that role. But Nakia Watson and Isaac Guerendo are sure to still have significant roles moving forward.
Third, and arguably most importantly, the Mertz–Jake Ferguson connection looks unstoppable.
The two connected 7 times for 72 yards and 3 touchdowns, showing shades of Florida’s Kyle Trask–Kyle Pitts connection.
I thought going into the season he would be the freshman quarterback’s favorite target, but I didn’t see them being that good.
The final thing to note is the coaching.
It’s safe to say that Paul Chryst and his staff were a severe mismatch for Lovie Smith and company, as all throughout the game the Badger staff dialed up perfect play calls that found mismatches and put their players in positions to succeed.
It was an impressive performance overall and starting 1-0 is always the goal. Are there still areas to improve? Absolutely. But Badger fans should be thrilled about the team’s performance tonight and their outlook going forward.