Quick hits: Illini, Bielema make statement in 34-10 rout at Wisconsin

MADISON, Wisc. —Bret Bielema was hired by Illinois to do things the program hasn’t done in a long while. On Saturday, the former Wisconsin coach marched into his old stomping grounds — where he led the Badgers to three straight Big Ten titles from 2010-12 — and led Illinois to its first win at Camp Randall Stadium in 20 years.

Not just a win but a statement win.

Illinois quarterback Tommy DeVito ran for three one-yard rushing touchdowns and completed 18 of 24 passes for 167 yards to lead Illinois to a 34-10 rout of Wisconsin, ending an eight-game losing streak in Madison. The Illini (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) scored 17 points off three Wisconsin turnovers and are off to the program’s best five-game start to a season since 2015.

Chase Brown ran for 129 yards, his sixth straight game with 100 or more yards, including a 49-yard touchdown, while Brian Hightower (59 receiving yards) and Pat Bryant (51 yards) each had a good game.

The Illini defense continued its dominance as Ryan Walters’ unit limited Wisconsin (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten) to just two rushing yards on 25 carries. And while Mertz (17-for-30 passing for 206 yards, one touchdown) found some yardage through the air early, Illinois picked off the Wisconsin quarterback twice in the first half — one by Kendall Smith off a Devon Witherspoon pass break up and one by Taz Nicholson, his first career interception — to set up short scoring drives, both capped by DeVito plunges, to give Illinois a 14-10 halftime lead.

The Illinois came out of the break with an Illinois touchdown drive of 10 plays and 75 yards. This was followed by a DeVito touchdown sneak of one yard. The ensuing kickoff was fumbled by Wisconsin, leading to a field goal from Caleb Griffin. Chase Brown made a 49-yard touchdown on their next drive. The Illini took a 31-10 lead in the third quarter.

What it means: This may be the arrival moment for Illinois football under Bret Bielema. Illinois won despite Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa being underwhelming. Now, the Big Ten West will be buzzing about Illinois. This team is extremely well-coached. Ryan Walters, a star defensive coordinator, is leading the charge. Barry Lunney Jr., Tommy DeVito are also contributing to the offense's success. The Illini are as balanced in the West as any other team. Illinois is just two games away from a bowl bid.

The game's star:Shoutouts to the Illinois defense. But Tommy DeVito shows that Illinois will have a quarterback advantage over most Big Ten West rivals. DeVito was able to take care of the ball and make good decisions. However, the Illini quarterback made some aggressive down-field throws. DeVito was also the solution to Illini's goal-line woes, with three touchdown sneaks.

Stats for the game

• Illinois is the first team that has held Wisconsin below 40 rushing yards since Northwestern (minus 26 yards on Nov. 21, 2015).
• Braelon Alle had a career low of two rushing yards on seven carries in a game where he had a carry.
• In the third quarter, Illinois outscored Wisconsin 17-0. Wisconsin outgained Illinois 163-10.
• Chase Brown is the first Illini runner to run 100+ yards in five consecutive games to begin a season.
• Tommy DeVito, the Illini's first quarterback to rush for three touchdowns during a single game since AJ Bush Jr. (2018).
• Wisconsin had 10 penalties for 77 yards, while Illinois had eight penalties for 75 yards.

Don’t overlook: Illinois used three kickers on Saturday. Griffin was limited by an unspecified injury but still kicked extra points. Fabrizio Picnton kicked the first two kickoffs but only to the 10, which allowed Wisconsin to begin drives at its own 47- and 34 yard lines, respectively. Freshman Will McManus took over the kickoff duties and performed much better.

What’s next: Illinois hosts Iowa for a 6:30 p.m. CT kickoff on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Illinois has lost eight straight games to Iowa, including four at Memorial Stadium. The Hawkeyes last beat the Illini 27-24 in Champaign in 2008. Iowa (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten), lost to No. 4 Michigan in Iowa City