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Rapid Reaction: Wisconsin rolls to dominant win in Jim Leonhard’s head coaching debut
Published:
Final Score: Wisconsin 42, Northwestern 7
Brief Recap: Wisconsin showed up for Jim Leonhard’s head coaching debut. The Badgers blew out Northwestern in Evanston after losing there in 2020. Leonhard had the offense looking competent which is something that was not always a guarantee under Paul Chryst. The Wisconsin offense got a much needed boost under Leonhard’s direction.
Key Players: Chimere Dike and Graham Mertz
Chimere Dike and Graham Mertz were the story in this game. Dike completed his first career hat trick with three receiving touchdowns against Northwestern. Mertz was in cruise control after throwing three touchdowns in the first half and four total. Wisconsin fans have been looking for Mertz and Dike to play like this for quite some time.
Key Stat: 500+ total yards of offense for Wisconsin
The Wisconsin offense was rolling against Northwestern. The Chryst era in Madison did not have many games like this. Could things finally be changing for the Badgers on that side of the ball? One thing that fans have become accustomed to are stellar defenses, and it must have been nice to see an offensive explosion like this for once.
What it means for Wisconsin:
The B1G West title race keeps on getting closer and closer each week. Wisconsin might need to win out and hope for some slip ups, but this game could be a sign of good things to come for the Badgers. Wisconsin moves to 3-3 with this win.
What it means for Northwestern:
Pat Fitzgerald has had some bad seasons, but this has not been an ideal start for Northwestern. The Wildcats’ hopes of making a bowl game are still alive if they can somehow win six or seven games, but time might be running out. Northwestern couldn’t get out its own way with three turnovers against Wisconsin and was playing keep up for the majority of the game.
Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.