Nolan Rucci scored the 1st touchdown of his career in Week 8, and it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.

The lineman declared himself eligible and broke wide-open to secure the game-winning TD for the Badgers.

It’s not unusual to see a Rucci catching passes for Wisconsin, but it’s usually Hayden Rucci, the tight end. Instead, his backup lineman brother Nolan got to be the hero this time. The score put the Badgers up 24-21 before the extra point made it 25-21.

The TD came with less than 30 seconds to go in the game, and the Illinois Fighting Illini could not march down the field and score.

Backup QB Braedyn Locke had a respectable game at QB in relief for Tanner Mordecai. The QB completed 21/41 passes for 240 yards and 2 TDs. Locke did lose a fumble, but he was able to redeem himself by hitting the game-winning TD pass.

With the Badgers winning 25-21, the team moves 3-1 in conference play and 5-2 overall. The Illini, meanwhile, fall to 1-4 in conference play and 3-5 overall.

The Badgers’ next test will be against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 9.